norfolkbroads

How does a headteacher at the top of her career come to live and work on the Broads? We find out, as Mary takes us on a journey that ‘cruises’ through a career working with troubled teens, into a battle with cancer, and out into the warmth and wonder of Beccles, a hugely popular part of the Norfolk Broads. 

After being told that the stress of her job was the likely cause of her cancer returning, Mary and her husband took this as a sign to pack up their London life and pursue their dream, starting a business in boat repairing. Mary was adamant, though, that she didn’t want to work in tourism!

Some number crunching later, and they realised that tourism was where their creativity and success lied, and the floating pods, day cruisers and water sports soon followed. 

Mary is outspoken about the challenges tourism faces when it comes to customer behaviour and trends, banning alcohol on board. She discusses how they have embraced social media, and the problem with green washing. 

The Sparrows see themselves as ‘custodians of the river’ and, with rewilding and other projects, aim to leave the river better than they found it. 

This is not to be missed for anyone thinking of investing in tourism, or who ever doubted why they got into it in the first place. Mary’s story, with her passion, is a shining example of what can be achieved in the sector, particularly with sustainability in mind, and why so many visitors continue to flock to the Broads.

Visit Hippersons Boatyard here
Visit the Broads 

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© Larking Gowen LLP 

In this week’s episode, Chris chats to Ruth Knight, Director of Norfolk Broads Direct, Broads Tours and Waveney River Centre, and recently retired chair of Visit the Broads. Ruth lives and breathes the Broads, and the tourism sector, but both Ruth and her businesses faced huge challenges with lockdown restrictions and closures. This valuable conversation can be summed up into: innovation; implementation; change; and passion for the sector.

Ruth speaks honestly about the effect that the closures had on both her and her team members, and the subsequent reactions to the changes that needed to be implemented for them to reopen, and how staff motivation was key. She also reflects on the recent re-acquisition they made just before lockdown, and what investment was needed to secure the ongoing success of the company.

They discuss the changes in customer behaviour – no one likes change! – and uncertainties about dealing with future bookings, both financially and for customer morale.

Ruth is confident about the future prosperity of staycations once the sector re-opens, and that the Broads in particular will no longer be a ‘best kept secret’ (they do get more visitors than Cornwall after all). She also explains why engaging with your DMO is key.

Ruth offers a fascinating insight into the pitfalls and positives of running a family business; what businesses need to be doing to attract new talent to the sector; and her advice for those looking for a career in a tourism-based business.

Visit Norfolk Broads Direct here

Visit Waveney River Centre here

Visit Broads Tours here

We would love to hear from you, get in touch with us on podcasts@larking-gowen.co.uk or tourism@larking-gowen.co.uk.

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www.larking-gowen.co.uk/tourism-insights 

(c) Larking Gowen LLP