Working Smarter on Insurance Matters

Posted on June 26, 2015

Working Smarter on Insurance Matters

Peter Heffer, director of holiday and residential parks at Lorica Insurance Brokers offers his views on the ever-growing world of glamping

Selecting the right insurance company can be more complex than is readily apparent. For example, the lowest price is not necessarily the best value.

Smart buyers seek out insurers that offer a tailored product to suit their requirements at a competitive price.

Peter Heffer of Lorica Insurance advises buyers to take their time when choosing a provider: “Look for a partner who specialises in the sector and tailors cover to your specific needs.

“Failure to understand the level of cover provided by a policy is a common pitfall for buyers, particularly in the holiday park sector. A generic broker is unlikely to understand the nuances of the sector - you need a specialist.”

With this in mind, Lorica has created an exclusive holiday and residential parks combined policy. The product is both competitive in terms of premium and provides extensive cover designed specifically for parks.

Peter comments: “Of course we cannot guarantee to save you money and improve your cover, but you can be confident that we will give it our best shot. We have experts around the country who are on hand to meet you to explain more about how we can help.”

The biggest type of claims affecting holiday parks can be split into two categories; the first is low likelihood but high severity, meaning they don’t happen very often but when they do the impact is catastrophic, for example a flood. The second type is high likelihood but low severity, meaning they happen frequently but only impact individual policyholders. For the privately owned parks these tend to be customer injury related.

Peter adds: “All policyholders have a duty to ensure reasonable precautions are taken to prevent injury or damage. This is an underlying principle applying to all insurance and owners should act as they would were they not insured.”

Lorica Insurance Brokers
Tel. +44 (0)7827 895671
www.loricainsurance.com

Old Oaks Pamper Pooches

Posted on June 26, 2015

Old Oaks Pamper Pooches

A range of dog-friendly initiatives have been implemented at Old Oaks Touring Park near Glastonbury.

It’s famous the world over for its music festival – but now Glastonbury is also hitting the right note for dog lovers, thanks to the Old Oaks Touring Park.

The award-winning camping and caravan site is putting pooches on a pedestal by providing them and their owners with a range of dog-friendly facilities.

A hot water doggy shower has installed at the park as well as a dedicated washing machine and tumble dryer for laundering pet bedding. A large securely-fenced exercise area has been sectioned off specifically for dog walking and the park has compiled a list of dog-friendly discovery walks, restaurants and local attractions. But, of course, not all establishments relish Rovers – so the Old Oaks has teamed up with a local dog walking business which will take the lead when owners wish to venture out alone.

James and Tara White are the husband-and-wife management team at the Old Oaks Touring Park which has been in the same family’s ownership for over 30 years.

New Park Guests Create a Buzz

Posted on June 26, 2015

New Park Guests Create a Buzz

Drovers Way Holiday Caravan Park took delivery of two hives for up to 100,000 honey bees this summer.

The family owners of a Tees Valley holiday park are welcoming thousands of extra guests this year – each of which will be accommodated and fed for free.

Drovers Way Holiday Caravan Park near Stockton-on-Tees is now a safe haven for honey bees which have been dropping dramatically in number over recent years. Park owners Chris and Helen Brown took delivery in April of two hives which will become the homes for up to 100,000 honey bees this summer.

Their thriving future at Drovers Way is almost a certainty thanks to the large number of high nectar-bearing blooms on the ten acres of grounds.

The park’s initiative follows news that it has been named as a 2015 winner of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award for protecting the natural world.

Camping Boost For Happy Kids

Posted on June 24, 2015

Camping Boost For Happy Kids

Camping has a positive impact on children’s lives according to new research by The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Children who camp in the great outdoors at least once a year do better at school and are healthier and happier. Those are the findings of a UK study carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Parents and children around the UK were asked a series of questions which looked at the educational, psychological and social benefits of the camping experience to children of all ages.

More than four out of five parents thought camping had a positive effect on their children’s school education. 98 per cent of parents said camping makes their kids appreciate and connect with nature; while 93 per cent felt that it provided useful skills for later life.

