News
New industry toolkit to invite customers, friends and relatives to Britain
New industry toolkit to invite customers, friends and relatives to Britain
Visit Britain has launched an industry toolkit to help you to invite your past customers, friends and relatives from around the world to visit Britain in 2012, as part of ‘GREAT Britain – You’re Invited’ marketing programme.
Under the slogan ‘Share Your GREAT Britain’, the online tourism industry toolkit is available free of charge to help you participate in, and benefit from, the campaign. The toolkit includes adverts, newsletter templates, posters and e-cards which you can personalise with your own message and tailor for your own use.
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Further steps on Land Use Strategy
Further steps on Land Use Strategy
The Scottish Government has published further steps to implement Scotland’s Land Use Strategy .
The Action Plan brings together a joined-up set of commitments from across the Scottish Government, all of which contribute to the long term vision for land use and the management of Scotland’s land and resources.
Cooperation across land managers and users is required to achieve more sustainable land use, an ambition that once accomplished should bring increased prosperity and enduring benefits to Scotland.
Research is also being commissioned to evaluate the application of the strategy in existing decision making, the findings of which will inform the first review of the Land Use Strategy.
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Disney set to boots Scotland’s venue hire market
Disney set to boots Scotland’s venue hire market
Recent reports by the BBC explored how a new Disney/Pixar film set in the Scottish Highlands could help boost tourism during difficult trading times.
Brave, a new animation is to be released in August 2012.
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said it would be shown in 72 countries and dubbed into several languages. He said it would give Scotland and the Highlands specifically huge exposure.
Coupled with existing plans by the national tourism body Visit Scotland, this is set to give interest in Scotland venue shire a real boost.
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Simon Davis is to present Channel 4′s Country House Rescue
Simon Davis news presenter for Country House Rescue
Simon Davis is to present Channel 4′s Country House Rescue when it returns for a fourth series in 2012.
The series, made by Betty, takes viewers behind the scenes of some of the most beautiful houses in Britain. Simon will meet and stay with their owners, who are facing financial ruin and are struggling to maintain their crumbling stately homes.
Some have let the properties decline through lack of funds, inherited an already neglected house or bought a property without realising just how costly it is to maintain these mansions – and Simon will attempt to turn them from money pit into money spinning mansions.
Simon has written about travel, food and architecture for publications including The Daily Telegraph, Conde Nast Traveller, Country Life and on the London Evening Standard. He
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£100k profit since Country House Rescue – but too late
Gissing Hall as featured in Country House Rescue
Recent reports by the media have highlighted the success that exposure from PR, such as that gained by featured properties in Country house Rescue can bring. Examples such as Gissing Hall, which is reported to have generated over £100k profit in the last twelve months, are inspirational to those striving to achieve a sustainable revenue stream to support the protection and evelopment of some of the nations treasured heritage for generations to come. However as also reported for Gissing Hall, this came too late. By that point the owners could no longer cope with the enormity of the challenge and made the tough decision to sell.
As many of our clients tell us – there is never a ‘right time’ to get help. There is always the concern by family members of admitting failure on ‘their watch’, there is always another project to finish first before bringing consultants on site, another special family occasion before work can begin., and so it goes on. However the lesson to be learned from this is that time can stand in the way of you generating significant revenue if priorities don’t change.
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Country House Rescue property wins award
Pentillie – which featured in Country House Rescue in January of 2009, has successfully applied what was learned, capitalised on exposure, and turn its fortunes around.
- Pentille Castle as seen on Country House Rescue
The property was awarded Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2011. The Bed & Breakfast and Guest Accommodation of the Year category, sponsored by South West Water, recognises B&Bs, farmhouses, inns, restaurants with rooms and guesthouses “offering a high standard of accommodation”.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded Gold for B&B Guest Accommodation of the Year by Visit Cornwall,” Pentillie’s managing director, Sammie Coryton commented. “Huge thanks to all the Pentillie team who have enabled us to transform the Castle into a successful business enterprise within just two years. Being recognised for our efforts by our own county’s tourism Read the rest of this page »
leaders is important to us, and their enthusiasm is shared by all the people who love Pentillie, including those who stay here again and again.”
