Norfolk pub owner calls on government to better support coastal businesses
A report by Three Business shows that the summer period is worth over ÂŁ3 billion, to the UK economy
Last updated 17th Jul 2023
A pub owner in Norfolk is calling on the Government to better support businesses and communities across our Coastline
A report by Three Business shows that the summer period is worth over ÂŁ3 billion, to the UK economy
With most small businesses on the coast generating nearly half of their annual income during this season
While over two thirds of those surveyed feel the contribution of seaside businesses to the economy is overlooked
"We generate ÂŁ150 million a year"
Lorna Bevan owns the Lacon Arms in Hemsby:
"I do think that sometimes those living in the coastal communities don't realise how much they gain, because of where they live. Some people may not work in the tourism industry, but the village they live in is providing their income mostly through tourism. Be that the facilities or shops they have.
"From Scratby to Winterton, we generate ÂŁ150 million a year and we're just a very small set of towns. It's easy to see how tourism and coastal communities provide so much to the UK economy. It's vital.
"They are drawn here because of our wonderful beaches"
"We need them the Government to make it much more plain that they need to support these coastal communities. Without this support, these coastal communities will fall and if they fall- there is no longer a vibrant economy that provides money to the Government. Money that the Government uses to fund poorer areas".
"People don't come to Hemsby because there's huge pleasure beaches or facilities. They are drawn here because of our wonderful beaches and then secondly because of our facilities. But if the first, primary reason isn't there- why would they come here?"
What has the Government said?
The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities say the coastline plays a vital role in the economy, history and culture of our country. They say they're helping coastal communities flourish by giving out nearly ÂŁ60 million to different communities since 2015.