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REAPING WHAT THEY SOW

Posted on October 25, 2023

REAPING WHAT THEY SOW

Jane Herbert meets the personalities behind the thriving Beston Group...

YAXHAM WATERS HOLIDAY PARK in Norfolk offers a stunning setting for holidays

On a cold winter’s day in the mid to late nineties, Timm Hay and Steve Johnson stood on a hill overlooking a rather tired-looking Beeston Regis Holiday Park on the North Norfolk coast wondering how to buy it!

At that time, Beeston Regis comprised 60 acres with 120 static caravan plots and roughly 400 tent and tourer plots, with a handful of hook-ups and a very old-fashioned shower block that hadn’t much changed from the original 1950s. The owner had sadly passed away, and the bank had taken control of the site.

On face value, it didn’t look like much of an investment but to Timm and Steve, Beeston Regis offered the ideal opportunity to cement their burgeoning business partnership. “We were young and keen,” says Steve. “Having done some research, Timm had discovered that Beeston Regis benefited from Section 17 of the 1960 Caravan Site Act.

“This was at a time when park owners, usually landowners, were required to apply for planning for the use of their land when used for six months of holiday use and six months grazing rights for cattle,” Steve continues. “The permission was granted if the local council didn’t reply within six months, which became deemed as unconditional planning permission with no time constrictions.”

TIMM HAY AND STEVE JOHNSON, the founders of The Beeston Group.

INSIDE KNOWLEDGE
Timm’s inside knowledge from his first job as a planning consultant for a holiday park specialist in London came in very useful when he realised that this was the case at Beeston Regis. Says Steve: “Uncovering the Park’s unutilised planning permission was a pivotal moment for us. This was extremely valuable, and so we just had to find a way to buy the Park.”

Timm and Steve had found their first joint investment. Beeston Regis Holiday Park is now a thriving park with 300 holiday bases and 190 camping and touring plots. Moving forward, the duo soon expanded into another small park which they later sold at a profit, and also added Cliff House Holiday Park in Dunwich to their portfolio.

At the same time, they undertook a major project to build The Hollies, a 30-acre park in Kessingland, Suffolk, on former farmland and a derelict house. Timm invested in five further parks which he still owns: four in Norfolk - Gold Coast and Hazelbury Holiday Parks in East Runton, Yaxham Waters Holiday Park and Mundesley Holiday Village: as well as New Hall Lodge Park in Dovercourt, Essex.

Over time, the eight parks co-owned by Timm and Steve all came together under the one umbrella of The Beeston Group. Today, with just under 800 lodge and static caravan plots, 750 camping and touring plots, and around 150 self-catering units, The Beeston Group is wholly concerned with holiday home ownership and rental, camping and touring. “With large holiday park groups owning a big percentage of the holiday parks in the UK, we really try to set ourselves aside,” explains Steve.

GUESTS STAYING AT CLIFF HOUSE Holiday Park have access to the lovely beach below

“We pride ourselves on offering great holidays in superb locations, mostly on the beautiful East Anglian coastline, and many of our parks offer guests direct access to the beach. Most importantly, however, the majority of our customers know us as Steve and Timm. As business owners and operators, the personal touch is very important to us.” The Beeston Group employs around 160 staff who support Steve and Timm across the individual parks.

Cliff House Holiday Park is considered the flagship of The Beeston Group. The scenic lodge plots take full advantage of the Park’s enviable location on the idyllic Suffolk Heritage Coast and it is considered to be one of the top locations in East Anglia to own a holiday lodge. The 30-acre park is situated on the cliff top between the popular coastal towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh.

Visitors benefit from the stunning heath and woodland surroundings, as well as direct beach access below. Cliff House Holiday Park has won many accolades, including East of England Park of the Year in the National Tourism Awards, as well as numerous regional awards and The David Bellamy Gold Award for conservation many times. Since purchasing Cliff House Holiday Park in February 2000, The Beeston Group have invested heavily.

At the centre of the Park is the eponymous Cliff House, a large Victorian property built originally as a merchant’s house, and later owned by the family of the famous Aston Martin racing driver Jock Horsfall. Cliff House is currently being renovated to a high standard at a cost of £1.5 million. “We’ve very excited about the development of Cliff House,” explains Steve.

“It’s a lovely historic building and the careful renovation is taking around two years. When it’s finished, the nine-bedroom house will be rented out to single parties of up to 18 people for family gatherings and the like. “The rooms are to be named after James Bond films, and the house will feature a ‘secret room’ hidden by a bookcase containing a casino for the guests!” The Park’s existing popular bar and restaurant has also been extensively renovated since opening in 2010.

