Family-run tourism business in Derbyshire wins top business prize for driving ‘green growth’ – and has already spent the prize money on more renewable energy
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 11 April 2025
Hoe Grange Holidays was crowned joint winner at a ceremony at BT’s London HQ in March and awarded a £5000 sustainability grant, which they’ve already spent on further enhancing their impressive green credentials.
Run by family team David, Felicity and Caroline Brown, the business amazed judges with its commitment to sustainability and driving positive change through innovation, showcasing how green practices can benefit both the planet and the bottom line for the UK’s small businesses.
Setting the standard for eco-friendly tourism
Hoe Grange Holidays has a well-earned a reputation for sharing its stunning Peak District surroundings responsibly with visitors. Based on a working farm between Bakewell and Ashbourne, the business offers eco-friendly and accessible log cabins and glamping holidays.
Caroline said, “We're over the moon to win at the first-ever Green Growth Awards. Sustainability has always been at the heart of our small family-run business. We know our guests value it, but it's incredibly rewarding to be recognised by the business community too. We hope our story inspires other small businesses to innovate in sustainability.”
Sharing the announcement of the award, BT and Small Business Britain have congratulated Hoe Grange Holidays for “setting the standard for eco-friendly tourism”.
Sustainable innovations
Using the latest technology, the Hoe Grange team ensure they have a positive impact on the environment without compromising guest experience.
Their log cabins and glamping pods are kept warm and cosy all year round by wind and solar power, heat pumps and eco-friendly natural insulation.
In 2024, the business also installed a battery storage system to store surplus electricity generated for use at night or during less favourable weather conditions.
But little things can make a big difference too – the team are proud of their commitment to community engagement, local business partnerships, and sharing their passion for sustainable farming and biodiversity.
The green approach at Hoe Grange not only attracts eco-conscious travellers but significantly reduces costs too. They’ve reduced their carbon footprint by 77% in the last three years and are well on track to achieve Net Zero before 2030.
Empowering small businesses for a sustainable future
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, says:
“Hoe Grange Holidays are true pioneers in sustainability. Their commitment to integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations showcases how small businesses can make a profound impact—not only on the environment but also on their profitability. Hoe Grange Holidays is setting the bar for others to follow, proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend, but a smart, long-term business strategy."
Hoe Grange Holidays received the award alongside York’s Cooper King Distillery, England’s first Net Zero whiskey distillery.
The nation’s 5.5m small businesses are estimated to represent half of the UK’s business emissions and the Green Growth Awards has been launched as part of Small Business Britain’s ongoing partnership with BT to empower UK small businesses to better understand their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices and growth opportunities.
Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT says,
"Hoe Grange Holidays are leading by example, showing that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Their achievements are a testament to the power of small businesses in driving positive change. At BT, we are proud to support businesses that are not only making a difference in their communities but are also paving the way for a more sustainable future across industries."
Small Business Britain and BT are both also members of The Willow Review Steering Board; an independent but government-backed review aiming to underline the financial case for sustainability for small businesses.
What’s next for Hoe Grange Holidays?
Hoe Grange Holidays have already spent their cash prize on some additional battery storage. David said,
“This is really the final jigsaw piece in our renewable energy setup and will get us towards our NetZero goal much more quickly – as well as saving us money on our energy bills. This wouldn't have been possible without the support of funding, and it will allow us to provide even more guests with holidays that make you feel good!”
