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VisitBritain Business Advice Hub

VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s Business Advice Hub helps tourism businesses with free toolkits, guides and case studies and other relevant supporting information to help your tourism business to grow. Covering the following topics

Start your business
The key target markets in your destination, guidance on the practicalities of setting up a new business and where to get help from mentors.

Find funding
Funding options for your business and guidance on managing finances more effectively to maximise your profit margins.

Know your legal obligations
On what grounds you can refuse a booking, what licences you need to provide TVs and how to comply with health & safety regulations. You can also buy a printed copy of the popular Pink Book: legislation for tourist accommodation.

Understand health and safety
Your legal responsibilities, how to run a safe business and create a Fire Risk Assessment using a free online tool.

Make your business accessible
Guidance, tools and resources to help you provide access for all – and gain a share of a £12 billion market. You can also create an Accessibility Guide for your businesses using a free online tool.

Make your business sustainable
How to save money, reduce your impact and win more customers with practical sustainability tips and case studies.

Employ and manage staff
Step-by-step guides to finding and employing staff, guidance on managing employees and information on apprenticeships.

Find training
Training courses for you and your staff on customer service, digital skills and inclusion.

Get quality assessed
How to get an official star rating or accreditation for your business from the national tourist board.

Enter the Awards for Excellence
How to apply for one of the highest accolades in English tourism – the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Market your business
VisitEngland/VisitBritain marketing opportunities, our Digital Marketing Toolkit and best practice communication guides.

Attract international visitors
Guidance to help your business get ‘international ready’, including extensive research on overseas markets and our Inbound Tourism Toolkit.

Find local support
An online tool that tells you who your local Destination Organisation (local tourist board) and Growth Hubs are.

Explore the Hub now at www.visitengland.org/businessadvice

For local business support, advice, grants and loans visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/business

Beach libraries help families make the most of the Essex Sunshine Coast

Families looking to enjoy the Essex Sunshine Coast this season can benefit from a series of free beach libraries.

Run by a number of different community groups around the district, the sites contain fun items such as buckets and spades for groups to use for the day.

Beach Libraries

As well as ensuring the toys are not just used once, making them more environmentally friendly, they can also be useful for families on low incomes.

Visitors who do buy new toys but are not likely to use them again for a while are encouraged to donate them at the end of their stay to the libraries, provided they are in good condition.

Alex Porter, Tendring District Council (TDC) Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, thanked the groups who were running the beach libraries.

“We are really keen to support these initiatives – which are best run by volunteers – as a way of making our beautiful beaches more accessible to all,” Councillor Porter said.

“By making sure buckets, spades and other beach toys are re-used, and don’t spend the rest of the year languishing in the boot of a car, we can all do our bit to reduce the amount of plastic items being created.

“They can also be a godsend for families taking an affordable day out to our coastline who can instead spend their disposable income on ice creams for their little ones rather than a use-once toy.”

Beach libraries can currently be found in various locations along the seafront at Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Dovercourt; anyone interested in setting up a new library can email seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk to explore options.

The hunt is on for Tendring’s most beloved heritage sites and historic buildings

The hunt is on to find the most beloved heritage sites and historic buildings in Tendring.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has launched a ‘Call for Heritage Sites’ as part of a six-month public consultation starting today [Monday, 2 December].

It comes after the council’s Cabinet adopted criteria for a Local Heritage List earlier this year.

It will help the council to create a list of sites that are important to local people, but do not necessarily meet the specifications to be listed as officially designated heritage assets.

Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, stated: “The Local Heritage List offers a unique chance for the community and the council to collaborate in identifying heritage assets that are cherished and distinctive elements of our local historic environment.

“Non-designated heritage assets include buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas, or landscapes that possess heritage significance worthy of consideration in planning decisions, even though they do not meet the criteria for designated heritage assets.

“For instance, war memorials or other structures of local significance can be nominated for inclusion on the Local List.

