News

Angus Council’s Business Angus team has joined forces with local businesses in Carnoustie to try and maximise opportunities presented by The Open Championship next month.

The eyes from the world will be upon Carnoustie and Angus between 15-22 July, when the 147th Open comes to our area, with over 170,000 spectators expected to be drawn to the Championship and an estimated £70-million being generated as a result of the global sporting event.

Angus Council Economic Development spokesperson, Cllr Ron Sturrock said: “The Business Angus team is working hard to support our local businesses and help to ensure they are well-prepared for this huge occasion and can make the most of the commercial opportunities it creates now, this summer and in the future.”

A total of 150 “point of sale” branded kits have been dispatched to local businesses, including Carnoustie Country businesses, with the support of Carnoustie Country Community Development Trust. Each contains promotional materials, including posters, door hangers, leaflets and stickers aimed at highlighting that the town and its trades are very much Open for Business.

The Open Ready online business toolkit was launched at The Open Ready Roadshow in February 2018, which drew in dozens of local business people and provided a platform to offer expertise and advice and share experience and knowledge. The event encouraged businesses to work together to make the most of the commercial opportunity arising from The Open.

Cllr Sturrock said: “The event was extremely well-received, with more than 60 businesses attending to hear speakers from The R&A, Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie Country and Business Angus, among others. It demonstrated the commitment of everyone concerned to celebrate one of the greatest – if not the greatest – event in the sporting calendar and to make it a great success for all.”

The Business Angus team has delivered World Host customer service training and put on Digital Tourism Workshops to help to enhance skills and engagement and has also been active in promoting business opportunities across its social media platforms. It has also been working hard to promote commercial opportunities to local businesses and promoting local businesses to those coming into the area, whether as tourists, or as workers (such as contactors for The Open).