The award recognises the company’s exceptional growth, innovation and contribution to the regional economy since launching in June 2024.
Founded with a vision to create a locally owned, professionally managed alternative to national holiday let operators, North East Escapes has rapidly established itself as a leading force within the region’s tourism sector. Starting with just 13 properties under management, the company has expanded to more than 130 holiday homes across Northumberland and the wider North East in less than two years.

Operating from its headquarters in Alnwick, with a marketing and sales presence in Tynemouth, North East Escapes has built its reputation on combining genuine local expertise with industry-leading technology, exceptional customer service and a commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
The award win follows a period of remarkable growth for the business, which now employs eight core team members and supports dozens of local housekeepers, maintenance contractors, tradespeople and suppliers throughout the region.
Despite its rapid expansion, the business remains focused on the principles it was founded upon: local knowledge, personal service, accountability and a genuine passion for showcasing the North East as a world-class visitor destination.

Speaking following the award win, Steve, Founder and Managing Director of North East Escapes, said:
“Winning Start Up and Grow Business of the Year is incredibly special for all of us. When we launched North East Escapes, it wasn’t about building the biggest business; it was about building the best business we possibly could. We wanted to create a company that genuinely cares about people, whether that’s our property owners, our guests, our team or the communities we work within. “
“Everything we’ve achieved has been built on relationships, trust and an unwavering belief that the North East deserves a holiday home management company that is proudly local, deeply invested in the region and committed to delivering exceptional service every single day.”
“This award is recognition of the hard work, passion and dedication shown by our entire team over the last two years. Every member of the business has played a part in our journey, and we’re incredibly grateful to the property owners who have trusted us with their homes and to everyone who has supported us along the way.”

The company’s success story began after Steve identified a growing gap in the market for a truly local holiday home management agency. Having spent many years in senior leadership roles within the holiday let industry, he witnessed first-hand the consolidation of regional agencies into larger national brands, often resulting in reduced local accountability and a loss of regional expertise.Determined to create an alternative, Steve invested his own savings into launching North East Escapes in June 2024, building a business designed to combine the professionalism and technology of a national operator with the responsiveness, knowledge and care of a local independent agency.

That vision has resonated strongly with property owners across the region. Through a combination of exceptional service, proactive communication, transparent reporting and
industry-leading revenue management, North East Escapes has achieved strong owner retention and significant portfolio growth.
The company provides a fully managed service for holiday home owners, including professional marketing, dynamic pricing, listing management and marketing across all major OTA platforms, guest communications, housekeeping coordination, maintenance management, compliance support and detailed performance reporting. Guests benefit from carefully selected accommodation, responsive local customer service and expert recommendations from a team that knows the region intimately.
Alongside commercial success, North East Escapes has remained committed to making a positive impact within the communities it serves. The company employs local people, prioritises regional suppliers and actively supports charitable and community initiatives across the North East.

Reflecting on the award, Steve added:
“Growth has never been the goal in itself. Growth has been the outcome of our vision. We’ve continually reinvested in our people, our technology, our operations and our infrastructure because we believe the North East deserves a locally owned business that can deliver at the very highest level. This award belongs to every member of our team, our property owners and everyone who has supported us along the way.”

As North East Escapes looks ahead to the future, its ambition remains clear: to become the leading independent holiday home management company in the North East while continuing to invest in local people, local communities and the long-term success of the region’s visitor economy.