“As part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan, promoting our heritage – which in turn attracts visitors and encourages them to stay longer – is integral to everything we do.”

To submit a site for consideration, complete a Nomination Form and email it to locallist@tendringdc.gov.uk or post to: Planning Policy, Tendring District Council, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE.

The criteria against which non-designated heritage assets will be assessed can be found online at Criteria for non-designated assets.

For more information about the consultation, which runs until 2 June 2025, go to tendringdc.gov.uk/content/preparation-of-a-local-list.

Volunteers dig in to help spruce up Dovercourt seafront

Green-fingered volunteers have been thanked for helping to spruce up an overgrown section of Dovercourt seafront.

The Dovercourt Diggers group, which was set up by Tendring District Council (TDC), has been keeping busy over the past year by clearing a section of overgrown scrub on the town’s cliffs, near the Pavilion restaurant off Marine Parade.

More than 15 volunteers, including members of Community Voluntary Service Tendring, have helped TDC’s Open Spaces Team to clear the overgrown space and plant new olive trees.

Spruced up – the new garden area on Dovercourt seafront. Image: TDC

The dedicated volunteers have also been helping to create a small garden next to the clifftop shelter opposite Orwell Road, while the council team has replaced slabs at the shelter and installed a new ramp to ensure it is accessible.

A number of new benches have also been installed in the vicinity.

Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers and our hardworking Open Spaces Team for their efforts to improve this area of the cliffs in Dovercourt.

Before – the overgrown site near the Pavilion restaurant

“Championing our local environment is part of everything that we do and it is marvellous to see the seafront looking great for residents and visitors alike.

“It’s wonderful that local people are involved in maintaining our open spaces, helping our residents to take real pride in our town.”

If you fancy rolling up your sleeves and pitching in with the Dovercourt Diggers, email seanbiswell@tendringdc.gov.uk.

Sunspot in Jaywick shortlisted for national award

Sunspot Jaywick Sands
Sunspot Jaywick Sands

The Sunspot development in Jaywick Sands has been shortlisted in the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2024.

The Sunspot has been recognised in the Social Value Champion of the Year category, sponsored by Social Value Engine, highlighting its significant contribution to social value creation and positive community impact.

Now open for a year and run by Tendring District Council (TDC), Sunspot is a £5.3million workspace development, featuring 24 commercial units, a covered market, event space, café, and other amenities.

The project received substantial funding from various sources, including £2.39million from the Government’s Getting Building Fund administered by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), £2.04million from Essex County Council (ECC), and £816,000 from TDC. Additionally, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation is being used for operating costs.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, expressed his pride in the recognition: “The Sunspot project was designed to be a gateway to Jaywick Sands, and being shortlisted for this award confirms that we have achieved our goal.

“The development is thriving, attracting businesses and visitors alike. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved.”

Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration at Essex County Council, added: “It is fantastic to see the Sunspot recognised on a national level.

“This space is not only a hub for businesses but also a valued destination for residents and visitors. I extend my gratitude to all who contributed to making this development a reality.”

The winners of the IED Annual Awards 2024 will be announced at a ceremony on 6th November at BMA House in London.

Young dancers to take centre stage in spellbinding production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Young performers join 2024 Snow White panto cast.

Talented young performers from dance schools in Clacton will be taking centre stage at this year’s magical Princes Theatre pantomime.

More than 20 students from The Dance House Academy, CCT Studios and Signature Dance Academy will be joining the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this coming festive season.

The professional pantomime, which is being staged by new provider Shone Productions, will be put on at the Tendring District Council-run (TDC) theatre from 7 to 29 December.

Gary Scott, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “Tendring has a wealth of fantastic dance schools and talented young performers – and I’m delighted that some of them will be taking to the stage at this year’s Princes Theatre pantomime.

“Raising aspirations for young people in our district and creating opportunities runs through everything we do, so it will be wonderful to see local youngsters get the chance to join a professional panto cast.

