SPARK supporting local tourism businesses
Friday 29 September 2023
As World Tourism Day (27 September 2023) was celebrated across the Borough this week, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council reflected on their innovative SPARK programme which has offered specialist mentoring support to many early-stage local tourism businesses.
Over the past two years, SPARK has helped over 150 businesses, providing 1,070 hours of support representing an investment of £60,000. The programme has helped support new SMEs and Social Enterprises navigate and thrive in the changing business environment resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and other economic influences.
The tourism sector which includes accommodation, leisure activities and local eateries accounted for 15% of early stage and new start businesses which SPARK supported.
Amid the challenges posed by recent times, these businesses stand as a testament to their resilience, innovation, and unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Ranging from sustainable accommodation and events space to outdoor leisure pursuits, these businesses contribute vibrancy and vitality to the local economy.
Tourism businesses which have availed of the SPARK programme include:
Tenth Glen/Willow and Lore, Newtowncrommelin
Willow and Lore and Tenth Glen Heritage Farms located in Newtowncrommelin, started as the one idea in June 2021. Owners Declan and Sabrina received marketing and customer experience support from SPARK in April 2022. Declan said:
“The support was invaluable with regards to helping us identify and understand our target market as well as giving us the tools to evaluate and adapt as our business and market evolved. It also helped us to establish our business presence online both through social media strategies and website development.
“Over the first winter, as we researched and developed our idea and tapped into various supporting networks and resources, the idea then evolved into two separate but complimentary entities. The tourism accommodation and events operations became Willow and Lore and Tenth Glen Heritage Farms came into its own as a community driven organisation focused on preserving our local farming heritage and traditional skills, promoting community supported and sustainable agriculture and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our community.”
For more information visit the Tenth Glen Heritage Farms website.
The Pink Cottage, McCraes Brae, Whitehead
It took a global pandemic for local entrepreneur Heather Craig to take the brave step to renovate the upstairs of her vacant cottage overlooking the sea in Whitehead. Tapping into her skills as an interior designer, Heather created a boutique style guest accommodation with an interior that felt sumptuous and would give guests a feeling of being wrapped in a warming wool blanket while gazing out to sea.
Heather embarked on the SPARK programme in October 2021 gaining support on website development and then sales & marketing. Speaking of the support Heather said:
“SPARK was absolutely invaluable as it enabled me to create a website where people can book directly and get the best price. This greatly benefits the guest as they don’t get charged any extra fees.
“SPARK also helped me launch The Pink Cottage with support and mentoring on social media platforms, which increased visibility. I have no doubt that this support aided a successful first year and gave me greater confidence knowing that guests were loving The Pink Cottage!”
For more information visit The Pink Cottage website.
Briarfield Farm Stays, Glenarm
After several years of research and exploring different accommodation opportunities husband and wife team Helen and Ronan Matthews launched Briarfield Farm Stays in Glenarm, with a luxury 4-bed, self-catering guest cabin in June 2022.
Helen and Ronan received mentoring support through SPARK in early 2023, just as they were about to embark on an extended and enhanced visitor experience. The support was invaluable in helping them make informed decisions that would meet the needs of both local and international tourists.
Speaking of the support provided through SPARK, Helen said: “The SPARK programme was invaluable in providing us with the specialist mentoring support that we would otherwise not have been able to avail of. The support guided us in defining a clear strategy, looking at what was working well and what areas we needed to focus on, and what best suited our ultimate business plan. We also received mentoring on website development which has proved invaluable in establishing our own website developing our online presence and direct sales and we have been delighted that our bookings have exceeded all our expectations.”
For more information visit the Briarfield Farm Stays website.
To find out more about the unique tourism offering in Mid and East Antrim visit Council’s dedicated website Shaped by Sea & Stone.
To learn more about programmes that will support you on your business journey contact amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or call T: 028 2563 3363.