Shropshire Tourism Launches New Text Messaging Service

2nd May 2008

Shropshire Tourism has launched a new text messaging service to enable visitors to receive the latest current event information for Shropshire.

Commissioned by the Shropshire and Telford Destination Management Partnership and funded by Advantage West Midlands, this new service is just one of a series of e:commerce initiatives being undertaken by Shropshire Tourism.

The new text information service will provide visitors with details of the latest top event in Shropshire on a weekly basis. All they have to do is simply text Shrops to 60777 to receive a reply text message with the relevant information of the week's key event. Visitors who have a web enabled mobile phone, can also access further information about Shropshire by logging on to the new mobile website  www.visitshropshire.mobi

To promote this new service, all accommodation and attraction businesses in Shropshire will have access to tent cards which can be placed in their guest bedrooms, self catering units and attraction receptions for visitors to use and access event information during their stay.

Commenting, Sarah Whittall, Senior Marketing Officer at Shropshire Tourism said, "This new service will give visitors an easy opportunity to discover what events are taking place during their stay providing them with up to date information and an enhanced visitor experience. The text service will be available for a maximum of 6 months whilst the website will be live for the foreseeable future'.

Also commenting on the new service, Shropshire Tourism member, Kate Gittins of the Shrewsbury Market Hall said, "I have just tried the new service and I think it's fantastic".

Members of Shropshire Tourism wishing to receive further supplies of the tent cards should contact Shropshire Tourism directly on 01743 462462 or by emailing enquiries@shropshiretourism.co.uk

Changes to the Quality at Heart Regional Recognition Model and The Regional Centre for Tourism Business Support

2nd April 2008

Following the re-structuring of Business Link in the West Midlands to provide tailored support to different sectors within the economy of the West Midlands, Advantage West Midlands will cease funding these two individual projects from the end of June 2008.

Advantage West Midlands and Business Link in the West Midlands recognise that the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector is one of the region’s key drivers and will continue to provide Business Support to aid its development.  However, this will result in the following changes to the current projects:

Quality at Heart Regional Recognition Model

The Quality at Heart Regional Recognition Model is closing at the end of June 2008. Servicemark, the national customer service standard, will continue to be available through Servicemark UK Ltd, and will no longer be subsidised through Business Link.  Businessmark and Peoplemark have been recognised as key business improvement and development tools and they will be integrated into the new sector focused Business Link support service. Businesses currently working towards recognition within the Quality at Heart programme will continue to be supported to a mutually agreed solution.

Regional Centre for Tourism Business Support

Business Link in the West Midlands is re-structuring to provide tailored support to different sectors within the economy of the West Midlands. Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality are key priority sectors.  As part of this change, the Tourism Advice Service delivered through the Regional Centre for Tourism Business Support activity will be fully integrated with the Business Link support services whilst maintaining a sector specific focus.
Whilst the new offer is being developed, business support and advice can continue to be accessed via the 0845 241 8269 telephone number, and the tourism advice website www.qualityatheart.co.uk. Shropshire businesses can still contact Lesley Davies, local Tourism Business Advisor, on 07971 917646.

Further information regarding tourism advice services post June will be published as soon as they have been finalised.

New Contracts for Shropshire Tourism

14th March 2008

Shropshire Tourism Secures New Contracts to Promote Events and Festivals in Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley and Ludlow

Shropshire Tourism have secured two new contracts to specifically promote Events and Festivals in Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley and Ludlow and to attract day visitors into Shropshire.

Shropshire Tourism has been commissioned by both Bridgnorth District Council and South Shropshire District Council to undertake bespoke promotional campaigns to promote both Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley and Ludlow and their events and festivals which will be taking place.

The commission comes after Bridgnorth District Council and South Shropshire District Council secured funding from Advantage West Midlands as part of their flood recovery funding to support areas badly affected by last year's weather.

Commenting, Sarah Whittall of Shropshire Tourism said, "We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts. As the tourism marketing body for Shropshire, Shropshire Tourism already works closely with both Bridgnorth District Council and South Shropshire District Council. The aim of these campaigns is to raise increased awareness of both Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley and Ludlow and to encourage visitors to come back and visit these areas of Shropshire and to support the businesses located within them".

Work on both of these campaigns is already underway which includes the creation of a bespoke website to promote Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley, media campaigns for both Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley and Ludlow, an events and festivals leaflet for Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley and press and pr campaigns for both areas.

Both the Bridgnorth & the Severn Valley Ludlow and the Severn Valley campaigns will run throughout the season from March - September.

