Matthew, a b&b owner, is passionate about how these proposals will affect his business - much for the worse. How can it be right to make his business uncompetitive?. Matthew writes: As a small business owner I am concerned about the negative impact the proposals for zoning and parking charges will have on my own and others livelihoods And whilst a single zone would undoubtedly facilitate easier movement around Whitby for residents in particular, the economic impact which would be felt by proprietors such as myself should not be forgotten. My B&B is located a matter of metres outside a zone, at the lower end of Chubb Hill Road. I am in the position that I have been granted permission and invested in a small car park (for up to 3 of my five guests) however at least two vehicles are parked on the road each night. Of course I cannot, nor would not expect to be assured parking but recognise that there is most likely going to be increased pressure in the immediate vicinity and, in all likelihood I will have to purchase scratch cards/permits to ensure that guests can park with a reasonable distance of their accommodation. Is this such a big issue? For many guests it is. The most commonly asked question I face with enquiries is ‘Where can I park?’ My response is now going to have to be very different and I fear that this will cost me business. So not only will I incur costs as the business owner in order to potentially park off site, not only will I have to purchase vouchers, I could also lose trade. Given the pattern of bookings, our occupancy levels and the most common length of stay, I estimate increased costs of around £1000 pa based on 2014 figures as currently published. Beyond this we are in the lucky position that our position on Trip Advisor aids in keeping marketing costs low. But I would anticipate at some point negative comments being made about the difficulties faced with parking and consequently potential guests seeking out accommodation where these issues are not faced. Lower rating on review sites means higher marketing budget; simply put, another financial burden on my business at a time when costs across the board, utilities, insurances, supplies are climbing. And my situation is far from being the worst in Whitby. Take for example The Willows Guest House located on Bagdale a matter of metres away from my own property. Not allowed to put in car parking due to it potentially restricting the flow of traffic and with an additional 3 rooms in comparison with my business, costs are likely to be significantly more! When seen in this light, the proposals clearly have the potential to have a detrimental impact on our businesses. I am passionate about Whitby, passionate about my business and passionate in my desire to maintain a vibrant tourism sector here in Whitby for everyone’s benefit! If we factor in the prohibitive nature of these proposals to the numbers visiting and staying in Whitby along with a decreased spend in our amazing and varied independent retailers and eateries these proposals are simply bad news.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:06:09 +0000
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