22 June 2009

UKinbound to accept start-up companies

Members of trade body UKinbound have voted to accept start-up businesses into the association.

Previously companies had to be in operation for at least one year to qualify for provisional membership and three years to be a full member.

Under the new rules, companies can become a start-up member from the outset and can then become a full member within two years of operation.

UKinbound will offer new enterprises specialist support during their development, helping them to navigate the industry, make contacts and access business opportunities, supporting and helping them to grow their businesses.

But new start-up members will not have voting rights within the association.They will not be able to make use of the branding opportunities which full members enjoy, protecting the UKinbound brand and its reputation as a quality mark for established and reliable tourism businesses, the organisation said.

Chief executive Mary Rance said: "We are pleased that members have supported the Board in its recommendation to target start-up businesses.

"The start-up membership category will enable UKinbound to cater for the many new businesses entering the inbound tourism market, and to provide additional support for small and fledgling enterprises when they need it most."

by Phil Davies