Channel Five's 'The Hotel Inspector' Seeks Hotels and Guesthouses in Shropshire

1st February 2008

"The Hotel Inspector" seeks hotels and guesthouses that would like a helping hand to boost profit margins and increase occupancy levels

Channel five's 'The Hotel Inspector' is back for a for a fourth series with a new expert presenter and the producers are looking for hotels and guesthouses to benefit from the advice, investment and massive publicity that the series brings to each hotel it features.

They would like to hear from hoteliers who would be interested in this unique opportunity to get valuable advice that could boost profit margins, professional help with re-design and new marketing ideas, as well promoting their hotel to a nationwide audience of millions.

Are you trying to improve standards? Are your staff a nightmare and you don't know how to lead them? Have you perfected the product but are struggling with marketing? Maybe you just can't get that restaurant right? Or despite your best efforts, has it all gone terribly wrong and you're on the brink of throwing in the towel?

About the last series

The third series of The Hotel Inspector has recently broadcast on channel five, attracting 2.5 million viewers in its prime time Thursday night slot, the best rating original programme in the channels schedule. In each hour-long episode of The Hotel Inspector, we help to improve the fortunes of a hotel. Last series we helped a range of hotels and guesthouses, from a hotel whose owner was £250,000 in debt and in dire need of help having brought it to the brink of bankruptcy; to a prestigious hotel whose owner wanted help in attracting a new kind of clientele and events.

Quotes from Hoteliers from Series 3

"We found it the most enjoyable experience. I am very grateful to the whole programme, and what it has done for my Bed and Breakfast". 
 Francis Shelly, Butley Priory, Suffolk

"I took the advice given by the Hotel Inspector and in the end they managed to place us in Alastair Sawday's "Special Places to Stay". We are now reaping the rewards".   
Robert Gray, St Alfeges Greenwich

"I would do it all over again, the advice given was brilliant. Thank you so very much for your much needed help and advice". 
 Vincent van Nulk, The Safari Hotel, Bournemouth

To find out how to apply call the Hotel Inspector Team on 01752 727 400
or email hotelinspector@twofour.co.uk

News from Quality in Tourism and Visit Britain

22nd January 2008

Quality Update

Spread The Cost - Pay Your Renewal By Direct Debit

Feedback from accommodation providers shows that many would appreciate the cashflow benefits of staged payments of their renewal fees.

For 2008 particpation fees, Visit Britain have introduced the option of a new direct debit scheme - enabling you to spread the cost by making two equal payments.

So if you wish to take advantage of this benefit and pay in two halves, your first instalment, which is due on 31st March 2008 will need to be made by credit card, BACS or cheque as per your existing arrangement.

The second instalment by direct debit will then be made on 1st November 2008.

In subsequent years the payments will be taken by direct debit on 1st May and 1st November - months carefully chosen for when cashflow is traditionally at its healthiest!

2008/9 Renewal Dates For Your Diary

Businesses assessed before Christmas 2007 will have a renewal date of January/February 2008 with payment due 31st March 2008.

Businesses assessed before 31st March 2008 will have a renewal date of early April 2008 with payment due within 30 days.

Businesses assessed after 1st April 2008 will have a renewal date shortly after the assessment with payment due within 30 days.

Generally the assessing team aim to visit around the anniversary of your last assessment, however there is no need to be concerned if it happens earlier or later in the participation year.

Remember that provided you have paid your renewal fee your current rating is still fully valid and can still be used in all your publicity material.

Selling- Up?

We've made some significant changes to the way we treat your rating if you sell your business as a going concern. Previously the rating automatically lapsed when there was a change of ownership. From now on, we will be able to refund (pro-rata) participation fees paid by the vendor if they advise Quality in Tourism of the new owner's details and sale completion date and if the new owner joins the scheme.

We recommend that you ask your solicitors to ensure that the new application is made at the earliest opportunity. The rating will then automatically transfer to the new owners who will receive their first assessment visit - within nine weeks for serviced accommodation and six weeks for self catering.

If you are currently selling your business, advise Quality in Tourism of the name of the new owners and the likely completion date and they will send out the application forms.

Fee Band Change for Serviced Accommodation

In response to your recent comments and to reflect inflationary trends, the lowest tarriff band for Guest Accommodation participants fees has been extended from £0 - £24.99 to £0 - £29.99.

This adjustment means that everyone whose tariff is between £25 and £29.99 will now move to the lowest band and save on their fees! The annual saving based on 07/08 fees will vary between £21 and £57 depenlding on the siz eof your establishment.

Every Percentage Point Counts - Extra Clarity For Serviced Accommodation Assessement Scores

From April 2008, Visit Britain will be showing persentage scores on each section of serviced accommodation assessment reports together with the overall percentage which determines your rating.

