PRESS RELEASE
Somerset Glamping Business Shortlisted in Guardian Small Business Start Up of the Year Competition

Dimpsey Glamping near Ilminster in Somerset, which is run by husband and wife team Emma and Andrew Warren, has been shortlisted in the Guardian Start Up of the Year competition.

Nestled in the midst of the Blackdown Hills, Emma and Andrew have created a shepherd's hut glamping site which is all about the frills. It sits in the heart of their no-nonsense 30 acre smallholding called Beetham Farm, surrounded by cows, sheep and geese.

Dimpsey Glamping is described as a place of ‘magic' by many who stay there. The 5* luxury retreat is described as "an all-in experience helping busy people to get some quality time together".

Emma says: "The idea of the glamping experience is to chill out and reconnect with each other, and we have geared everything around making that happen - so from relaxing music to snuggly beds, hearing the owls hoot at night and watching the animals during the day, we've totally got chill out covered.

"People come away from their stay saying they feel rejuvenated, relaxed and reconnected. That's our aim - to give people the chance to rediscover the purpose in their relationships and to rediscover themselves in natural, luxurious surroundings."

The hut is designed by local business Blackdown Shepherd Huts and is kitted out to feel like a luxury hotel. All the styling is from British designers, which Emma loves to source locally. She changes the interior regularly to reflect the time of year.

The hut is 18 feet long and contains a double bed, seating, kitchen area and a bathroom with shower and flushing toilet.  Visitors can stay for £125 per night for two adults and this includes logs for the wood burner and the fire pit, a welcome tea tray and eggs, bacon, butter, milk and bread for a hearty first morning breakfast.

Emma spoke to the Guardian about their unique glamping site: "We wanted to prove that fields and farms can be at the forefront of being a great brand." Delighted to be in the running for the Small Business Start Up of the Year, Emma explained to The Guardian why the business should win:

"Dimpsey is a Somerset word for the half-light at the end of the day and at Dimpsey Glamping, we're all about helping busy couples spend some quality time together. Our strap line is Relax, Recharge, Rediscover.

"Based on a small farm, our vision was to offer a 5-star experience in a shepherd's hut in a field. The hut is styled with UK-made, artisan-made and vintage pieces and luxurious treats. Think soft sheepskin, cosy space, a vintage game of dominoes and food from the farm.

"We tested our offering for six months and started in earnest last summer, taking bookings through our website, Airbnb and then Sawday's Canopy & Stars. We have invested a little money and a lot of time in our brand, and have used Facebook and Instagram to showcase it.

"The key thing is that we are offering an experience, not just accommodation. We have hosted 150 guest nights so far and bookings are going very well, with excellent reviews on our website. We have also offered guests the chance to buy the products we have in the hut, and therefore been able to further support our artisan producers.

"So far we have been recommended by net-a-porter The Edit and the Stylist magazine as a chic escape. We have won the Theo Paphitis #SBS accolade and were the Winner of the Good Web guide Positive Luxury award in November.

"What's next? We want to be known as the go-to place for a luxury experience that exceeds your expectations and soothes your soul. We also want to prove that fields and farms can be at the forefront of being a great brand."

(Comment courtesy of www.guardian.co.uk)

All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and The Guardian judging panel selects a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.

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Contact
For more information and images or interviews with Emma, contactclaire@nichebrands.co.uk/ 07734 702653

http://www.dimpsey.co.uk