Sector:  Leisure services
No.of Employees:  24
Region: East of England

Summary
Norfolk Country Cottages (NCC) is an independent, holiday cottage marketing and booking agency. The company offers personally selected self-catering holiday cottages throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. 

Background
Since its inception in 1991, NCC has grown to representing around 320 homeowners throughout Norfolk and 80 in Suffolk, employing a total of 24 people.

Responsible business objectives 

The business objective is to maintain a market lead through running a structured, planned and stable business in a way that benefits not only its customers, but also the local community and tourism in the area.  This approach is led from the top, with the active involvement of NCC's Directors in community work.

How they do it

• Partnership with the Rural Housing Trust.  To address rural housing issues.

• Support of local tourist industry.  Involvement with local initiatives and 'Look Both Ways' campaign, to proactively consider both tourists' and homeowners' needs.

• Work with Market Town Initiative '3 Step Process'.  To increase business engagement in 8 selected towns.

• Involvement in 'Broadband in Reepham Campaign'.  NCC is campaigning for the early introduction of broadband in Reepham, to potentially save 80 jobs and create 60 new jobs.

• Staff Business Mentor Days.  Organised by the local High School.

• Staff volunteering at local Primary School.

What impact it has

• Commitment of £33,000 to Rural Housing Trust.  To identify the need for affordable housing in 42 villages, potentially providing 47 new homes.
• Stimulation of local economy. Support of local tourist industry, which attracts 35,000 visitors.  Engagement of business in local communities.
• Development of literacy and numeracy skills. At the local Primary School, through staff volunteering.

Business Benefits

• Avoidance of negative press.  Involvement with the Rural Housing Trust addresses potential criticism on the detrimental effect  of second homeowners on affordable local housing.

• National acclaim and PR mileage.  As a result of NCC's work with the Rural Housing Trust.

• Good community relations.  Essential for the smooth running of the business in a small rural location.