Until now scores have been expressed only in words. Now it will be easier for you to see your position in the rating band and take any necessary action that might see you increase your star rating or prevent you from dropping to a lower rating.

Overall percentage scores for star ratings for guest accommodation and hotels:

1 star - 30-46%
2 star - 47-54%
3 star - 55-69%
4 star - 70-84%
5 star - 85-100%

For further information on Quality in Tourism or if you have any questions please call the help desk on 0845 3006996 or email qualityintourism@gslglobal.com

Discount on Leaflet Distribution for Attraction Members

12th December 2007

Shropshire Tourism would like to offer our attraction members the opportunity to claim a discount on the distribution of their leaflets.

Caron Promotions have agreed to offer our attraction members 5% discount on the distribution of their leaflets.

For further information, please contact Jodie Stephen at Shropshire Tourism on 01743 462462 or contact Caron Promotions direct on 01974 298513

SHROPSHIRE TOURISM MEMBERSHIP REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

11th December 2007

Shropshire Tourism, the tourism marketing body for Shropshire announces record levels of membership.

The membership organisation which promotes Shropshire as a visitor destination to the countys potential visitors now supports and advises over 600 tourism businesses in Shropshire.

The extended membership base comes as Shropshire Tourism introduces a new joint membership scheme with South Shropshire Tourism Association which now joins other joint membership schemes already in place with Shrewsbury Tourism Association Ltd and North Shropshire Tourism Ltd.

Commenting, Sarah Whittall of Shropshire Tourism said, "The joint membership schemes provide businesses with an affordable and value added membership package. The joint schemes with Shrewsbury Tourism Association and North Shropshire Tourism Association have been in place for a number of years now and continue to benefit tourism businesses in Shropshire and the surrounding area. We are very pleased that we are now able to offer businesses in South Shropshire the same opportunity and enable them to benefit from this new joint membership scheme".

The schemes enable tourism businesses to pay just one fee to provide them with membership of Shropshire Tourism along with their local tourism association. This joint membership then provides a number of membership benefits including a web presence on the main county website www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Tourism businesses interested in obtaining further information on joining membership of Shropshire Tourism and participating in the joint membership scheme should contact Shropshire Tourism on 01743 462462 or email enquiries@shropshiretourism.co.uk

NORTH SHROPSHIRE TOURISM BUSINESSES SCOOP AWARDS

11th December 2007

Five North Shropshire Tourism businesses have won awards at this year’s North Shropshire Tourism annual Awards Evening, which took place on Thursday 29th November at The Bear at Hodnet.

Each year, businesses battle it out to become recognised as the best in North Shropshire. This year’s award winners are:

Best Serviced Accommodation of the Year
The Old Rectory Hotel, Wem
Best Catering Operation of the Year
The Cottage Restaurant at Ternhill Farm House, Market Drayton
Best Attraction of the Year
Whitchurch Heritage Centre
Best Non-Serviced Accommodation of the Year
The Byre, Ellesmere
Most Promising Newcomer of the Year
The Bear at Hodnet

Judging is based on key criteria including environmental issues, disability accessibility and of course customer care.

Commenting, Sarah Whittall of North Shropshire Tourism said, "The North Shropshire Tourism awards highlight the quality of tourism businesses and visitor offer that our area provides. All of the winners have demonstrated a very high standard and are dedicated to providing visitors to North Shropshire with a high quality experience".

One of this year's winners, Ternhill Farm House has also received regional recognition with a Highly Commended award in the Excellence in Tourism awards.

A personal award was also made to John Cushing of Goldstone Hall Hotel in Market Drayton. This award was presented by North Shropshire Tourism in recognition of the outstanding contribution that John Cushing has made to tourism in North Shropshire.

Congratulations go to all of the award winners and for highlighting the quality and diversity of accommodation that North Shropshire has to offer its visitors.

SHROPSHIRE TOURISM'S IT TEAM CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY

11th December 2007

Shropshire Tourism's IT team are celebrating a highly successful first year. New recruits Andy Holmes-Brown and Peter Harrison joined the Shropshire Tourism team last year to expand and develop the company's IT and e:marketing services.

Andy and Peter have hit the ground running providing a wide range of in-house website services including bespoke website design, hosting services, technical support and maintenance and search engine optimisation.

A number of projects have been completed this year including the design of a bespoke website for Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council to promote the Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival, new walking, riding and cycling websites for Shropshire County Council and numerous bespoke websites for businesses throughout Shropshire.

Shropshire Tourism's continued expansion into the provision of website design and hosting services highlights a growing trend towards the use of websites by visitors and the tourism industry.

