RDP project database

The aim of the project is to encourage the transfer and takeover of commercial property in the hotel and catering sector supporting offers of individual and collective assistance to interested parties.

In the Pays Grand Briançonnais region, a mountain tourism area, the hotel sector is a cornerstone of the local economy. However, there was previously no assistance, specific to the development of the hotel management and catering sector once a business is transferred. The mission of the IRCE (Regional Institute for the Creation and Development of Businesses) is to train and assist entrepreneurs in this area of activity.

Main objective of the project is to assist entrepreneurs (persons taking over businesses, persons transferring businesses) in the hotel and catering sector to facilitate the maintenance and creation of jobs. The overall project objectives include assisting 8-15 persons transferring businesses, and another 8-15 persons taking over businesses. In addition training to 8-30 local economic actors is envisaged leading to the job retention and creation.

The project includes 3 different training courses: 1) Training for persons transferring their businesses to help them anticipate and prepare for the transfer of their business; 2) Training for persons taking over a business to help them assess the feasibility of their business takeover project and to establish the basis for the sustainability of their operations; 3) Training for economic actors and operators in this area to support offers of assistance for local transferors and transferees.

Transferors: 11 establishments identified, of which 6 followed training in June 2010. 5 other establishments identified but were unable to take part in the operation due to other commitments. Transferees: 9 establishments identified, 4 of which received assistance in November 2010. 4 other potential transferees were identified but were unable to take part in the project. The transferors and the transferees that were assisted are still monitored by the IRCE in relation to the choice of strategy.

Number of participants was limited by the specialised nature of the training programmes offered. The economic crisis affected the restaurant and catering sectors in 2008/2009 and did not provide the best conditions for the launch of this initiative. A number of managers have expressed their wish to sell their properties to property developers and suspend their activity without transferring it.

Pays du Grand Briançonnais, Alpes de Haute-Provence, South-east of France

PACA

Hexagone

51 000

25 520

24 960

1 800

Christophe SIVELLE

c.sivelle@irce-paca.com

+ 33 (0)4 42 59 90 00

English, French