C. Developing and growing the business

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The digital case study fast forwards to early 2019, the timeframe when the case study was written.

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There are a set of problems and possible solutions – explore each and make recommendations.

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C.1 Key areas to explore in section C:

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1. How do they plan for growth when there is uncertainty and matters of constraint (eg how could they grow the Oak Tree Inn and accommodation business when car park is at capacity)?

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2. How do they resource growth (eg finance for future investment; what are the challenges of getting staff in to stay; etc)?

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3. Exploring the importance of context/policy/government in setting up, running and developing a business?

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4. The specific issues of identifying and understanding the implications of the business context – drawing on generic lessons from this case which highlights the development of a business in a rural setting , within a national park, the issues of government agency support for small business ; potential issues of Brexit and employing European staff; etc.

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C.2 Activity

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A reminder of key points:

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Challenges and new business opportunities facing the Fraser Family business in 2019 -

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· The importance of the family involvement.

· Expansion of the offerings of the village shop and move into online also.

· The pontoons

· Centralised kitchens

· Houses at the quarry site

· New Industrial unit at Balmaha House

· Self-catering houses at Balmaha House

· Use of the old garage in Drymen

· Coffee rostary

· Brewery

· Smoke house

· Drive-through café at Carbeth

· 4 more “Oak Tree Inns”

· More St Mocha cafes

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Now watch and listen to videos 3, 5 and 14 to 18