Holiday Parks Urged To Get Active

Posted on March 20, 2015

In2action works with holiday parks to help them boost their revenue and visitor experience through activities.

Holiday Parks Urged To Get Active

Activity specialists In2action are urging holiday park operators to maximise the opportunity for activity participation and revenue during off-peak seasons.

As the largest provider of activity services to the holiday park sector, In2action works closely with companies to create cost effective leisure solutions that will boost both revenue and visitor experience.

In2action’s top tips for improving activity participation in the off-peak season:

• Widen your market. This can be achieved by introducing non holidaymakers to your site. For example, provide activity packages for local schools, clubs and organisations.

• Keep it fresh. Assess your current activity provision and design new concepts that fit in with the guest profiles during off-peak seasons. Passive activities for older guests and toddler packages are usually a hit in the autumn and winter months.

• Put your customers first. Work with your instructing team to ensure they put your customers at the heart of everything they do. They are some of your greatest assets so train them to upsell activities through word of mouth.

Coastal Retreat For Bereft Families

Posted on March 20, 2015

A holiday home at Haggerston Castle Holiday Park is the fourth in the UK opened by the charity which supports the families of those who have lost their lives while serving in the British Armed Forces.

Coastal Retreat For Bereft Families

A Northumberland holiday park has become a retreat for families that have lost a loved one in the British Armed Forces after a new holiday lodge was opened by a national children’s charity.

The holiday home at Haggerston Castle Holiday Park is the fourth in the UK opened by the charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which supports the children and families of those who have lost their lives whilst serving in the British Armed Forces.

The lodge at the holiday park near Berwick is intended to offer more families the chance to take a much-needed break following the loss of a loved one.

Inspired by her own experience of being an army widow, Nikki Scott set up Scotty’s Little Soldiers five years ago in honour of her husband Corporal Lee Scott who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. Currently Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports over 100 children with money raised through events, fundraising, donations, merchandise and corporate sponsorship.

Each lodge is filled with home comforts and the charity ensures that the families have everything they could need, from bedding to high chairs and toys and games. Scotty’s also cover travel fees and provide each family with £100 every time they stay to help towards both food and activities.

Lakeland Parks Chief Is New Association Chairman

Posted on March 16, 2015

Henry Wild has become national chairman of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA).

Lakeland Parks Chief Is New Association Chairman

The association representing Britain’s £4 billion holiday parks industry is now being headed-up by Lake District leisure business developer Henry Wild.

Henry has become national chairman of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) which brings together the owners and managers of some 3,000 parks.They range from small farm-based camping sites to major park groups, as well as residential parks.

Henry, 44, is a director of his family’s long-established holiday parks business comprising Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside and Moss Wood Caravan Park in north Lancashire. Both parks provide privately owned caravan holiday homes as well as touring pitches – and were among the first to gain the David Bellamy Conservation Award on its inception two decades ago.

Popular Show Returns To Stoneleigh This Summer

Posted on March 16, 2015

The World of Park & Leisure Homes Show returns to Stoneleigh Park from 11th – 14th June.

Popular Show Returns To Stoneleigh This Summer

The UK’s biggest show for leisure lodges and residential park homes returns once again to the grounds of Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire this year.

The World of Park & Leisure Homes Show 2015 is your chance to view over 50 show homes including the launch of several new lodges and homes from the country’s leading manufacturers.

In addition to the display of homes, a host of suppliers will be exhibiting related products and services including decking, coatings, hot tubs, insurance, refurbishment and garages. The Trade Preview Day is Thursday June 11 and the show will be open to the public Friday to Sunday June 12 to 14.

Entry and parking are free and each visitor receives a complimentary show guide. Keep up to date with the latest show news by visiting www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk

First Lady Takes The Reins

Posted on February 9, 2015

First Lady Takes The Reins

Anne Dearling has taken on the role of chairman of the Caravan and Camping Club,
after being a member for 31 years.

For the first time in its history the Camping and Caravanning Club’s National Council has both a female chairman and president at the same time, following the election of the new chairman, Anne Dearling.

Formerly vice-chairman, Anne joins club president Julia Bradbury who was chosen by members at the Club’s AGM in October 2013.

“Becoming the Club’s chairman means the world to me – it’s the ultimate accolade,” said Anne of her appointment.

Anne lives in Cornwall with her husband and they have both been Club members for 31 years. She has fulfilled various administrative positions within the Club, at District Association, Regional and National Council level, which Anne says has given her a solid understanding of the Club. Anne will now be responsible for overseeing the Club’s executive, management and main committees, and her role is the pinnacle of the Club’s democratic committee structure.

Robert Louden MBE, director general of the Camping and Caravanning Club said: “I’m delighted to welcome Anne as the new chairman. Her energy and enthusiasm for the club, and for all things camping, shine through in everything she says and does.

“We look forward to the Club growing and continuing to deliver great experiences for its members during Anne’s term of office.”

Holiday Parks Need Business Safety Net

Posted on February 9, 2015

Holiday Parks Need Business Safety Net

Peter Heffer, Lorica’s director of holiday parks, believes holiday parks need to accident proof their future income.

According to statistics gathered by business insurance specialist, Lorica Insurance Brokers, 50 per cent of holiday parks do not purchase ‘business interruption’ insurance.

Hostages to the fortunes of the impact of severe weather, many holiday parks are gambling with their future security.

“There is a distinct lack of awareness over the extent of cover available,” advises Lorica’s director of holiday parks, Peter Heffer.

He adds: “Many think that it is either unnecessary or is purely there to provide cover for a loss of gross profit following loss or damage.”

However, this form of cover is inappropriate for the park industry, advises Heffer. “When structured correctly, cover actually provides for loss of gross revenue less any costs the park no longer incurs during any period of downtime resulting from a loss.

“By insuring in this way, the park has access to funds that allow it to continue to meet its fixed costs obligations despite a lack of incoming revenue.”

Lorica advises that cover should also apply to alternative accommodation expenses along with additional expenditure incurred to maintain the business such as overtime, temporary rental on other parks and advertising.

“Fit for purpose cover is an absolute asset to a park,” says Peter. “It is there to maintain profit levels, meet ongoing fixed costs, provide alternative accommodation and assist with recovery.”

He advises: “Park operators are urged to speak to an insurance advisor who understands the sector and is able to offer a tailored solution. Off the shelf commercial policies are unlikely to meet your needs.”

Lorica Insurance Brokers

Tel. +44 (0)7827 895671

Email. pheffer@loricainsurance.com

www.loricainsurance.com

Holiday Rental Market Worth £4.5 Billion

Posted on January 15, 2015

The holiday rental market is also responsible for creating 95,000 jobs nationwide. Pic: VisitBritain/Martin Brent

Holiday Rental Market Worth £4.5 Billion

The total spend by holiday rental clients in the UK is a staggering £4.53 billion per year, according to a new study into the economic impact of the sector. The rental market is also responsible for creating over 95,000 jobs nationwide.

Additionally, expenditure by tourists staying in selfcatering accommodation grew faster than expenditure by tourists booking any other accommodation. The first of its kind, the study was carried out by HomeAway, a worldwide marketplace for family accommodation, in conjunction with the London School of Economics (LSE).

Commenting on the findings, Kath Scanlon, research fellow at LSE said: “This report suggests that the holiday rental industry contributes to the UK economy by increasing tourism income and creating jobs. These effects are felt in regions across the country.

“Holiday rental visitors stay longer at their destinations and therefore spend more - in fact, many visit rural or seaside areas specifically to stay in attractive holiday rental properties. This has helped areas like Cornwall where tourism has pumped new pounds into previously struggling locales.”

Unique to the report is its analysis of key domestic destinations across the UK, specifically North Yorkshire, Cornwall and London. In terms of employment support, over three quarters of rental property owners employ staff to assist with maintenance. Nationally, owners spend an average of £1,600 per year per property on hiring employees. In Cornwall and North Yorkshire – two locations with underemployment issues – the figures are even higher. In these areas owners spend on average £2,500 and £3,000 on employment respectively per property.

Erica Chang, UK regional director of HomeAway adds: “This report is the first step in showing the significant value that the holiday rental market brings to the economy as a whole, as well as to individual communities which depend on tourism.

“While we have known how important holiday rentals are to the tourism industry, we are excited to be able to demonstrate this through figures that contribute to employment.”

Lifestyle Living Group On The Up

Posted on January 15, 2015

Lifestyle Living Group owns eight parks across England, including Carlton Meres Country Park in Suffolk.

Lifestyle Living Group On The Up

Luxury residential and holiday park operator Lifestyle Living Group has announced a rise in retained profits of £1.2m. The figures are the first to be released by the group since it announced a £20m acquisition of the parks in June last year.

The family run company, which has its headquarters in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, reports profits are up from £0.42m to £1.64m, with tangible assets standing at £27.6m, up from £19m.

Ryan Neill, owner of Lifestyle Living Group said: “We are delighted to have received this set of results. Despite tough trading conditions the business continues to thrive. Our product is a strong one and should continue to defy the economic gloom as we improve in the years ahead.”

Eight residential and holiday parks throughout England are at the heart of the company’s offering, including Carlton Meres Country Park, Haveringland Hall Country Park, Redhill Country Park, the Flagship Country Park, Uphill Park, Lakeland View, Carlton Manor Park and Silecroft Holiday Park.

Since taking over a selection of parks around the UK, Lifestyle Living Group has put in place a £10million investment plan to be rolled out over the next three years. This fund will include substantial upgrades to existing park facilities.

Managing director, David Macdonald added: “With property prices looking set to continue rising for the foreseeable future, prefabricated homes are increasingly establishing themselves as viable alternatives for homebuyers in specific markets, such as retirees.

“Pre-fabricated builds will continue to grow in popularity as they can be delivered in a more favourable time frame in comparison to standard building methods, helping to satisfy the growing national demand for immediate housing. People will continue to spend as long as they realise value from their outlay.”

Coastal Retreat

Posted on January 6, 2015

Coastal Retreat

Seafield currently boasts 380 privately owned caravan pitches, with a further 30 due to be added for the start of the 2015 season.

Located adjacent to the picture-postcard village of Seahouses on the Northumberland coast, Seafield Caravan Park offers its guests the ultimate peaceful getaway.

The park boasts a string of accolades, including a gold David Bellamy Conservation award and a gold Enjoy England award. Most recently, Seafield was named as VisitEngland’s Holiday Village of the Year 2014 and also took gold in the North East Tourism Awards for the seventh consecutive year.

“The peace and tranquility of the park is one of its greatest attractions, which is why we have resisted any temptation to build bars or evening entertainment centres on site,” explains Alison Thompson, park manager.

“By far the most critical aspect to the success of the business is the team of people that work on the park, who constantly deliver exceptional customer service which in turn encourages our customers to return year after year.”

Alison Thompson, second from right, and the Seafield Caravan Park team took gold at VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last year.

Seafield is managed by Alison’s father, Ken Britton, along with several other members of the family who are involved in managing the daily running of the business. Part owned by the Britton family, and partly by the Earl of Moray, the park was established in 1960 as a small caravan site. By 1979, it had expanded to include 200 pitches, plus utilities and touring pitches. In 2001, 200 further pitches were added, followed by the construction of a £2.5 million private leisure club, The Ocean Club, consisting of a 20m indoor swimming pool, a separate children’s pool, gymnasium and spa area.

“Our mission statement of going far beyond expectations is achieved by giving a five star service in every aspect of our business. Attention to detail is of the utmost importance leaving no stone unturned however trivial it might be,” says Alison.

“Perhaps one of our biggest challenges is to always be one step ahead and thinking of ways to continually improve the facilities and service we offer to our guests.”

The majority of caravans on the site are privately owned, but the park also hires lodges, apartments and touring pitches. During the peak season, Seafield operates at an average occupancy rate of 92 per cent across its caravans and chalet lettings, of which 62 per cent are repeat bookings.

Alison comments: “Our typical customer base includes families with young children, activity groups such as golfers and walkers, plus over 50’s looking to rest and relax. We liaise with tourism partners to identify our target market and work closely with them as well as other tourism businesses in the community to conduct marketing and promotional campaigns to attract new and existing customers to stay with us.”

Trethem Mill Celebrates A Golden Year

Posted on January 6, 2015

Trethem Mill Celebrates A Golden Year

The 2015 bar has been set high for Trethem Mill Touring Park after winning three separate gold awards last year.

Trethem Mill Touring Park is celebrating a highly successful year after completing a hat-trick of gold accolades.

Most recently, the Cornish park received the overall Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year title at the Cornwall Tourism Awards in November – the eighth occasion in the 13 years of the event that Trethem Mill has taken a gold award.

Last spring, the park was one of just a handful of caravan and camping parks in the UK chosen to receive the prestigious gold award given out by VisitEngland to its highest rated parks. Then, in autumn, botanist David Bellamy announced Trethem Mill as a winner of his Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Park owner Jane Akeroyd said that 2014 had been a whirlwind of a year for the park, both in terms of visitor numbers and the awards it has received: “By far the majority of our guests are now either repeat visitors, or people coming as a result of a recommendation, which helps create a lovely atmosphere on the park.

“Our latest Cornwall Tourism award is especially pleasing as it judges not just the quality of the park, but also the welcome and hospitality which is shown to holidaymakers.”

Jane added: “The bar has now been set pretty high for 2015, but we are determined to carry on simply making Trethem Mill the type of park to which everyone wants to return”.