FROM RISING COSTS TO HAPPY GUESTS

A Smarter Way to Manage Your Parks Energy...

Holiday parks across the UK are under pressure. Operators are trying to balance rising energy costs, increasing guest expectations, and the sheer complexity of managing utilities across sprawling sites. The problem is all too familiar: one guest runs a heater and an air fryer nonstop, another guest plugs in an electric vehicle, while others barely use a lightbulb and yet everyone is charged the same.

Without accurate visibility, parks either undercharge and lose revenue, or introduce blanket surcharges that frustrate guests. Traditional systems only make things worse. Manual meter readings, paper billing, and reconciliations create an endless admin burden. Bills arrive late and forecasting costs becomes guesswork.

Smart card systems, once seen as the answer, now feel clunky and outdated, with guests expecting the same seamless digital service they get everywhere else in their lives. The result? Operators are left firefighting instead of focusing on delivering great holidays. This is exactly the challenge that Rolec and Metpow are solving.

Rolec has been the UK’s trusted name in outdoor utility hardware for over 35 years, with robust, weather-resistant meter boxes and pedestals used in thousands of parks. By combining this proven hardware with Metpow’s innovative, cloud-based software, operators now have a future-proof solution that makes managing utilities simple, transparent, and profitable.

The system transforms Rolec’s pedestals into intelligent, connected devices. Each pitch is linked to Metpow through secure LoRaWAN gateways, ensuring constant connection across the site. Unlike Wi-Fi and 4G, which struggle with signal dropouts and interference from vehicles, trees, or park infrastructure, LoRaWAN provides reliable, low-power connectivity that is perfectly suited to large outdoor environments.

ROLEC PEDESTALS, POWERED BY METPOW, provide real-time energy monitoring across each pitch, keeping both guests and operators in control.

It means every unit stays connected without operators worrying about dead spots, weak signals, or the cost of maintaining mobile contracts. From the operator’s side, the features are designed to make life easier. Real-time usage insights show exactly what each guest is consuming, while personalised dashboards allow staff to monitor the entire site at a glance.

Interactive site mapping makes even the largest or most complex park simple to oversee, and remote control means supply can be managed instantly, with alerts flagging anything unusual before it becomes a problem. Automated, upfront billing ensures guests know exactly what they are paying, while the self-serve Metpow app allows them to top up, receive low-balance alerts, and view their usage whenever they like.

It’s a system designed for fairness and convenience, both for operators and their guests. As Holly Brown, Commercial Director at Rolec, explains: “The combination of Rolec’s proven hardware with Metpow’s smart software creates a solution that’s not just about technology, it’s about helping operators run more profitable, efficient, and guest-friendly parks. It’s robust, reliable, and ready for the future.”

For operators, the benefits are clear. Sites using Rolec powered by Metpow are recovering their investment in as little as two seasons. By charging fairly and transparently, they stop subsidising high-consumption guests, while still keeping visitors happy with a system that feels modern and easy to use.

Office teams save hours of manual work each week, cutting out meter readings, spreadsheets, and reconciliations. And with accurate data on usage and costs, forecasting and budgeting finally become straightforward. Guests, meanwhile, appreciate the transparency. They pay only for what they use, with no hidden charges or arguments at checkout.

LORAWAN CONNECTIVITY ensures every unit stays reliably online, even across large and complex park sites.

The convenience of app-based payments and instant top-ups makes their stay easier, and parks report improved satisfaction and return visits. Some operators are also highlighting the sustainability features of the platform, including live data on carbon impact and carbon offsetting, which appeal to increasingly eco-conscious holidaymakers.

Ed Jones, CEO of Metpow, sums it up: “Holiday parks are being squeezed from both sides. Rising wholesale energy costs and rising guest expectations. Our mission is to put operators back in control. By pairing Rolec’s industry-leading hardware with Metpow’s software, we’ve created a solution that saves money, reduces admin, and delivers a better guest experience.”

One park manager perhaps put it best: “Before Metpow, we were losing money on electricity and spending hours on admin. Now, everything is transparent. Guests pay fairly, we stay in control, and our team has more time to focus on the guest experience.” With rising energy costs here to stay and guest expectations continuing to climb, this isn’t just about keeping the lights on.

AUTOMATED ALERTS and remote control allow operators to manage energy efficiently and respond to issues before they escalate.

It’s about future-proofing your park. Smart card systems belong to the past. Cloud-based solutions like Rolec powered by Metpow are the future. Bringing operators clarity, efficiency, and profitability, while giving guests the transparency and convenience they expect.

If your park is still wrestling with outdated systems and unpredictable bills, now is the time to make the change. Book a free, no-obligation quote today and discover how Rolec and Metpow can help your park save money, delight guests, and prepare for the future. Learn more about the system and book a demo on our website.

Metpow
01803 220372
www.metpow.com

 

10 EXPERT TIPS FOR DESIGNING A LUXURY LODGE

With nearly four decades of experience, timber lodge specialists Pinelog Ltd have helped shape some of the UK’s most stylish and successful holiday park accommodation. Their expert design team has shared ten essential tips for creating a luxury lodge that delivers comfort, visual appeal and long-term guest satisfaction.

