Enterprise Nation

From results of a poll carried out on the site we see that home businesses from a range of sectors are reporting an increase in turnover and profit as holidaymakers choose the UK as their destination of choice.

Bright findings

Do you recall us running the Summer Sales poll? We wanted to find out if Enterprise Nation members and home businesses were benefiting from the staycation trend. And, it seems, you certainly are!

The survey, supported by Business Link, revealed over 70% of the 230 respondents said their turnover had increased on account of more people holidaying in the UK. The majority (57.1%) also saw an increase in profit, with one in four reporting gains of up to 50%.

The other good news is the staycation trend looks set to keep on running. According to YouGov, 54% of people plan to take their main holiday at home in 2010, more than double the 26% who said they were doing so this summer. This presents us businesses with clear opportunity. And business owners like Alison Vaughan are already responding.

Open to opportunity

Alison is considering a new colour in her line of Muksaks; her own invention and a product that allows dog-owners to carry dog waste safely and securely. “With the increase in people holidaying in the UK and taking pets with them, I’ve seen orders rise this summer” says Alison “I'm working on plans for new colours in the range so as well as serving a practical purpose, the Muksak can also be a holidaying fashion item!"

Patrick Elliott, Chief Executive of Business Link in London, said:

“Entrepreneurs can take themselves to the next level, setting themselves apart from their competitors by developing tactics to retain new customers. Keeping in touch through e-shots and using creative ways to interact with customers by making the most of social networking tools such as Twitter will all help in making the most of what is a new and growing customer base.”

Over half the home businesses polled are planning on improving their marketing strategies (44%) and 38% said they will be customising their products or services.

The general message seems to be, let’s make hay whilst the sun still shines! - Emma Jones

• Alison Vaughan, Muksak
• Business Link in London