It’s named ‘The 12 Lost Churches’ in recognition of the tragic destruction of 12 local churches during three major storms over a period of 100 years during the 1100: 1200’s when Dunwich was actually the capital of East Anglia. With updates to their portfolio of parks an ongoing project, Timm and Steve are keen to ensure that any developments are as sustainable as possible.

“We use ground heat source pumps to heat our bar and restaurant,” says Steve. “We also have banks of solar panels dotted around all our parks and electric car charging points. Staff can choose to opt into a salary sacrifice scheme to buy or lease new electric vehicles. All our parks are also very active in conservation projects. For example, this year our teams have installed 50 bat boxes and 100 bird boxes across our developments.”

Mundesley Holiday Village has also received significant investment since it was acquired by Timm. Originally built in the 1930s, Mundesley was one of the first holiday camps on the North Norfolk coast. The holiday village now boasts luxury accommodation including lodges, bungalows, cottages and barns (some with hot tubs). The site occupies a prime clifftop spot with a beautiful beach just a short walk away.

THE PURPOSE-BUILT HOLLIES Camping & Leisure Resort in Kessingland, Suffolk

Guests staying at Mundesley are spoilt for choice with the outstanding beauty of the local countryside, as well as the excellent on-site facilities that include a games room, gym, sauna and spa. The Park works closely with Hoseasons and is pretty much full all-year-round. Despite the challenges of doing business over the last couple of years that have affected all industries, Steve is quietly confident that The Beeston Group’s ethos continues to stand them in good stead for the future.

“There’s no doubt that the conflict and cost of living rise have had a knock-on effect,” says Steve. “Customers are definitely being more cautious with their spending but that gives us even more incentive to renovate and refurbish our Parks so that our product is the absolute best that it can be. We already offer great quality and excellent value to our guests and holiday homeowners. Continuing on that path, we hope to share many more years of success together.”

A DECADE OF DESTINATIONS

Posted on May 11, 2023

A DECADE OF DESTINATIONS

Celebrating Holiday Park SCENE's tenth anniversary...

Flip the rewind switch on the time machine to 2013 and we find British Prime Minister David Cameron publishing a draft European Union Bill aimed at holding a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union by 2017. It was the year that former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher died, following a stroke, while Catherine, now Princess of Wales, gave birth to George Alexander Louis at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

On the sports scene, Andy Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936; defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets. Rising temperatures led to health warnings being issued, for Southern England and the Midlands, in the UK’s first prolonged heatwave since 2006. The weather continued to be challenging as, at the end of October, what became known as the St Judes’ Day storm, brought with it gusts of 99 mph at The Needles on the Isle of Wight.

2013 also saw the launch issue of Holiday Park SCENE, a new print and on-line magazine, packed with fresh ideas and a must-read for anyone who runs or works in a holiday park sector. The Holiday Park SCENE team set out its ambition to work as an extension of destination management teams. These core aims have stayed entrenched in the magazine’s mission statement to inform and inspire UK holiday destinations, boosting visitor experiences and reaping rich returns on investments.

For more than a decade now, Holiday Park SCENE has offered the inside track on the latest market news and reports covering all aspects of holiday park management. We have brought you behind the scenes news on destination businesses that are performing well as generously, they shared their experiences. But most importantly, we have talked to the people who matter – people who add the experience, energy and enthusiasm to keep raising standards across all areas of the UK and Eire holiday park sector.

With the help of our knowledgeable writing team over ten years, we have covered subjects as varied as holiday lodges, glamping, hot tubs, catering and entertainment. The Holiday Park SCENE team has looked at some of the latest options from camping to glamping and investigated the potential for health and wellness as an added value income for business, not just in the summer but all year through.

Over the course of its first decade, Holiday Park SCENE has held hands with some of the biggest names in UK holidays from Butlin’s to Parkdean and from Park Holidays to Hoseasons. Throughout ten busy years, that have simply flown by, the magazine has featured more than 250 destinations and well over 1,000 businesses within the magazine. Holiday Park SCENE has been granted a ten-year long front row seat as the boost in staycations and investment in family time saw the holiday sector enjoy a sustained boom period.

A fountain of inspiration, Holiday Park SCENE supported the networking opportunities at some of the industry’s leading trade shows and event to find out what they can offer businesses in the way of fresh ideas as well as new products and services. Holiday Park SCENE has frequently relied upon some of the UK’s leading parks to share their tips for an effective entertainment programme that will keep guests coming back for more through play and on-site attractions.

