For membership queries
secretary@assc.co.uk
or call on 01866 822122

Ten Good Reasons to Join the ASSC

1

Representation – The ASSC lobbies on behalf of self-catering on national and local issues, and is generally recognised by consultative bodies, and local and central government, as a respected and effective voice.Your interests are also represented to VisitScotland and its Quality & Standards Scheme, the Scottish Tourism Forum, Scottish Enterprise, and many more…  ASSC is also a partner in the UK-wide Federation of National Self-Catering Associations.
“Every year I look at what’s worked for me in the way of advertising and what hasn’t and ruthlessly kill off those which haven’t delivered.  But the ASSC is one I would NEVER kill off.  It delivers well for me on the marketing side, but it’s all the other benefits I get that make membership so indispensable. I long ago stopped operating in a vacuum and feel part of a “club” of like-minded people.”

Geraldine Hamilton, Crosswoodhill Farm Holiday Cottages near Edinburgh

“I joined ASSC back in 2007 and have never had cause to regret becoming a member – benefitting from the marketing and from the useful and pertinent information that you provide as a trade organisation.”

Charles Henderson, Taronga Self Catering

2

Marketing Opportunities – For members who take the marketing option, we can boost your bookings 24 hours a day.  You have complete control over your Property Page(s) on our popular and well publicised consumer-facing website, www.embracescotland.co.uk, to promote your business and bring you extra traffic. We promote the EmbraceScotland brand and website on your behalf throughout the year.  We also offer extra opportunities for increased exposure of your accommodation via special offers and promotions.*

3

Free Availability Calendar – A free online availability calendar you can use on your own website, which automatically updates EmbraceScotland.
“Buy one get one free! Subscribe to the Embrace Scotland website and get the support, guidance and advantages of belonging to a professional body free of charge!”

Fiona Briggs, Antonine Wall Cottages, Bonnybridge

4

Advice, News and Networking – Our regular ASSC e-newsletter, magazine, annual conference and exclusive members’ website keep you informed and in touch throughout the year.  This includes Guidance Sheets on a range of topics and trends affecting the self-catering industry, including Licensing, Fire Regulations, Rates, Customer Feedback, and many others.

5

Insurance and Discounted Supplies – Custom-made insurance policies at keen rates for self-caterers, covering buildings, contents, public liability and cancellation. Our list of recommended specialist suppliers to the trade includes many who offer discounts to members to save you £££s.
“The ASSC has been extremely useful to us in the running of our business.  It has provided us with such helpful information about basic but important things like rates revaluation, private water supplies, and fire safety regulations, as well as giving us the opportunity to network with others running similar businesses.  It has also been supportive to us in so many ways, and provided us with answers to many small administrative queries. The annual AGM meeting is now a highlight in our calendar.”

Denys Mathieson,  Appin House Lodges, Argyll

6

Real value for money – Membership starts at literally a few pence a day.  Alongside many comparable packages of business services, our costs are extraordinarily low for the benefits offered.

7

Directory  – An opportunity for a display advert (at modest extra cost) in our full-colour annual brochure promoted throughout the UK and overseas.*
“The annual subscription is excellent value for money and I only wish we had known about ASSC at our planning stage. The help, support, and advice is invaluable”.

Carol Houghton, Airhouse Luxury Lodges,  Lauder

8

ASSC Logo  – The right to use the ASSC logo to add prestige and quality assurance to your branding.*

9

Free Business AdviceLegal Helpline: telephone advice from specialist lawyers
Tax Watchdog: initial advice from an approved firm

10

Opportunities for exchanging views and benefits with other members online and face to face – An online Discussion Forum allows members to engage actively with each other at any time, and to exchange views and best practice. The annual Conference and AGM attracts members from far and wide learn from each other as well as from outside personalities and experts in tourism. To many members a key benefit of membership is the feeling of belonging, having a common cause, working together, supporting and promoting other members.

Membership can INCREASE your business and DECREASE your costs!