Please support SMEs in the Tourism and Hospitality supply chain #MyHiddenGems

We often work closely with The Federation of Small Businesses in our region so we would like to share their latest initiative with you so that you can take part and support SMEs in Leicestershire:

As you know, the tourism and hospitality sector has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with nationwide lockdowns highlighting not only its importance as an employer, but as a much-loved part of British society. Most hospitality businesses are small or medium enterprises located throughout the country; in the heart of cities, on local high streets, along coastlines, countryside and in remote idyllic rural locations.

With lockdown restrictions and forced closures, people have had a period where they were unable to enjoy and visit these businesses. This has made our local pubs and restaurants more appreciated than ever but there are many small firms that supply goods and services to business in the accommodation and food services sector, which are just as vital despite being less talked about.

Businesses such as laundrettes that supply linen to hotels, coach operators that transport us to our day trips and the catteries that keep our pets safe when we go away, are the unseen support network which underpins and facilitates the public facing businesses. It is important that they are not forgotten. Businesses like nightclubs have been unable to open, and wedding businesses, often small firms run by women, have had to operate at significantly reduced capacity, with little notice of when and how they can operate.

The FSB is running a national campaign #MyHiddenGems which runs from June through the Summer holidays until September to highlight small businesses across the UK.

Their hospitality and tourism report ‘A Menu for Recovery’, has been the catalyst for this mini campaign. One of the things the research and feedback from FSB members highlighted was not only the crucial importance of hospitality and tourism businesses for our wider economy, jobs and communities, but also that many providers and areas are saturated while others are still struggling post Covid, so we want to give a shout out to those who need an extra boost this Summer.

The idea is to spread visitors and residents to lesser known and local “hidden gems” and highlight local distinctiveness and the brilliant small businesses that people can discover, and also take advantage of the staycations many are having. It is aimed at both holiday visitors and local communities and it is really easy to take part – please take part and encourage your networks to celebrate our local small businesses.  Just use the hashtag #MyHiddenGems and tag @FSB_L_N_R  and /or @FSBEastMids while you and your contacts share your local recommendations on Twitter and the FSB will amplify these across FSB channels.  You can find their national press release here.

Thanks very much for your support.