Start Up Advice
Lancaster Castle
If you are interested in starting up a new visitor or tourism related business, we will be able to provide guidance and support.
There are several stages involved in developing your business proposal. The following can be used as a guide:
Stage One – Business Planning
The first stage is to develop a clear business plan and outline of your ideas and determine if your plan is viable. To receive help and advice, useful contacts include:
Stage Two – Planning Application
Once you have a sound and viable business plan, you will require further advice from Lancaster City Council in relation to what planning permission you may require to advance your plans.
Please note: Any letters provided by the Visitor Economy Development Officer in support of your business proposal is not indicative of an approved planning application. All proposals are subject to planning approval.
Stage 3 – Business Registration
Following planning approval and the completion of necessary building works, further permissions or licenses where applicable may be required by Lancaster City Council and other authorities. Useful information may be obtained from:
(Visitor accommodation will also need to participate in the National Quality Assurance Scheme before we are able to promote you.)
Stage 4 – Business Development
You now have the opportunity of participating in the following initiatives to help maximise your business:
All businesses will need to register onto Lancashire's Destination Management System (DMS):
Bay Tourism can provide valuable forums to liaise with like minded businesses and share best practice:
Sub-regionally, you may also wish to contact our sub-regional tourist board: