Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
The Moray based Knockomie Inn has been looking at how technology can help reduce COVID-19 concerns for visitors.
As well as developing digital hotel information packs, smart phone friendly menus, and easy track and trace technology; the Forres-based, family run Inn has been working with local tourism providers to create QR code posters to replace leaflets for popular attractions.
“As well as being better for the environment, posters with QR codes avoid any unnecessary cross-contact. It’s one of a number of measures we’ve introduced to help build confidence for those coming to stay. It’s really important to us people feel relaxed,” said owner Gavin Ellis.
The hotel has been working with Johnstons of Elgin to develop the idea. The posters allow people with smart phones or other devices to point a camera at the QR code, and it takes them to online information provided by the business.
Stewart Marshall, sales and operations manager at Johnstons of Elgin, says it’s a great way to safely connect with tourists to an area. “Rather than a static leaflet, we can tailor and easily update the content, providing the latest information visitors are looking for. Digital provides a great opportunity; both at a practical level, making it easy to buy our products, and visit our stores and visitor centres, and also to provide the unique stories and experiences our customers associate with us as a great heritage brand.”
The Knockomie Inn is part of the VisitScotland ‘Good to Go’ scheme, and has been working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as it has looked at how to re-open safely.
HIE’s Angie Smith, high growth and development account manager in Moray, said: “Gavin and Penny have been very keen to work with local businesses and with the agencies to look at new ways of working. We were delighted to help support them with funding for some practical renovations for their COVID-19 response.
“The Inn is also sharing its lockdown experiences, and is providing hints and tips, on some of the measures it has taken to re-open safely. This is online at www.hie.co.uk/knockomieinn.”
Scotland wide business advice on restart and recovery, including funding and support initiatives, is available at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/
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