Chance to trap the benefits of tourism

OLDHAM Council is encouraging local businesses to take advantage of grants to help boost tourism and improve the design and quality of rural accommodation.

Tourism Connect is a grant scheme managed by Visit Manchester on behalf of the 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester.

Up to £60,000 is available to businesses in eligible rural areas, such as Saddleworth, for work including upgrading bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms and conference facilities.

Applications for developing new visitor accommodation provision are also welcome. But local businesses have only until December to apply.

Since the start of the project the council has been working closely with Visit Manchester to maximise the scheme’s benefits by providing details of all local accommodation providers and attending a Tourism Connect information event for local businesses at Clough Manor, Denshaw.

It is estimated tourism contributes £204million to the borough’s economy and supports 3,058 full-time jobs.

Two Saddleworth businesses have already taken advantage of Tourism Connect and successfully applied for £85,000 of funding to help attract more visitors.

Ed Stacey, of Greenfield, is renovating and extending a 1930s bungalow, The Pines, to create a four bedroom, two bathroom holiday let.

Mr Stacey’s aim is to use the £25,000 grant from Tourism Connect to provide good quality, environmentally friendly, self-catering accommodation that meets the green tourism accreditation standards.

He said Visit Manchester was first class — helping with expert support to develop a robust business plan.

Moorlands Caravan Park, in Denshaw, has been awarded £60,000 to help it expand to meet the increasing demand of visitors. The project involves creating new facilities, relaying a road, and building a new shower/toilet block and office.

To get help and advice on applying for a grant or find out more contact the Tourism Connect Scheme on 0161-238 4568 or email jodie.house@visitmanchester.com.

Support for local businesses is also available from the council’s business liaison team.

Contact the team at talkingbusiness@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161-770 1671.