Accelerate Growth - Tourism | ONE

Through the delivery of the Game Changer Programme for Tourism Business, which offers practical support and business tools to regional tourism business leaders, Opportunity North East (ONE), with Scottish Enterprise, enables companies to realise their growth potential and maximise their market opportunities.

The business growth programme helps companies to identify their target markets and customer demands and validate their business strategies. At the end of the programme, businesses have a growth plan to support future development as well as enhanced local and national tourism network connections.

It inspires ambition, confidence and growth among tourism businesses in the region through shared experience and exposure to industry best practice.

Hospitality is a crucial sector in the visitor economy of north east Scotland. ONE is committed to the sector's future and is the majority funder of the Hospitality Apprenticeship North East (HANE) programme. HANE aims to attract, train, retain and develop young people in hospitality in partnership with leaders in the hospitality sector.

A perception of a lack of defined career progression has discouraged young people from entering the profession. ONE, with the hotels, Skills Development Scotland and Training Matters, developed and supported the delivery of the HANE programme to provide an 18-month apprenticeship programme. The first group of five apprentices follow a prescribed training programme and come together every six weeks to share learning experiences, gain additional skills and knowledge and build a supportive peer group. Also, the apprentices, as they progress their careers, will be able to highlight the opportunities for young people in the industry and engage them in what the region has to offer.

Ultimately, the goal is to retain the best talent in the region, encourage young people to develop a passion for the area and promote collaborative working between the region's hospitality employers, share best practice and deliver continuous sector improvement.