Inverclyde Council unveils Growth Programme for Independent Hospitality Businesses
The programme is being delivered on behalf of Inverclyde Council by Tickety Boo Training and Associates
Inverclyde Council has launched the Growth Programme for Independent Hospitality Businesses to help boost the local sector thanks to funding from the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
It follows the success of a similar initiative run earlier this year for independent retailers.
Participants in the new hospitality support scheme will receive expert help and advice with things like developing their business strategy, working towards net zero, improving customer service, help with HR and management, and sales generation techniques.
On successfully completing the programme, businesses could also be eligible for a grant of up to £1,000 to assist with their growth ambitions.
The scheme will include six in-person development sessions, including guest speaker insights from successful hospitality businesses in Scotland, plus optional one-to-one online support all under the supervision of industry experts.
The programme is being delivered on behalf of Inverclyde Council by Tickety Boo Training and Associates.
Participants must be operating from commercial premises in Inverclyde for a minimum of one year with no minimum turnover requirement to be eligible to take part.
The programme aims to help local, independent hospitality businesses and the local community prosper by supporting increased sales, creating new job opportunities, boosting the local economy, and fostering stronger connections within Inverclyde’s business community by providing a platform for hospitality business owners to connect, share, and learn from each other.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “We have a wealth of fantastic independent pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafés, serving delicious food and drink day in, day out.
“We want local businesses to thrive but we understand how difficult it can be running a small, independent enterprise and how challenging it can be these days to keep pace with ever changing trends.”
McCormick added: “That’s why we’re launching a new growth programme aimed specifically at the hospitality sector to ensure local operators have the knowledge and skills they need to develop and grow their business. It follows on from the success of the independent retailers growth programme earlier this year, which received excellent feedback from local business operators who took part.
“Small businesses are vital for the local and wider economy in providing jobs and follow-on investment in our communities so it’s essential that we equip them with the tools they need to succeed and I’m delighted we are able to offer this support thanks to funding from the UK government.”
