Sub-Let Owner Pay Outs

Posted on September 1, 2017

Sub-Let Owner Pay Outs

People who turn their holiday homes into cash generators during the school summer holidays are now scooping pay-outs of more than £5,500 each, according to research undertaken by Park Holidays UK.

The group says that many owners let go of just six weeks in July and August to maximise income, and then enjoy well over 40 weeks of their own exclusive use. But such people aren’t necessarily missing out on a summer break, says Park Holidays UK, because what they earn can more than cover the cost of a holiday abroad.

Others simply prefer to make use of their holiday homes outside the main summer season, and to leave the busier weeks to fun-loving families and children.

Nation Of Happy Campers

Posted on September 1, 2017

Nation Of Happy Campers

Almost half of Brits set off on a camping holiday in the UK this summer, with 43 per cent of holidaymakers looking forward to sleeping under canvas, according to research by Halfords the camping and leisure equipment retailer.

A survey of 2,000 people revealed that for 54 per cent, exploring the great outdoors is their main motivation, while half of Brits said they’ll be camping because it’s a more affordable option than holidaying abroad. A total of 41 per cent describe camping as ‘the perfect way to spend time with family’, while one in four look forward to switching off from the stresses of modern life.

Negative comments included having to go outside to use the toilet – 42 per cent cite this as the most annoying part of their camping trip – and 34 per cent said disruptive neighbours tend to get on their nerves.

“Our sales across camping and outdoor leisure were up 45 per cent on April to May last year, and it’s no surprise that Brits are choosing to holiday in the UK rather than travelling abroad, which can be expensive and stressful,” comments David Howell, Halfords’ motoring and leisure accessories expert. “It’s really easy to forget that we live in one of the world’s top tourist destinations – and summer is a great time to get out and explore.”

Recycled Furniture

Posted on September 1, 2017

Recycled Furniture

Rondeau Leisure is backing the effort to recycle plastic waste that is often dumped in the worlds’ ocean.

The business is supported by its own range of Pacific Ocean outdoor furniture which is produced from recycled plastic cartons that would otherwise find their way back to the seas. The aim of Pacific Ocean furniture is to turn plastic waste into durable garden additions with a lifespan of 10 years and beyond.

The range of chairs, tables, stools, loveseats and benches are made from milk cartons but are moulded into the same grain as wood – without the worry of rotting, splitting, cracking, fading or being burnt by cigarettes.

Rondeau Leisure’s managing director, Stuart Cooke, says: “The plastic waste issue is about more than just water bottles. “Sports, leisure and hospitality providers – even care homes and hospitals - need to get on board by not buying plastic furniture that has to be scrapped after a season or two."

Wish You Were Here…

Posted on July 4, 2017

Wish You Were Here...

Picture postcards from Tretham Mill Touring Park in St Just-in-Roseland, Cornwall…

The award-winning Trethem Mill Touring Park is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the stunning Roseland Peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall.

Set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds it provides 84 individually hedged pitches. The park caters for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents with a choice of fully serviced, all-weather and grass pitches. Trethem Mill is owned by Ian and Jane Akeroyd, their son Jake and Ian’s father Derek.

This year they are celebrating their 25th anniversary at Trethem Mill, having moved to the Park in 1992. The family are all involved in the running of the park along with Theo Forman who has joined the team full-time.

Over the years, the family have invested much time and money into transforming the park from an open field with basic facilities into a multi-award winning five-star park. “We are very proud of our park and what we have created as a family,” explains Jane.

“Providing a warm welcome and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere in which people can enjoy their stays has always been high on our list of priorities.” Amenities include a laundrette, licensed shop, WiFi, children’s playground, disabled facilities, individual shower rooms, dog walk and nature field, a pick your own herb garden and a games room with amusements.

Tretham Mill Touring Park
Tel. 01872 580504
www.trethem.com

Countrywide Park Homes Expansion

Posted on July 4, 2017

Countrywide Park Homes Expansion

Residential and luxury lodge park operator, Countrywide Park Homes has expanded its portfolio of successful parks across the UK with the addition of six new locations purchased from park operator Lifestyle Living UK.

