Winners of the HRA Award for Business Innovation 2023
Bodmin Railway takes home another award for the second year running, at the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards!
For the second year running, Bodmin Railway has returned home from the HRA Annual Awards with an award! Bodmin Railway was delighted to accept the award for Business Innovation at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre on March 11th 2023. The Business Innovation award was kindly sponsored by PNP Events and Trackside Magazine, and was awarded to Bodmin Railway for their innovation in their expanding coffee shops, Cornish Rail Coffee Co.
The Cornish Rail Coffee Co, was rebranded in May 2021, followed shortly by cafes in both mainline stations Bodmin Parkway and Liskeard. The cafes serve a range of hot and cold beverages, as well as sandwiches and hot foods including bacon rolls, and pasty’s. They also offer a selection of cakes including the infamous Cornish cream tea’s, alongside providing vegan and vegetarian alternatives.
Julie Burley, Bodmin Railway’s Business Manager, did a fantastic job at representing Bodmin Railway in her presentation at the annual conference, focusing on branding and the commercial aspect of a managing and running a heritage railway. Julie Burley said “We are thrilled to have won the 2023 award for Business Innovation, especially when we were up against tough competition from Dales Dining. Thank you to the HRA for another incredible year and awards ceremony, and I give my thanks to both Trackside Magazine and PNP Events for sponsoring the award. This award demonstrates the vitalness of the commercial side of our business, supporting the heritage side. When we are closed during the quieter periods of the year, it is the income from these coffee shops that helps to keep the railway alive, allowing us to preserve our heritage Cornish branch line.”
Julie Burley also thanked all the volunteers and staff members for all their continued hard work and support. This award is a testament to their diligence and is another great achievement to be celebrated!
HRA Awards 2023 | PNP Events, David Nelson-Brown (Managing Director), Julie Burley (Business Manager), Hebe Monks (Events & Marketing Officer), Trackside Magazine