Marketing programme give business a sporting chance

Louisa and Chris Harry Thomas took over Kingscliff Sporting Lodge (Kingscliff) in the summer of 2000. Their decision was fuelled by their ambition to run an activity centre which appealed to a wide range of different markets.

Louisa explains, "When we considered the options we saw an opportunity to expand into different markets and ensure that Kingscliff was more inclusive. We didn’t want it to be viewed as a shooting club, but rather as a venue for both locals and visitors. Corporate parties, hen and stag parties, game shooters and school groups are just some of the markets that we now encompass."

Winners of the Northern Lights award for customer service in 2005 and Eat Scotland accredited, Kingscliff now serves a variety of markets. "We have a year round steady stream of clients. At various times of the year we focus on different markets. The run up to Christmas sees a lot of corporate bookings, towards the end of the school year we tend to have schools visiting and at other times we get bookings from game shooters – this group tends to include locals and those visiting the area."

According to Louisa working with Business Gateway and completing the Marketing Advance Programme (MAP) has been extremely beneficial to their business.

"We first got involved with Business Gateway about a year ago when we decided to undertake the MAP. We were assigned Andrew Burnett as our business advisor. He has stayed with us throughout the course of the MAP. Andrew’s support, encouragement and advice have been invaluable. He has brought a fresh pair of eyes to the table and enabled us to really improve our operation.

"As our business advisor, Andrew has almost become an extra member of the management team. During the MAP he was on hand to provide information or advice as and when needed."

Having a business advisor means having access to a wide range of additional information and resources. Louisa comments, "If Andrew was not able to answer a specific query then he was always able to put us in touch with someone who was an expert in that field.

"As part of the MAP we identified some staffing and personnel issues. Core to increasing our business is having a team of core staff so that visitors to Kingscliff can always be assured of receiving a high quality service. We approached Andrew for assistance and he introduced us to a personnel expert. Subsequent to this we have introduced an appraisal system."

Working to complete the MAP and liaising with their business advisor has also provided other opportunities for Kingscliff. "Andrew identified funding that we were eligible for and as a result we have applied for an environmental grant from Aberdeenshire Council and we are working to put an environmental policy in place. In the future this will mean that we can apply to be registered as a green business in the silver category of the Green Business Scheme."

Louisa summarises, "Finishing the programme means we have developed a strategic plan which we are in the process of implementing. Completing the MAP has proved to be an invaluable part of moving the business forward and achieving our strategic goals."

The Business Gateway service in Grampian is delivered by Enterprise North East Trust. For more information telephone 01224 289725 or visit www.bgateway.com.

Kingscliff Sporting Lodge offers a range of activities including clay pigeon shooting, quad bikes and archery. The attractive rural setting makes it the ideal location to relax, unwind and have fun. For more information visit www.kingscliff.co.uk or call 01651 806375.

Ends

Picture Caption: Louisa Harry Thomas of Kingscliff Sporting Lodge says that working with Business Gateway and completing the Marketing Advance Programme (MAP) has been extremely beneficial to their business.

For further information contact:

Lyndsay Aitken
Tricker PR
9 Victoria Street
Aberdeen
Telephone 01224 646491
Direct Line 01224 654086
Mobile 07780 680751
Email laitken@trickerpr.com