Tourism Alliance - New Research on Supporting Tourism SMEs on Regulatory Compliance

BEIS has contracted the Tourism Alliance to undertake a major piece of research on how tourism SMEs can be better supported in gaining advice on, and navigating their way through, regulatory compliance.

It has long been recognised that regulatory burden, especially in relation to tourism SMEs, is a significant barrier to both business growth and productivity. In the past we have tried to reduce this burden through contributing to initiatives such as the Red Tape Challenge but there has been very little success. This research therefore aims to see if the problem of regulatory burden can be addressed by providing greater support to tourism SMEs in helping them access advice on relevant legislation, and the measures they need to comply. In this regard the study will focus on how to better get advice and information to businesses that are not connected through trade associations, DMOs or other bodies.

The working is being undertaken by Swansea University who will be carrying out the research in different locations in Kent (rural, urban and seaside) over the next five months with the results due at the end of October. These results will include a serious of recommendations to BEIS on how improve support for Tourism SMEs nationally.

The research is being guided by a Working Group including BEIS officials, VisitEngland, Visit Kent and a number of Tourism Alliance members. I have attached a copy of Swansea University’s proposal for the research which has just been signed off as it has more details on the research.

It is worth noting that the researchers will be presenting their findings at the Tourism Alliance Research Briefing Seminar on the afternoon of 24th Sept so please put that date in your diary.

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