Joy Raymond from Hedgehog Corner with Hot Tubs is a sole proprietor with over 20 years experience of working in the hospitality industry and she is a big fan of the Welcome to Excellence suite of training. She has been attending a range of courses and refreshers over several years and her quest to keep up to date and knowledgeable has taken her on an interesting learning ‘journey’ that has, she believes, helped enhance and improve her business opportunities.
‘Going on the courses has helped me network with like minded people and we exchange ideas and learn from each other, particularly when there has been a challenging situation. The learning process is made much easier because the training day is fun and interesting and everyone talks about their experiences and different customer scenarios. I also find the research facts and figures invaluable and I wouldn’t have access to that sort of detail otherwise.
Joy particularly finds that attending the Welcome to Excellence courses keeps her up-to-date with new legislation that might have an impact on the hospitality sector. However the most important message is that great customer service makes a difference and first and lasting impressions are critical to business success. ‘Being a small business I don’t have much time or money for marketing activities, so gaining repeat visits and recommendations is so important. I look at the small cost of attending the courses as an investment which can be set against tax. The benefits have been huge and helped ensure that Hedgehog Corner with Hot Tubs is a sustainable and profitable business.’
I feel sure that through attending the Welcome courses I have gained a competitive edge’ Joy says ‘I have entered and won numerous accolades and awards including the Devon Tourism Awards, South West Tourism Awards, Winner of the UK Green Tourism Business Scheme and South West Taste of the West. More recently I won an accolade in the World Top Ten Trip Advisor Travellers Choice – Mid Range Holiday Rentals.’
Joy’s skills and experience are often needed when new businesses set up and she is always happy to give advice and guidance because she wants the local area and economy to flourish ‘that will help every business in the area to be successful.’ says Joy.
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