This was an opportunity for businesses present to hear how Visit Northumberland can help with their business development ideas through sharing of insight, expertise and experience in the tools and techniques we use to raise the profile of our partner businesses.

 

Addressing delegates, Neil Carney, Head of Destination detailed:

•     the role, marketing approach and activities of Visit Northumberland,

•     the engagement activities we offer for them to participate as part of our partner engagement programme,

•     some key marketing and development tips, including an introduction to working with the travel trade,

•     some exercises for them to take away to help develop their business idea, how to articulate that idea and start thinking about how to take it to market.

 

In attendance were farm businesses with established tourist operations and those with an interest in the visitor economy who sought more detail on diversification, tourism and marketing to establish activities ranging from farmhouse accommodation, horse livery and campsite operations.

 

The Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) has been staging a series of Farming Advisory Service workshops as part of their support for the Northumberland Small Business Service to assist in the growth and resilience of farming businesses as well as exploring opportunities for diversification.

 

Through the scheme, farm businesses can access fully funded 1:1 advice, sign posting to grant and business development support and specialist advice through workshops.

 

The workshop focussed on tourism and marketing and was held at the recently redeveloped Brocksbushes Farm Shop nr Hexham and within a stone’s throw of the Northumberland National Park.

 

The event also covered sessions on tourism product development, natural capital and heritage; and a talk from Brocksbushes on their recent successful diversification efforts.