We’ll Meat Again

Posted on May 3, 2017

We’ll Meat Again

Hollins Farm park manager Daniele Balia with some of the Holstein Friesian cattle which greet holidaymakers

Hollins Farm park manager Daniele Balia with some of the stein Friesian cattle which greet holidaymakers

Hollins Farm Camping and Caravanning Park near Silverdale is offering youngsters the chance to learn about the food cycle. The farm raises traditional breeds of sheep, cows and chickens in its picturesque Lakeland setting, and then supplies the meat to local dining establishments.

“Surveys suggest that many children have a disconnect with farming, and some don’t know that bacon comes from pigs, or eggs are produced by chickens,” said Park Owner Michael Holgate. “That’s why we’re encouraging mums and dads who stay with us to regard Hollins Farm as a place where youngsters can really have their eyes opened. “As well as discovering more about nature and the countryside, youngsters can also make that important connection between farming and the food they eat,” added Michael.

Squeaky Clean

Posted on May 3, 2017

Squeaky Clean

The increased demands placed on heavily used facilities require careful consideration and professional planning.

Washrooms are one of the most-used facilities at a holiday park or campsite and are all too important to be left to chance. From design layout to lighting and cleanliness, it’s often the smallest rooms that can have the biggest impact on a customer experience. Modern washroom designs continue to become ever more stylish, sophisticated and eco-friendly, from urinals with television screens to all-in-one toilet, sink and vanity table units. “Washrooms don’t have to be boring and grey,” comments Ged Hirst of design specialists Cubicle Centre.

“Vibrant cubicles and walls brighten the washrooms and create a better environment. There are many coloured and woodgrain panels available to match any theme or design choices you might want.” Cubicle Centre is an award-winning, family-run business that manufactures and supplies washroom panel products. These include toilets cubicles, shower cubicles, vanity units, and wall panels. The company has supplied dozens of holiday parks with durable washroom facilities. Most recently, Cubicle Centre provided shower and toilet cubicles for the newly renovated washroom block at Glan Morfa Mawr Caravan Park on the Welsh coast.

VITAL INGREDIENT : “Holiday park toilet and shower facilities are vital for attracting repeat visitors,” says Ged. “Guests want to be as comfortable as possible during their stay. A dirty, smelly or out-of-order washroom will damage their experience. “My advice is to ensure facilities are well signposted, well-lit, heated and cleaned at regular intervals. It is also important to make sure you provide enough toilet cubicles, washbasins and showers - this will reduce the chance of visitors having to wait to use the facilities.” Ged advises that a properly planned and maintained washroom can last between ten and 20 years, depending on the quality of the fittings, panels and sanitary products.

Loo of the Year entrants benefit from a cost effective way of receiving an independent assessment of the standard of their washrooms. Pic: Old Oaks Touring Park.

Exploring the different types and qualities of materials on offer is essential. Heavy duty locks and legs will keep your shower and toilet cubicles in working order and water-proof wall and cubicle panels will be able to resist distortion and damage from moisture. Says Ged: “Buying cheaper products to begin with will end up costing you more later on. For example, MFC cubicle panels are a cheaper option but they can swell and distort when exposed to too much moisture. Whereas Compact Grade Laminate (CGL) panels will cost more initially but are water-proof and vandal resistant, which means they will be durable enough to last the heavy use environment of a holiday park washroom block.”

Another key consideration is the safety of the guests who use the facilities. Visitors will use the washroom block in different weather conditions. On rainy days users might walk in wet and mud, which can be a slipping hazard so the flooring should be non-slip to avoid these types of falls. The facilities should also have good lighting for safe use a night and adequate heating. It’s also important to consider less physically able visitors. There should be easy access to the washroom via ramps if needed and clear circulation routes at 1500mm wide for wheelchairs should be provided. Larger sized shower and WC cubicles with grab rails may also be required. The increased demands placed on heavily used facilities require careful consideration and professional planning. It goes without saying that well-designed washrooms should at least be clean, dry, well ventilated and user friendly. hygiene in kitchens and other back of house areas which the customer cannot see. Poorly maintained washrooms can easily damage the wider reputation of a business.

COMPANY CONTACTS

DUNHAMS WASHROOM SYSTEMS Tel. 01603 424855 www.dunhamswashrooms.com

LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS Tel. 01531 640715 www.loo.co.uk

ARMSTRONG COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SYSTEMS Tel. 01635 263410 www.armstrong-laundry.co.uk

CUBICLE CENTRE Tel. 01924 457600 www.washroomcubicles.co.uk

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Wish You Were Here…

Posted on April 26, 2017

Wish You Were Here...