We have discussed the e-marketing revolution with the rise and rise of social media which we warned you would ignore at your peril. The New Year is often the traditional time to re-evaluate our business goals. An opportunity to take stock of the previous 12 months and resolve to make a difference for the year ahead. We examined the Winning Ways of maximising the potential of amusement and arcade game attractions.

The holiday park industry has always been ahead of the field when it comes to preserving the business development balance with Mother Nature. David Bellamy was a holiday park ambassador when it came to highlighting the eco-factor, building in green spaces and protecting nature. Holiday Park SCENE has reflected this with frequent looks at everything from eco-friendly accommodation and energy-efficient business choices like heat pumps and electric vehicles.

The first rule of marketing is that it is not good enough to be good. You have to be perceived to be good. So Holiday Park SCENE urged you to pick up your bucket and spade with a heap of tips and ideas that will enable your business to stand out from the crowd. We looked at the increasing use of automated control systems to dramatically reduce the risk of human error in the management of holiday park swimming pools. Holiday Park SCENE has regularly tackled the thorny issue of security with features like Lock Down.

We frequently carried advice on how holiday park destinations can maximise the potential of their water leisure offering, with the addition of splash pads, flumes and water play equipment. We urged you to put up the ‘do not disturb sign’ as we invited you to relish this packed edition with a wealth of inspiring initiatives and ideas to weave into your future business planning.

Probably our most popular and ‘stand-out’ cover of the first ten years, the September 2019 front cover featured one of the life-size wooden horse sculptures now on permanent display at two holiday destinations. More soaring temperatures had accommodation booked to full capacity and then some rain which had the happy visitors spending more on site activities, arcades and in the bars and restaurants. We regularly urged decision-makers to take time away and weigh-up the highs and lows for the season.

What worked well? What could have worked better and what short and long term improvements can be introduced. As well as our regular tips from fellow operators, we brought you timely features like Fashion Statements with the case for quality investment that some argue is crucial for the holiday park sector. We shared the catering thoughts of three holiday park businesses with their Recipe For Success. We also took a look at minimising hassle and maximising sales with our look at on-line management systems in, Click Here.

Like the rest of the sector, Holiday Park SCENE was eagerly anticipating the peak summer season ahead. There had been a general feeling of optimism and positivity in the air with early bird bookings up considerably, even on 2019’s high-flying figures. Then the small matter of COVID 19 hit. Not just the holiday sector but the entire plant. Official figures confirm the travel and tourism industries contributed 6.7% of all gross value added in the UK in 2018.

Since then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the sector heavily in 2020 and into 2021, with government restrictions both in the UK and worldwide preventing tourism for large periods of time. Within the UK, unnecessary travel was first discouraged on 16 March, before a nationwide lockdown was announced on 23 March. Travel was again impacted by the second and third English lockdowns in November 2020 and January 2021 and travel corridors were suspended on 18 January 2021.

Heavily into a stop-start-stop-go scenario, government measures helped in the retention of key staff with some timely business funding initiatives. Restrictions-permitted, the industry’s quick-thinkers took an opportunity to rethink and reinvest in facilities, while the customers were forced to stay away. Holiday Park SCENE reported on the top holiday accommodation trends and revealed the UK’s most popular holiday park destinations while raising the emerging issue of on-site e-charging.

Bonkers busy we knew, but we encouraged managers to locate a quiet cupboard or handy hidey-hole, to escape to, as they soaked up the packed ideas and inspiration throughout the latest edition of Holiday Park SCENE. With the pandemic truly behind us, we challenged business development planners to create an action list with at least five short and long term goals that will help you future-proof business.

The Holiday Park SCENE team pulled out all the stops to keep you abreast of industry trends; sharing good practice with a lodge-full of ideas on maximising the boom in the UK holiday sector. With nearly half of all businesses reporting cyber-crime security issues as well as crucial advice, you could not afford to miss in Lock It Or Lose Out. As we set out on the second decade of reporting on the vibrant UK holiday industry, we feel proud and privileged to work alongside some exceptional businesses and some outstanding people.

We will continue to recommend a pack of sticker notes to mark those pages that you would like to share with the team and to contact some of the advertisers that make Holiday Park SCENE possible. Three cheers to the first ten years as we toast the second decade yet to come!

IRRESISTIBLE COMBINATION

Posted on February 15, 2023

IRRESISTIBLE COMBINATION

Pictures and reports from the unmissable Holiday Park & Resort event...

