Boosting accessibility for local businesses
As part of Deaf Awareness Week (4th – 9th May)*, the Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost programme is launching ‘Boost Accessibility’, a package of training and support for local businesses looking to improve their accessibility and open their doors to more potential customers.
In partnership with the Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS), who will be supporting the accessibility part of the Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost programme, the accessibility strand will support businesses to become more welcoming for new customers with accessibility challenges – allowing them to access a market worth an estimated £16 billion and reflecting the status of Buckinghamshire as the Birthplace of the Paralympics.
Lucy Dowson, Tourism Development Manager at Visit Buckinghamshire, said: “The aim of our accessibility programme is to help businesses in our sector to improve their accessibility with 1-1 support and advice from a business access adviser. In addition, they will be able to keep up to date with our online library of resources, hints, and tips sharing best practices, and access free training for their teams to help make customers with access needs feel welcome and comfortable when visiting their business.”
To help mark the launch of the accessibility strand of the Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost programme, Visit Buckinghamshire are pleased to have the support of Vicky Hope-Walker, CEO of National Paralympic Heritage Trust, who’s podcast interview with Philippa Batting, Managing Director of Buckinghamshire Business First, highlights the importance of accessibility for all. To watch please visit: https://bbf.uk.com/boost (go to ‘boost accessibility’ tab)
As well as the Accessibility workstream there are four other separate workstreams in the Visit Buckinghamshire Boost programme, businesses and their employees will be supported to develop new skills, to innovate and create new products and services focused on the following themes:
- Boost: Your green credentials
- Boost: Your digital skills
- Boost: Your workforce
- Boost: Your growth
- Boost: Your accessibility
Businesses can access a range of support, consisting of 1-2-1 advice from a team of experienced advisers, digital training programmes, carbon and accessibility audits, action planning, in-depth workshops, and inspirational events. In addition, £250 vouchers will also be available to support the implementation of new initiatives and training.
Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost is a fully funded, but time-limited programme, running to June 2022, so interested businesses are urged to apply early. To apply for the Visit Buckinghamshire: Boost Programme please visit: www.bbf.uk.com/boost email boost@bbf.uk.com or call 01494 927130.
Delivered in partnership by Visit Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire Business First and Buckinghamshire Council, the project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund**.
Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns is the official Destination Management Organisation (Tourist Board) for Buckinghamshire. Hosted and managed by Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), its website – www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/ – is the most visited tourism website in the county (over 20,000 visitors each month), providing ideas and inspiration on the best things to do and places to visit, stay, eat and drink.