Did you know that the Ashford Borough is home to around 400 hospitality businesses and food and drink producers? And this includes an ever-increasing number of vineyards! With the growing popularity in English wine and the strength of the locally grown produce, there is an opportunity for us to capitalise on the visitor demand for authentic food and drink experiences.
Ashford Borough Council has teamed up with Visit Kent to deliver a programme designed to support the development of new visitor experiences that showcase the incredible local produce available in the Ashford and Tenterden area. The aim is to create exciting new products and experiences by linking together different types of visitor economy businesses, such as accommodation providers, attractions and experiences. As part of this project, we’ll also create a new digital wine trail map and launch a dedicated marketing campaign.
Whether looking to diversify your existing business or start a new enterprise, if you have an idea for a new visitor experience that showcases and tells the story of our local produce, then we want to help you!
The application process for existing businesses to participate in the product development programme has now closed. However, if you have an idea for a new business then you can still get involved. Read on for more information below.
If you would like to start a new business
If you do not yet have a business but have an idea for a new food and drink visitor experience (and plan to set up a new business in the near future), then join us for a series of expert-led workshops designed to help you develop your ideas and set up your business. These workshops will also provide you with the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with like-minded local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The series of business support workshops will be delivered between November 2023 and February 2024 and will include the following topics:
- Setting up a new tourism business
- Audience mapping
- Pricing and packaging
- PR and influencers
- Promotional channels and distribution
Please note that there is no grant funding attached to this programme, you’ll find further information on grant funding available here - www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk/learn-about-grants-and-finance/
If you have any questions at all, then please get in touch on enquiries@visitkent.co.uk
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For all general enquiries, please contact the team via email Postal Address: 10 Best Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JB