Bed and Breakfast Sector
Tourism South East (TSE) responded to stakeholders requests for an in-depth study into the bed & breakfast (B&B) sector, and practical assistance to help move it forward. TSE structured a three phase study to research and develop guidance for Local Authorities on retaining and increasing the supply (where apt.) of B&B accommodation in the South East Region.
The drive for this work has come from a perceived:
- high churn rate of B&B businesses;
- sustained interest in starting up B&B establishments;
- persistent shortage of B&B accommodation in some areas of the Region; and
- differing degrees of support for the sector at a local level.
Recognising the excellence and best practice performed by many B&B establishments and supporting organisations, the study was constructed to identify, analyse and promote such initiatives more widely. At the same time, it was widely recognised that a definitive study was necessary to identify the key issues and concerns that face a unique sector where the majority of operators are running a business 'within their home'.
The Three Phrase Study
Phase One:
The initial research phase - to provide evidence of initiatives and other examples of local authority work that encourages the development of the bed and breakfast sector e.g. through providing advice, workshops on training, business development and guidance on starting up, planning requirements and other relevant legislation.
Phase two:
the strategic phase - using the outcomes of phase one to develop a toolkit, complete with guidance notes for Local Authorities. This phase also saw the publishing of LA Guidance on supporting the B&B sector and a research summary on the B&B Sector.
Phase three:
the implementation phase - TSE is working with a number of Local Authorities/ partnerships to implement sub-regional bed and breakfast development initiatives.
To find out more about this study, please contact Gary Lord or 023 8063 5498
Phase three partners are:
TSE, Local Authorities, Business Links.
This Project has been assisted by funding from SEEDA, the Regional Development Agency.
Tourism South East has also produced a Bed and Breakfast Business Advice Handbook aimed at start up and existing businesses.