Silchester Farm’s Managing Director Joins the Judging Panel for the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2026
We’re incredibly proud to share that Jonny Bann, Managing Director of Silchester Farm, has been invited to join the judging panel for the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2026 - a national awards programme that celebrates excellence in customer service across the wedding industry.
The Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards are recognised for shining a light on the businesses that consistently go above and beyond for couples, suppliers, and guests alike. Being asked to help judge these awards is a testament not only to Jonny’s experience in the wedding industry, but also to the values that sit at the heart of everything we do at Silchester Farm.
Celebrating Excellence in Wedding Customer Service
The judging panel for the 2026 awards brings together a respected group of industry leaders, each offering a unique perspective on what exceptional service truly looks like in today’s wedding landscape. The panel includes venue owners, industry experts, speakers, and consultants, ensuring every entry is reviewed with fairness, insight, and a real understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by wedding businesses.
Together, the judges will assess entries based on genuine customer feedback, consistency of service, and how businesses support couples throughout one of the most important experiences of their lives.
Jonny commented:
"As someone deeply involved in the wedding industry from childhood and my professional career, I’m thrilled to see such a strong focus on genuine customer service in these awards. Exceptional service is the cornerstone of creating memorable experiences for not just couples and guests, each year it is inspiring to see entries evaluated not just on results, but on the care, consistency, and dedication businesses provide throughout the entire wedding journey. I look forward to seeing the incredible examples of excellence that these awards will highlight and there is always learning that can be applied to Silchester Farm."
Why Customer Service Matters at Silchester Farm
At Silchester Farm, exceptional customer service has always been central to how we operate. From a couple’s first enquiry through to their wedding day - and long after the celebrations are over - our team is committed to creating an experience that feels personal, supportive, and seamless.
Being part of the judging panel aligns closely with our own approach: valuing honest communication, thoughtful planning, and a genuine understanding of what couples need to feel confident and excited throughout their journey.
Jonny shared:
“Customer service is at the very core of the standards I put on myself personally and in turn drive these standards culturally where I can. Silchester Farm is special and I am so proud of how much the team cares about everything they do to make every guest experience so special. Every guest's journey is unique, and our focus at Silchester has always been on creating experiences that are personal, experiential, and most importantly stress-free. The farm is one of the most tranquil places you can experience.
Being part of the judging panel is a natural extension of our philosophy recognising and celebrating businesses that share the same commitment to communication, thoughtful the guest journey, and making them feel truly confident and cared for throughout their wedding journey.”
Judging the Awards: What the Panel Will Be Looking For
The Customer Service Awards focus on more than just five-star reviews. Judges will be looking for:
Consistency in service delivery
Authentic feedback from real couples
Clear communication and professionalism
Evidence of care, flexibility, and problem-solving
Businesses that adapt and evolve with couples’ expectations
With experience spanning venue management, events, and hospitality, Jonny brings practical, on-the-ground insight to the panel - helping ensure each entry is assessed with empathy and real-world understanding.
Jonny added:
“I love the stories that you find when reviewing each category. The real tangible impact stories that a team member had on the wedding day. Those special moments are what creates the memorable experience that people crave. It's what makes hospitality so special for me, people impacting other people for the better."
Encouraging Couples to Share Their Experiences
The Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards are driven by real reviews from couples. Wedding businesses are encouraged to invite their couples to leave feedback on their Guides for Brides listings before 31st December 2025, giving them the chance to be considered for the 2026 awards.
We’d also like to take this moment to thank the many couples who have taken the time to share their experiences with Silchester Farm - your kind words, feedback, and support mean more to us than you know.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We’re honoured to see Jonny represent Silchester Farm as part of such a respected judging panel and to contribute to raising standards across the wedding industry. Customer service remains at the heart of what makes weddings truly memorable, and we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate the businesses doing this exceptionally well.
Jonny commented:
“I think I speak for all companies and judges when I say we are truly grateful to all the couples who have shared their wonderful experiences across the industry, for Silchester your feedback helps us continue to improve and deliver weddings that are personal, seamless, memorable and with an experience at its core. Being part of the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards judging panel is a privilege, and it’s exciting to help recognise and celebrate businesses across the industry that share our commitment to exceptional customer service. Initiatives like this are so important for raising standards and ensuring every couple’s wedding journey is as special as it can be”
To learn more about the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2026, visit the Guides for Brides website: https://guidesforbrides.co.uk/business-information/guides-for-brides-customer-service-awards