Picture postcards from Cringoed Holiday Park in Llanbrynmair, Mid-Wales…

Cringoed Holiday Park sits alongside the river Twymyn one mile from the small village of Llanbrynmair in the heart of Mid-Wales. A gem of a site in the Twymyn valley between Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons, the area offers a terrific opportunity for bird watching, walking and cycling.

The park itself is owned and run by husband and wife team Paul and Sue Mathers, who have made many improvements to the campsite for tourers, statics and campers since they took over ownership in 2001. “Having owned our own caravan for some years, we decided that we liked the idea of owning our own park and one day we came across an advert in Daltons Weekly – Cringoed was for sale,” explains Paul Mathers. “It was just what we were looking for. Inspiration mixed with overwhelming enthusiasm - we were sold and the deal was done there and then.”

16 years on from a bare field and a near nonexistent income, Cringoed has matured into a successful and well-presented caravan park. It now boasts over 40 static holiday homes, 20 seasonal pitches, casual camping, camping pods, extensive landscaping and modern facilities and even a 4 star badge. The site provides toilets, hot showers, washing-up facilities and a launderette for guests and there is a large children’s play area and a games room with amusements.

Cringoed Holiday Park

Tel. 01650 521237

www.cringoedcaravanpark.wales

Recruitment Drive

Posted on March 7, 2017

A major regional recruitment drive has been launched by Shorefield Holidays, a leading tourism business with holiday parks in Hampshire and Dorset.

Recruitment Drive

Shorefield Holidays has launched a major regional recruitment drive to enable further growth of the holiday business. Shorefield, which runs six holiday parks across Hampshire and Dorset, employs more than 250 full-time staff and contributes more than £27m every year to the local economy.

In recent years Shorefield has seen significant growth across its parks, both for holidays and holiday home ownership. Managing Director Simon Pollock explained that with the impact of the staycation trend, and the increased cost of holidaying abroad following Brexit, they are anticipating this growth will continue.

“We are proud of our staff training and development programmes, and especially of our team, many of whom come from the local area. We are an Investor in People and especially want to foster local talent,” said Simon.

Changes to Smart Card Hook-Ups

Posted on March 7, 2017

Changes to Smart Card Hook-Ups

October 2016 saw changes to the regulations relating to kWh metering of caravan hook-ups, making it mandatory for all meters installed after this date to have full MID approval. As a result of this regulation change, Rolec Services, one of the UK’s leading specialists in caravan electrical distribution and hook-up

All caravan hook-up meters installed after October 2016 must have full MID approval.

systems, has invested heavily in a new range of MID approved Smart Card metered hook-up systems.

Martin Georgeson, Rolec’s Sales Director, commented: “Our range of Smart Card metered hook-ups for both static and touring caravans have proved exceptionally popular and, as a result of this demand, we chose to invest in the design, certification and manufacture of a new range of MID approved Smart Card meters.”

Georgeson continued: “As a result of our investment in developing the MID approved Smart Card meter, and our bulk buying policy, we are able to provide the lowest priced MID approved Smart Card hook-ups in the UK.” In addition to providing Smart Card metered hook-ups, Rolec also supply individual MID approved Smart Card meters and MID approved credit meters for retro-fitting into existing static and touring hook-up units.

Destination GB

Posted on March 7, 2017

Record numbers of international visitors flocked to the UK last year. Pic: VisitEngland / Iain Lewis.

Destination GB

Record numbers of international tourists are visiting Great Britain and they are spending more too, according to official statistics. The report by the Office of National Statistics shows that in the first nine months of 2016 there were a record-breaking 12.2 million visits to English regions outside London, up 4% compared to the same period in 2015.

Spend by international visitors across England’s regions also set a record during this period, up 2% to £5.9 billion. Wales saw inbound visits increase 12% from January to September last year and in Scotland visitor numbers grew by 4% to 2.2 million - the strongest year to date since 2007.

VisitBritain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “Inbound tourism is one of our largest export industries and it is very encouraging to see that growth is being spread right across our nations and regions, demonstrating the industry’s increasing importance as a driver of economic growth and jobs.”

Popular Attraction Invests

Posted on March 7, 2017

Popular Attraction Invests

Tourist attraction Wookey Hole has purchased Bucklegrove Holiday Park. Pictured is Wookey Hole Managing Director Daniel Medley (centre) with representatives from legal firm Stephen Scown.

The famous Somerset tourist attraction Wookey Hole Caves has expanded its business with the purchase of its first holiday park. Wookey Hole Ltd has bought Bucklegrove Holiday Park in the Cheddar Valley in a six figure deal.

