Blackpool Businesses Urged to Gain Family Stamp of Approval

Businesses in the UK’s most popular seaside resort are being urged to gain a stamp of approval to prove they excel at being family friendly.

Marketing Blackpool is backing the Approved Family Friendly scheme and is encouraging as many attractions, accommodation providers and food outlets in the resort to support it too.

Approved Family Friendly is a nationwide scheme launched last year which aims to give assurance of confidence to families by awarding an official seal of approval to businesses who have met certain assessed criteria.

And Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Marketing Blackpool, says it is a great move for businesses to adopt to ensure they are attractive to as many families as possible.

Ms Wyatt said: “Millions of families visit Blackpool every year because they know they are guaranteed a great time.

“Our attractions, accommodation providers and food outlets all work extremely hard to attract those families and ensure they have a fantastic stay in the resort.

“By applying for and gaining the Approved Family Friendly Seal there can be no doubt that these businesses are really going the extra mile for their guests and customers and that can only be an added attraction to families when they are planning their visit.”

There is an extensive list of requirements to gain the seal with key indicators depending on the type of business being assessed. Requirements for accommodation providers include non-smoking family rooms, children’s menus and plug covers, attractions must provide services such as bottle warming, accessibility facilities and an information point and food outlets need to include facilities such as baby changing, high chairs and storage for pushchairs.

Blackpool hotelier Pat Francioni runs The Alumhurst Hotel which is one of only two businesses in the town to have signed up to the quality mark so far.

Mrs Francioni said: “I would definitely encourage others to apply for the accreditation. It is another string to the bow and it says to families that they can bring their children to my hotel and enjoy a holiday in a friendly and safe environment.”

Meanwhile, the scheme’s founder Jane Hancox is a wife and working mum of two and says her experiences as a parent travelling around the UK have made her passionate about improving services in Britain.

Jane said: “I’m really proud of the difference our campaign is making. It’s important that businesses know why excelling with children in mind is the way forward. We are creatures of habit so creating childhood memories is paramount to sustainability for tourism.”

Businesses wishing to find out more about the Approved Family Friendly status can contact Diane Blakemore at Marketing Blackpool by emailing diane@marketingblackpool.com or calling 01253 478223