A Northumberland self-catering cottage business has received tailored support to help the business grow and reach new audiences.
Family run Mains Cottages has taken the holiday rental business to new heights, thanks to invaluable support from the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) and a fully managed digital marketing campaign in partnership with digital agency Far North.
The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered by Northumberland County Council. The project is part funded by the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
Inspired by their love for Northumberland and a desire to share the region’s beauty with visitors, in 2013 the Smith/Mains family embarked on their journey to create luxurious holiday experiences for guests. The impressive four property portfolio offers guests a luxury stay across the county while also hosting a page dedicated to discovering Northumberland on the website.
“Running Mains Cottages is a family affair,” said Samantha Smith, who lives in Morpeth with her family, “After running a successful training company for 17 years, my mum decided to sell it and invest in holiday cottages. It was an exciting new chapter for us, and we’re so proud to share Northumberland with visitors.”
Through the NSBS programme, Samantha accessed extensive support, including workshops, 1-2-1 support focusing on Finance, Marketing, and Business Planning. “The programme has been incredibly beneficial,” she said. “The 1-2-1 support has been especially important for us as a small family business. It’s allowed me to step back from daily operations and focus on our long-term vision.”
NSBS has now been able to offer Tourism based businesses a fully funded digital marketing campaign, delivered by Far North. Far North worked with Mains Cottages to highlight the charm of Mains Cottages and drew attention to the stunning Northumberland coast. The campaign significantly boosted the business’s social media engagement, website traffic, and bookings.
The funded digital marketing campaign offers eligible businesses a paid digital media campaign worth £1,500. Offering eligible businesses £930 ad spend and consultancy with Far North to create the ad to the value of £570.
NSBS also offers assistance to micro-small sized businesses across Northumberland. The experienced team and its range of experts work directly with businesses and individuals to help them start, grow, diversify, and sustain their ventures through workshops, 1-2-1 support and networking events across the county.
“Working with Far North has been a game-changer. The campaign not only gave us new leads and followers but also taught me invaluable marketing skills to use in the future,” Samantha added.
Lucy Evermore, Programme Manager said “It is great to be able to offer tourism businesses a fully funded digital media campaign. The industry is such a key part of the Northumberland business landscape and to support the businesses to build brand awareness, increase bookings and support with general social media growth is amazing. There are only a few spaces left for Tourism businesses to access the digital marketing campaigns so I actively encourage those to get in touch with the team as soon as possible”.
Looking ahead, the family is focused on property renovations, enhancing guest offerings, and fostering relationships with local businesses to create unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Samantha is eager to encourage other small businesses to engage with NSBS: “Even if you think you don’t have the time – make time! The programme helps you step back, think strategically, and discover new ways to grow. There’s always something to learn.”
Eligible businesses can still access a £2 million Rural Capital Grant Investment Fund, which supports rural businesses with clear growth plans by providing capital investment to expand production capacity or diversify into new markets or products.
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
If you have any questions about the event or the Northumberland Small Business Service, please visit Northumberland Small Business Service or contact the team at [email protected].
