The Islands’ Partnership has put together the case study: Why it’s Good for Scilly Businesses to Take Cards to help businesses across Scilly see the value in accepting cards. The partnership has also been in discussion with Barclaycard to ensure favourable rates for Scilly businesses.

Already, the vast majority of businesses on Scilly have now started to take cards and those that do have experienced increased revenues and increased efficiencies. Others are being encouraged, not only to increase revenues but also to improve our visitors’ experiences of the islands.

“We were dead against taking cards initially, but we have to admit it’s the best thing we did,” says Richard Mills of Spero’s and The Sailing Centre. “Life is easier, cash flow is better, customers are happier and they genuinely spend more.”

If you’d like any advice about taking cards, please contact the Islands’ Partnership on 01720 424036.

The Islands’ Partnership is delighted to welcome two new members of staff who make up our “Scilly Events” team.  Zoe Parry joins us as Events Manager from Star Castle Hotel, skilfully assisted by Annie Lethbridge (left) who also joins from the Star Castle.

Together they will be working to develop our Scilly Events programme – bringing no less than five major events to the islands next year, including a revitalised Walk Scilly Festival for 2016 – all designed to enhance the visitors’ experience and boost the value of the tourism economy.

The Hell Bay Hotel has been highly commended at this year’s Visit England national tourism awards, which were held at a gala evening last night in Newcastle. Hell Bay was recognised in the Small Hotel Category, which also recognised Devon’s The Horn of Plenty which won a Silver award.  

In total 77 awards were announced, and with 19 of these from the South West the quality of visitor experience in the region has been reinforced once again, according to Robin Barker of Service of Tourism.  “This has been an outstanding awards year, with more entries than ever and outstanding quality.  The winners are all worthy ambassadors for the region,” he said.

The accolade for Hell Bay will bring great benefits  not just to the hotel but also to Scilly, giving the islands a higher profile and great exposure as a quality destination.

Two full time posts are on offer at the Islands’ Partnership as we seek to deliver the next phase of our plans to extend the value of the visitors’ offering and the visitor economy on the Isles of Scilly. If you’d to join our small yet dynamic team, we’re looking a full time Tourism Executive and a full time Visitor Services Coordinator.  We’re also looking for a seasonal assistant (part time or full time) to help us out in the Tourism Information Centre.  It’s hard work at the IP, but no two days are ever the same!  Deadline for applications is Friday 8th May.  For an informal chat, call David Jackson on 01720 424036.