A Redcar business that has been hard hit by the closure of the Corus Teesside Cast Products plant, has enlisted the support of Business Link to help target new markets.

Alpine House Guest House was set up by Jacqui Dunn in 2009 after she spotted a gap in the market to provide high quality accommodation to contractors for Corus and nearby chemical firms, which would also attract the weekend tourist market.

Before setting up the guest house, Jacqui had spent the last 18 years caring for her elderly parents. When her mum passed away and her dad went into a care home, she was keen to put to good use the skills she had acquired as a carer and homemaker and saw this gap in the market as the perfect opportunity.

She said: “After spending so long out of the job market I didn’t know what I could do that would make the most of my skills. With so much industry close by I realised there was a gap for quality accommodation with high standards of customer service that would also attract tourists looking to explore the seaside location and surrounding countryside.”

However, not long after purchasing and renovating a seven bedroom Edwardian property at Newcomen Terrace, which occupies a prime seafront position, Corus announced the closure of their Teesside Cast Products plant dealing a huge blow to Jacqueline and the region as a whole.

With visiting contractors accounting for around 80 percent of customers, Jacqui was determined to plug the gap by securing more business from the tourism and consumer market. This led to her contacting Business Link for advice and guidance on how to reach out to more potential customers.

Business Link has been able to provide advice and guidance on a proactive marketing campaign which involves the imminent launch of a new website and online booking system. Specialist mentoring support from an expert in the leisure and tourism industry has been recommended and Jacqui has also been signposted to other support channels such as Visit Tees Valley, Redcar Legi and UK Steel Enterprise.

Jacqui commented: “Business Link has been a helpful resource during these difficult times, my adviser Stephen has been at the end of a phone providing ongoing support and suggestions to help me target new customers.” Alongside marketing initiatives Jacqui will continue to offer the personalised customer service which includes offering breakfast and lunches upon request and even a laundry service.

She added: “My experience as a carer has served me well, enabling me to anticipate the needs of my customers and help to ensure they have an enjoyable stay. With the Tall Ships race coming to Hartlepool in a matter of weeks, I hope to attract some of those visitors, and with Business Link’s support, to ensure Alpine Guest House is well positioned to attract even more tourists and has a promising future.”

Business Link adviser Stephen Gibson said: “Alpine House is a business that has been hit hard during the economic downturn. Jacqui has refused to let obstacles stop her moving forward with her plans and has been open to ideas and suggestions from Business Link and the wider support network to ensure the business has the best chance to survive and prosper.”