Hotel in Cornwall makes shortlist in national awards

Cornish hotelier Martin Barlow, the owner and Managing Director of Budock Vean, has been shortlisted for a national award.  

The 2020 awards, which are run by Boutique Hotelier, include categories for Innovator, Unsung Hero and Leadership in Adversity, the category Martin is shortlisted for.  

Sponsored by San Pellegrino, the category recognises leaders who have innovated new ways of working together, putting team wellness first and staying motivated.  

Martin, the only finalist this side of Bristol, was completely oblivious to the nomination which was done in secret by members of his team.  

‘We knew that Martin’s modesty wouldn’t even allow us to entertain the idea of entering him for an award had we asked, so we risked it and ploughed on in secret! Martin’s leadership during this terrible year really has been incredible. He’s inclusive, genuinely putting people and place at the heart of all decision making, he listens and cares.’  Sarah Ferrie, Events Manager at the hotel 

Under Martin’s leadership, Budock Vean has steered a steady ship through this tumultuous year making sure the team, some of whom have been at the hotel for 40+ years, and who work alongside others who are new and training, had all the support and Covid training they needed.  

There has been investment in digital and IT, plus kit to support staff do their jobs and also investment in services to support all staff with their mental health and wellbeing, alongside everything else needed to make Budock Vean Covid secure.  

‘The customer feedback has been quite overwhelming actually and we’ve had some guests coming down for several mini breaks since we re-opened just to take a breather from it all and enjoy what we have to offer. Although I would never have entered myself for an award, I am very flattered and really do consider this to be a reflection of the entire team’s work.  I know our whole sector has worked really hard to keep places going and keep people employed, everyone’s done such a brilliant job’ Martin  

Receiving news of the shortlisting comes on a day where the team are preparing for lockdown 2.0 and closing the hotel after lunchtime today, (Wednesday 4th November 2020).  

‘We’re very sorry to be closing the doors again for a little while. The success of our re-opening, the customer feedback we’ve had and this award nomination are all a direct reflection of the efforts the whole team have put into making Budock Vean work in this new world.  As we lockdown again we send our thanks to everyone who has visited, either to stay or play golf, tennis, have a swim or dinner and our thoughts go out to everyone; all the businesses, families, communities and frontline workers – let’s all look forward to the day this is behind us’ Martin