Brend Hotels has triumphed in a public vote to be named Family Business of the Year.

The Devon and Cornwall-based group, which manages the Belmont and the Victoria hotels in Sidmouth, has won the regional and national People’s Choice Award organised by the Family Business United magazine. Now in their fourth year, the awards highlight the work of family-run businesses throughout the country.

John Brend, managing director, said: “As a family-run business, we’re proud of our heritage. We’re all involved in the day-to-day running of our business in various roles. To date, four generations of the family have been involved in the business and there are still more to come through in future years; it’s a genuine family business.

“We all feel very lucky to be working in this industry and to be able to continue our family tradition of West Country hospitality. It is an honour to be recognised by an organisation that champions family-run businesses.”