Tommy Higgs and Mike Dove, from The Three Horseshoes in Witney, have won the BII’s 2025 Licensee of the Year award.
Mike Dove and Tommy Higgs
Excelling across all areas of the competition, they succeeded against five other finalists, from a diverse range of business models and experience, with their performance on the final judging day seeing them take the top spot.
Tommy and Mike were crowned winners in front of a crowd of 900 colleagues and industry friends at this year’s BII Summer Event, staged at the HAC Royal Artillery Gardens in Moorgate.
Having taken on their pub just two years ago, the best friends, who had been dreaming of owning and running their own venue for a decade, gave an emotional winner’s speech.
“I’d like to offer a massive congratulations to Mike and Tommy on behalf of myself and the whole team here at the BII, including our fantastic judges,” said BII chief executive Steve Alton.
“This is the most rigorous and intense competition in our industry, so I would like to also congratulate our other wonderful finalists on this incredible achievement.
“Tommy and Mike have proved themselves to be true innovators, taking a traditional country pub and making it into a truly special space for every area of the community. Their leadership and team focus, as well as their infectious positivity, won them the award on the day.
“The BII would also like to thank everyone who entered this year’s competition. Despite the huge challenges they continue to face, their tenacity and sheer determination for continued excellence has been an inspiration to the whole BII team.”
