As Small Business Saturday returns on 6 December, Visit Worcestershire is highlighting the role of independent enterprises in the region’s visitor economy, including Orchard Blossom, an adult-only glamping site that opened earlier this year near Pershore.
The initiative aims to recognize the contribution of micro-businesses, which account for nearly eight in ten local enterprises and play a central role in shaping travel experiences across the county.
Orchard Blossom welcomed its first guests in May 2025 after owners Helen Christopher and Andy Smith converted a four-acre inherited orchard into a small-scale retreat offering furnished stargazing bell tents, each equipped with an outdoor bath.
Helen said the concept grew from a desire for a new direction. “I was ready to leave corporate life behind, and Andy wanted a new creative direction. The orchard I inherited had so much potential, and we felt it was the right time to turn it into something meaningful.”
The owners describe the property as a place where visitors can disconnect from daily pressures. “Our aim is to give guests a space where they can slow down, sleep under the stars, and enjoy the comfort of a beautifully furnished stargazing bell tent, each with its own outdoor bath,” Helen said.
Although the setting may appear serene, the operational demands are significant. “Guests see a calm and tidy space, but there’s a lot of work that goes into maintaining it — from cleaning outdoor baths to caring for the plants and keeping everything spotless in all weather,” she said in a news release.
Day-to-day upkeep also includes managing bookings, maintaining infrastructure, and adapting to seasonal fluctuations, common challenges for many small outdoor hospitality operators.
For the business, working with regional suppliers has become an important part of its model. Orchard Blossom sources its guest hamper items from Worcestershire producers, something Helen says strengthens local ties. “The business community here is incredibly supportive. We enjoy celebrating the talents and experiences around us.”
The economic value of visitors is also part of the broader picture. Helen notes that guests often spend money in nearby pubs, shops, and attractions, helping sustain the rural economy.
“A stay with us often leads to meals in local pubs, trips to attractions, or purchases from nearby shops. That spending helps sustain jobs and supports rural communities.”
Running a small hospitality business has presented its own hurdles. Helen explained, “Balancing long-term planning with the everyday practical tasks can be demanding, and working as a couple means the boundaries between home and work often blur. But it’s rewarding to see guests enjoy a space we’ve built from the ground up.”
Ahead of Small Business Saturday, she offered guidance to prospective entrepreneurs. “Understand the real costs early on. Build in a buffer for the unexpected. And decide what you want to excel at — then refine it until it becomes the thing people talk about.”
Visit Worcestershire and Worcestershire County Council continue to provide support programs for independent tourism operators, including practical guidance, one-to-one advice, and consultancy services designed to help owners develop and strengthen their operations.
For outdoor hospitality providers, such programs represent an opportunity to access business development resources and industry-specific support during a period of growing consumer interest in glamping and experiential accommodation.