Hospitality venue receives top national enterprise award

A local glampsite has become the first Guernsey company to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise.

Camp des Rêves was named as one of 199 nationwide recipients of the most prestigious British business Awards, which recognise outstanding achievement by businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are recognised as a royal seal of approval for Britain’s most outstanding businesses, who are entitled to use the Award emblem for five years, both in print and online, and may fly the Award flag at their premises. Successful companies are also invited to a reception hosted by His Majesty The King. Past winners have reported that the award has brought many commercial benefits as well as boosting staff morale.

Camp des Rêves Glamping received the Award in the Sustainable Development category. The King’s Award noted: ‘Their glampsite uses eco-friendly practices and materials, minimising environmental impact while offering a luxury experience.’

Stephen Rouxel, President of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘I am very pleased that the Bailiwick features this year in these preeminent business awards. This recognition shines a spotlight on the calibre of businesses that are thriving here, and the values that drive them. At Chamber, we celebrate companies that put people and planet at the heart of their mission, and this award reinforces the power of purposeful business on a global stage. It’s a moment of pride not just for the company, but for our whole community.’

News of the company’s achievement follows a number of local awards last year for Camp des Rêves (see notes). Deputy Steve Falla, Vice-President of the Committee for Economic Development, commented: ‘To be recognised by the King in this way speaks volumes for the quality of what the Barnes family has created in St Peter’s. This award is good for the business, it’s good for tourism and it’s good for Guernsey.

‘I hope that the other Guernsey businesses which submitted entries will try again and that more will be encouraged to do so next year. The criteria are onerous, but this success demonstrates that it is well worth it.’

Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, commented: ‘I am delighted to see a Guernsey-based company receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise – a first for our island and I hope this marks the start of many more such awards. I am also very pleased that Camp des Rêves has been recognised for its sustainable development, something that His Majesty was particularly interested in when He visited Guernsey last year.’

Guernsey companies were encouraged to enter through a collaboration between the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, the Committee for Economic Development and Government House. The Lieutenant-Governor regularly visits a range of Guernsey businesses, to meet the people who work in them and to understand the nature of the Island’s economy.

Originally launched as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the late Queen Elizabeth II conferred the first awards in 1966. The recent name change reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue recognising and promoting outstanding business.

To find out more about The King’s Awards for Enterprise visit: www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise. Advice to local companies on the application process is available from the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce.

Notes:

Camp des Rêves received the following awards in 2024:

• Camp de Rêves Wins People and Planet Business of the Year Award – Guernsey Chamber of Commerce
• The company’s commitment to sustainability earned it three awards at Floral Guernsey 2024, judged by the Royal Horticultural Society.