Free training for Alresford businesses
Tourism South East is working with Winchester City Council to offer a welcoming training course for small businesses in Alresford. Accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants and some shops can all benefit from the Welcome Host training which has proved to be very popular in other small towns such as Wickham. The training is available over two evenings, the 10th and 19th July at the Goods Shed at the Watercress Line in Alresford.
The course will include welcoming and understanding your customer, communication and customer service, and dealing with difficult situations. Cllr Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Tourism, is encouraging Alresford businesses to take part,"There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but this training is completely free - and has the added benefit that business performance can improve as a result. In a market town like Alresford, customers expect knowledgeable and friendly service. When they get it, they will spread the word to friends and families which in turn generates more business."
Tourism South East has been working alongside the council's Rural Towns Development Officer, Lynn Johnston, to organise the training. Lynn has been working with Alresford Town Partnership to push forwards the town's health check. The business community are at the heart of this process, and the whole town wants to see local businesses thrive.
At the same time, the City Council's tourism marketing team is working with the Town Council to produce a new 'pocket guide' to promote Alresford to potential day visitors across the region.
Places on the Welcome Host course are limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Most small businesses are eligible, but those who welcome visitors of any kind are most likely to benefit. To book a place, contact Gill Heighington at Tourism South East on 023 8062 5436 or email gheighinton@tourismse.com