A North East holiday home management company has been recognised at the North East Chamber of Commerce Awards after expanding from 13 properties to more than 130 in less than two years.
North East Escapes, based in Alnwick with a sales and marketing presence in Tynemouth, was named Start Up and Grow Business of the Year, marking a major milestone for the young company and highlighting the continued strength of the region’s visitor economy.
The business launched in June 2024 and has since grown across Northumberland, North Tyneside and the wider North East, supporting holiday homeowners, guests and a network of local cleaners, tradespeople, maintenance teams and suppliers.
The award recognises businesses that have shown strong growth, resilience and ambition, while making a positive contribution to the regional economy.
Founder and Managing Director Steve said the recognition was a proud moment for the whole team.
“Winning Start Up and Grow Business of the Year is incredibly special for all of us,” he said.
“When we launched North East Escapes, it wasn’t about building the biggest business. It was about building the best business we possibly could.
“We wanted to create a company that genuinely cares about people, whether that’s our property owners, our guests, our team or the communities we work within.”
The company’s growth comes at a time when tourism continues to play an important role in the North East economy, with Northumberland’s coast, countryside, market towns and heritage sites attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
North East Escapes says its expansion has been driven by demand for local holiday let management, with the company focusing on regional knowledge, customer service and relationships with property owners.
Steve founded the business after several years working in senior roles within the holiday let industry. He said he had seen a gap in the market for a locally owned operator with strong regional roots.
“Everything we’ve achieved has been built on relationships, trust and an unwavering belief that the North East deserves a holiday home management company that is proudly local, deeply invested in the region and committed to delivering exceptional service every single day,” he added.
“This award is recognition of the hard work, passion and dedication shown by our entire team over the last two years.
“Every member of the business has played a part in our journey, and we’re incredibly grateful to the property owners who have trusted us with their homes and to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
The company now employs eight core team members and works with dozens of local contractors and suppliers. It says it has continued to reinvest in its staff, technology and operations as it grows.
Steve said the business remains focused on supporting local communities while helping showcase the North East as a leading visitor destination.
“Growth has never been the goal in itself,” he said.
“Growth has been the outcome of our vision. We’ve continually reinvested in our people, our technology, our operations and our infrastructure because we believe the North East deserves a locally owned business that can deliver at the very highest level.
“This award belongs to every member of our team, our property owners and everyone who has supported us along the way.”
Following the award win, North East Escapes says its ambition is to continue growing as an independent regional business while investing in local jobs, suppliers and the wider visitor economy.
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