Tour of Britain has boosted trade, local businesses say
Businesses have been given a boost thanks to the Tour of Britain as crowds flocked to enjoy the thrills of the top class cycling event.
Belgian Tim Merlier (Fix All Quick-Step) pulled off an impressive sprint victory in the second stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, which took place on Thursday (September 3) – and the action saw crowds line the streets of towns in Lincolnshire.
The 111 mile route began in Boston and took a route through Horncastle, The Wolds, Louth, Mablethorpe and Spilsby before ending on the sea front at Skegness. The previous day had seen riders test their skills in Lincoln.
It was a particularly timely helping hand for seaside towns that might normally expect a lull after the end of the school summer break.
Dave Charles who runs The Seafood Cafe in Skegness with his wife Jan, was very supportive of the race.
He said: “It’s a great event and is good for the town. It’s nice to see so many people here committed to it. It’s amazing to see this sort of event coming to this town.”
Mr Charles went on to say that the event has helped to increase footfall and encourage people to spend their money in the town.
He added: “School holidays have finished, so it’s just an extra boost for local businesses. It’s really good.
“It’s an impact that hits you on the day that they’re here. No matter what event it is – whether it’s the Pride event or an event like this, when it’s a one day event, it does impact you.
“It makes you busier. It’s good for businesses and it makes people happy and, of course, when people are happy they’re more likely to spend money – which is great.”
Stuart Annetts, who is a gas engineer in Boston, wants to see the authorities building on the momentum of this event.
He said: “Maybe there should be more of it, considering it pulls a lot of people in and it can only be good for local businesses.
“If you’re a cyclist, there’s no better way of spending your day coming to watch it.”
Director of Specsavers in Boston, Asa Elkington-Hobbs-Rex, said: “It’s good for the town.
“I don’t think a lot of people realise just how big it is for cycling.”
Skegness Town Council clerk Steve Larner, who is involved in managing the Tower Gardens Pavilion, said it was an ‘exciting event for Skegness’.
He said: “It puts Skegness on the map and brings it to the attention of not only to those people that already know it, but to a wider audience across the UK and beyond.”
He added: “I think that it’s brought attention to Skegness and is displaying it to a wider audience than it normally gets.
“We get regular holiday makers here who come year after year. I think this opens it up to a much wider audience and they will hopefully come and visit and appreciate what others already do.”