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Business Support and Advice

Welcome to Business Advice.  On these pages we hope to provide you with the information you might need.

Thinking of starting up?

There is a common misconception that any one can run a tourism business when in practice, while it can be very rewarding the hours can be long and the work involved hard!

A great way to find out if it is the life for you is talk to other business owners to get a realistic idea of the number and types of hours that you could expect to work or check out Accommodation Knowhow.

Do your research - How many B&B's, self catering cottages etc are there in your area? What are the occupancy rates, visitor numbers, spend for the area?

 
Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable and Green

Get ahead of the game and develop your business with firm eco friendly credentials - it could save you money, give you a competitive edge and save the planet!

As a first step use the free on-line green start tool kit that will take you through easy steps to make your business more environmentally friendly

The Peak District Environmental Quality Mark is the first environmental award of its kind in England. The award scheme will grow as more businesses demonstrate their commitment to the National Park.

Find out more....

 
Quality

Get Quality Assured

It makes good business sense to have a quality grading from either VisitBritain or the AA  and to develop your business with the needs of your prospective visitors in mind. The quality assessment criteria can help point you in the right direction

VisitBritain has also created some additional quality accolades to help you cater for specific markets e.g. Families Welcome, Walkers Welcome, Cyclists Welcome, Pets Welcome

The AA Rosette scheme has long been established and successfully recognises cooking at different levels nationwide

Find out more....

 
 
 

Accessible Tourism

Are you Accessible to All

   The National Accessible Scheme

Run by VisitBritain - is a nationally recognised rating to ensure that accommodation meets the needs of people with physical and sensory needs.

The NAS helps accommodation operators improve and promote their true level of accessibility

It is not all about wheelchairs - even if a business has steps to the front door or no ground floor bedrooms it can still achieve a rating. Check out the mobility entry-level rating: ‘One step ahead'

Find out more.....

 

Online Trading

Want to sell online?

Using Guestlink

Guestlink is the UK's fastest growing accommodation web booking and management system, processing in excess of £20 million

Guestlink allows you to manage your information, availability, and much more

At the touch of a button, your information can be updated across a wide variety of distribution channels including our network of Tourist Information Centres, local and regional tourism websites

More....

 
 

TRAINING COURSES 2012

  • Derbys & Notts Chamber of Commerce, Business Training courses, download the Course Directory  here.
  • DNCC Business Training also deliver a large amount of bespoke courses each year. For more information call 0844 443 2150 or email here...
  • For more information go to the DNCC website

Legal Stuff

  • HM Revenue & Customs offers practical advice about starting up in business, working for yourself and getting your VAT right. It also has information about the national minimum wage rates and criteria.
  • Food Standards Agency can offer advice about your responsibilities with regard to food safety regulations. 
  • Health & Safety Executive can offer advice about your responsibilities with regard to health and safety regulations.
  • Business Link is a good place to start for more information about setting up your own business
  • PCI DSS If you accept card payments for bookings and/or reservations you may need to conform with credit card legislation.