Businesses put best foot forward for SW Coast Path

Businesses across the South West have stepped forward to support one of the region's greatest assets - one that sustains nearly 10,000 jobs a year in the region.

The South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) is pleased to welcome corporate supporters of the Coast Path who also play an integral part in ensuring the success of their annual fundraising event - the Great South West Walks.

The companies, all committed to corporate social responsibility, have created a marketing partnership at different levels, helping to maintain and improve the National Trail throughout 2014 and in to 2015.

These include various initiatives, aligning businesses with the Coast Path's brand, associated news stories, web and social media exposure, as well as involvement with the SWCPA's major fundraising event - the Great South West Walks this September.

Lead supporter South West Water, provides high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset and is passionate about supporting the South West Coast Path for locals and visitors.

Alan Hyde, Communications Manager, from South West Water said: "Protecting the region's future is something we focus on throughout our work, so supporting the South West Coast Path for future users is a great fit for us. We are proud to be lead sponsors of the Great South West Walks, the SWCPA's annual event, as this event gives thousands of locals and visitors the opportunity to also get on board and support the path."

Supporters from The Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa situated in Carbis Bay near St Ives, offer luxury accommodation overlooking Cornwall's only Blue Flag beach, where preservation of the coast and path is vital to their business.

Stephen Baker, owner of The Carbis Bay Hotel, commented on the importance of protecting the Coast Path, saying: "We are committed to supporting the natural beauty of the area as one of the main draws for visitors to the county. The South West Coast Path is such an important part of the region, not only for the vital numbers it brings in from a tourism point of view but also as a part of our history and heritage."

Another supporter, Managing Director, Graham Grose, at Thurlestone Estates, in South Devon, reinforces this view. He said: "The Thurlestone Hotel is situated near to the South West Coast Path and despite our all year round spa and award winning dinning and hospitality the coast path remains an incredibly important asset in the success of our business. In the first quarter of 2014 the storm damage to the path resulted in a drop in sales of more than £100,000 compared to last year despite the general improvement in the economy. We have more than 90 employees who depend on our business."

Other supporters include Toad Hall Cottages who have holiday cottages across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, alongside other holiday accommodation providers Parkdean Holidays, Cottages4You and Bagwell Farm in Dorset. Explore in Cornwall, the guided walk provider, are also supporting the Coast Path this year.

Esther Pearson, Business Development Manager for the South West Coast Path Association, is thrilled to have such reputable businesses supporting the Path. She said: "The South West Coast Path brings £430 million into the regional economy each year, which supports nearly 10,000 jobs so it is vitally important to our economy. It is fantastic that these companies have come on board as sponsors and we are very grateful for their support. I would like to say a huge thank you to South West Water, Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa, Thurlestone Hotel, Toad Hall Cottages, Bagwell Farm, Parkdean Holidays, Cottages4You, and Explore in Cornwall who are donating their time and money to help protect the future of the Coast Path."

Taking place across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset from 20t-28 September, the Great South West Walks will raise vital funds for the South West Coast Path Association and Children's Hospice South West.

The event consists of 100 guided sponsored walks of various lengths, many will be themed to include heritage, wildlife and family friendly walks. There is something to suit everyone.

To take part in the Great South West Walks, participants can visit the website and choose one or several of the 100 walks that they would like to participate in at www.greatsouthwestwalks.co.uk

Alternatively, registration can be made via telephone by calling the South West Coast Path Association on 01752 896237.

Further information about the organisations and the walks can be found on the website, or on Twitter @LoveSWCoastPath or Facebook /SWCPA