Holiday lettings firm New Forest Escapes named sustainability champion in the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards

An independent holiday lettings company has been named Sustainable Business of the Year at the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards.

This recognition highlights its recent success in developing a collaborative and sustainable business model that benefits both the local community and the economy.

Established 12 years ago, New Forest Escapes, based on New Street in Lymington, has built a collection of luxurious and eclectic retreats with a focus on delivering unforgettable stays for guests while maintaining a strong sustainability ethos.

Jane Wilkinson, owner of New Forest Escapes, says: “These awards are recognition of the value and service we provide, not only to our guests, but also to our owner hosts, our local community, and to the New Forest. The Business of the Year title is particularly appreciated as we are thriving by investing in our business, our team, and our future at what is a difficult time for the tourism industry and business generally.

Jane continues: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

“This approach is about the longevity of the business - we are partners with our owners and so it is a joint effort for us all to focus, not just on immediate profit but long-term success over time. It takes commitment, determination, effort, hard work, and a change in mindset, however being sustainable is something we feel passionately about.”

This ethos is supported with the overwhelmingly positive feedback the business has received from both host owners and guests.

One owner recently commented: ‘I cannot fault New Forest Escapes. They are passionate about the New Forest, highly knowledgeable about the area, and dynamic in their approach.

“They capture the properties perfectly with their photography, the virtual tours are superb and the website is easy to use with detailed descriptions of the properties, the areas, and things to do. Feedback from our guests about New Forest Escapes is always positive.

“Whether a guest or an owner, I would highly recommend it.’

Jane says: “Such reviews, along with our awards, make all the hard work worthwhile and we are more determined than ever to continue with our chosen approach. We are thriving because we look after our teams, care for our host owners, and provide personalised service to our guests.

“We are investing in training as well as promoting our business and our holiday homes through advertising and marketing initiatives.”

All of these efforts have seen New Forest Escapes start 2025 with an early indicator of 30% year-on-year growth. In comparison, industry leaders have reported a downturn nationally.

“We also give back to our communities through fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives for a range of charities,” adds Jane.

“In addition, we involve the whole team with decision making, keeping them informed regularly about business objectives and outcomes, so that each member of the team feels involved, valued, and able to contribute.”

New Forest Escapes is also proud to support many other small local businesses.

Sarah Wilson, Operations Director, comments; “We rely on the dedication of the companies that help look after our properties - property managers, cleaners, gardeners, laundry services, maintenance teams, painters and local producers - without all of these amazing teams we could not do what we do.

Jane finishes: “We are very proud of our sustainable business model, and we are confident that our dynamic little business is growing in the right direction.”

For more information, visit the website here.