The Newsquest 2026 Pride of Cumbria Awards took place at The Greenhill Hotel in Wigton this month, celebrating those who go above and beyond to support people in the community.
Keswick Cottages impressed the judges to be named Best Community Business.
This is a lettings agency in Keswick, managing holiday lets and local cleans. They employ only local people and commit themselves to being a part of the community and, most importantly, to supporting and amplifying local businesses.
The company is built on a genuine commitment to giving back to Keswick and ensuring the town thrives. Every year, the team supports, promotes, and champions dozens of small, independent local businesses - completely free of charge - introducing them to hundreds of thousands of guests and ensuring that tourism directly benefits the people who live and work there.
The company employs only local people, providing stable, year-round employment and making sure the economic benefits of the visitor economy stay within the community. Beyond this, Keswick Cottages regularly hosts and sponsors community-focused events, from the much-loved annual Keswick Cottages Christmas Tree for local children to fun initiatives like the “Cutest Dog in Keswick” competition, where every prize was sourced from a local independent business. Their ongoing support for local clubs, charities, and community causes further demonstrates their deep commitment to Keswick and its people.
At the heart of this effort is managing director Anthony Fearns, whose dedication goes far beyond business. He works tirelessly to live by the company motto: shop local, book local, let local. His goal is simple but powerful: to change perceptions around tourism and ensure that anyone visiting Keswick contributes positively to the town, its community, and its future.
Anthony never seeks recognition, praise, or fuss; he simply believes that businesses have a responsibility to uplift the place they call home. Under his leadership, Keswick Cottages has become a cornerstone of the community - a business that doesn’t just operate in Keswick, but actively strengthens it.
Speaking about the award, Anthony said: "I'm shocked to win it. We're in a room full of absolute heroes, just pillars of the community, so it's just amazing to be nominated."
