Small business - a big part of the Jurassic experience

The Jurassic Coast Quality Business Scheme, funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) is part of a framework of investment to manage and promote the World Heritage Site.

“The scheme helps develop high standards of business management including  environmental awareness, Jurassic Coast knowledge and customer service – all considered valuable assets to those operating within a World Heritage Site.

"So far 50 businesses are currently recognised by the scheme and there is room for at least 100 more over the coming months.” said Debra Horlock from the Dorset New Forest Tourism Partnership – managing agents for the Scheme.

"Almost any tourism hospitality or retail related business can take part including those who offer services to the industry.

"The scheme has already attracted a wide cross section including tour operators, hotels, attractions, holiday parks and even a Weymouth based accountant whose clients include the local tourism industry.

"The town of Swanage in Dorset is the first of the Gateway towns to embrace the scheme on a town level. Here its main trade association have included it as part of the membership package for the Swanage and Purbeck Hospitality Association.

"We believe every business, no matter how experienced will find some benefit from participating in the scheme so have made it an inclusive part of our membership package.

Collectively Swanage is contributing the overall Jurassic Coast experience giving us a great marketing opportunity’ commented its Chairman, Alan Power.

Businesses wishing to sign up to the Jurassic Coast Quality Business Scheme should call for a self-assessment questionnaire.

This will provide a starting point for the one-to-one visit and recommendations to achieve Quality Business status. Having successfully completed the scheme every business is given free of charge, a listing and link on the official Jurassic Coast website and a range of other Jurassic Coast marketing and networking opportunities.

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