Discover Rutland was established in 2007 with the aim of stimulating and supporting the county’s visitor economy and ensuring a sustainable future for tourism in the county. A dedicated website and A4 visitor guide were launched the following year.
In March 2016 Nimble Media took over the production and distribution of the county’s official Visitor Guide.
Working with Discover Rutland’s voluntary management committee, Nimble Media redesigned and relaunched the guide to the UK’s smallest county as a bi-annual publication.
The successful relaunch resulted in a number of brand extensions including a Rutland ‘Things to See & Do map and during the 2020 UK lockdown Nimble launched the ‘Rutland, Steady, Cook!’ campaign – instigated by Nimble Media owner and director Vicky Binley – to promote local producers and the hospitality sector and keep businesses in the hearts and minds of their customers. The campaign resulted in interviews with the Radio 4 You and Yours programme and BBC Radio Leicester Breakfast show!
Jason Allen, chairman of Discover Rutland and owner of The Fox country pub and restaurant in North Luffenham, explains: “In 2016, when I was vice-chair, the committee decided the guide could be much improved if we sought professional support.
“We wanted to use a local business that had an in-depth knowledge of Rutland and a sound understanding of the local tourism offering.
“Nimble Media was recommended to us. It was obvious from the first meeting with Vicky – who lives in Rutland – that she is passionate about the county.
“She is also extremely personable, energetic and her enthusiasm is contagious.
“In Vicky’s hands we were confident the visitor guide would be produced to an exceptionally high standard.
“Since the first issue she has consistently delivered – when Vicky says she is going to do something, she does it.
“Vicky is at the helm of a creative and committed team, who she clearly respects and values.
“They have an excellent understanding of our product and objectives and are willing to go above and beyond to deliver the best possible product.
“The guide is not only appealing to visitors but also locals, who value the high-quality unique editorial content and readers’ benefits on offer.”
Nimble Media provides a full contract publishing service, supplying the editorial, booking advertising, and managing the magazine’s printing and distribution.
A fully responsive and interactive digital version – circulated via Discover Rutland’s membership and customer database, advertisers, and Rutland County Council – is also produced.
A not-for-profit organisation, Discover Rutland relies on income from advertising and membership to fund its activities.
“The team at Nimble have increased our membership subscriptions and continue to secure advertisers, ensuring the continued viability of the guide.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic we have still been able to publish the guide thanks to Vicky’s creative suggestions to engage advertisers.
“Discover Rutland’s working relationship with Nimble Media has grown into a long-standing and successful partnership. Vicky is now the committee’s voluntary head of guides and literature.
“Discover Rutland would, and has, recommended Nimble Media to our members seeking marketing support.
“And, on a personal note, a valued friendship has grown out of our working partnership.”
