Greensand Country has been working hard to encourage local firms to join its business charter. The hard work has been paying off as every week new members are signing up and supporting the charter.
If you aren’t familiar with the Greensand Country area, it is very special. It is an oasis of peace and tranquillity that stretches from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. The rolling countryside, breathtaking views and unique geology really make the area stand out.
What are the benefits of the charter?
When a business signs up they automatically get access to the new Sense of Place toolkit which is designed to help draw upon the special qualities of Greensand Country. They will have access to photos of Greensand Country that can be used in their own marketing, as well as lots of narrative about the local area and the sites and attractions in it.
Businesses can use all this to promote their services and engage with customers. In doing so, their business or organisation can become more competitive, more attractive and better connected with local networks.
Every business that signs up to the charter is encouraged to upload a profile that is then visible on the Greensand Country website. This will create a new stream of customer interest and potential growth for the business. Charter businesses will also receive invitations to Greensand Country events and can add their own events to the website event diary free of charge. More details are available on the recently launched website www.greensandcountry.com
Putting your business on the map
A big feature on the Greensand Country website is the interactive map. This shows all the walking, cycling and horse-riding routes in the area and places of interest, as well as pubs, cafes, restaurants and places to stay.
If a business falls into one of those categories, it will automatically be placed on the interactive map. If the business isn’t hospitality based, the profile will be found under the Local Organisations and Clubs page. There is a good opportunity no matter what the business, and it’s all free marketing!
To ensure businesses get the most out of their charter membership Greensand Country will be running training courses. These will cover how to use the Sense of Place toolkit, images and text, which is all supplied by Greensand Country.
The best way to think of it is to compare Greensand Country to the Jurassic Coast. Businesses are proud to advertise the fact that they are located on the Jurassic Coast. Similarly, the aim is to get businesses in Greensand Country to feel the same about their area.
The attributes of the area lend themselves to this approach as there is so much it offers a visitor.
As coronavirus restrictions lift, it will be easier to get back to meeting face to face as well as virtually. Greensand Country is planning a number of networking events for charter members. It will be a good opportunity for local businesses to meet and discuss the benefits of the area and perhaps do some business with
each other.
On route
Those charter members that are located on the cycling, walking and riding routes will be included in promotional leaflets. The aim is to ensure visitors have the best time possible and that is why pubs, restaurants and cafes are included in the literature. People want to know where they can get food, drinks and a rest along the way – not everyone is a hard core walker!
To find out more about Greensand Country and the business charter go to www.greensandcountry.com