The company, which currently owns and operates 19 parks across the UK, purchased the new parks in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cumbria. The parks offer a selection of touring, camping, static caravans, individually designed luxury lodges and park homes. The deal comprises the business and assets of Lifestyle Living UK including the parks, lodges and future bookings.

Anthony Barney, Owner and Chairman at Countrywide Park Homes, said they saw a unique opportunity to expand the company’s portfolio through the acquisition, enabling them to purchase a group of popular parks based in desirable locations across the UK. “Norfolk, Suffolk and Cumbria are the perfect, picturesque destinations, offering sandy beaches to quaint villages, outstanding food and drink and enviable views. We remain committed to investing in locations which, like these, offer tranquillity for residents, yet are within easy access to towns or villages with essential amenities,” he said.

“We are very much looking forward to operating in these great locations, and contributing to the continued success of these sites, and providing the perfect escape for future and current residents.”

FRP Advisory, the business advisory firm, negotiated the sale following a competitive sales and marketing process. “The proposal from Countrywide Park Homes was chosen as it offered the best value and certainty in the interests of all of Lifestyle Living’s stakeholders. We wish Lifestyle Living the very best under new ownership,” explained Jason Baker, Joint Administrator and Partner of FRP Advisory.

Countrywide Park Homes

Tel. 0800 690 6060

www.countrywideparkhomes.co.uk

Keeping Up Appearances

Posted on July 4, 2017

Keeping Up Appearances

From weather-proofing picnic areas, to investing in new playground equipment and waste recycling systems, holiday park owners that take pride in their park’s exterior appearance and make the most of their outdoor appeal will ultimately reap the rewards.

If you’re considering transforming your outdoor areas it needn’t be a daunting task. In fact, investing in a few simple and cost effective measures can go a long way in improving aesthetics, comfort and facilities for your guests. “It’s important to keep outdoor spaces well-maintained as this is one of the first impressions visitors will experience at your park,” says Stephen Toone, Managing Director of Fordingbridge Plc – a leading manufacturer of canopies, walkways and sustainable buildings.

“Your clientele are more likely to return to your site and recommend to their friends and family if the external appearance is tidy.”

Maximising the use of outdoor spaces all year round by weather-proofing your facilities can not only improve your customers’ experience, but also set your park apart from the competition.

“We are seeing an increase in demand for weather protected activity areas and dining spaces. Popular designs include the soft aesthetics of timber, which blend nicely into forest parks. Alternatively, tensile structures which can be applied to all types of parks in any setting,” says Stephen.

Fordingbridge work in partnership with parks to maximise customer experience and increase revenue potential. The experienced in-house design team assists by designing a canopy, walkway or queuing area pertinent to a park’s individual requirements or brand consistency at different sites. “Canopies can be used for increasing dining and picnic areas, which improve dwell time and all year round usage. Further uses include aesthetically pleasing storage facilities, such as secure bike shelters or outdoor activity equipment,” says Stephen.

ENGAGING IDEAS

“With more competition than ever before within the holiday park and leisure sector, attracting customers with new and engaging ideas are vital to achieve this. One of the many innovative ideas is the inspiring and engaging butterfly exhibit, which provides an attraction to suit all ages in all weather conditions.” A comprehensive outdoor play area is a winning formula for hospitality venues looking to appeal to young families.

Camber Sands Holiday Park in Sussex required a large new play area as part of a refurbishment project earlier this year. The park owners wanted separate areas for toddlers and juniors and a wide range of equipment. They enlisted the help of HAGS-SMP to design and install the scheme, which included themed multi-play units, dynamic equipment, a zip line, sunken trampolines and a trail with an 8m traverse wall.

The play area has proven to be a huge hit with customers, and according to HAGS, the only complaint from site has been to ask how to keep the adults off the equipment! “Theming seems to be a constant favourite with our clients. From pirate ships to fairy-tale castles you can add real play value to your areas by engaging a child’s imagination,” comments Simon Wright, Head of Sales at HAGS.