The seven acre holiday park comprises 41 static caravans, 125 touring caravan pitches and space for 20 tents. The site also boasts a leisure complex, pool, bar, shop and children’s play area. Daniel Medley, Managing Director of Wookey Hole Ltd said: “When Bucklegrove Holiday Park came onto the market we saw immediately its strategic potential for our business.

The holiday park sector is really buoyant and Bucklegrove’s stunning views across Somerset and great facilities attract thousands of visitors each year.” He added: “We plan to build on this success and develop the site even further over the coming months.”

Camping Sector Growth

Posted on March 7, 2017

The total camping trips taken figure is expected to rise to 17.9 million in 2017 and to over 21 million in 2020.

Camping Sector Growth

Camping is on the up according to a new report by Mintel, which suggests that Great Britain’s camping and caravanning market will be worth over £3.2 billion by 2020.

A total of over 17 million camping and caravanning trips are estimated to have been taken by UK adults in 2016, over 15 million of which were in Great Britain, and include a spectrum of accommodation options from yurts, safari tents and shepherd’s huts to tiny two-berth mini and large luxury caravans, sophisticated motorhomes and holiday lodges.

The total trips taken figure is expected to rise to 17.9 million in 2017 and to over 21 million in 2020. Of those camping in a tent in the last three years, ‘getting away from it all’ is one of the key attractions (42%) as well as ‘connecting with nature’ (41%). Market drivers for camping, caravanning and motorhomes trips in recent years include a reduction in petrol prices and a desire for families to reconnect with their environment.

Just a Penny More…

Posted on March 7, 2017

Just a Penny More...

A holiday experience wouldn’t be complete without trying your luck on the prize crane or the coin tipping machine. In fact, the arcade has been a staple attraction of the Great British seaside holiday since the early 1900’s. Part of the Bourne Leisure group, Haven currently operates 37 arcades at its parks across the UK and has seen a shift from traditional arcades moving to all-encompassing family entertainment centres. “Our guest feedback indicates that arcades are a valued part of the holiday offering.

I wouldn’t suggest that anyone books a holiday based purely on the arcade offering, as we have seen a focus towards our Nature Rockz activities, but it is a very wellused facility and part of the overall holiday experience,” says Kevin Scott, Head of Arcades at Bourne Leisure. “The arcades are now environments where families can play together and often we include other family products such as soft play.” Redemption games, where the player is rewarded proportionally to their score, are Haven’s most popular arcade games, closely followed by cranes and coin pushers.

“We have expanded the redemption and prize offers at the expense of the gaming element of the business. A very high proportion of our games offer has a prize element which is very well received by both the holiday makers and our owners,” reveals Kevin. He adds: “Arcades have long been and are still very much part of the seaside family holiday and there is no indication to suggest that this will change in the near future.” Before investing in arcade games and equipment, it is advisable to seek advice from a reputable dealer or manufacturer, who offers a warranty and will give you fast and efficient after-sales care and service for the entire life of the equipment.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL “Too many park owners become totally disillusioned by a particular attraction that has failed in the past and this fazes their judgement for ever buying anything similar ever again - all because they were badly advised in the very beginning,” comments David Robinson of World of Rides. He continues: “Never buy any rides or equipment based on the lowest price, as every month we receive at least one sad story of cheap failed equipment at peak times of the season, which has resulted in lost income, and more importantly, disappointment and lost customer satisfaction.”

World of Rides is a leading UK manufacturer of battery operated land and water-based leisure rides. The company’s three biggest selling rides for 2017 so far are the fully operational Driving School Car, which has all the same controls as any normal road car, the glow in the dark Future Bike, which has under-LED lighting, and the new Baby Beetle Car for smaller children. “Our entire 12v/24v range of rides are becoming very much more popular with holiday park owners, partly due to the fact that they are nearly all able to carry either two children or a parent and child, but also because they all run without any noise, air or water pollution,” says David. “With trade prices starting at only £2,750 each, they still remain the highest earning children’s rides, due to them being fully directional and interactive with the riders.” According to David, really good rides and amusements will normally achieve full return on investment a number of times over in any one season, providing that they are operated correctly and looked after.

LIFE SPAN “All modern EEC and UK made rides have a long life expectancy, but in order to keep guests and visitors coming back every year, and incomes retained at their maximum, the rides should ideally be run on a rolling five-year-plan, with at least one new ride attraction being added to the park every year,” says David. “After that, each ride should be subsequently downgraded or replaced after year five, depending on its continued income potential and key position in the park,” he adds. For holiday parks that choose to hire their arcade equipment, it is advisable to work with fully vetted and experienced operators who use up-to-date rides that are tested and documented using H.S.E.-ADIPS safety testing every year. It is also important to check that the operator can show documentary evidence of themselves being fully insured for Public Liability for a minimum £10,000,000, in the event of any incident.

