East Lindsey Tourism Accommodation Providers Help and Support

East Lindsey Tourism Accommodation Providers Help and Support

Written by Angela Gooch on April 1st, 2008 in Skegness Latest News.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Financial help and support for East Lindsey tourism accommodation providers

ACCOMMODATION businesses across East Lindsey are taking advantage of some financial support to help them improve standards and get a star rating. East Lindsey District Council is offering grants, free advisory visits and ongoing support to qualifying businesses with the aim of increasing the number of star rated accommodation properties in the district by 2012.

Getting a star rating puts accommodation businesses ahead of the competition and shows prospective guests that a recognised level of quality has been achieved. Businesses with a star rating can also take advantage of marketing opportunities only available to participants of the scheme such as promotion in some local and national tourist board guides and websites and a free sign and logo to use in marketing materials.

East Lindsey District Council is offering a ‘National Quality Assurance Scheme’ grant to eligible accommodation businesses that covers 100% of the cost of the star rating assessment for the first year. In the past year more than 40 businesses have already enquired about the scheme, with 30 progressing to successfully apply for a grant and achieve a star rating.

Sally Hastings owner of Myrtle Lodge guesthouse in Mablethorpe has successfully applied for the grant and has been awarded a 3 star rating. Sally recognises that the process might seem daunting to those who haven’t been through it before. She said: “Some people get stressed about the star rating assessment, but the assessors that visit your property are human beings and are there to help businesses to achieve a star rating.” Sally also sees the assessors as a valuable source of feedback and guidance. “They visit hundreds of properties every year and know exactly what today’s visitors are looking for. You can test out ideas and ask for their suggestions.”

Businesses that might not be ready to jump to a star rating immediately can apply for the ‘Rosebud’ accreditation. Rosebud has been specially developed to help businesses that meet minimum standards to gain an accreditation and support them as they work towards a star rating. Similar to a star rating, businesses with a Rosebud accreditation receive a Rosebud plaque and logos to use, together with the opportunity to advertise in East Lindsey and Lincolnshire Tourism guides. Once businesses have achieved the Rosebud accreditation, they have up to three years to achieve a star rating.

While there is a fee to pay for the Rosebud programme, initially businesses are encouraged to apply for a free advisory visit. Here the assessor will provide advice on both the Rosebud and star rating criteria and which might be the most appropriate route for a particular business. They will also give feedback on what, if any, improvements need to be made before making an application.

Rosebud’s new assessor, Angie Fordwich-Gorely, explained “Many businesses are already at a good quality level and often only need to make minimal changes in order to reach a Rosebud or star rating accreditation.” Angie adds “I’m delighted to be working with businesses to help them to achieve their accreditation and ultimately to deliver a quality experience to visitors staying in East Lindsey.”

Businesses interested in taking advantage of either the National Quality Assurance Scheme grant or Rosebud programme should contact the programme manager, Alison Macdonald, at alison.macdonald@e-lindsey.gov.uk or on 01507 329566 to arrange a free advisory visit.