BETTER VALUE

“With something to suit all budgets, our products are built to last, providing better value over a longer period of time. A small play area suitable for approximate six to ten children might start from £10k and increase from there.” Simon add: “Remember though, if your budget is tight you might consider planning your scheme in phases, this way you can add to the playground over a period of time that suits.”

To find out more about maximising your outdoor space, subscribe to Holiday Park Scene

Company Contacts

Fordingbridge Tel. 01243 554 455 www.fordingbridge.co.uk

HAGS-SMP Tel. 01784 489109 www.hags-smp.co.uk

IvyLiving Tel. 08448 002215 www.ivyliving.co

Rolec Services Tel. 01205 724754 www.rolecserv.com

Trimax Tel. 01933 652 235 www.trimaxmowers.co.uk

Lock Down

Posted on July 1, 2017

Lock Down

In light of recent events, security in the UK is at an all time. While we are assured that the chance of a security breach or incident is highly unlikely, holiday park owners and facility managers are right to be cautious and take appropriate measures to safeguard themselves, staff and visitors.

When the owners of Hampshire-based touring and caravan park Sunnydale Farm were looking for a solution to reduce uncontrolled vehicle access to the site, it was the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system from IDS Group that caught their attention. Open all year round, the park is visited by many campers, tourers and suppliers each day. Having previously tried traditional gates and overhead height barriers to control access to their site, owners Stella and Bill Matthews were looking for a more secure, efficient and automated solution.

For the entrances, IDS Group installed two electronic barriers and two ANPR cameras for incoming vehicles. They also incorporated 1080p HD resolution IP CCTV cameras with infrared night vision to automate the access to the site and give a general overview. As the vehicles are typically caravans and longer than the average car, it was important to strategically position the ground loops effectively to avoid the barrier coming down too soon, due to the length of the vehicle.

The exit required more consideration, such as the safety of children, cyclists and proximity to the main road so IDS Group installed an electronic barrier with a longer loop for the delayed exit. The ANPR cameras provide barrier control and create time log recordings of length of stay.

“In a lot of cases holiday parks have several entrances and exits and receptions desks are not always located at either of them - this makes it difficult to monitor who leaves or exits their sites. So many holiday parks are having to deal with unwanted guests, as such, this can lead to theft, vandalism and a threat to customer security,” explains Tas Kyriacou, Head of Business Development at IDS Group.

ANPR and barrier solutions have been growing in popularity over the years and the control this security solution provides to staff can significantly reduce risks to the park. According to IDS Group, an ANPR solution can start from around £6,500 up to £12,500 depending on many variables. CCTV solutions can start from £4,000. “Just like anything else in life, you get what you pay for, so if you invest in the right technology, you will be sure to enhance the safety of your customers and property and since your customers are what generates revenue, you will need to protect your assets,” says Tas.

“However before thinking about the technology, it is important to find a security company that can understand your requirements and have the ability to deliver what is required. A good security company is imperative to the delivery of the right solution.”

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY

Earlier this year a caravan was stolen from Bynea’s Gateway Caravan Park in South Wales. The high-value caravan was taken in broad daylight between 9am and 11am in the morning. Elsewhere in the country, offenders gained access to a window of a static caravan at a holiday park in Dorchester and stole valuable items of diamond jewellery. And in Scotland, police appealed to the public for more information after two mountain bikes were stolen from a caravan park in Peebles in August last year. The bikes had been taken along with the chains that had been used to secure them to a tree.

Unfortunately, cases of holiday park crime like these are not uncommon. And worryingly, crime levels across the country are on the rise. The Office for National Statistics said that recent police data showed a nine per cent rise in overall crime in 2016. Last year Avon and Somerset police pledged to increase resources in Burnham, Brean, and Berrow after a number of incidents at holiday parks over the summer months. Police officers and holiday park owners met to discuss ways of cracking down on crime in the area. Owners of holiday parks in Burnham, and its surrounding areas, said they had to deal with a number of caravan thefts, as well as drunk and disorderly behaviour on a regular basis.