Commenting, Sarah Whittall, Senior Marketing Officer at Shropshire Tourism said, "The use of the internet is increasing with potential visitors to Shropshire turning to websites to gather information and book accommodation. E:marketing is fast becoming the way forward to promote tourism businesses in Shropshire".

Accommodation and attraction providers in Shropshire are also becoming more aware of the importance of having their own website. The provision of the Shropshire Tourism website design services aims to offer tourism businesses the chance to benefit from these e:marketing opportunities and promote their business through the Shropshire Tourism network.

Businesses interested in obtaining further information on the Shropshire Tourism website services should contact Shropshire Tourism on 01743 462462.

LUDLOW FOOD CENTRE SHORTLISTED AS MIDLANDS BEST RURAL RETAILER

11th December 2007

Still only six months old, Shropshire's Ludlow Food Centre has been shortlisted in the regional finals of the Best Rural Retailer Awards, the prestigious Countryside Alliance competition that celebrates the achievements of those helping to sustain and regenerate their rural communities.

Nominated by customers in the 'Best Local Food' category, the groundbreaking store sources approximately 80 per cent of its food and drink lines from local farmers, growers and producers and uses produce from the surrounding Earl of Plymouth Estate to create its own high quality range of fine foods in store.

Singled out as an exemplar of modern day farm food retailing the Food Centre, located on the A49 in Bromfield, was recently featured on BBC Radio Four's Food Programme and awarded ten out of ten by Olive magazine for offering customers excellent value for money.

In the Best Rural Retailer Awards, the Food Centre is up against three other farm shops in the Midlands but is the only nominee from the county and, having only opened its doors in April, is one of the youngest contenders in the competition.

Regional judging will take place throughout November and the regional winners of the four categories will be announced in December. Should Ludlow Food Centre be successful they will be invited to the House of Lords in February 2008, to hear if they have been selected as the overall UK winners for 2007.

The Ludlow Food Centre is open 7 days a week. Telephone 01584 856000 or visit www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk for further details.

CHANGES IN THE DATA PROTECTION ACT - WHAT IT ALL MEANS

10th December 2007

On the 24th October 2007, the regulations of the Data Protection Act changed. Companies will now be legally bound to provide both electronic and paper based data about a person from 1998 onwards within 40 days of an initial request.

The Data Protection Act was introduced in 1998 to give the public access to personal information held about them on company files. Through accessing this data, it not only benefits the public but also the organisation as it is an opportunity for people to see if files are correct, relevant or incomplete and can thereforefore inform the Company appropriately. Since March 2000, firms were required to produce, within 40 days, any information about a person on their computers or networks. However, the update to the 1998 act failed to apply to information held on non-electric formats such as paper files.

As a result, the 24th October change in regulations means that all data requested by an individual will need to be supplied, whether it is on a hard drive or in a filing cabinet. New documents that will fall under the act include manual data as well as active files that have not yet been put onto an electronic system.

This legislation will mean that companies need to review their policies and capabilities for the storage and retrieval of client data and avoid any liability.

Companies that cannot provide data requested by an enquirer within the 40 day period will be liable under the law, most commonly with a fine. It is therefore imperative that organisations are not only aware but also prepared for these up and coming new changes.

SILVER SERVICE MARK AWARD FOR ASHFORD FARM COTTAGES ANDTHE MYND HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

10th December 2007

Two Shropshire businesses highlight their commitment to Customer Service.

Ashford Farm Cottages, near Ludlow have won a Quality at Heart Silver Servicemark Award. The award which was presented to proprietors Norman and Lynda Tudge at a presentation in Ludlow, highlights the fact that Ashford Farm Cottages was the first business in the country to be awarded a Quality at Heart mark.

Commenting on the award, Norman Tudge said, "We are proud to be able to display our Quality at Heart silver Servicemark certificate in our business. It underlines the importance that we place on our customers and sends out a message to potential customers that we constantly measure how we perform and make continuous improvements".

Ashford Farm Cottages in Ashford Carbonell offer four star self-catering accommodation in four cottages and achieved bronze level in the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism awards 'Best Self Catering Holiday 2006'.

The Mynd House Bed and Breakfast in Little Stretton have also highlighted their commitment to excellent customer service by participating in the Quality at Heart scheme to receive the Servicemark recognition.

Commenting, proprietors David and Sue Pember said, "We have chosen to work towards Silver Servicemark as recognition of our high standards of service. We feel that having the Servicemark award will make the general public aware that we are dedicated to providing excellent levels of service and allows the customer to make a more informed decision on their choice of accommodation. We also hope that by committing to the Servicemark standard we will be able to further improve on our customer service and, if successful at Silver level, aim to achieve Gold award status in the future".

'SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR' MINI BARS AT THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL, WEM

10th December 2007

Guests at the Old Rectory Hotel in Wem will soon be enjoying a new style of mini bar crammed with delicious locally produced goodies thanks to a pioneering concept by Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF).

Visitors to the hotel can now look forward to an array of food and drink made by local producers. The 'Savour the Flavour' mini bars will allow guests to sample locally sourced snacks and drinks including fruit juices, wines, beers and ciders, biscuits, potato chips and chocolates.

Commenting, Selina Cuss from the Old Rectory Hotel said, "I'm sure our guests will relish tucking in. The concept is a great way of supporting small, local producers".

Guests will also be encouraged to discover more about the contents of their Mini Bar through a complimentary guide from HEFF, showcasing the rich diversity of the region's food and drink.

Jon May, HEFF's Senior Marketing Excutive added, "The Mini Bar carries the attractive 'Savour The Flavour' branding for added impact and we are confident that tourism and businesses will grow and prosper through their promotion of regionally sourced food and drink".

Up to 12 mini bars are available free to any hotel or B&B in return for a minimum commitment to seven regional producers. Hotels and B&Bs interested in the Mini Bars should contact HEFF on 01746 785185 or visit the website at www.heff.co.uk

SHROPSHIRE BUSINESSES SHINE AT THE EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM AWARDS 2007

10th December 2007

We are very pleased to congratulate Ben Osborne on his achievement of winning the 2007 Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year award.

The winners were announced on 24th October at the Natural History Museum in London. Ben, who lives in Shropshire, took his winning portrait of an elephant in a waterhole in Botswana's Chobe National Park.

Ben has worked on a number of television projects including Life in the Freezer, Blue Planet, and Planet Earth. His magazine work includes BBC Wildlife, National Geographic and Geo. Ben's images of Shropshire have also been used in local brochures such as Shropshire & the Welsh Borders and the Shrewsbury brochure.

To have a look at the winning image, visit Ben's website

GREEN TOURISM

10th December 2007

If your business has been directly affected by the floods this summer, Business Link can offer you up to 5 days of free impartial advice.

Click here to download the flyer containing further information. You can call Business Link on 0845 113 1234 to arrange an appointment with one of their business advisors.

BUSINESS LINK PLEDGES HELP TO GET FLOOD-HIT BUSINESSES UP AND RUNNING

10th December 2007

Businesses hit by the summer floods are being offered expert advice and support from Business Link West Midlands to get up and running again, it was revealed today.

Business Link has developed a Flood Recovery Plan aimed at allowing businesses to overcome their immediate difficulties, retain skills and plan for the future.

The offer will see Business Link's team of more than 100 advisers giving up to five days free business advice to help to help restart the estimated 1,000-plus flood-hit businesses in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

And where projects qualify, Business Link may be able to offer up to £2,500 in subsidised consultancy to offset the cost of carrying out any recommendations.

After an initial telephone consultation, followed where necessary by personal visits, advisers will offer proposals for short term activity, medium term planning and long term objectives to get businesses back on track.

Said Lorraine Holmes, Chief Executive of West Midlands Brokerage Service, part of Business Link West Midlands: "What we're really trying to offer is an extra pair of hands to help businesses recover. And we're saying to them come forward and take the help we are offering."

"Tourist destinations, agriculture, manufacturers, retail outlets and firms involved in food and drink had been hit by the severe weather conditions even before the latest deluge, with many sites flooded, transport disrupted and huge levels of stock damaged."

Said Lorraine Holmes: "We understand that business continuity and getting businesses back on their feet is absolutely crucial in these circumstances.

Many businesses have not had the best trading conditions as it is this summer, so they can't afford to be out of action for very long.

What we are hoping is that by programming in this extra funding we can get them back up and running as soon as possible."

Flood affected businesses should contact Business Link West Midlands through its main switchboard number on 0845 113 1234, you can also click here to download the flyer with further infomtion.

Business Link is also looking to work closely with other groups and organizations offering flood relief to support affected businesses. Organisations who need help or support should contact Lucy Turner on 0845 241 8269.

Business Link West Midlands provides a single access point for all business, manufacturing and skills support. The new service, which aims to assist 16,000 companies between now and 2010, is in a prime position to boost the region's enterprise culture and continue to provide in-depth assistance to established and growing businesses.

It has also adopted a number of innovative firsts in the development of the Knowledge Bank (featuring 2000 factsheets, industry reports and grant schemes), the launch of a suite of E-Zines and the formation of stronger partnerships with the private sector.