“This year’s pantomime is really shaping up to be a great production and will include a visual spectacle like no other, including 3D glasses being handed to the audience for special sections of the show.

“Tickets for all performances are on sale now and I’d encourage everybody to book theirs now for a show that will be packed with fun for all of the family.”

The pantomime adaptation of the Brothers Grimm classic tale features evil stepmothers, poisoned apples and tales of treachery – and loyalty – as the beautiful Snow White and her seven friends from the enchanted forest attempt to defeat the evil Wicked Queen.

The title role is played by Urdang Academy graduate Ellis Lloyd while Clacton’s very own Danny Lee Grew, an acclaimed magician, returns to his hometown in the role of Muddles.

There will also be a special guest appearance via pre-recorded video by CBBC’s Hacker T. Dog as the Magic Mirror.

There will be a series of special performances for pantomime fans to enjoy, including a preview performance on Saturday, 7 December, with all tickets priced at just £15, a special relaxed performance on Thursday, 19 December, at 6pm, and a British Sign Language (BSL) performance on Sunday, 15 December, at 3.30pm.

The young dancers will not be involved in the one-off adults-only show on Saturday, 28 December, at 8pm.

Tickets for the show are available now from the Princes Theatre website at www.princestheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office at 01255 686633 (Option 1).

Exciting new designs unveiled for Clacton Civic Quarter project

Updated designs have been released for the exciting Clacton Civic Quarter project as part of a second public consultation.

This ambitious development aims to transform key sites the heart of Clacton town centre, and Tendring District Council (TDC) is eager to hear your thoughts on the latest plans for the Carnarvon Terrace part of the scheme.

The new designs – developed following valuable feedback from the initial consultation to ensure the project meets the needs and aspirations of the community – include up to 28 modern homes, a vibrant mixed-use civic and community space, creative workspaces, and a replacement High Street car park, with no loss of parking spaces.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism said: “We are excited to share these refined designs with the public.

“This project is a cornerstone of our vision for Clacton, providing new homes, business opportunities, and community spaces which will improve quality of life.

“Your feedback is crucial in shaping a development that truly benefits our residents.”

The Clacton Civic Quarter project is part of a broader £30million initiative, funded by a nearly £20million government grant. This includes an Essex County Council multi-storey skills, learning and cultural centre at the current Clacton Library site, featuring a new library, Adult Community Learning Centre, local registration services, and a range of other local partners.

The online consultation runs until Wednesday, 23 October 2024 and can be found on the TDC website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/consultations.

For more details on the updated designs and to see a summary of changes since the previous consultation, visit the project page on the council’s website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/luf-blocks/clacton-civic-quarter.

Greater Anglia launches new Ranger tickets for use on the Mayflower and Sunshine Coast lines.

Greater Anglia Ranger Ticket

Greater Anglia has introduced new Ranger tickets for use on the #Mayflower and #SunshineCoast branch lines.

Introduced through working alongside the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, the Ranger’ tickets are available for the ‘Mayflower Line’ between #Manningtree and #Harwich and the ‘Sunshine Coast’ line between #Colchester and #Clacton-on-Sea / #Walton-on-the-Naze.

Tickets provide holders with unlimited travel at off-peak times on either Line. An advantage is that holders can use them to travel between different places along the line hopping on and off all day.

For further information, visit: www.railadvent.co.uk/2024/09/new-ranger-tickets-are-ideal-for-days-out-in-essex.html

New memorial stone unveiled in Clacton in remembrance of Holocaust victims

Unveiling of Holocaust Memorial in Clacton
Unveiling of Holocaust Memorial in Clacton

A new memorial stone in remembrance of victims of the Holocaust has been unveiled at a poignant ceremony in Clacton’s seafront gardens.

The stone was unveiled by the Colchester and District Jewish Community Synagogue in Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Sunken Rose Garden in Marine Parade West.

