Lancashire glamping entrepreneur named One to Watch in LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2025
Derry Green, Founder of The Secret Garden Glamping, has been named as One to Watch in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 — a programme created by LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, in partnership with The Times.
Derry first captured public attention following his appearance on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2024, where his story of transforming a small woodland project in Lancashire during lockdown into one of the UK’s most successful luxury glamping businesses inspired audiences nationwide.
What began as a simple idea — building a small outdoor escape for his children to enjoy during lockdown — has since grown into a multi-award-winning glamping brand, now expanding across the UK and into Ireland. The Secret Garden Glamping’s signature blend of luxury, creativity, and connection with nature has redefined the glamping experience, combining high-end design with the warmth and authenticity of family-run hospitality.
From a single handcrafted cabin to multiple destinations in Lancashire, Cornwall, Devon, and soon Ireland, Derry’s journey has been anything but conventional. His approach focuses on storytelling, emotional connection, and creating unforgettable experiences — from outdoor cinemas and tiki bars to woodland spas and bespoke guest services.
Speaking about the recognition, Derry Green, Founder of The Secret Garden Glamping, said:
“When I started The Secret Garden, it wasn’t meant to be a business — it was just something I loved doing with my children. It was our little escape from the world during lockdown. To see it grow into a brand that people travel across the country to experience still feels surreal.
Being recognised in the LDC Top 50 is an incredible honour, but more than that, it’s a reminder of how powerful passion can be when you stay true to what you believe in. I never set out to build an empire — I just wanted to create somewhere that made people feel something.”
The LDC Top 50 celebrates the drive and ambition of Britain’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. This year’s list received almost 700 nominations from across the UK, highlighting exceptional individuals making a positive impact in their industries and communities.
John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, added:
“It’s been eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 and in that time, we’ve had the honour of meeting some exceptional people. This year has been no different. I’d like to congratulate this year’s Ones to Watch on their success so far — we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for them.”
Read more about The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4mCFS4i
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Secret Garden Glamping is a proud Visit Lancashire Partner and former winner of:
New Tourism Business Award – Lancashire Tourism Awards 2021
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park Award – Lancashire Tourism Awards 2023
Gold Award for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park Award – Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024
(Image shows: Left to right Cinzia Bocchi from La Locanda, Michael Williams from Winter Gardens, Alex Polizzi, Derry Green from The Secret Garden Glamping. All Lancashire winners at Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024)
For all the latest news on the only county-wide awards for tourism and hospitality businesses, linked to the national Visit England Awards for Excellence go to > Lancashiretourismawards.com