Local businesses across the region continue to benefit from the specialist marketing support offered by the North York Moors Tourism Network.
The network operates in partnership with the North York Moors National Park with support from Anglo American, and hosts regular workshops across the region, with members benefitting from the support of marketing specialist Susan Briggs as well as being able to network with other businesses and share ideas with each other.
Anglo American has supported the development of the Network with £60,000 in order to help bring businesses together, support them with marketing ideas, help them identify and reach new customer markets.
One business to have benefitted from being a member of the network is Homestead Kitchen, a family-owned fine dining restaurant and holiday cottage in Goathland, near Whitby.
Cecily Fearnley, co-owner of the Homestead Kitchen in Goathland, near Whitby, is a member of the North York Moors Tourism Network, which is supported by Anglo American
Homestead owner Cecily Fearnley said: “Living rurally, there can be a lot of distance between people and it’s so important to support local businesses and work together as a community. We all bring something different to the table and we can all celebrate and support each other to make a stronger area for us all to live and work in.
“In terms of growing the business, the network has helped us connect with PR opportunities. Susan really encourages you to tell your story to encapsulate what it is we’re doing to try and bring in extra customers – not just for us, but for the area in general.
Susan added: “The network is all about helping the businesses get to grips with the local distinctiveness of the area, to completely understand and appreciate what makes the National Park special and also take advantage of being located in this fantastic area.
“The focus of the meetings is always on practical activities that they can go off and implement straight away.”
Catriona McLees, Head of Marketing & Communications at the North York Moors National Park Authority, added: “We’ve worked alongside Susan for over 10 years and have built lasting relationships with countless local businesses, providing advice and support to help them reach new audiences and develop their offer.
“As environmental considerations become increasingly important to everybody, we are now working as a community to encourage visitors to the North York Moors to make more positive choices and contributions, for example by eating local food, travelling sustainably and even participating in small acts of volunteering.”
Supporting the Tourism Network is part of a wide-ranging package of support Anglo American offers local businesses, community organisations and local residents. Find out more here
Find out more about the network via - https://www.northyorkmoorstourism.com/