One of Scotland’s leading hotel and leisure groups has been crowned ‘Hospitality Business of the Year’ at the annual Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards this week. 

SimpsInns picked up the top accolade having gone head-to-head with fellow Ayrshire finalists, Turnberry, Auchrannie and the RAD Group. 

The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which owns and operates a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Gailes Hotel and Spa in Irvine, The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride and Old Loans Inn at Troon. 

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The proud Simpsons familyThe proud Simpsons family (Image: SimpsInns)

SimpsInns was praised for enhancing the hospitality profile in Ayrshire by developing and improving the quality of its venues and service, as well as its commitment to local suppliers and wider community.

Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, including over £3.5 million at The Gailes and over £300,000 at Si! Ayrshire with the launch of The Potting Shed and The Terrace earlier this year. The group has further investment planned at both The Waterside and Old Loans Inn in 2024. 

SimpsInns also continues to provide sponsorship support to many local charities, community groups and sport clubs, including Irvine Meadow Football Club, Irvine Rugby Club, Irvine and Dreghorn Brass and Irvine Park Bowling Club. 

The judging panel for this year’s ‘Hospitality Business of the Year’ category included Ayrshire Chamber Board Member, Richard Longmuir, and Kathryn Hume from People Puzzles. 

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Team SimpsInnsTeam SimpsInns (Image: SimpsInns)

Owner and director of SimpsInns, Malcolm Simpson, said: “It’s a real honour to have received this prestigious accolade and be recognised by the industry as the best hospitality business in Ayrshire for 2023.

“Our dedication to excellence and providing customers with memorable experiences really sets us apart. Our community engagement, local business collaborations, commitment to our team and their development, as well as our unrivalled customer service make us a deserving recipient of this award.

“SimpsInns wouldn’t be the success it is today without the dedication and professionalism of our entire team of hospitality professionals, so this award is for everyone.”

Malcolm added: “We’re committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations and continually invest in our hotel and leisure facilities to make them the very best they can be. This ensures we keep up with every changing customer need and evolving trends.

“Supporting around 260 local jobs, we’ve already invested over £3.5 million across our portfolio of venues over the last three years to retain our high-quality product and service, and the overall visitor experience. We’re also planning even more exciting developments at The Waterside and Old Loans in time for the 2024 season.”

For more information on the SimpsInns Group, visit www.simpsinns.com.