Business Link West Midlands is expected to help over 70,000 businesses and individuals thinking of starting a company with information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced business advisers by 2010.

This level of support is expected to generate a £400m improvement to the economic performance of the West Midlands.

To get in touch with Business Link West Midlands, please contact 0845 113 1234.

JOINT MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

10th December 2007

South Shropshire Tourism Association and Shropshire Tourism have just entered into a new joint membership arrangement. This means that for a single membership fee of £82.00 (inc vat) South Shropshire businesses can now automatically receive the full benefits of both Shropshire Tourism and South Shropshire Tourism Association.

So whether your business was just a member of Shropshire Tourism, a member of South Shropshire Tourism or, indeed, a member of both organisations all the member benefits are now available for this single fee. Members can now advertise in both Shropshire Tourism and South Shropshire publications without paying two separate fees and joint members will automatically feature on both the Shropshire and South Shropshire web sites again without any additional cost.

There is already a joint membership scheme in place with Shrewsbury Tourism and North Shropshire Tourism so South Shropshire members can also advertise with these two associations without paying an addition membership fee.

For a full list of benefits click here

For further information contact Jodie Stephen on jstephen@shropshiretourism.co.uk

FLOODING RESPONSE CAMPAIGN

10th December 2007

Rise and Shine Doorstep Campaign Mid July to September/ October 2007

In response to the flooding, Advantage West Midlands has established a programme of activities to minimise the impact on the region's visitor economy including an extensive PR and marketing campaign.

Main objective aimed at assuring potential visitors to the rural areas of the region that there is a lot to see and do whatever the weather, and despite media coverage of severe flooding and damage ie. that the countryside is open for business.

For further information click on the 'More Information' Link below.

More Information >>

PACKAGE ANNOUNCED TO HELP SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY TO RECOVER FROM FLOODS DEVASTATION

10th December 2007

Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has announced a £1 million package of support to help the region’s tourism economy recover from the effects of the flooding last month.

The package includes £500,000 funding towards the damage caused to the Severn Valley Railway, which is estimated to have cost the tourist attraction as much as £2 million.

Following more than three times the average rainfall in late June, many areas in the West Midlands have suffered from major flooding and subsidence.

John Edwards, Advantage West Midlands Chief Executive, said: "The Severn Valley Railway is a unique attraction in the west of our region as it is a gateway into the counties of Shropshire and Worcestershire and moves people along the route to visit attractions along the way."

"We need to get it up and running again as quickly as possible these floods have been devastating to this attraction, which brings in 250,000 visitors each year and it is imperative swift action is taken. The volunteers and members of the Railway have launched their appeal to restore the track and it is important this continues, but the funding will enable us to get the route working again quicker, generating visitors and money for the local economy."

"We are not simply giving away the money to carry out the repairs by investing in the Engine House refurbishment and raising the profile of the tourism sector in the West Midlands nationally, we will create a sustainable recovery.

Importantly, we will continue to monitor this situation closely as there may be issues which have yet to emerge which require our intervention."

John Leach, Severn Valley Railway Marketing Manager, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support from Advantage West Midlands which will help us in getting the railway back into operation. We are particularly pleased that the importance of the Severn Valley Railway to the West Midlands tourism economy has been recognised.

The Engine House project is an integral part of our plans for the future and we are hopeful to have this project up and running by the time the track is fully repaired.

However, we wish to stress that it is vital that the appeal for public support continues as we still have a great deal of work to do in order to get back to full health."

FUTURE OF HEART OF ENGLAND TOURIST BOARD

10th December 2007

It is with great regret that the Directors of Heart of England Tourist Board have taken the very difficult decision not to continue trading beyond the end of this financial year.

In December 2006 Advantage West Midlands confirmed that it was not going to renew its contract with Heart of England Tourist Board to deliver a range of regional tourism marketing and support activities. Since then, the Heart of England Tourist Board have continued to offer the public and private sector services such as research and training, and developed new membership and marketing opportunities on a commercial basis. The decision has been made based on the current and predicted future uptake of the overall Heart of England Tourist Board offer by the tourism industry, and associated support from the public sector.

It remains the intention to complete a number of important pieces of work this year, such as delivering the 2007 Heart of England in Bloom campaign through July and the awards event at the Cheltenham Town Hall in September, as well as completing existing research contracts, delivering our training commitments and distributing the 2007 publications to consumers. In relation to all other current activities, these are under review. The Board of Directors thanked all those businesses and individuals that have worked with them over many years for their support.