Sue Waite, associate professor at the Plymouth Institute of Education said: “Interestingly, the parents surveyed believed camping supported the key curriculum subjects of geography, history and science and actually, that stacks up because the most common camping activities were natural – such as rock pooling and nature walks – where children were getting to understand ecosystems and identify lifeforms, respecting nature and the environment.”

It Pays To Be Crystal Clear On Glamping

Posted on June 10, 2015

Peter Heffer, director of holiday and residential parks at Lorica Insurance Brokers offers his views on the ever-growing world of glamping

It Pays To Be Crystal Clear On Glamping

As more and more parks take the plunge into the ever-growing glamping market, there’s more to it than meets the eye in terms of having the right insurance policy.

“From an insurance perspective, glamping raises a few questions,” says Peter Heffer, director of holiday and residential parks at Lorica Insurance Brokers.

“Firstly, it is important to check whether a policy provides cover for property in the open. This is a common exclusion particularly for storm, flood and other weather related perils.

“Secondly, park owners should be aware of how the policy will operate in the event of damage to a tented structure. Will the insurers insist upon repairing a tear leaving a potentially unsightly blemish in the quality of the customer experience or will they provide a replacement?”

Peter also advises park owners to think carefully about other glamping accessories that could potentially affect the insurance policy. Glamping tents with cooking facilities, for example, could increase the likelihood of fire and insurers should be made aware – otherwise they could use this as a way to avoid a claim settlement. Likewise all portable electrical devices should be considered and routinely PAT tested.

“The key message really is that you need to make your insurer aware of what you are doing and that they must fully understand the exposure,” says Peter. “Once again, working with a specialist insurance broker really does add value.”

Talk to the Lorica team today for advice on glamping insurance policies that are tailored to suit your needs.

Lorica Insurance Brokers
Tel. +44 (0)7827 895671
Email. pheffer@loricainsurance.com
www.loricainsurance.com

Parks Urged To Become Living Wage Accredited

Posted on June 10, 2015

A Cornish park has become the first in the UK to be accredited as a Living Wage employer.

Parks Urged To Become Living Wage Accredited

Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Cornwall has become Britain’s first holiday park to be an accredited Living Wage employer and is urging other parks to follow suit.

Park director Patrick Langmaid believes that such a move is the perfect way for any business to demonstrate its social responsibility. “Our decision to pay the Living Wage, currently set at £7.85 per hour outside London, will add around £12,000 a year to our annual wage bill in the future,” says Patrick.

According to the industry’s trade body, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, Mother Ivey’s is leading the way in becoming accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. Around 1,100 other businesses of all types in the UK have already signed up to the organisation.

“I strongly believe there is more to business than short-term profits and that long-term interests are most often best served by looking beyond the balance sheet,” said Patrick. “By putting the principles of social responsibility at the heart of our decisionmaking, we are resonating with the way many of our customers now feel about how companies should behave.

“We don’t regard wages as just another cost, but as a means of recognising and rewarding the hard work of our staff team, all of whom are incredibly loyal to our business, including many who have been with us for more than ten years.”

There is more information about the Living Wage Foundation accreditation at www.livingwage.org.uk

A Matter Of Convenience

Posted on June 3, 2015

A Matter Of Convenience

Guests expect a certain level of comfort and luxury and the washrooms facilities are a big part of those expectations that will leave a lasting impression. Pic: Commercial Washrooms

As the saying goes, if you want to know what a venue is really like – check out the loos. Anyone who has ever been in an uncomfortable and poorly laid out public washroom will value the importance of good toilet design. The increased demands placed on heavily used facilities require careful consideration and planning. It goes without saying that well-designed washrooms should at least be clean, dry, well ventilated and user friendly.

Modern 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. But Mike Bone managing director of the Loo of the Year awards advises that it is often the little things that go a long way in providing outstanding washroom facilities. “Award winning holiday park toilets have the ‘wow factor’ as they provide attractive loos that make away from home toilet use a pleasure, not a concern,” says Mike. “Fresh flowers, excellent ventilation, dry floors, constant availability of toilet tissue and hand wash soap and a safe and hygienic environment separate winning loos from those that will deter visitors from booking again.”

