00:00So, Island Escapes, why have you got involved with this initiative this year?
00:05For me, I am quite passionate about new business and founding businesses.
00:10I founded Island Escapes in 2018.
00:13We have grown quite significantly.
00:15We're now quite a well-recognised brand on the island.
00:17We employ over 50 staff and we welcome thousands of customers to stay at our properties every year.
00:24When we had the opportunity to sponsor an award, I wanted to go for this category
00:29because I think it's really important that we recognise people who put themselves out there and found businesses.
00:35I think founding a business is not for everybody and it's something that should be respected.
00:42People who do put themselves out there and do it, it's a lot of hard work.
00:46I know personally how hard it can be to set that business up.
00:51And then once you get there, it's a great reward, but it's a tough journey along the way.
00:56So, I think these guys need a massive shout-out for doing what they've done.
01:01And Grain and Vine, I mean, how fabulous that you guys have won this award.
01:07Tell me, what category have you won and why?
01:10Are you surprised? Are you shocked? What are you feeling right now?
01:14Yeah, so new business of the year.
01:16Yeah, no, it's a great achievement.
01:18I think the hospitality industry overall is a tough business to be in at the minute.
01:23It's struggling in a way, as time goes on, it's struggling in a way.
01:27I think this award generally goes to all the small businesses in our hospitality sector
01:31that are so hard to survive and thrive, really, in the current environment.
01:38And for people to come out and spend the hard-earned money on drinks in our place
01:42means the world to us, to be fair.
01:44So, this is for them, really, to be fair.
01:47Thank you so much. Thank you.
01:48Yeah, thank you.
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