Industry News

Please find below all the latest news of interest to the industry. Don't forget, you can also take a look at more general news and find out where Dorset's been appearing in the press on our Dorset in the News page.  

May 2013
	Carbon Monoxide: What accommodation providers need to know Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous substance produced by the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). This can happen when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained, or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked. Other fuels including coal, wood, oil and even petrol can produce CO. CO poisoning occurs when small amounts of the gas are breathed in, causing serious illness or death. As a result, accommodation providers will need to install, maintain and service appliances, pipework and flues on a regular basis.
	New Equality Act 2010 guides The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a new series of free guides for small businesses on the Equality Act. Three guides are available: Understanding legal definitions of discrimination and unlawful behaviour in the Equality Act; Your role as a service provider under the Equality Act and Your role as an employer under the Equality Act. Each guide covers what behaviour is unlawful under the legislation and is designed for businesses who don't have in-house HR resources.
	Stag and Hen Groups: Where you stand Some accommodation providers frequently host stag and hen groups, and in most cases, these stays are trouble free and provide good revenue. However, 'horror stories' of such groups making noise and causing damage are not unfounded, and many businesses are cautious when accepting bookings from large number, single-sex groups. Find out how legislation affects you as a provider.
	Going Green: Hints and tips for sustainable business Sustainability may be high on the agenda for many holiday providers, but reducing consumption is only one of a long list of benefits available to companies keen on 'going green'. Find out how introducing smarter measures can be a powerful tool for business development, cutting costs and boosting longer term revenue streams.
April 2013
	West Dorset tourism set for Broadchurch boom Tourism in Dorset is set to continue to see the benefits of the fantastic ITV series, 'Broadchurch' after the nail biting finale aired on 22nd April... Read full press release (dorsetforyou.com)
	Hospitality businesses wanted for new Channel 4 TV series Are you running your own business? Is it suffering because of critical online reviews? Would you like to set the record straight? If so, we'd like to hear from you. A new Channel 4 TV series with TV troubleshooter Ruth Watson wants to give businesses the right to relpy. It could be the best step you take to bounce your business back. Please email ruthwatson@rdftelevision.com telling us briefly who you are, your business name and your bad review experience. Or call Andy on 0117 970 7652.
	Enjoy the best of Dorset for less during Residents' Week Residents across Dorset can enjoy discount deals at many of the county's top attractions from 22nd - 28th April, using the special offers featured in the Spring edition of Dorset County Council's community newspaper, 'Your Dorset'. Download press release
March 2013
	Tourism in Dorset reaps the benefits of Broadchurch Visit Dorset's tourism team have been working hard to maximise the benefits that ITV1's new drama, Broadchurch, can bring to tourism in Dorset... Read full article (dorsetforyou.com)
	Dorset to benefit from nationwide tourism campaign The Visit Dorset tourism partnership is working with VisitEngland, the national tourist board, to promote Dorset and encourage more people to holiday at home and discover the best that England has to offer... Read full article (dorsetforyou.com)
	Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre Wins Tourism Award Staff at Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre are celebrating after winning Bronze in the 'Tourist Information Centre of the Year' category at the South West Tourism Awards... Read full press release (dorsetforyou.com)
February 2013
	Coming soon - the 6th Rural Dorset Literature Exchange Local accommodation proprietors are invited to this popular information and networking event at Moors Valley Country Park on Wednesday 13th March, 11am to 3pm. B&B owners, hoteliers and staff, caravan and holiday park operators and self-catering providers please join us for tea/coffee and cake, free activities and of course the chance to collect information on the Dorset/New Forest area. For more info email Rachel Limb on rlimb@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk
	New TV documentary on the look out for participants Do you own your own company? Do you need to attract more customers? Would you benefit from some marketing advice?   A major TV channel is making a documentary series about small and medium sized businesses in the UK. If you run a company of ten to a hundred staff, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact us on business@outlineproductions.co.uk
	Best of Dorset Show launched in Weymouth The Best of Dorset Show has been launched for 2013, taking place this year on Sunday March 24th. The show offers many businesses and organisations a great opportunity to raise awareness of their services, generate new business and promote their activities and products. Bookings for stalls and exhibitions are now being taken - for more information call events officer Charlotte Sheppard on 01305 838512 or download a booking form here.
January 2013
	1 South West Cycling Project The 1 South West off-road cycling project is looking for accommodation providers that welcome cyclists, for listing on their interactive Adventure Cycle Map. The map was created to help cyclists of all abilities plan a cycling trip to the region. Visitors will be able to find out where to go, what to expect and find the nearest cycle shops and hire businesses. There is still more information to be added over the coming months, in particular cycle-friendly accommodation. To list your business, visit www.1sw.org.uk and click on the link at the top for the interactive map. Click on the 'Suggest a facility' button and you will be able to enter your business details, including a link through to your listing on www.visit-dorset.com
October 2012
	CYCLE WEST aims to boost Dorset tourism Cycle West is an exciting new project set to open up massive opportunities for tourism and visitor based businesses in Dorset. The 621 mile long cross channel network links 3 cycle routes in South West England, Brittany and Normandy, each of them inviting cyclists to visit some of the most beautiful scenery that these regions have to offer, including Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast. To find out more about how you can play your part in this fantastic propspect, visit www.cyclewest.com
September 2012
	The Pink Book is Back VisitEngland has launched a new printed version of the well respected Pink Booklet. VisitEngland quality assessed accommodation providers will be entitled to a free copy, or copies can be published for £9.99 plus P+P by emailing feedback@visitengland.org
	Horses Welcome The British Horse Society is seeking to promote the UK's first quality assures scheme for equine guest accommodation, 'Horses Welcome'. For more information, visit www.horseswelcome.org or call 02476 840496