Members of Brightlingsea’s business and tourism industry came together recently at a networking event to discuss how to improve commerce and boost visitor numbers.
The event, organised by the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) saw 27 local businesses meet in Brightlingsea Museum to hear from a range of speakers and to share information about how they have managed to keep Brightlingsea’s High Street a busy place.
A panel discussion was led by High Street Ambassadors, Olivia Reilly of Little Boat Gifts, Jayne Chapman of Spirals and Scarlett Andrews of Scarlett’s Wool and Craft Shop. They explained how retailers work together to refer customers to each other to create what Colbea calls “retail eco-systems that covers the diverse needs of the community”.
Essex Menopause Coach, Julie Court detailed how her relocation to Brightlingsea has accelerated her business growth, while Brightlingsea Museum chair Nick Skinner explained how the facility helps to attract visitors to the town, while also serving as a community hub, events space and an educational resource.
Peter Reilly, co-chair of the Brightlingsea Tourism Advisory Panel, shared how the power of collaboration has made Brightlingsea High Street a success, and explainedhow the introduction of the Visit Brightlingsea web page has supported ambitions to make the town an all-year-round tourist destination.
Colbea CEO, Simon Mead, compered the event and said, “This is frankly one of the best business events I have ever attended. It was great to see businesses old and new working together to create a High Street that should be envied. The energy in the room was palpable. Brightlingsea’s mayor John described Brightlingsea as the jewel in Tendring’s crown and I have to say, I agree.”
For more information about Colbea, visit https://www.colbea.co.uk/support-your-business/tendring-business-support.