Country House Rescue seeks property for series 4
Estate Life on location
Country House Rescue is seeking one more property to complete their portfolio for its fourth series. Boasting a new presenter this new series will continue to explore the history, dilapidation and challenges faced by country house owners and attempt to support them to find sustainable solutions for revenue generation.
Estate Life has worked with the production team Betty TV, commissioned by Channel 4 since the inception of Country House Rescue, sourcing properties, providing research and featuring in the first episode.
If you are interested in featuring
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Landowner tells pop star Rhianna to get her clothes on
Location shoot for Rhianna
The BBC has reported that Popstar Rihanna’s scantily clad appearance in a County Down field has been called a “disgrace” by veteran TV star Barbara Windsor.
What started out as a simple agreement for a landowner to allow his land to be used as a film location could have ended up in dispute as the nature of the film shoot and the terms of the location use were not made fully clear to both parties.
Whilst film location work can prove lucrative it is advisable to ensure you have reputable agent representation to ensure your rights are protected as much as the property itself. This includes how much control you have over association with your property post filming.
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Award winning Downton Abbey drama fuels new interest in period locations
Downton Abbey
Before the first episode of series two of Downton Abbey had even aired, Twitter was a hive of activity in anticipation. As dawn broke the next day the UK awoke to the news that the UK period drama had scooped four US Emmy awards.
The appetite for period drama continues to grow and as a result location scouts are already on the lookout for new flexible period properties which meet the demands of film location crews.
There has also been an increased in the level of corporate enquiries, relating event themes to dramas such as Downton Abbey.
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X Factor for Farmers?
Sheep farming
Morton Fraser Solicitors recently expanded on the Scottish Land and Estate story about a tenant farmer who won his tenancy by means of a competition.
This innovative project not only ensured the best suited business minded tenant farmer but has generated publicity for the estate itself.
This is a terrific example of a well planned marketing campaign. Susan Reid Managing Director at Estate Life highlights “creating sales and marketing strategies for your estate is not just about attending the right trade shows. Innovation and capturing what is unique about your estate is just as important. A well thought out campaign which makes the most of potential PR can really drive great exposure and result in new enquiries quickly in a cost effective way”
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Estate Life announces new Managing Director
Susan Reid
Estate Life is delighted to announce that Susan Reid, expert provider of sales and marketing representation for historic properties since 2003 has become a Partner and the Managing Director of Estate Life.
Susan joins the company following many years of providing Estate Life clients with specialist support and brings a reputable track record in marketing historic properties for exclusive use as well as operational expertise from within the hospitality industry.
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New factual series Restoration Home for BBC 2 seeks properties
BBC2's Restoration Home
The BBC has put out a call to find derelict, historic homes to feature in the second series of ‘Restoration Home’.
This series follows the owners as they work to save their architectural gems from ruin, whilst revealing the social history of the building. If you would like to discuss a potential property to feature in this series, contact us
6,000 delegates from over 50 countries take to the Scottish Highlands for the first Adventure Travel World Summit
Adventure Travel World Summit
October sees the arrival of 6,000 delegates from over 50 countries take to the Scottish Highlands for the first Adventure Travel World Summit to be hosted here in the UK.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort will be the backdrop for the annual global gathering of adventure tourism professionals full story here at Davies Tanner website.
Estate Life property to feature in new series of Country House Rescue
Country House Rescue
Hill Place is a family home in Hampshire’s beautiful Meon Valley on the edge of the South Downs National Park. As the last few days of filming draw to a close, owners Will and Rebecca report that the experience has filled them with inspiration and confidence about the future of their venue business.
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Chesters Estate launches micro-brewery
Chesters
Chesters Estate which featured in Country House Rescue 2008, has since been developing ambitious diversification plans to launch a micro brewery. Estate Life is delighted to hear that after years of patience and hard work this innovative project is launching. The business section of The Scotsman has featured the story.
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Prime Minister gives speech on tourism
David Cameron
The Prime Minister gave a speech declaring the new Government’s commitment to tourism and the opportunities and challenges facing us as we progress towards 2012. He outlined how tourism is now a first class priority at the front and centre of our economic strategy,
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Licensing consultation underway – have your say
A Home Office consultation on government plans to overhaul the current licensing regime is underway. Some of the proposals,may have implications for owners who operate events at thier property. Have your say in the consultation the deadline is 8th September.
