Business Support Hub – Travel and Tourism
Topics currently covered on the Hub are:
- Start your business
The key target markets in your destination, guidance on the practicalities of setting up a new business and where to get help from mentors.
- Find funding
Funding options for your business and guidance on managing finances more effectively to maximise your profit margins.
- Know your legal obligations
On what grounds you can refuse a booking, what licences you need to provide TVs and how to comply with health & safety regulations. You can also buy a printed copy of the popular Pink Book: legislation for tourist accommodation.
- Understand health and safety
Your legal responsibilities, how to run a safe business and create a Fire Risk Assessment using a free online tool.
- Make your business accessible
Guidance, tools and resources to help you provide access for all – and gain a share of a £12 billion market. You can also create an Accessibility Guide for your businesses using a free online tool.
- Make your business sustainable
How to save money, reduce your impact and win more customers with practical sustainability tips and case studies.
- Employ and manage staff
Step-by-step guides to finding and employing staff, guidance on managing employees and information on apprenticeships.
- Find training
Training courses for you and your staff on customer service, digital skills and inclusion.
- Get quality assessed
How to get an official star rating or accreditation for your business from the national tourist board.
- Enter the Awards for Excellence
How to apply for one of the highest accolades in English tourism – the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
- Market your business
VisitEngland/VisitBritain marketing opportunities, our Digital Marketing Toolkit and best practice communication guides.
- Attract international visitors
Guidance to help your business get ‘international ready’, including extensive research on overseas markets and our Inbound Tourism Toolkit.
- Find local support
An online tool that tells you who your local Destination Organisation (local tourist board) an Growth Hubs are.