Devon holiday park lands Venus business women title

Popular East Devon holiday park Ladram Bay has been crowned “company of the year” in a major award scheme celebrating successful women in business.

The park was named as overall company winner in the 2016 Devon Venus Awards at a glittering ceremony held on 18 November at the Great Hall at the University of Exeter.

Stepping up to receive the accolade were director and member of the park-owning family member Zoe House, and Ladram Bay’s general manager Claire Williams.

Described by Channel Four as “the working women’s Oscars”, the Venus Awards recognise, reward and champion local working women in business.

Competition was fierce this year with almost 2000 nominations and applications received in one or more of the different categories of the awards.

Ladram Bay holiday park, near Budleigh Salterton, emerged initially in October as a finalist in the keenly contested Company of the Year category.

The Venus Awards were set up in Dorset in 2009 to recognise the hard work, effort and skill it takes women to successfully juggle business with other commitments.

Ladram Bay was originally founded over 70 years ago by Devon farmer Frank Carter, and today his four siblings are responsible for driving the successful business forward.

From a small camping site, it has grown to become one of the region’s most popular holiday parks which attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Ladram Bay provides a wide range of holiday homes to rent or own, brand new glamping pods, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

Zoe House said that she and other members of the family were “stunned, surprised and delighted!” when their park’s name was read out at the awards ceremony:

“We knew we were up against some stiff competition, and to reach the finals underwent a rigorous judging process which looked at all aspects of our business,” she said.

“We have always believed in providing equal career opportunities for both women and men, and in helping employees achieve their goals with support and training.

“This award is for everyone who works at the park, and we would like to thank all those who have supported us along the way,” added Zoe.

Ladram Bay’s general manager, Claire Williams, said the company’s success has always been the result of a combined team effort:

“We are very fortunate to have behind us a hard-working and loyal workforce of both women and men who share our vision for the business.

“It’s their efforts which help to create a truly memorable experience for our guests, and they deserve great credit for this award and the other recognitions we receive,” said Claire.

Runners up in the Company of the Year category in Devon were agricultural suppliers Mole Valley Farmers of South Molton, and business clothing supplier PenCarrie of Willand.

There is more information about Ladram Bay Holiday Park at www.ladrambay.co.uk