News

12 August 2010  Prime Minister's Speech on Tourism   Tourism: first class priority at the front and centre of Britain's economic strategy This morning, the Prime Minister gave a speech declaring the Government’s new commitment to tourism, in the light of the opportunities and challenges facing us as we progress towards 2012. He outlined how tourism is now a first class priority at the front and centre of our economic strategy, as an export earner with international visitors and with a strong domestic market.  He also stressed how fundamental the industry will be to the rebuilding and rebalancing of our economy. He recognised that the 2012 Games and the coming decade of great international sporting events across Britain, with all that Britain has to offer, is an unprecedented opportunity. But, to ensure that this opportunity is not missed, as an industry there is still much that needs to be done to improve perceptions of Britain at home and overseas. Over the coming months the Government will be working on ‘the strongest possible tourism strategy’ looking at: What the Government does nationally The role of local government and the support of the local area How we stimulate the private sector in tourism How we make policy in other areas that will impact the tourism industry At a national level, the dedicated Minister for Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose will lead a new relationship with the tourism industry, showing the Government gets tourism and understands the huge potential of the industry. In spite of the current tough times meaning tough decisions, he is keen to ensure that these decisions will serve us in the long-term. However, the Government views tourism as a local industry and their aspiration is for new Local Enterprise Partnerships to allow local people and entrepreneurs more responsibility and control over how tourism is developed in each local area. A new set of incentives will be proposed for local authorities – including options for business rate incentives allowing local authorities to reinvest the benefits of growth back into their local communities. The right local incentives should also help to stimulate the private sector. In addition to the reduction in red tape and excessive business taxes planned, the Prime Minister sees tourism bids as potentially key beneficiaries of the new £1 billion regional growth fund.  He will also look across Government at the policies that impact tourism in a big way – visas, airport security, infrastructure – not as isolated issues, but from the perspective of both the domestic and international tourism industry. Finally, he committed John Penrose to work with the industry, bringing together all your best ideas, to develop a tourism strategy by the end of the year, with the goal of setting Britain on a path to break into the world’s top five tourist destinations.   We are delighted that the Prime Minister has declared so clearly that tourism is fundamental to the rebuilding and rebalancing of our economy. And we share his determination to use the coming decade to boost Britain’s international competitiveness in tourism and to take our industry to a whole new level.

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Durrell Wildlife launch with 4 live cameras August 2010 So many people have ased for an up-date on exciting new cameras and here are a great 4 that have recently been installed at Durell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, Channel Islands. Live 24 x 7 Webcams have been installed covering the Meerkat, Telfair Skinks and Livingstone's fruit bat enclosures, along with a camera in the newest of Durrell’s exhibits - Kirindy Forest. I am sure you will enjoy them. To get the exposure the Trust needs the live webcams are showcased on Checkitlive and Durrell Wildlife websites with future plans to stream the images to selected Plasma screens accross the island so visitors can see a glimpse of whats going on.

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NFAN REGIONAL COORDINATORS

It was agreed at a recent NFAN committee meeting that in order to help the NFAN as an organisation grow in its membership that we should endeavour to secure regional representation from members who may be able to assist in directing our members for help.

This is very much a “volunteer” role.   NFAN already have on board the following Regional Coordintors who are very keen to get involved.

North East

Ann Darlington, Hall Hill Farm, Co Durham - 01388 731333

North West

Neil Milbourn, Walby Farm Park, Cumbria - 01228 573249

West Midlands

Frank Cartwright, Rays Farm Country Matters, Shropshire - 01299 841255

South East

Anna Karteczka, Vision XS - 01865408323

Georgina Johnson, Farming World, Kent - 01227 751144

South West

David Taylor, Taylor Made Play Equipment - 01637 860526

NFAN would obviously give much support and guidance.  If you would like to give your support in any region please contact:   01536 513397 or info@farmattractions.net                                                                                                       

Marsh & Co. are delighted to have received the appointment as the officially approved insurance brokers to NFAN and they look forward to working with its members.

They have placed countless specialist bespoke visitor attractions and entertainment risks over the past 20 years plus.

The NFAN insurance scheme will provide an exclusive policy for NFAN members.  Their scheme uniquely combines both the traditional farming and tghe expanding leisure attractions of the members.

Call the leisure team on 0116 204 2400 for a free insurance health check.

www.marshcompany.co.uk

Getting child protection wrong can be catastrophic, both in terms of your ongoing business activity and for the children involved. However getting your approach to child protection right is easy,simply join SAFEchild.

SAFEchild is a charity dedicated to child protection and uniquely, offers a one-stop-shop for all your child protection needs.

Membership provides access to online risk assessments, policies and procedures. SAFEchild also offers online and face-to-face training, CRB checks and onsite audits. Formed in 1999, SAFEchild has trained over 18,000 individuals and supporte over 3000 organisations, including Park Resorts, Butlins and Center Parcs.

NFAN Statement dated 12th October 2009

Click here. http://www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/farmsafe/ecoli.htm 

School Farm Network

School Farm Network is an organisation to aid the school farms.  The School Farm Network offers support and assistance to school farms.  Giving advice to existing farms and help and encouragement to new projects.  To find out more about this network click here

Trade Membership

The Trade Membership is specifically aimed at the supplies of the leisure and attractions industry. 

For companies that supply products and services to this thriving industry.  With a strong demand for rural tourism and leisure activities, this is an exciting market to target. 

By subscribing the the NFAN as a Trade Member, your company's profile will be promoted to a target audience of farm and rural attractions.

This membership brings excellent marketing opportunities to suppliers and also offers current members a great source of contacts. 

To find more about this new Trade Membership, please contact the NFAN Office on 01536 513397 or email info@farmattractions.net. 

TRAINING FOR FARMERS?  Click here to find out more

Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing:

After the 6th August 2005 new licenses are needed to sell alcohol. New requirements were meant to simplify things by putting the local authorities in charge of the process not magistrates.

For further guidance and forms contact your local authority or visit www.culture.gov.uk/alcohol_and_entertainment

STUDENT PLACEMENTS REQUIRED

Students from Harper Adams University College are looking for Work Experience Placements.

Harper Adams University College currently run two degree/HND programmes - Rural Leisure Management and Tourism Business Management.

The students are looking for 12 months work experience ideally, but given the seasonal nature of the industry, shorter placements can be considered.

The placement is any time from late June onwards, through until late September of the following year. June may be a bit late for training of staff, so students could probably do some work in the preceding Easter to overcome this problem.

Many of these students come from a farming background and have a strong interest in Rural Leisure and Tourism.

If you believe that you could be a prospective employer - further information can be obtained by contacting Karl Smith, Senior Lecturer Leisure and Tourism on 00684790@harper-adams.ac.uk

The NFAN website;  Please explore it, and let us know what you think about it by emailing us at info@farmattractions.net.