Canals are increasingly popular places for attracting footfall and, whilst the principle function of a canal is to provide a navigation for boats, a huge number of non-boaters enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the canal together with the enjoyment from walking, running, cycling and passing quality time in a rural and peaceful environment.
Because of its increasing attraction, the canal does lend itself to certain commercial opportunities and Stroud Valley Canal Company (SVCC) is happy to explore with any potential business ways in which they can operate in a structured and licenced way.
SVCC has produced a series of guidelines which will help any prospective commercial operation to see whether it would be appropriate and clear forms which will guide an application to base the potential business on SVCC land or on the water. Similarly, if proposing a business that needs the canal to operate such as a canoe hire company please contact admin@stroudvalleyscanal.org.
You can find information about starting a waterborne business on the canal network from the Canal and River Trust which covers starting up, the CRT application process and fees and the process if you are proposing any works affecting canal property. For the main canal network including the Gloucester Sharpness canal contact business.boating@canalrivertrust.org.uk and for the Cotswold Canals contact admin@stroudvalleyscanal.org