A House Party with Lynne Truss at Aldourie Castle
Aldourie Castle
The prolific and diverse writer, Lynne Truss, renowned for her bestseller, ‘Eats, Shoots and Leaves’ invites you to an intimate house party in one of Scotland’s finest castles.
Make yourself at home among 500 acres of stunning woodlands and gardens on the banks of Loch Ness; this outstanding Scottish Baronial Castle has been authentically restored to the highest standards, boasting breathtaking beauty and a timeless tranquil atmosphere.
Truss, also a regular broadcaster for BBC Radio 4, has adapted and written many radio plays.
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My £23m Smart move
Venue hire plays part in fundraising venture for property owner
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Twitter proving effective tool for estates
Twitter is proving an effective tool for estate owners. Free to use, providing real time updates, unprecedented use has been adopted by businesses, including global brands. Estates have reported corporate events enquiries,
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Channel 4 searching for property owners
Channel 4 have commissioned a third series of Country House Rescue and are working with Estate Life to find property owners who would consider taking part.
The production company Betty TV is searching for properties to feature. Previous participants have benefited not only form the business advice from business guru Ruth Watson and selected experts featured, but also from the high profile gained through appearing on the series.
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Land Use Strategy discussion workshops (Scotland)
The development of Scotland’s first Land Use Strategy offers a landmark opportunity for you to have your say on the way Scotland’s land is used for generations to come. How can Scotland produce enough food, develop its renewable energy capacity and protect its iconic landscapes and habitats?
Your voice counts. That’s you are invited to attend one of the discussion workshops for developing the Scottish Government’s Land Use Strategy.
BBC2 seeking Estate Life owners for new series
Do you live in a substantial property but struggle with the upkeep? If so, a thoughtful documentary series for BBC2 about our attitudes to life and money would like to talk to you.
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Bentley Motors select Estate Life venue for prestigious event
Bentley Motors come to Estate Life
Bentley Motors select Estate Life venue for prestigious event. Elegance, heritage, luxury and exclusivity were top of the agenda for the perfect location for a prestigious event held over two weeks. Estate Life was the port of call to consult with to ensure they found the perfect venue. A secret location has been secured for later this year.
Estate Life works with BBC2′s new series “Saatchi’s Best of Britain’
For their new series promoting the arts across Britain, BBC2 is consulting Estate Life to find the ideal country house to host new commissions by up and coming contemporary artists.
New Scottish Licensing Act
Advice to properties from the Scottish Tourism Forum:
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 will come into force on 1 September 2009. It is estimated that there are many thousands of establishments that have not yet fully understood the Act’s impact.
Estate Life secures front page coverage for properties in Square Mile’s Benchmark magazine
Estate Life properties feature in Benchmark
Estate Life regularly works to secure appropriate national and international media coverage for its properties. See the Country Houses for coverage in the lastest summer 2009 issue of Square Up Media’s Benchmark magazine.
Hunting for country houses
Country House Rescue has been commissioned for a second series by Channel 4 before the first series has even been screened!
Underlining the success of this brand new series the production company Betty TV has already enlisted the support of Estate Life to find submissions for filming series two.
The Hotel Inspector asks Estate Life
Country House Rescue is a new series for Channel 4 which is currently being filmed.
This exciting new series follows the fortunes of stately British homes as owners seek to diversify and raise the revenue they need to survive the 21st century.
Harburn House plays host to JK Rowling
One of the most prestigious fundraising events held in the UK this year, The Enchanted Garden Ball welcomed 250 guests from the world of business and entertainment including Charlotte Church, Joely Richardson, Evengy Lebedev, Ian Rankin, Fred MacAulay, editor of Tatler – Geordie Greig, Sir Fred Goodwin and Sir Ian Wood. A massive total of £320,436 was raised for the charity smashing the previously held record for money raised in one evening by over £70,000.
‘The Real Monarch of the Glen’ Alladale hits the screen
BBC 2 Launch of “The Real Monarch of the Glen” series. July will see the launch of a six part series about the day to day activities up at Alladale.
“For over 100 days the film crew followed our every move; unlike the Moose in the Glen this series has a more light hearted approach, so we wait with baited breath as to the results!” Said owner Paul Lister.