THE HOLIDAY PARK SCENE team has gathered information and contact details for some specialist suppliers who stood out for the Holiday Park SCENE team.

 

The hotly-anticipated Holiday Park & Resort Show proved to be an irresistible combination as visitors from across the sector flocked to the NEC in Birmingham. November’s two-day business show received a positive response from visitors, speakers and exhibitors alike.

Complementary shows of Farm Business Innovation, Family Attraction Expo and Leisure Food & Beverage ran alongside Holiday Park & Resort, combining their pulling power for an irresistible draw.

Free to attend, more than 11,000 visitors were recorded across the show offerings, with many visitors opting to attend a choice of 140 seminars, 500 hand-picked exhibitors, industry-leading experts and unrivalled networking with a wealth of business development opportunities.

 

BROAD SPECTRUM
The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show provides you with the unique opportunity to network with 5,257 of the biggest names in the industry. Exhibitors maximise the opportunity to showcase products and services to an array of industry experts and buyers, directly from the holiday destination market.

Exhibitors responded to the current economic climate with an array of advice and information on new income sources, cost savings and ways to increase business efficiency. One of the key ingredients were ways for holiday park and resort owners to diversify and innovate their businesses and operations.

The combined event business awards are a celebration of ideas that are pushing the boundaries in design and service, recognising those that combine an unprecedented blend of innovation, creativity and uniqueness to its user. This year’s competition winners included a cocktail machines that serves up excellent quality cocktails at the touch of a button. Daisy Vending were awarded for their provision of milk and milkshakes featuring its premium milk vending machines.

Inch Perfect Trials saddled up to be first passed the innovation line as an on-line retailer for new and used trial bikes with the added offering of training and experience days The sustainability award celebrated NexGen Heating for its innovative heating solution for applications across multiple industry sectors. Plan your 2023 visit early for the event that returns to Birmingham’s NEC on November 15 and 16. Holiday Park Scene will once again work with the show organisers as a preferred media partner for the event. Autumn issues of the magazine will be distributed at the show.

 

 

BEST SITE IMPRESSIONS

Posted on October 27, 2022

BEST SITE IMPRESSIONS

Advice from leading suppliers on your holiday park landscaping purchases...

 

THE KUBOTA G-SERIES has been designed for high performance and ease of operation.

 

Not to be underestimated, the importance of that first impression of your holiday location is an opportunity only served once. Everything your guests can see when they arrive needs to be immaculately maintained especially keeping a keen-eyed view on open spaces, driveways and garden areas.

“First impressions count, and this is particularly relevant in the holiday parks sector, be it the customer’s first impression on arrival or the images portrayed on your website,” emphasises Rupert Price, the owner of Price Turfcare, the UK importer of the Ventrac range of turf maintenance equipment. “This visual presentation is so important and could be the difference between your prospective client choosing your site over one that is close by.” Rupert continues: “All parks have copious areas of grass that need to be maintained in good order; long grass looks unsightly and gives the impression of neglect, so the condition and presentation is vital.” There are many mowers on the market from walk-behinds and ride-ons, either rotary or cylinder, the occasional flail, and even remote-controlled mowers for sloping ground that can help you achieve the perfect picture.

 

ONLY PURPOSE-BUILT machinery like the Ventrac can tackle slopes over 15 degrees.

 

PERFECT PICTURES
Walk-behind mowers, be they cylinder or rotary, are ideal for confined spaces but for large areas they are unproductive and labour intensive. Ride-ons come in various sizes from the semi-commercial small out-front rotaries to the large commercial cylinder mowers with rollers that provide attractive striping.

If a sloping bank is greater than 15 degrees, it is unlawful to operate the machine as it may roll over. To overcome this, remote-controlled mowers have been introduced, which enables the operator to stand clear of the machine and work from a safe distance. Most of these machines have a limited cutting width, so again productivity is an issue.

They are normally tracked vehicles and, in wet conditions, can ruin a grass bank when turning. Vitally, Ventrac and Price Turfcare offer an alternative that can overcome all of these issues and do more than just cut grass and, more importantly, in a safe manner. “We can legitimately operate on slopes up to 30 degrees, twice their permitted angle and allowing areas that may have not been maintained regularly, to be tamed,” Rupert explains.

 

WITH OVER 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE, Makita offers over 290 products in its LXT battery powered range alone.

 

MOWING DECKS
“With seven different mowing decks we’re obviously not a one-trick pony, but with numerous other attachments we can provide the versatility you should be demanding from your equipment.” It is worth noting, the Ventrac offers a Power Broom for removing debris from hard surfaces, ideal for car parks and paved areas. The Power Rake is a great tool for renovating compacted hardcore pitches or Type 1 aggregate road and pathways.

