
Horwood House Hotel has announced it has been named a finalist in this year’s Buckinghamshire Business Awards.
The four-star country house hotel and conference venue, based in Little Horwood near Milton Keynes, is in the running for the growth business of the year category.
Judges highlighted its “innovation, staff development and ambition to grow sustainably” following a £6.5m refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building.
The independently owned hotel will compete with two other businesses for the award, which recognises continued investment, commercial growth and wider contribution to the region.
In the past year, Horwood House has also expanded its senior team, created roles in its wedding and spa departments, and launched several community initiatives.
These include the Crisis Lounge, which supports homelessness charity Crisis through guest donations and coffee sales, and a partnership with Urban Bee-lievers, a youth-led honey project integrated into the hotel’s kitchens and guest experience.
Caroline Morrone, general manager of Horwood House Hotel, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised in the business growth category. It’s a real reflection of the energy and dedication our team brings every day, and the effort we’ve put into growing not just as a business, but as a place that has something meaningful to offer our guests, staff and community.”
The announcement follows owner Karim Kassam’s entrepreneur of the year title at the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards earlier this year. The hotel’s pastry team also won two gold and a silver medal at the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering International Salon Culinaire competition.
Horwood House won three awards at last year’s Buckinghamshire Business Awards, including company of the year.
The 2025 winners will be announced at a ceremony on 15 October at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.