If you’re in the business of holiday lets on Arran there are a number of reputable and experienced organisations which can help you set up your business and take the hassle and fuss out of holiday letting.
The Arran letting landscape is both unique and buoyant, and who better to give an insight on the local marketplace than Sheila Gilmore of VisitArran?
Sheila said: “According to Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) data,
tourism on Arran generated £73m in 2022. Of course, this isn’t profit, and it certainly does not take account of the rising costs of doing business which is up to 40 per cent higher on an island, than on the Scottish mainland.
“Short term lets legislation was brought in from October 2022 in hope that it may increase housing stocks. Following our own survey, only seven properties indicated they would not be continuing as a business; of these only one had moved to long term letting. Holiday letting does boost our economy; housekeeping and general maintenance need to be carried out, plus visitor spend in attractions, activities, food and drink etc. It’s also a big player in keeping many of the facilities open that we, as a community can enjoy, including swimming pools,
cafes, bars, shops, etc.
“On Arran, it may be argued that tourism is everyone’s business - it’s all interlinked, so even those who don’t think they engage in tourism, probably do. “There’s much more to running a tourism business though than just advertising.
You may have business rates to pay, staff to find, retain and pay (and often house too), laundry costs, repairs, running costs, fuel, and, of course, you must be up to date with the required legislation.
For accommodation businesses this may include fire safety, training courses for staff, EPC, and much more.
However, there are people out there to help, if it all becomes a bit overwhelming. “The diverse businesses within VisitArran all contribute to support marketing of the island, which is done at a grass roots level using local volunteers where possible.
If you have a holiday business and you’re not with VisitArran, you will benefit from this marketing, and if you want to find out more please get in touch with us info@visitarran.com.”
“Wishing everyone a successful season.”
Professional services on Arran that can help you manage your holiday let.
Looking for hassle-free bookings for your holiday cottage? Look no further. As a local holiday cottage letting booking agent, Cottages on Arran will certainly make your life easier.
With their expertise and more than 25-years experience, combined with their extensive
network, they can help you with your bookings uptake. Relax and let them handle
everything, from marketing to guest communications to bookings and all the paperwork in
between.
They also offer owners the choice of having all booking enquiries going directly to them and still provide the same level of marketing and customer service. Trust them with your holiday cottage and join their group of owners where you can also find a great deal of help, support and friendship. Cottages on Arran will hold your hand throughout the process. They also work closely with island organisations, including STL Forms & Fire Services and Simply Housekeeping.
All owners on our website have either already obtained their Short Term Letting Licence or are
awaiting it from North Ayrshire Council. We offer support to our owners and new owners just
joining us throughout the process wherever needed.
Contact them today to get started. www.cottagesonarran.co.uk
Jackie Newman of STL Form and Fire Services launched her business with the sole aim of improving fire safety and provides comprehensive and professional fire risk assessments for all business and commercial premises, including short term lets across Arran.
Even a small fire can be devastating with smoke and water damage, not to mention a risk assessment is
a legal requirement. Jackie provides jargon free reports and action plans which comply with
current legislation and codes of practice. She can also help business owners write their fire
policies and advise on the required documentation they should have in place.
STL Form and Fire Services also provides support to holiday home owners when applying for
their short term let license. The full start to finish service ensures all sections of the license requirements are met, applications submitted, site certificates posted, guest documents prepared and owners receive support throughout. Information on STL Form and Fire Services can be found on their website at www.stlformandfireservices.co.uk/
Over at Simply Housekeeping Arran, there is a focus on providing the best service for holiday home owners and their guests. Along with the fantastic team of housekeepers, the friendly and efficient team aims to make the whole process of renting your house as easy as possible.
With that in mind, they have now extended their services beyond housekeeping with new packages to include guest services and maintenance. Adding these services to their business show how determined they are to help holiday home owners streamline all the elements that go into running a successful holiday let. To discuss their services then please telephone Mob:07368 342650 or email info@simplyhousekeepingarran.co.uk
Jane Mack is a consultant and coach for holiday let businesses and she previously
owned The Arran Team holiday letting agency, managing over 100 properties and having thousands of guests through the doors.
Through Jane Mack Consulting she brings more than 10 years of knowledge and experience to help owners set up, run and manage their holiday let. Her services include holiday home set up with a property visit to maximise the rental potential, upgrading recommendations to attract a higher rental, advice on how to manage the property remotely and marketing support to attract direct bookings.
For more information, contact Jane via email at www.janemackconsulting.com
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