This was a very difficult decision for the Board of Heart of England Tourism to make, and all the Directors would like to express their thanks, not only to all the current staff for their continued professionalism and dedication at this difficult time, but all those who have been part of the Heart of England Tourist Board family who have only ever sought to provide the best service possible for the industry and visitors over nearly 40 years.

David Moyser - Chief Executive

Sir William Lawrence - Chairman

TOURISM BUSINESSES FOR SALE WEBSITE LAUNCHED

10th December 2007

Shropshire Tourism has designed a new website to help people find some of the tourism businesses that are for sale in Shropshire.

If you are selling your tourism business you can advertise on this website. There is a reduced fee for members of Shropshire Tourism.

For obvious reasons we do not display sensitive information such as turnover and all the information provided on a particular business is provided by the vendors. We advise all prospective purchasers to make sure that they satisfy themselves fully before making any offer or parting with any money!

We have also provided some useful contact details where you can get advice on a range of subjects from business support, planning matters, grant eligibility, tourism statistics and tourism marketing support.

Shropshire Tourism is not an estate agent and we do not take commission from vendors or buyers, how refreshing is that?

Click the link to visit: www.tourismbusinessesforsale.co.uk

SHOPPING DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

10th December 2007

Ha! We thought that might catch your eye!

Shrewsbury Market Hall has a new leaflet promoting the variety of stalls which operate in the market. The new leaflet contains discount vouchers for use within the market.

You can download the leaflet by clicking here, or you can contact Kate Gittins at the Market Hall to arrange to collect some leaflets on 01743 351067 or email her on info@markethallshrewsbury.co.uk.

The discount vouchers are available for you or your guests to use.

Happy shopping!

ENGLISH SMOKING BAN

10th December 2007

The new law to ban smoking in public places and work places in England came into effect on Sunday July 1st 2007.

If you are in charge of 'smokefree' premises, you will have legal responsibility to prevent people from smoking within the premises.

How does this affect accommodation businesses?

The Government's information pack states that for hotels, inns, hostels and guesthouses ".that provide sleeping accommodation may designate individual guest bedrooms for smoking, but all other parts of the premises must be smokefree. Dormitories and other shared accommodation that is made available under separate arrangements must be smokefree at all times."

For example, a B&B with a 'public' lounge or communal area which other guests use, may allow smoking in the bedrooms, but not in the lounge or communal areas.

B&Bs do not have to put a 'no smoking premises' sign on the entrance unless they wish to do so.

How will this affect self-catering properties?

"The law does not require self-catering residential accommodation for. holiday use (for example holiday cottages or caravans) to be smokefree. The owners, however, may choose to make the accommodation smokefree."

How do you designate a guest bedroom for smoking?

Referring to the Government information pack, the following conditions must be met, and it is the legal responsibility of anyone who controls or manages the premises to ensure this.

Any room where smoking is permitted must:

• Be designate in writing by the person in charge of the premises. This written designation needs to be kept permanently and produced for inspection by an enforcement officer if requested.
• Have a ceiling and, except for doors or windows, be completely enclosed on all sides by solid floor-to-ceiling walls.
• Not have a ventilation system that ventilates into any other part of the premises (except other rooms designated for smoking) or into any other smokefree premises.
• Have mechanically closing doors, which should also be compatible with other laws, including fire regulations.
• Be clearly marked as a room in which smoking is permitted. You are free to create your own signs warning people about where they could be exposed to secondhand smoke.

In those instances where a 'room to be used only for smoking' may be designated this means that the room is not allowed to be used for any other purpose, for example, as a television room or library.

This is just a summary of the basic information you need to know for running an accommodation business. For further information please visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk, or call the Smokefree England information line on 0800 1691697.

You can download 'no smoking' signs from www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources.

FREE ENERGY AUDITS FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES IN THE AONB AREA

10th December 2007

If you are worried about the amount and cost of the energy you are using and you are a tourism business located in the Shropshire Hills AONB you could apply to have a free energy audit by the Marches Energy Agency.

The Shropshire Hills AINB Partnership has awarded the Marches Energy Agency a Sustainable Development Fund grant to carry out free energy audits and advice for 60 leisure & tourism businesses in the AONB area (B&B's, hotels, pubs, etc).

If you would like to be put forward for a free audit, please contact Catherine Landles, Community Officer for the Shropshire Hills AONB on the following telephone number or email: Tel 01588 674084 or Email cath.landles@shropshire-cc.gov.uk

Please Note - Businesses do need to be within the AONB area to be eligible for this.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL HEART OF WALES

10th December 2007

The Heart of Wales Line has recently published a leaflet of events covering the area surrounding the Heart of Wales Railway line.

