Picture of the WWW
East Anglia has always had a long tradition and association with the marine and tourism industry An internet based resource was needed to meet the needs of the marine and tourism industry, that is so prominent in a county that’s bordered by the North Sea, boasts the inland waterways of the Broads and holds the status of a national park, both industries are a vital element of Norfolk’s economy however the past year hasn’t been the best – people are being scared off from investing in boating and holidays thanks to growing debt and fears over the slowdown in house prices.
With UK retail sales falling over a twelve month period for the first time in more that three years whilst internet sales increased to over 16% over the last year.
So how could the wealth of information that the internet held become part of every day business practice. To meet the opportunity to expose business to a broader audience. Back in January 1997 living just outside Portland, Oregon, USA, James and Fiona Clabburn bought the domain name Norfolkbroads.com. In today’s market web design and website hosting for commercial organisations is a big business market with lots of players in Norfolk. One of the most successful design and hosting companies but also an ambassador for the region as a place to do business and to visit James and Fiona Clabburn found that the principle issue facing all smaller websites would be that of being readily found on the Internet. James says, ‘with many businesses finding their marketing budgets far more cost effective on line and the percentage of their budgets they spend there are ever increasing. Many companies have realised that the web offers unique opportunities to reach new customers, target advertising effectively, and deliver strong measurable return on investment.’
With tourism set to get a much needed boost this year with so many families deciding to take their annual holiday in the UK. It has been reported that a real sign of hope is out there for the East as it is well placed to avoid the bite of the credit crunch in 2009, due to it’s thriving potential to draw tourists. With both the marine and tourism industry being a major employer in various capacities, and is worth about £470m a year to the local economy.
The big question is just how does a industry that is such a traditional trade, achieve the optimistic view of business leaders. The lowering value the pound is the most important factor in propelling people towards the east coast from all over the world.
In short, it’s a bigger industry with many more facets than people might realise. The challenge is to ride out the economic slowdown and ensure that these historic Norfolk trades are shipshape and set fair for the future. Originally the company was run from offices based in the gardens of the family home however to mark ten years of continued growth and success in June 2008 NorfolkBroads.com moved to their purpose built offices in Rackheath with a major investment in equipment to further meet the needs of business and tourism for the future now employing ten people the company is set to meet the challenges in delivering a quality service.
In the time honoured tradition of keeping a business model as simple as possible the Clabburn’s set about creating a website that could not only promote the region but also be the perfect vehicle for businesses to hook into for maximum exposure. In the first year of trading 1998, 8000 visitors viewed a few score entries mainly boat yards and guest houses. Today the site is not only a directory but a guide, history and forecaster of trends in the region – and it also provides “speakers corner” an, at times, controversial exchange of views from anyone who wants to contribute to what is now an opinion-forming and at times challenging forum. The Company now enjoys the opportunity to design and build other people’s web sites through the creative arm of the business Innershed and can show over 500 to date. James Clabburn says, ‘with 83% of businesses in the East of England having a website, (putting the region ahead of the rest of the country), It’s forecast that most private individuals and certainly all businesses large and small should take full advantage of the internet’
NorfolkBroads.com has achieved in it’s ten year existence over 2.5 million visitors per year and in so doing has put the East of England on the world stage. If you need a design and host team to create a powerful site they will offer you numerous testimonials from a broad range of clients.
The lowering value the pound is the most important factor in propelling people towards the East coast from all over the world.
“If you look in the perspective of drawing inbound visitors into the country, the low value of the pound is one of the pluses, because it is cheaper for them to buy,” said Michael. “It is always hard bringing in more visitors from overseas, but hopefully the work we have been doing over the years as a county with the East of England Tourism Board and our partners will bear some fruit in 2009,” he added.
Research by the tourist board also shows that travellers from the UK are going to be choosing Cromer over Copenhagen and Norfolk over Norway. “People love coming to Norfolk and it has a great following. With the exchange rate working against foreign holidays at the moment, all the research shows that people will be changing their holiday habits and reviewing their budgets,” said Michael. “Tourists in 2009 are going to be taking fewer holidays, but ultimately they are going to be choosing Norfolk. Norfolk has a stock of quality accommodation and attractions.
Michael feels businesses should act now in order to profit from the potential tourist surge. “Don’t cut back on the marketing. Make sure you’re on the portal websites – Visit Norfolk, Visit Norwich and your District Council’s own website, such as the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority website. “Make sure your adverts are in advertising guides. Be ready, be there and get out there as quickly as you can,” said Michael.