Amidst the current anxiety around COVID-19 and a start to our busiest time of year resulting in a total shutdown, it was difficult to find a vision for our future and the business we had built up over the last 14 years.
Whilst the major brands are shedding staff and closing branches our small Family Run Farm Stay is set to have its busiest year yet.
What We Got Right
From the start we wanted to do the right thing, so those guests that had booked directly we ensured that 100% of our customers were either refunded, bookings moved or supported fully in their insurance claim.
We had surplus produce from our farm, which normally our guests would have enjoyed, Just before lockdown we had entered into a farm share with our Local Pub The Tavern Broom, buying two pigs (one each) to take through to finishing, we diverted our surplus supplies to The Tavern to support their diversified Take Away Service to the rural community.
Prior to lockdown we had invested in 2 further Salt Water Hot Tubs, meaning that each of our three properties could have their own Spa. The Salt Water system is the most effective Spa at sanitising in the higher temperatures of a Hot Tub meaning that it is safe and Sanitised against COVID-19.
New for this season is our Commercial Pizza Oven, Our Pizza Experience Night is bookable in advance, subject to availability.
Reflection
So yes we did take time to reflect on where our business was at:
- Did it involve lying on a sunbed? Yes
- Did it involve Wine? -Yes
- Was this new way of life without income sustainable? Unfortunately not.
We did however spend time on maintenance, planning for a new barn being built and looking at what we could do once lockdown measures eased. Fortunately both Sue and I, in previous job roles had found ourselves being well versed in the application of Risk Assessment and had also spent a great deal of time in SWOT Analysis (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities & Threats)
Planning Our Way Out of COVID-19
Understanding why our guests not only stay, but love to come back time after time, would be critical to our success going forward. The quiet rural location, the key local attractions, the private gardens, the salt water hot tubs and the chance to get up close to our livestock would all feature in our plans for reopening.
Cleaning our properties was no longer going to be enough, we looked at all aspects of our business, from deliveries, quarantine of supplies, the cleaning products we used, guest laundry the methods and working practices all had to consider the safety of both ourselves, the staff team and our guests. We listed them in that order because without the first two our guests could not enjoy the safe environment we would create going forward.
Our Unique Selling Point going forward would be that each of our 6 person properties
Embracing An Industry Standard
Despite the conflicting and lack of government guidance, we heard of the AA Covid-19 Confidence Award and the Visit England Good To Go Scheme, both required us to submit our Risk Assessment Safe Working Practices and Staff Training Programme, we applied for both schemes just in case either one failed, we were successful on both counts, this allowed us to use the branding to communicate that we had done everything possible to minimise the risk of COVID-19 on our farm.
Taking Time To Get Things Right
We realised that time would need to be allowed for our enhanced cleaning regime. We have now implemented a later check in time and have a strict departure time. We also ask for Guests to strip their bedding and place towels in the laundry bags on the day of departure.
Our laundry is managed on site, our processing has been reviewed to ensure that there is no opportunity for the clean end of our business to meet with the processing area.
Our Latest guest reviews are reflecting that guests find the property clean, feel safe and like how each of the properties is self-contained with their own garden.
We are now taking bookings for Autumn Breaks, and our 2021 Calendar is now online and filling up fast take a look at our Hot Tub Options here: Accommodation Options