ESSENTIAL PROVISIONS

Last year 67 per cent of the holiday parks that entered the prestigious Loo of the Year Awards achieved the highest Platinum grade for their washroom facilities. The awards provide a valuable monitor of the standard of the essential provision of park toilets. In addition to gaining an independent assessment and grading of their toilet facilities, entrants also gain recognition and benchmarking for their parks. Mike adds: “Holiday park guests are away from home and expect the standards in the parks toilets and showers to be at least to the standard they set at home. They will return to those parks that provide the toilet facilities that meet their needs and avoid those that don’t.” Paul Wonnacott, managing director of Vectair Systems agrees that holiday parks should be prioritising washrooms as part of the overall customer experience: “It is not just about the toilet actually being clean, it is also about perception. “With so many online reviews now being uploaded, holiday parks need to smarten up their washrooms.

Long Meadow Campsite in the New Forest opted for cubicles and vanity units in the colours of their logo. Pic: Commercial Washrooms.

Cleanliness is a key consideration when people book their holidays – if the washroom isn’t clean, is the kitchen? What about the rooms?” Vectair Systems manufacture and supply holiday parks with cleaning and hygiene products including soap dispensers, luxurious soaps, surface cleaners, air fresheners, odour removers and urinal screens. Paul reveals that ‘touch free’ equipment, where the individual doesn’t have to touch anything to wash their hands is a buzzword at the moment when it comes to current washroom trends. “Customers want easyto- use systems that are safe and effective. For example, automatic soap dispensers are popular now as they are ‘touch free’ and therefore are quick and hygienic,” says Paul. He adds: “The Ebola outbreak has been an important reminder to those who do have access to clean water and sanitation, of how lucky we really are. It also serves as a reminder to us as individuals to make sure we wash our hands regularly – and to venues to ensure they provide the right services for us to do that.” Another trend and one that has come over from Asia, is that washroom systems are quiet and discreet. Ladies washrooms especially require systems that don’t make a lot of noise, enabling females to dispose of sanitary waste discreetly.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL

Automatic sensor controlled sanitary ware and taps is another popular trend in washrooms at the moment. As well as being environmentally friendly, substantial cost savings can be made by limiting the water that is used from the taps, toilets and urinals and by preventing taps from being left running. Paul comments: “As for a trend that is still hanging on in there – we believe it is the co-ordinated washroom. Although not a trend in all countries, many European countries and holiday parks prefer their washroom dispensers to match, although the traditional white is perhaps now on par with new offerings like chrome and black.” For those that are considering upgrading their washroom facilities, it’s worth seeking expert advice from a reputable company that can advise on all aspects of construction, design and building regulations that should be adhered to.

INVEST WISELY

3D drawings by Commercial Washrooms allow the customer to see exactly how the washroom will look during the planning stage.

“When considering a new build washroom block or refurbishing an existing facility there are many building related health and safety issues to consider,” explains Andy Seddon of Commercial Washrooms. “Depending on the scale of the development the project is likely to be affected by the CDM regulations as well as local authority building control. Our advice is to appoint and work with a reputable building firm, ideally one who specialises in commercial washroom and toilet refurbishment projects.” Commercial Washrooms is an off-shoot of Lan Services and specialises in a supply only service, supporting companies who wish to self-project-manage their washroom refurbishment or repair project. Andy advises that a full refurbishment of the washroom facilities should be undertaken approximately every 10 years. If the project is properly planned from the outset and the materials, sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings selected carefully for the intended environment and frequency of use then the washrooms should last this long with no trouble what-so-ever. It goes without saying that for the washroom to withstand the extreme use it will no doubt encounter over a decade, it should receive periodic inspection and the replacement of broken or failing parts and regular cleaning maintenance will also prolong the life span of any commercial washroom. Andy also recommends investing wisely in high quality equipment that is durable and hard wearing: “Exploring the different types and qualities of materials on offer is essential.

