BUSINESSES are being encouraged to cash in on the Tour of Britain.

The prestigious televised cycling race passes through several parts of the Cotswolds allowing businesses an opportunity to showcase their products.

To ensure that the local business community can benefit to the full, Cotswolds Tourism is organising two public meetings about the event and the opportunities it presents.

The events take place on Monday May 15 at 5.30pm at Moreton-in-Marsh Fire Service College and on Wednesday May 17 at 5pm at the White Hart Inn, Winchcombe.

Nick Akerman, events account manager at Moreton-in-Marsh Fire Service College, said: "We are delighted that the Tour of Britain will be passing through the Cotswolds on 9 September and to have been asked to host the first public meeting on 15 May which will see the launch of this exciting sporting event.

"The fire service college looks forward to welcoming local businesses, communities and organisations that have an interest in cycling and the wider visitor economy.

"Here at the college, as well as our core weekday fire and rescue training, we regularly provide weekend overnight accommodation for various groups including cyclists, walkers and others enjoying this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"We need to make sure that all of us work together to make the most of this unique promotional opportunity for the Cotswolds.”

The full tour route was announced recently and organisers confirmed that stage seven of Britain’s premier road cycling event on September 9 will cover areas including Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh.

Riders will then turn westwards towards Winchcombe and finish in Cheltenham town centre.

This event should provide a significant boost for the local tourism sector as crowds flock to see more than 120 professional cyclists, including the world’s elite, vying to win the British crown.

Councillor Jim Mason, chairman of Winchcombe Town Council, added: "The Tour of Britain is a massive opportunity for us to showcase all that Winchcombe and the Cotswolds has to offer.

"We’re really looking forward to working with groups, schools and businesses locally to see how we can make the most of this international event and attract visitors to the area, as well as inspire our communities.

"When the Tour previously travelled through Winchcombe it was very much a crowd-puller and the whole town celebrated.

"We want to be able to continue encouraging cycling for tourists, as well as our local residents. Not only does cycling encourage healthy, active lifestyles - but it provides a lot of enjoyment to."

Businesses near the route – or those with a specific interest in cycling - are invited to register to attend either of these meetings via https://r1.dotmailer-surveys.com/e8qjv6f-282cc858