Beverley Renaissance Partnership invited representatives from organisations within the town to an initial meeting on Tuesday 24th November 2009 at County Hall in Beverley. Organisations included Beverley Town Council, Beverley and District Chamber of Trade, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, Beverley Minster, St Mary’s Church and Beverley Market Traders Association.
The purpose of this group is to be action driven and to develop some of the recommendations outlined within the Draft Beverley Town Plan- Investment & Development Strategy.
During the meeting ideas were put forward with tourism being a hot topic. VHEY provided valuable insight into how marketing to tourists travelling on ferries travelling into Hull from Europe may not be the best way forward in attracting visitors to Beverley. They said research shows a high percentage of people on ferries already know where they are going.’
He also explained the benefits of producing a publication such as a guide book or town guide over multiple leaflets that quickly go out of date. He pointed out that Beverley was strong in the restaurant department, yet another good way to attract visitors.
The Economy & Tourism Group appear to agree, their preference would be to rationalise the signage in Beverley with the view to providing more out of town ‘Brown Signs’ targeting passing trade from the major roads that link Hull, Beverley & York something that would fit in well with VHEY observations of the town.
Although Beverley Minster has seen a decline in visitors it is not all bad as St Mary’s Church in Beverley has had regular increase in visitors. With these two key Beverley attractions comes history, an asset that the group identified as something that needed to be emphasised in anything and everything to do with Beverley.
Coach companies have commented on how it is difficult for them to arrange tours to Beverley. The coaches do not have anywhere in the centre of Beverley where they can unload and wait. Another concern the coach companies expressed was not being able to plan ahead trips that fitted in with events hosted in Beverley.
The group were unable to resolve the parking issue in one meeting,though have agreed a way forward to compile and make available a list of all the events that Beverley hosts. Once the list is created the Economy & Tourism group will look to create a way that event organisers can communicate ensuring that events in Beverley do not overlap.
At the next meeting achievable projects will be put forward and members asked to deliver them in sub groups.
Other stakeholders will be asked to attend future meetings, The Racecourse, Polo Club and Hoteliers to discuss specific issues and how the group can help them.
The group look forward to working with groups and organisations within Beverley and The East Riding to build on the success of our town and improve our facilities and appeal to visitors across Europe.