1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Design decisions should start with a clear understanding of your target market. One-bedroom retreats with hot tubs or saunas suit couples, while families seek larger lodges with open-plan layouts. Pet-friendly additions like boot rooms and dog showers are increasingly in demand.

2. PRIORITISE SUSTAINABLY
Guests are more eco-conscious than ever. Using responsibly sourced timber, adding renewable energy systems and prioritising insulation all reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

3. HEAT EFFICIENCY
To extend the rental season, modern heating solutions like panel heaters or wood burners should be paired with top-grade insulation.

4. MAXIMISE NATURAL VIEWS
Lodges should feel connected to their setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows and well-placed glazing bring in light and scenery, enhancing guest wellbeing.

5. DESIGN SMART LAYOUTS
A flowing kitchen-dining-lounge “triangle” supports social interaction and suits a wide variety of users, from couples to multigenerational families.

6. INVEST IN BEDROOM COMFORT
Spacious bedrooms with ample storage are a must, even in compact designs. Guests staying longer appreciate thoughtful design.

7. MAKE BATHROOMS BRIGHT
Smart storage, walk-in showers and features like skylights help small bathrooms feel luxurious and practical.

8. HIGH-QUALITY INTERIORS
Durable and attractive materials extend the lifespan of your lodge. High-spec finishes improve resale value and require less maintenance.

9. USE LOW-MAINTENANCE EXTERIORS
Pinelog - bedrooms with storage and pace Natural materials such as timber, ceramics and metal age well and maintain kerb appeal over time with minimal upkeep.

10. DESIGN FOR PURPOSE
Lodges for personal use can reflect individual taste, while rental lodges benefit from neutral palettes, robust finishes and ease of maintenance. Always design with the end-user in mind. Pinelog’s designs are renowned for their timeless style, comfort and robust performance.

Whether you’re looking to add new accommodation or start a holiday park from scratch, their expert guidance ensures every lodge delivers long-term value and guest satisfaction.

Pinelog Ltd
01246 942842
www.pinelog.co.uk/holiday-park-expertise/

MAKING A SPLASH

Unlocking the potential of swimming pool at your site...

From serene morning swims to chaotic family splash sessions, swimming pools have long been a key draw for holidaymakers across the UK.

Whether it’s the thrill of a flume, the sensory joy of a splashpad, or the luxurious calm of a hot tub, aquatic attractions continue to be a powerful way for holiday parks to boost appeal, increase bookings, and improve guest satisfaction.

But in 2025, swimming pools are not just about water, they’re about experience, safety, accessibility and even profitability.

"Swimming pools are not just about water, they're about experience, safety, accessibility and even profitability."

A POOL IS JUST THE BEGINNING
A well-designed pool area is more than a place to cool off. It’s a hub of activity, a selling point on brochures, and increasingly, a profit centre in its own right. That’s where specialists like Ustigate Waterplay come in.

Their installations go beyond traditional pools to create immersive aquatic play spaces that work for all ages and abilities — even where space or staffing is limited. Ustigate’s innovative splash pads, for instance, are especially well suited for holiday parks. Because they don’t have any standing water, they require no lifeguards, and are therefore low-maintenance, safe, and accessible.

They’re perfect for outdoor play areas and create fantastic visual impact, with over 15 features capable of running from the same water management system as a traditional pool. According to Ustigate, the modern pool experience should not “stand alone.” It should be part of a broader strategy to maximise fun, inclusivity, and efficiency in every square foot.

Their installations often include lazy rivers, interactive water cannons, and customisable water features designed by their long-standing partner, Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc, who offer a portfolio of over 300 products. We create a space that entertains a multitude of guests simultaneously, whether that’s kids racing through water tunnels, teens battling with spray cannons, or families relaxing under shaded structures by the pool.

FOR LEISURE OPERATORS, water testing isn’t just a routine task, it’s a critical part of keeping guests safe and happy.

TESTING TIMES
However fun or visually impressive your aquatic offering might be, nothing is more important than safety and that starts with the water itself. Enter The Tintometer Ltd, who provide vital equipment for routine and regulated water testing in pools and spas.

Their Lovibond® MD150 photometer is fast becoming a go-to for leisure operators across the UK, especially in parks with multiple facilities or hot tubs in private lodges. The MD150 allows for accurate and efficient testing of chlorine, bromine, pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity and cyanuric acid — all with a user-friendly digital interface.

Crucially, it also helps parks comply with HSG282, the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance for hot tubs and spa pools — which are now widely featured in glamping pods, luxury lodges and cabins. “Accurate, fast testing isn’t just about compliance,” says a spokesperson from The Tintometer Ltd.

“It’s about protecting your guests, your staff, and your reputation. The MD150 gives operators the tools they need to meet the high expectations of health officers, insurers and today’s savvy holidaymakers.” The device’s portability makes it ideal for large sites, and ongoing service and calibration support helps ensure long-term performance and peace of mind.

