Focussing on survival, unity, recovery and growth in the economy, a brand-new business clinic is being launched to support North East Lincolnshire's tourism and hospitality sector.
During the spring and summer, local businesses were faced with unprecedented challenges and uncertainty due to the new COVID guidelines and regulations, while also dealing with changes in consumer confidence brought about the pandemic.
The E-Factor Business Support team are dedicated to the success of local business, and through their ERDF GAIN programme are currently focussing on the best ways to assist businesses in the key priority sectors for the area. Therefore, E-Factor has teamed up with the NELC Economy and Growth Team to launch a regular Business Clinic at the Town Hall in Cleethorpes, with the goal of informing and advising businesses in the visitor economy sector. Businesses eligible for support include attractions, hospitality, accommodation and destination retailers.
Overcoming the winter months has been identified as key to long term survival, and E-Factor together with NELC are keen to engage with businesses in order to update them about changes to our local tourism offer, as well as the specific support available to them through this fully-funded programme:
• Online workshops
• Market research and information about your area of business
• Legal requirements and guidance
• Business planning
• Funding & finance guidance
• Marketing and sales advice
• One-to-one support
• A business health check
Sessions are now available to book at the new “SURGE” clinics and will be hosted by Rob Marklew from E-Factor and Deborah Cooper, Visitor Economy Investment Officer for NELC.
Cllr John Fenty, Cabinet member for regeneration at NELC, said: “2020 has been a turbulent year with winners and losers as we grapple with the dos and don’ts of COVID conformance. Recovery is now our greatest focus and we are determined to be there for local businesses, and importantly, to support new business start-ups. Enquires to start a new business are running at a record high as many eye the opportunity to become entrepreneurs. Businesses new and old have a great opportunity to take up the offer of support available.”
Rob Marklew added: “The SURGE clinics are designed for tourism businesses to have an informal, confidential discussion about their business, the consumer landscape and the support available to them. Appointments will be booked on a first come first served basis with all necessary COVID precautions in place at the venue. Video conference calls can be arranged for anyone wanting to meet remotely. Further details will be made available on the E-Factor Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/efactorgroup.”
The first session takes place on Wednesday 4th November. Any business from the visitor economy sector wishing to book a slot should email Rob on rob.marklew@e-factor.co.uk.