Alongside the unveiling of the Holocaust Memorial Stone, there was a Service of Commemoration and an Act of Reflection, Remembrance and Hope.

The service was led by Harvey Newman, from the Colchester and District Jewish Community, who was joined by TDC Chairman Dan Casey and Councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, along with a number of members of the public.

Councillor Casey said: “It was a pleasure to welcome members of the Jewish community to the seafront gardens for the unveiling of the new Holocaust memorial in Clacton.

“It is vital that we commemorate the Holocaust and remember the experiences of its victims, as well as the victims of subsequent genocides.

“This new memorial will be the focal point for future Holocaust Memorial Day services in the town.”

Mr Newman said: “I would like to thank all those who shared the auspicious occasion with the Colchester and District Jewish Community.

“I would also like to express my thanks to Gary Green Stonemasons of Chigwell, for donating the stone and Richard Barlow Stonemasons, of Clacton, for installing the memorial.

“It was good to see so many people support us at the service – it is important people remember what has happened.”

Michael Weiger, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, added: “I was very proud to represent the board at this moving ceremony.

“It is very important that we memorialise the Holocaust and that it is not limited to London but includes smaller Jewish communities throughout the country.”

A ceremony is held to remember the victims of the Holocaust on 27 January each year to mark Holocaust Memorial Day – the annual day marks the date the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945.

Holocaust Memorial Day was established by the Government in 2000, with the first activities held the following year.

It aims to promote awareness of how many millions of people and communities were persecuted under racial and social policy because they were different.

Exciting guest speakers to share their expertise with local businesses this Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight

A host of exciting guest speakers will be sharing their knowledge and expertise with local businesses at next month’s Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight.

Firms across Tendring are being reminded that they can get advice on how to boost business at a series of free networking events and seminars run by Tendring District Council (TDC).

The fortnight will feature expert speakers covering topics on digital marketing and women in business, as well as specific industries such as tourism, business in town centres, and creative and cultural arts.

The initiative will include events across Tendring from Monday, 23 September to Wednesday, 2 October, including the annual Jobs and Skills Fair.

Tendring4Growth Speaker

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said there were a range of exciting speakers lined up for the events.

“Our Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight is always a great opportunity for local businesses to share best practice, network and pick up advice from experts and guest speakers,” he said.

“There’s a real range of subjects being discussed and I look forward to meeting local firms from across the district to hear about their achievements.

“We have an exciting line-up of guest speakers and I would like to thank them all for being willing to share their expertise and experiences to help boost business for everyone in our district.

“Raising aspirations and creating opportunities runs through everything we do.”

The Tendring4Growth Business Fortnight starts with the launch event Regenerating Tendring at Clacton Leisure Centre on Monday, 23 September, from 10am to 12.30pm.

It will offer a broad overview of business success stories and attendees can learn about opportunities for growth within Tendring, including a host of exciting projects.

Speakers will include Councillor Henderson alongside Freeport East’s Chief Executive Steve Beel, Harwich Town Partnership’s Paul Milsom and Stuart Burns, from award-winning Clacton firm Dura Composites.

This will be followed by the ‘Tendring Tourism’ event on Tuesday, 24 September, from 10am to 12.30pm, at the Kingscliff Hotel in Holland-on-Sea, where people can hear about shared goals of the industry and upcoming initiatives to support costal and rural tourism.

Guest speakers include Essex County Council’s Lucy Bones, Clacton Pier’s Harry Peek, Thomas Hide from Frinton Golf Club and Michelle Nye-Browne from the Naze Tower in Walton.

The ‘Boost Your Digital Presence’ event takes place on Wednesday, 25 September, from 9.30am to 12noon, at the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Thorpe-le-Soken.

It will explain how firms can breathe new life into social media pages, best practice to protect against ransomware attacks and how AI marketing can help businesses to grow.

Speakers will include Carla Watkins, from Visual Magic Marker, Kate Everett from The Write Impression, Essex Police’s Nicola Doubleday and Kelsie Lowe from Roam Creative Marketing.

