news

Sign up for innovative food and drink support

19 Apr 2011

Experiencing Scotland
Every Scottish tourism and hospitality business is looking for ways to boost profits and improve their reputation. So it could make sense for your business to take advantage of an innovative industry support programme that aims to capitalise on Scotland’s fabulous larder of food and drink.
Through the Experiencing Scotland project, which is funded and delivered by Scottish Enterprise, eligible tourism businesses and event organisers are being offered – at s nominal cost – one-to-one business advice on enhancing the visitor and consumer experience through food and drink. 
Research has revealed that Scotland’s food and drink is held in high esteem by visitors and consumers – and offers a key way for tourism and hospitality businesses to boost profits.
You only need to take a look at a study by Scottish Enterprise to discover the rewards of offering local and regional food and produce to your customers.
The survey found: 
• Businesses and events that serve local food gain, on average, 20% higher sales every year. 
• Visitors are willing to pay up to 15% more for food that is of Scottish or regional origin. 
• Consumers will be more likely to buy food – and think that it is higher quality – if they know that it is sourced locally and they know the “story” behind it.
For many visitors, culinary tourism is an integral part of their travel experience. In Scotland, there is increasing demand from visitors to sample distinctive local food and to taste traditional cooking.
Added to this, in 2011 the Scottish Government and the private sector are working together to build Scotland’s reputation as The Land of Food and Drink. 
How to boost the Scottish food and drink experience
Tourism and hospitality businesses can take advantage of one-to-one advice supplied by the Merritt-Harrison Catering Consultancy, via the Experiencing Scotland project.
The support includes:
• An induction to business tools and support networks available through Scotland Food and Drink, Tourism Intelligence Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and others.
• Up to two days of direct consultancy support. There will be a bespoke diagnostic analysis, which reviews your menu offer, service delivery, purchasing, marketing, staff skills and overall financial performance.
• A bespoke action plan with benchmarks, targets and timescales for achievement.
• Referrals to suppliers, events and support organisations as appropriate.
• Review of progress and telephone support as required.
Is your business eligible for the support? 
To be eligible for the consultancy support your business needs to be:
• A visitor attraction with more than 250,000 visitors annually 
• A hotel group operating in Scotland
• A conference venue 
• A sporting venue involved in international events
• A national carrier 
• An event that attracts UK and international visitors
To find out more check out xxx or call 
0845 607 8787 or email enquiries@scotent.co.uk     
http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/your-sector/food-and-drink/foodanddrink-how-we-can-help.aspx

Every Scottish tourism and hospitality business is looking for ways to boost profits and improve their reputation. So it could make sense for your business to take advantage of an innovative industry support programme that aims to capitalise on Scotland’s fabulous larder of food and drink.

Through the Experiencing Scotland project, which is funded and delivered by Scottish Enterprise, eligible tourism businesses and event organisers are being offered – at a nominal cost – one-to-one business advice on enhancing the visitor and consumer experience through food and drink. 

Research has revealed that Scotland’s food and drink is held in high esteem by visitors and consumers – and offers a key way for tourism and hospitality businesses to boost profits.

You only need to take a look at a study by Scottish Enterprise to discover the rewards of offering local and regional food and produce to your customers.

The survey found:

• Businesses and events that serve local food gain, on average, 20% higher sales every year.

• Visitors are willing to pay up to 15% more for food that is of Scottish or regional origin. 

• Consumers will be more likely to buy food – and think that it is higher quality – if they know that it is sourced locally and they know the “story” behind it.

For many visitors, culinary tourism is an integral part of their travel experience. In Scotland, there is increasing demand from visitors to sample distinctive local food and to taste traditional cooking. 
Added to this, in 2011 the Scottish Government and the private sector are working together to build Scotland’s reputation as The Land of Food and Drink. 

How to boost the Scottish food and drink experience

 Tourism and hospitality businesses can take advantage of one-to-one advice supplied by the Merritt-Harrison Catering Consultancy, via the Experiencing Scotland project.

The support includes:

• An induction to business tools and support networks available through Scotland Food and Drink, Tourism Intelligence Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and others.

• Up to two days of direct consultancy support. There will be a bespoke diagnostic analysis, which reviews your menu offer, service delivery, purchasing, marketing, staff skills and overall financial performance.

• A bespoke action plan with benchmarks, targets and timescales for achievement.

• Referrals to suppliers, events and support organisations.

• Review of progress and telephone support.

Is your business eligible for the support? 

 To be eligible for the consultancy support your business needs to be:

• A visitor attraction with more than 250,000 visitors annually 

• A hotel group operating in Scotland

• A conference venue 

• A sporting venue involved in international events

• A national carrier 

• An event that attracts UK and international visitors.

To find out more check out Experiencing Scotland at Scottish Enterprise or call 0845 607 8787 or email enquiries@scotent.co.uk