Editorial Contributors Include:

Bushboard Washroom Systems Tel. 01536 533620 www.bushboard-washrooms.co.uk

Dunhams Washroom Systems Tel. 01603 424855 www.dunhamswashrooms.com

Commercial Washrooms Tel. 01202 650900 www.commercialwashroomsltd.co.uk

Spectrum Cubicles Tel. 01244 333 488 www.spectrumcubicles.com

Vectair Systems Tel. 01256 319500 www.vectairsystems.com

Loo of the Year Aw ards Tel. 01403 258779 www.loo.co.uk

Spotlight On Highlands

Posted on May 29, 2015

Scotland’s tourism minister Fergus Ewing (left) is pictured with David Key, Parkdean Holidays’ regional director for Scotland.

Spotlight On Highlands

Scotland’s tourism minister, Fergus Ewing shone a spotlight on Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park near Inverness during Scottish Tourism Week.

The minister joined local councillors on the park, which is owned by Parkdean Holidays, during the week-long tourism celebration which took place in the first week of March. Fergus Ewing and the local councillors met managers and staff at the park during the visit, and were given a tour of the many facilities.

David Key, Parkdean Holidays’ regional director for Scotland and general manager at Nairn Lochloy, said: “It’s great that Fergus and local politicians came to see why thousands of visitors choose Nairn Lochloy each year. “The park brings a lot to the local community and the Scottish tourism industry. We employ twelve permanent members of staff, and up to fifty during peak season, making this a key employer in the area.”

Fergus Ewing commented: “I welcome the opportunity to visit this impressive holiday home and caravan park. The holiday home and caravan park sectors are playing their part, in not only providing good quality accommodation for all types of visitors, but also helping to sustain employment in some of our most remote and rural areas.”

Hospitality Most Sociable Industry

Posted on May 29, 2015

Those working in the hospitality industry are the most likely to socialise and find life-long friends with people they’ve met through their jobs.

Hospitality Most Sociable Industry

The hospitality industry has been revealed as one of the most sociable sectors to work in with almost half of those surveyed stating that they see colleagues socially at least once a month.

According to the study of 2,792 full-time workers in the UK, those working in hospitality, construction and retail are the most likely to socialise and find life-long friends with individuals they’ve met through their jobs.

Respondents were initially asked if they considered themselves a sociable person whilst at work, with the vast majority (73 per cent) agreeing. Of these participants, 49 per cent stated that they indulge in nights out or social activities with their colleagues at least once a month, with a further 13 per cent admitting their answer was closer to once a week.

Lyndon Wood, CEO and creator of www. constructaquote.com which carried out the survey said: “Considering the fact that we spend more time with our co-workers than our partners, family members or children, it seems pretty crucial that there are individuals within a workplace that we can identify, socialise and become good friends with.

“Not only will having strong friendships within the workplace help ease any stress or pressure that might come alongside the job, they are no doubt key in ensuring high rates of staff retention."

Bunn Leisure Announces Record Year

Posted on May 27, 2015

Bunn Leisure is celebrating its record-breaking 2014 results, which saw an increase in bookings, sales and turnover.

Bunn Leisure Announces Record Year

South coast holiday park Bunn Leisure has announced a record breaking year in 2014, with holiday bookings, turnover and caravan sales all reaching a new high.

The park in Selsey, West Sussex, benefited from last year’s sweltering summer and extended months of opening to post its best ever set of results. The park sold a record 420 caravans with sales up 12 per cent on the previous year. Turnover from bookings at Bunn Leisure and its sister campsite Warner Farm rose significantly, as did income from retail sales and site fees.

The company was also recognised by its industry peers with an award for 20 years of partnership from Hoseasons, a Hoseasons Diamond Award for customer service and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

John Bunn, managing director of Bunn Leisure said: “Our mission is to provide our owners and guests with a fantastic, fun and safe place to enjoy the traditional British holiday and our aim is to always exceed our customers’ expectations.

“Our success in 2014 shows we are getting the formula right – and we are continuing to invest in Bunn Leisure to grow this successful park where people love to holiday and our staff love to work.”