A SUCCESSFUL Carnforth family-owned inn and restaurant group has been recognised for its resilience with a prestigious award.

The Barry Robinson Leisure, which operates The Longlands Inn & Restaurant at Tewitfield, Carnforth, Plato’s Bar, Restaurant & Rooms in Kirkby Lonsdale, and The New Inn Yealand, was named as ‘Most Resilient Business of the Year’ Award at the BIBAs on September 17.

The award is organised by the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, the Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs) are the county’s longest running, largest, and most prestigious business awards.

The Most Resilient Business of the Year category was a new addition for 2021 to acknowledge firms who have overcome the challenges of the last 18 months during a global pandemic.

Owned and operated by Barry and Fiona Robinson, the business man and wife team have built a successful chain of establishments.

Fiona said: “I think it’s fair to say the last 18 months have been some of the most challenging of my career, and it’s been heart-breaking to see the large numbers of hospitality businesses that haven’t made it.

"We had opened brand new rooms at The New Inn not long before the first lockdown and were looking forward to showing everyone what we had to offer.

"We celebrated achieving a 5-star Gold Award from Visit England, but then pretty much had to close the doors the following week.

“Despite everything pointing to the contrary, we knew we had to keep investing in the businesses and our people to have the resilience to make it through.

"We’ve brought in Mark Fuller, an experienced hospitality business coach and mentor whose knowledge and expertise has been invaluable.

"We’ve also improved technology, developed a new business model, and focused on staff training and welfare.

"Never has an award win been more about the team behind it, and it feels really special.

“I’m so proud of every single person involved in our businesses, from our staff to our customers to our suppliers, and hope they are all filled with confidence and inspiration from the Chamber’s recognition of their efforts.”