An outdoor watersports centre based in the heart of Newquay is benefiting from advice and guidance from Superfast Business Cornwall with the implementation of a new booking system that will transform business efficiency.

The Newquay Activity Centre offers surfing, bodyboarding, coasteering and paddleboarding activities as well as bodyboarding coaching holidays both in the UK and abroad through its sister company Bodyboard Holidays.

“I read about Superfast Business Cornwall online and everything they offered seemed really informative and useful,” said Director Rob Barber.

"We are going through a period of growth and increasing the amount of activities we offer to our customers. We will be moving to new premises much closer to the beach and offering new things such as sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as increasing the number of holidays we offer.
“To deal with these new changes, we need a robust booking system and customer management system in place.”

Rob attended one of Superfast Business Cornwall’s Technology for Growth workshops, which covers how businesses can harness digital technology for growth.  The workshop looks at what technologies are available to businesses in Cornwall and how they can save money, become more efficient, build a better online presence and grow using it. Rob was inspired by the workshop and found that getting an outsider’s point of view about his business was invaluable.

Superfast Business Cornwall’s Digital Business Advisor Jon Gerrard worked hand-in-hand with Newquay Activity Centre as the project developed.  He undertook two website reviews and gave support and guidance on identifying, procuring and implementing an effective new booking system.

“Superfast Business Cornwall has given us support with initial market research for our booking system and how the system will work,” said Rob. “They helped us with our website, gave advice about SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and usability and helped us improve our broadband speeds so we could support the new booking system.”

Although the project is still in its relatively early stages it is hoped that the system will be in use this year.
“Working with Superfast Business Cornwall has really fast tracked us to where we need to be,” said Rob. “There is such a wealth of knowledge in the team and we have truly benefited from that knowledge as well as their experience and resources. Jon has been so helpful and always at the end of the phone when we need him.

“After completing our move to a new base we are going to implement the new system. This will improve the payment process for customers and make it easier and quicker for them to book and schedule activities or trips at any time of the day or night. From our point of view it will make it easier to plan around staffing, equipment and conditions, and free up more time to focus on business development.”

To find out more about Rob’s business visit: https://newquayactivitycentre.co.uk/
Superfast Business Cornwall aims to help businesses understand, adopt and exploit digital technology to boost competitiveness.  The service offers a tailored programme of high quality information, impartial advice and digital development. Grant investment is available to enable new digital projects.

The service is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Serco Employment, Skills and Enterprise, national market leaders in the provision of Superfast Broadband focused business support. Building upon the success of the previous Superfast Business Cornwall Service, this latest project runs until March 2019.

For more information about Superfast Business Cornwall and how it can help your business to utilise digital technology, visit www.sfbcornwall.co.uk.