Questions for businesses who would like to join a VisitEngland Quality Scheme

How do I apply to be assessed?

Firstly, take a look around our site for the information on the specific scheme you are interested in. The joining process is explained on each page. Alternatively, contact us and we’ll be happy to explain the next steps and talk you through the application process.

How much does it cost?

Participation fees depend on which quality scheme you’d like to join. Contact us for your scheme specific fees.

How long does my accreditation last?

Depending on which scheme you have joined, your accreditation will last for either 12 or 24 months. An annual participation fee is applicable for all schemes and participation runs from1^st April – 31^st March.

How often will my assessments be carried out?

If you have joined one of our accommodation schemes, assessments are annual, usually within a month or so of your last visit. A visit can be delayed to give time for refurbishment and repairs to be completed, in these instances the rating will remain firm until we can visit again. Visitor attractions are assessed either every year or every other year, suitable dates for the visit can be discussed with your assessor. Pubs are also assessed either every year or every other year, and visits are unannounced.

What benefits are available to participants in VisitEngland’s Quality Schemes?

Please refer to our benefits page for further information.

How do I increase my rating or score or achieve an accolade?

Your assessor can give advice at the time of the assessment, or alternatively you can call us and speak with an Advisory Assessor, who are always on hand to offer advice.

What can I do if I have a query about my assessment or report?

If you have a question following your visit, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help.

What happens if I sell my business, will the accreditation transfer to the new owners, or can I take it with me to another business?

If you decide to sell your business, the accreditation will not transfer to the new owner, or travel to another business. Notice of the sale needs to communicated in writing to the VisitEngland Assessment Services office via email and the team can advise accordingly.

How can I get a logo for my website?

Please contact VisitEnglandAssessmentServices@aamediagroup.co.uk or call 01256 338350

I would like to pay my invoice or have a question about an invoice I’ve received?

Please call 01256 338350 and select option 1

I have recently bought a business that was previously accredited, how do I retain this?

To retain the accreditation, you will need to make a new application to be assessed to the Visit England Assessment Services office. Where a property has previously been in the scheme, the joining fee will not apply. As the new owner, you will be treated as a brand new application and will be awarded your star rating solely on the basis of what the assessor observes under the new ownership and not what the previous rating was.

How can I update my listing on your site?

To update your listing on this site, contact VisitEnglandAssessmentServices@aamediagroup.co.uk

Please send up to 20 images of your property, plus a 75-word description.

Images should:

be landscape format
be high resolution
not be composite images or images containing logos or other superimposed text.

Questions for consumers

I have a complaint about a VisitEngland assessed business, who do I speak to?

In the first instance we would recommend you make your complaint known to the proprietor or owner of the business. If your complaint is not resolved by them, please get in touch with us and we will investigate. Please be aware we cannot enter into any discussions regarding financial compensation .

Can I check the star rating of a business that I am looking to book?

Our members are very proud of their awards, and often display them on their websites. The star rating and location of a property can be found by searching on this site. The assessment office will also be more than happy to confirm a property rating. Please do feel free to call 01256 338350 for more information.

FAQs