A WOMAN from Windermere with a passion for helping businesses has set up her own consultancy firm after some 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Alison Magee-Barker has set up AJ Lakes Consultancy, which aims to help businesses to develop and grow, ensuring that they are ‘World Heritage ready’.

Mrs Magee-Barker, who had been working as the general manager at Lindeth Howe in Bowness-on-Windermere, said she was ‘very excited’ about the new venture.

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“I thought there’s an opportunity to help more businesses out there,” she said. “Especially in Cumbria. I would love to help out with sales and marketing - anything to do with hospitality and tourism.”

The decision to ‘go it alone’ came after she wrote and directed a short film called ‘Celebrating Beatrix Potter’ for Beatrix Potter’s 150th Anniversary in 2016 and she led the sales and marketing winter campaign for the Lake District Hotels Association in the same year.

She said that the ‘excitement’ of the two projects, especially in wake of the floods and the need for the county to promote a positive image, encouraged her to set up the business.

“I loved my job and everything about being a manager,” she said. “The people, the buzz and excitement when you are busy - but I wanted more.”

Whether it is a new business that needs help ensuring standards are met or an established operation that wants marketing assistance but cannot afford a full-time worker, Mrs Magee-Barker believes she can help.

And, following the Lake District receiving World Heritage status, the 46-year-old is particularly interested in ensuring that businesses are prepared for the additional attention the area is set to receive.

“Every tourism and hospitality business in the area must take an inward look and check whether your business is not only up to standard but also being the very best they can be on a consistent basis,” she said.

“They need to be absolutely sure that they are ready to respond to the extra business and expectations that the region’s new status will bring."

If you would like to know more, contact Alison at AJ Lakes Consultancy www.ajlakes.com