The Jobs and Skills Fair will return to Clacton Town Hall on Thursday, 26 September, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, providing the opportunity for businesses to come face-to-face with a diverse range of potential candidates.

Week two begins with a Women in Business networking event on Monday, 30 September, at The Waterfront in Dovercourt, from 9.30am to 12noon, when attendees will be empowered by inspirational stories and business guidance across a range of industries.

Speakers include Helen Armstrong, from Silver Cloud, Susan Daish, the High Steward of Harwich and Eve Calderbank from Ambitious Women in Essex.

The ‘Coastal Creativity and Entrepreneurship’ event on Tuesday, 1 October, from 9.30am to 1pm, at The Electric Palace in Harwich, is a chance for local creatives to discover support to access funding, network, and discuss projects with TDC’s Creativity and Culture Team.

Guest speakers include Colbea’s Simon Mead and Matthew Liney from Funnelwick Limb.

The Business Fortnight concludes with the High Street Heroes event at The Nose bookshop in Walton-on-the-Naze on Wednesday, 2 October, from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Town centre-based businesses will be able to network, find out what they can do to improve trade, and the support available from the council.

The guest speakers will be Eleanor Brown, from The Nose, Winyl’s Steve Tattam, Denni King from Bird and Bean, and Little Boat Gift’s Olivia Reilly.

To find out more and to book your place at an event, go to www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/businessfortnight.

Families turn out in force for free storytelling and children’s theatre festival

Families descended on Clacton town centre for a celebration of storytelling and children’s theatre.

The first ever Word on the Street festival took place on the Town Square on Saturday, June 15, between 11am and 4pm.

Word on the Street performance.

The new outdoors art event was run by Manningtree’s The Grand Theatre of Lemmings and the Tendring Cultural Education Partnership with support from Tendring District Council, Arts Council England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The day featured storytelling, outdoor shows, stilt-walking and circus workshops, as well as a Clacton-inspired mural for children to colour in.

Mandy Rose, from the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, said: “It was a fabulous event and hundreds of people turned out throughout the day to join in the fun.

A performer at the Word on the Street festival in Clacton Town Square. Image: Kevin Jay
“The whole event, which was free of charge, was aimed at getting young people and their families to interact with the storytelling, theatre and outdoor art.

“It was wonderful to see so many young people take part in the activities, which were aimed at broadening their creative horizons.”

Jessica Bryan, TDC’s Tourism, Arts and Events Manager, said the event has helped to inspire young people.

“This wonderful new festival was all about creating shared moments of joy for families and helping people to take pride in our area alongside promoting our heritage and attracting visitors,” she said.

The Word on the Street festival included a circus workshop in Clacton Town Square. Image: Kevin Jay
“We wanted to help provide an opportunity for children, family and friends across generations to spend time together at no cost while getting involved in creativity and culture.

“Inclusive events like the Word on the Street will help to redefine our public spaces, showcasing our brilliant creative community and giving a boost to our town centre shops.

“We hope that this free event has inspired young people in the district to raise their aspirations and get involved in the arts.”

Drowning Prevention Week – save the date

Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) is one of the largest summer water safety campaigns across the UK and Ireland targeting families, carers, teachers and instructors of children aged five to fifteen years old with the aim of educating them about water safety.

The campaign will run from 15 – 22 June so please mark the week in your calendars and keep reading for ideas of how to get involved!

No child should drown, and with the right water safety education – such as knowledge of the Water Safety Code – accidental drownings are preventable. Drowning Prevention Week is deliberately timed ahead of the school summer holidays when children spend more time outdoors and when vital water safety skills can help keep children safe.

Please help to spread the word this year and encourage everyone to have the water safety conversation with children. DPW is critical in raising awareness and encouraging the public to enjoy water safely.

To download a copy of FREE safety education resources and find out more visit Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week (rlss.org.uk)