The line runs from Shrewsbury to Swansea, taking in places such as Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Llandybie.

To obtain a copy of the leaflet entitled 'Over 150 Ways to Experience the Real Heart of Wales' please visit www.heart-of-wales.co.uk

HELP KEEP SHROPSHIRE A FAIRTRADE COUNTY

10th December 2007

If you are interested in supporting the Fairtrade cause, or indeed do already, by serving or selling Fairtrade products, please keep up the good work

The Shropshire Fairtrade Coalition has recently achieved the title by gaining the support of a number of local businesses, encouraging a number of outlets to serve Fairtrade products and gaining the support from the Council.

To keep Fairtrade status for the County, The Shropshire Fairtrade Coalition needs to show that Fairtrade is available in more outlets including accommodation businesses.

So if you are interested in helping the cause, please contact Ruth Hudson, Sustainability Assistant at Shropshire County Council on;

Tel: 01743 252577

Email: ruth.hudson@shropshire-cc.gov.uk

NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ON WEBSITES

10th December 2007

Companies in the UK must now include certain regulatory information on their websites and in their email footers.

The following is the minimum information that must be on any company's website (from OUT-LAW's guide, The UK's Ecommerce Regulations).

The name, geographic address and email address of the service provider. The name of the organisation with which the customer is contracting must be given. This might differ from the trading name. Any such difference should be explained e.g. "XYZ.com is the trading name of XYZ Enterprises Limited."

It is not sufficient to include a 'contact us' form without also providing an email address and geographic address somewhere easily accessible on the site. A PO Box is unlikely to suffice as a geographic address; but a registered office address would. If the business is a company, the registered office address must be included. Such information is already required on 'business letters' but the duty is being extended to websites, order forms and electronic documents

If a company, the company's registration number should be given and, under the Companies Act, the place of registration should be stated (e.g. "XYZ Enterprises Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 1234567")

GET YOUR PROPERTY INTO HOLYWOOD, BOLLYWOOD, OR EVEN CRICKLEWOOD!

10th December 2007

Screen West Midlands, the regional screen agency for the West Midlands are giving all tourism business in Shropshire the opportunity to promote your business to potential film crews and production staff who are looking for filming locations in Shropshire.

Responsible for supporting, promoting and developing media productions who are wishing to shoot in the region, Screen West Midlands are currently developing an online database of available filming locations in Shropshire and the West Midlands. This online database of locations will be available for production staff and researchers to search and browse when looking for possible locations.

As a Shropshire business, you are being given the opportunity to register on this database to raise awareness of your property as a possible filming location and to benefit from potential film production projects taking place in the region.

The recent filming for the already acclaimed Hollywood feature 'Atonement' in South Shropshire, highlights the economic benefits that filming can bring to the County. The estimated economic benefit for South Shropshire as a result of this filming generated an accommodation spend in excess of £300,00 with an additional spend of £4,000 for fees paid to extras. This spend was generated in only a matter of 5 weeks and demonstrates that not only does filming of this magnitude bring money into the County but it also generates income for accommodations and other local businesses.

As part of their location search, Screen West Midlands are looking for all type of properties, not just majestic castles and stately homes. Perhaps your property has a series of unique features that will attract the attention of a film producer, or is located in a fantastic setting with stunning views or perhaps it just has a certain something about it. It is surprising what film producers and researchers look for when searching for locations which is why all properties and locations can register on the database.

To register on the new database, visit www.screenwm.co.uk and download a registration form. Registration forms must be completed in full and submitted with a selection of images (both inside and out) to represent the property. Digital images are preferred but traditional images can be accepted and scanned.

This is a free service with no charges being made for registration on the database and property fees will be available to locations used by production companies. Properties registered on the database will initially only be identified by a reference number and county location with enquiries from potential film companies brokered by Screen West Midlands in the first instance.

For further information on this opportunity, please contact Screen West Midlands on 0121 2657120 or visit www.screenwm.co.uk

GET 10% DISCOUNT ON BED AND BREAKFAST INSURANCE

10th December 2007

Shropshire Tourism would like to offer our members the opportunity to claim a discount on their B&B insurance.

The Ryan Insurance Group have agreed to offer our members a 10% discount on B&B insurance policies.

For further information, please contact Jodie Stephen at Shropshire Tourism on 01743 462462. Or visit the official Ryan Insurance Group website www.ryan-group.co.uk

Common Standards for the Rating of Serviced Accommodation

7th December 2007

The AA, RAC, Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and Wales Tourist Board announced ...

The AA, RAC, Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and Wales Tourist Board announced recently that thay have reached an historic agreement to rate serviced accommodation using a common set of standards.