INSURANCE MATTERS Another key consideration is to ensure that your arcade equipment is covered by a suitable insurance policy. According to Compass Insurance, the key message when it comes to rides and machines - whether they are relatively simple coin-operated equipment or larger, more complex facilities - is to have a conversation with your insurer or broker before you go ahead and sign a hire agreement or make a purchase. “Park owners and managers should be aware that your insurer or broker may decline cover,” advises Chris Jones, Retail Underwriting Manager at Thistle Insurance Services. “An increase in premium could otherwise apply – and in the worst case scenario this could make the rides or machines commercially unviable. It’s always best to have the conversation up front.”

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Fresh Approach

Posted on March 7, 2017

Fresh Approach

Peter Bull Resorts purchased Newquay View Holiday Park in 2014 and have since invested £2 million in upgrades to the facilities and general appearance of the park.

Purchased as a run-down park with a bad reputation for attracting the wrong sort of crowd to Newquay, Peter Bull Resorts has achieved a complete 180° turnaround at Newquay View Holiday Park in just three seasons. The group purchased the park in 2014 and has invested over £2m to improve the holiday fleet, refurbish and introduce new facilities and completely upgrade the general appearance of the park.

In fact, last year the park welcomed almost 19,000 holidaymakers and there are plans to further expand and enhance the facilities in the next 12 months. “Our ambition is to become a five star park, with all of the modern facilities and activities that guests expect from a resort,” reveals Barry McGregor, Managing Director at Peter Bull Resorts. “Having replaced every single hire fleet caravan since 2015, we now have planning in for a modern fully landscaped touring park with 85 fully serviced pitches and top notch amenities.”

He adds: “Newquay is all about outdoor living and we want to champion Porth as a top class destination.” Newquay View has the benefit of being very close to Newquay and all that it has to offer in the way of restaurants, pubs, clubs, beaches and attractions; but the park is set back in a peaceful valley with beautiful surrounding countryside, allowing our guests to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The park is managed on a day-to-day basis by General Manager Sue Hogg, who has over 30 years’ experience in improving customer experience and sales for top leisure brands

HIRE FLEET : On the park is a hire fleet of 75 caravans, ten glamping pods and over 100 touring and camping pitches. In addition there are over 110 holiday home owners on-site and 60 seasonal tourers. For the 2017 season, the park will be adding two Swift S Pods to its offering as a luxury glamping option. “We now have a strong base of holiday home owners and touring customers, a new holiday fleet and glamping accommodation too.

Situated near the beach at Porth, just outside the main town of Newquay, the park is popular with the outdoor family market,” comments Barry. “Ultimately the most important thing is that people enjoy their holidays with us so that they want to come back year after year. To achieve this it is vital we work well as a team and also listen to our guests to ensure that we are providing them with everything that they need to make their time with us special and memorable.”

CORE TEAM : The park is managed on a day-to-day basis by General Manager Sue Hogg, who has over 30 years’ experience in improving customer experience and sales for top leisure brands including Bourne Leisure and Park Leisure. Sue leads a core team of 25 staff with the support of a Leisure Manager, Operations Manager, Entertainment Manager and Housekeeping Manager. Amenities on the park include a 22m indoor pool, sauna, steam room, an endless elite training pool, café, amusements, a nightclub, two playgrounds, an outdoor heated pool, a convenience store, a fitness facility and specialist sports coaching.

The park boasts an indoor and an outdoor pool, which are popular hotspots for holidaymakers

There’s also an on-site surf school, Blue Surf, which gives lessons at nearby Watergate Bay. The park also supports the local community by making its facilities available to all neighbours. The indoor pool is used for weekly training and lessons by several local schools, the surf rescue services, local swimming clubs and the emergency services. Many Cornish organisations use the Venue Club to host their presentations or awards dinners, theatre productions, weddings and local events. “The bulk of our customers are families during the peak seasons, but we are increasingly seeing a growth in the couples and very young family market during the shoulder seasons and this is something that we are keen to encourage as we are now open all year round,” Barry explains.

He adds: “The biggest challenge that the park faces is providing high quality holidays to increasingly discerning customers, some of whom have never stayed in Cornwall before. Newquay View has required record levels of investment, which is challenging for owner managers, and higher staffing levels to manage facilities that will be flat out.”