SPLASH ABOUT provide bespoke retail solutions and branded products, giving your swimming pool facilities the retail wow factor.

TURNING POOLS INTO PROFIT CENTRES
Swimming pools have traditionally been considered a cost centre — expensive to maintain, staff and heat. But what if they could generate income too? That’s the question answered by Splash About, who are helping holiday parks across the UK transform poolside areas into high-performing retail spaces.

Working with over 85% of UK holiday park operators, including household names like Haven and Center Parcs, Splash About brings what they call “retail theatre” to poolside merchandising. Their formula is simple but powerful: great products, clever displays, and a smart stock management system.

From UV-protective wetsuits and swim nappies to toys and goggles, Splash About offers a full range of swim and water play products. These are merchandised on custom-designed, durable displays that thrive in the humid, high-traffic poolside environment. Their unique back-end portal system even automates reordering, keeping shelves looking full without overloading on-site storage.

“This approach works,” says Managing Director Lesley Beach. “Some of our partners have seen poolside retail quadruple, moving pools from cost centres to profit centres.” For holiday parks looking to add a revenue stream without expanding their footprint, this is a proven solution.

THE YORKSHIRE SPA RETREAT were crowned overall Winner of Holiday Park Pool of the Year in the 2023 UK Pool & Spa Awards.

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE
Of course, the holiday park industry is filled with innovation, creativity and quality — all of which are celebrated at the UK Pool & Spa Awards. These prestigious awards recognise excellence in design, management, and customer experience across all sectors of the wet leisure industry.

For holiday park operators, it’s a chance to benchmark standards, discover new suppliers, and even gain a valuable marketing edge by being shortlisted or winning an award.

From eco-conscious filtration systems to high-tech water features and inclusive splash zones, the awards provide a snapshot of the very best in British pool design and operation.

If you’re proud of your pool facilities, whether newly installed or lovingly maintained, the UK Pool & Spa Awards are a brilliant opportunity to showcase your efforts and earn industry recognition.

A USTIGATE SPLASHPAD is great because it offers water play without water depth, making it inclusive, accessible, safe and fun for everyone.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The way guests use pools is changing. They want more than just a dip, they want experiences, comfort, and personalisation. Meanwhile, operators need to balance this with safety, staffing, sustainability, and space constraints.

Today’s swimming pool offering needs to work hard, not just during peak summer weeks but year-round, come rain or shine. That might mean adding a heated splashpad for shoulder season appeal, investing in automated water testing to free up staff time, or turning your poolside into a miniature high street.

Whatever the size or style of your site, there are now smarter, safer, and more profitable ways to use aquatic facilities to their fullest. Whether you’re running a coastal caravan park, a woodland glamping retreat or a luxury resort, your pool can be a standout feature — one that guests remember, share, and return for. Now might just be the time to dive in!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Lovibond Water Testing
www.lovibond.com

Splash About
www.splashabout.com

Ustigate Waterplay
www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

UK Pool & Spa Awards
www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

UPGRADE GUEST EXPERIENCE

KAASPEED electric, lightweight, self-balancing, wide-wheeled scooters join Reesink e-Vehicles’ existing range of STAR EV electric utility and passenger buggies to offer a new, innovative, eco-conscious answer to guests’ transportation and mobility needs.

Whether it’s for a leisurely cruise, off-road adventure, or smooth transportation on tarmac, the scooter’s modular design, range of features, and accessories enable venues to tailor their fleet to their customer’s exact needs. Versatility is at the core of KAASPEED’s design philosophy.

With the option to choose between two different types of 18 x 9.5-8 tyres, venues can confidently customise their scooters according to the park’s terrain. For flat surfaces there’s the standard multi-use turf/hard surface tyres available in both a standard radius and as flat self-balancing, and the Scorpion tyres provide superior traction for woodland and sandy surfaces.

USERS CAN ATTACH MULTIPLE configurations to the rear of each scooter, making it the ideal companion for any journey.

TAILOR-MADE
One of the standout features of KAASPEED scooters is their easy-to-use interchangeable system. With this system, users can attach multiple configurations such as a shopping basket, cargo rack, cool box or golf bag rack to the rear of each scooter, making it the ideal companion for any journey.

Embracing eco-consciousness without faltering in efficiency is a priority for Reesink e-Vehicles and something that features across its entire range of STAR EV electric passenger and utility vehicles. KAASPEED scooters continue that legacy with a car-grade LG cell lithium-ion battery.

In addition to a long-range capability of up to 38 miles and a top speed of 28 mph, customers can explore vast areas without worrying about running out of power. The smart battery management system ensures temperature resistance, increasing the longevity of the scooter. KAASPEED scooters join STAR EV’s range of award-winning lithium and sealed battery-powered utility vehicles and golf buggies under the Reesink e-Vehicles brand.

Reesink UK Ltd
Tel. 01480 226800
www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk