Tour De France visit to Littleborough: Business and tourism opportunities

John Kay

The Pennine Business and Tourism Forum discussed their plans for the Tour De France and opportunities for businesses across the Pennines on Tuesday 15 April.

Chairman of the committee, Rochdale Online Director John Kay said: “There are a lot of businesses in the Pennines trying hard and it is about getting those businesses here.”

During the meeting, the committee met with Jan Melia from Blue Orchid to discuss the group and their engagement with businesses.

Blue Orchid, with support from Rochdale Council, is responsible for helping businesses prepare for the Tour De France as well as supporting them through a variety of networking events.

Jan discussed a number of ways for the group to engage with businesses.

The group has been working for the past year on plans to celebrate the Tour De France passing through the Pennines and have planned a number of activities over four weekends.

Events that the group are hoping to stage will include a triathlon, a festival, rock concert, cycling days and farmers markets.

John Kay added: “It is certainly going to be an exciting time and should be a brilliant few weekends.”

Councillor Stephanie Mills, who is part of the committee, added: “These events will bring a good feel to the area about the Tour De France.”

The group, which re-launched in March 2013, aims to help businesses identify and develop opportunities, including understanding the value of using local
distinctiveness in marketing the Pennines Township.

Their objective as a group is to increase the value of tourism to the Pennines Township.