EVER wondered what happens during an assessment to get a star rating?

East Lindsey District Council is giving local accommodation businesses the opportunity to find out first hand. Proprietors are invited to meet a VisitBritain assessor and watch them as they carry out a live assessment at The Cross Guest House and Touring Park, Mablethorpe. Places on the two-hour Quality Street event are free of charge, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Andy and Jane Kerrigan purchased the property back in 2003 where it had been left empty for several years in a derelict state. Since then Andy and Jane have completely renovated the property and are now the proud proprietors of a four-bedroom guesthouse and nine pitch touring park.

Speaking about why they decided to apply for a star rating Andy said: "People are more aware about good quality than they used to be, we certainly expect a good standard of accommodation as well as value for money when we travel. Having a sign on the wall stating that you have achieved a certain level of standards speaks volumes. We love running the business and are becoming increasingly more busy but we feel that having a star rating will give us some competitive advantage and generate extra business."

The Quality Street event aims to help proprietors and managers to understand more about the process and dispel the myths. East Lindsey District Council, in association with its partners Lincolnshire Tourism and East Midlands Tourism, is inviting local businesses to The Cross Guest House and Touring Park in Mablethorpe on June 4 between 10am and 12noon to see exactly what happens during an assessment. The VisitBritain assessor will describe in detail what they look for at each stage, from the initial booking and first impressions on arrival, through to ongoing customer service and the quality of the bedroom and its facilities.

As someone who visits hundreds of establishments every year, the accommodation assessors know exactly what customers are looking for and what the competition is offering. They are a ‘friend from the industry’ - there to give objective feedback and constructive guidance. They can also provide on-the-spot expert business advice on many aspects of running an accommodation business from marketing opportunities and training through to restaurant menus and future trends.

Alison Macdonald, East Lindsey District Council is running the event: "The assessors provide honest, objective feedback on the customer experience. "They can also advise those businesses who want to achieve a higher star rating. At the moment, accommodation businesses joining the star rating scheme can apply to take advantage of a grant, which means there are no fees to pay in the first year."

For more information or to book your free place, contact Alison Macdonald, East Lindsey District Council Tel: 01507 329566 / Email: alison.macdonald@e-lindsey.gov.uk