This prompted the police to upgrade their Pubwatch scheme - a partnership where independent groups of licensees work with police to pre-empt crime and antisocial behaviour in licensed premises. The scheme saw the installation of more high-quality radio systems and more staff onsite who are able to connect directly with the police. In Lincolnshire, the local police force offers a Caravan Park Watch Scheme to tackle caravan related crime across the county.

Caravan site owners, Lincolnshire Police and other representatives from the caravan industry meet regularly to discuss caravan related issues. The initiative was set up initially to tackle a growing number of burglaries occurring on holiday parks, especially during the winter close down period. Since the Caravan Park Watch scheme was implemented in 2014, caravan related crime rates in the area have dropped by over 45 per cent.

To find out more about security measures subscribe to Holiday Park Scene

Company Contacts

Crosby Intruder Alarms Tel. 0800 917 1441 www.crosbyintruder.co.uk

IDS Group Tel. 0208 819 1044 www.idsgroup.uk.com

Leisure Days Tel. 01422 396 770 www.leisuredays.co.uk

Wilby Tel. 01422 358 525 www.wilbyltd.co.uk

Young Entrepreneur Acquires Second Site

Posted on June 30, 2017

Young Entrepreneur Acquires Second Site

Best Park Homes has expanded its property portfolio with the acquisition of a mobile caravan park in Dunstable, following a funding package from HSBC. The site, which currently has around 40 residential units, joins Best Park Homes’ already well-established flagship park in Crays Hill, Essex.

The deal will fund improvements to the park, including approximately ten new homes and a renovation of the site’s grounds and communal spaces. Best Park Homes, based in Grays in Essex, is run by 20-year-old Alfie Best Junior, who has ambitious plans for the new park and for the business.

“The residential park homes sector is on the up and it’s an exciting time to be involved in the industry,” says Alfie. He adds: “This latest acquisition is the next step on the ladder for Best Park Homes and I’m looking forward to developing the park further over the coming year.”

Alfie established Best Park Homes in 2014, when he purchased his first residential park in Crays Hill at the age of 17. “The primary goal is to deliver high quality residential parks to the communities that we currently serve,” comments Alfie. “The long term plan is to continue to grow the business further with the addition of more parks to the portfolio in the future.”

Making A Splash

Posted on May 3, 2017

Making A Splash

The overhaul of the swimming pool facilities at Ribby Hall Village was carried out by World Leisure.

The swimming pool facilities at Ribby Hall Village holiday park in Lancashire have undergone a £1.5million transformation. The pool was refurbished eight years ago but bosses at the attraction decided the time was right for a complete revamp, with added facilities to maintain excitement and interest for visitors.

The work was carried out by World Leisure and the pool now features new slides including a 48m interactive play slide. World Leisure also refurbished the splash pool and added an interactive aqua deck play structure, with tipping buckets and integral slides.

A themed Glass Reinforced Polyester toddlers’ pool links into the splash pool, with a slide and steps to open the pools up to all ages. Mark Leech, Senior Manager at Ribby Hall Village, said: “It is important as a business to continually invest and improve the facilities we offer to our customers. We believe the new interactive slide and new splash pool features will be real talking points that will bring family visitors back again and again.”

Gas Meter Checks

Posted on May 3, 2017

Gas Meter Checks

All gas meters should meet the new Measuring Instruments Directive (MID).

Property owners could be liable for prosecution if their gas meters do not meet new safety standards. The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) replaced the old Ofgem legislation in 2016 and governs the manufacture and accuracy standards for electricity and gas meters in the UK.

The aim of the legislation is to ensure that customers and users are protected by ensuring that all meters comply with safety and accuracy standards. “This is particularly important for property managers as it could mean your existing meters are illegal,” says Chris Smith, Managing Director for Energy Controls – a leading supplier of SMART meters and Pre-payment metering systems. “If so, consumers may have a right to refuse to pay for their electricity and as landlords you could be liable to prosecution.”

You can check the meter itself for an MID stamp of approval or you can ask your supplier to provide an MID certificate. Your meter supplier is legally required to provide supporting evidence that their meters conform to MID standards; if they are unable to do so then it is highly likely your meter does not conform.