Welwyn Garden City: Cat hotel founder up for business award

Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel’s founder Abi Purser, has been shortlisted for Best Businesswoman in Animal Services and for Best Customer Service at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2024.

One of the UK’s most prestigious awards for business women, the ceremony will be a glamourous Gala Awards Night at the Hilton Syon Park in Isleworth this October.

"I am thrilled to be announced as a finalist in the Best Businesswomen Awards 2024 and grateful to receive this recognition of the passion and years of dedication I have put into Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel," said Abi. 

"It means a lot to me personally and is also testament to the hard work of everyone in the Longcroft team who help me to fulfil my vision for improved animal welfare in the cat care sector.

"I’m always excited to take part in events where I can champion the role of women in business. I regularly act as a mentor and role model to other entrepreneurs who are striving for success in their business.

"So, I’m delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories that are very important to me – Animal Services and Customer Service."

The Longcroft hotel in Welwyn Garden City. (Image: Longcroft)

Longcroft is the UK’s only luxury hotel group for cats, and was founded in 2010 by Abi, who opened her very first hotel in Welwyn Garden City, a site which she still operates today.

Thanks to Longcroft's detailed and expert approach to cat boarding, placing animal welfare at its heart, and now has 25 locations around the UK, with more hotels planned to open this year.

The hotel chain’s five-star service includes bespoke food options, cat grooming packages and even chauffeur transfers when needed. The business also offers peace of mind to cat owners when they go away, by providing a tailored, home-from-home experience for all its feline guests.

Every Longcroft hotel offers five-star accommodation too, with each hotel having between six and eight luxury suites.