This scheme for use by both free-to-join and Business Club members is not yet available.

Hard working accommodation providers deserve a break but some of you are open all year round or you are busy decorating when you are closed.

We all know that a change is as good as rest: a stay at other B&Bs or self catering properties in other parts of the country is a great way to visit and enjoy the vast diversity that the UK has to offer.

How do you get away when you are officially open? Well you could engage a business sitter or far more cheaply, you could do a home swap with another accommodation provider with a business not too dissimilar to yours.

Who better to look after your business when you are away but someone you consider a friend and colleague on the BedPosts forum? In turn, you would look after their business.

A great idea, a great scheme and a great way to get the most out of having your own accommodation to offer. A database of interested participants is being compiled.

Some members will be seeking a swap with another member on the basis that each party, for example, only answers the telephone and takes bookings. Other members will be seeking a swap with another member on the basis that both parties deliver a full service including cooking breakfasts and cleaning rooms, or managing staff who normally do this work, as the case may be.

It is envisaged that the database details will provide sufficient information as to the day to day demands of each business to enable other members to recognise what is likely to be involved in a full service swap or a basic reception only swap, with a key to the type of swap being sought. Members should make individual arrangements between themselves to ensure that both parties understand the needs of the other party they wish to swap with. There is also no reason why there should not be a three way or four way swap if members wish to arrange this amongst themselves. The database will enable members to recognise other interested swappers and make contact as they choose.