 

COMPACTED PITCHES
Compaction to pitches, caused by the continual use by tents, caravans and motorhomes over the course of a season, can be relieved using the Aera-vator and attaching the Seeder unit it is possible to aerate and overseed in a single pass. There are a couple of debris blowers, the Turbine blower and Power blower, for removing autumnal leaves on parks close to or surrounded by woodland and finally, the Boom mower, for maintaining hedges and lake margins.

Trevalgan is an award-winning, luxury, five-star, family camping and touring park with stunning coastal and countryside views, just two miles from St Ives. The Park, which is owned and run by Neil and Annette Osborne, is surrounded by open farmland, with gorse and heather covered hills behind, and is within walking distance of the rugged and beautiful South West Coast Path. They recently invested in a Ventrac landscaping package. Neil explains: “The main reason I was interested in the Ventrac package was because of the ease of changing the implements safely and quickly on my own. The compact size and manoeuvrability of the machine is ideal for our busy campsite and enables me to get in to all the tight spaces. “The overall quality of the machine and implements are excellent. I have been very impressed by the Area-vator as this helps to relieve the compaction of the pitches caused by a five-month season of continual use by tents, caravans and motorhomes. Neil adds: “At the end of the season, this versatile implement can also re-seed the pitch at the same time, which makes the Ventrac very time efficient and I have been more than pleased with the end result.”

 

WHENWORKING with any outdoor equipment, ensure all workers wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Pic. Makita

 

FIT FOR PURPOSE
Of course, professionals using any power tool will naturally demand a product that can do the job with ease. Outdoor equipment and power tools that are powered by lithium-ion batteries and manufactured by trusted manufacturers can reliably offer users this reassurance, as lithium-ion batteries can hold high levels of energy and will work for long periods of time without needing to be charged.

“For professionals who rely on a machine for their livelihood, quality shouldn’t be compromised, and users should only source equipment from trusted manufacturers to make sure the tool is fit for the job,” says Mark Earles, Product Development Manager for Outdoor Products at Makita UK. “This is particularly important when using battery-powered products,’ he adds.

The temptation to use third party, uncertified, cheap batteries can lead to poor product performance, or even risk fire and injury. Using a third-party battery will also invalidate any tool warranties. Only use genuine batteries from the manufacturer that have been fully tested and guaranteed to work with the tool and Users are increasingly looking for more sustainable solutions, with a move toward battery powered tools that can replace petrol, or corded alternatives.

Cordless products offer freedom to move about on site, without spending time on the safe management of trailing cables in public areas, or handling petrol – and the associated fumes for those nearby.

 

ON DISPLAY AT SALTEX, the 648S brings more innovative features to the time-tested machine that changed the way you aerate.

 

DO NOT DISTURB
A further priority, particularly for those working on a public site, is noise. Cordless machines are typically quieter than petrol products, making them an ideal choice for working through the day whilst minimising disturbance for holiday park guests. In line with this, Makita stopped manufacturing its petrol-powered products in January this year to concentrate on developing its cordless range further to evolve with the needs of the market.

Mark advises: “When investing into a cordless system of outdoor equipment, choose a manufacturer that offers a range of tools powered by the same battery platform. “This not only makes switching between jobs easier, but also reduces costs if you buy the ‘body only’ models -- without battery and charger – simply use your existing batteries and chargers to power your entire collection, rather than purchasing new ones every time.” Users also want tools that offer productivity and efficiency gains. Makita is constantly refining its battery and charging technologies, to provide the performance and power that professionals need as well supporting greener and cleaner products for the industry.

 

LEAF BLOWERS such as Makita’s DUB186 18V LXT Bower are hugely popular and essential to clear paths and public areas from autumn leaves.

 

BATTERY PACK
Makita manufactures a wide range of outdoor equipment and construction power tools with a core focus on cordless technology. With over 100 years’ experience, the company has refined this expertise and today offers over 290 products in its LXT battery powered range alone.

The LXT collection includes products such as blowers, lawnmowers, linetrimmers and hedge trimmers, as well as drills, saws, drivers and wrenches, even radios, heated jackets and kettles and the company continues to add more to the range each year. This means outdoor professionals have a huge choice of kit that can all be powered by the same battery without the restriction of cords or petrol.

Simply switch the battery to a different tool to tackle every type of job, anywhere on site, with ease. At this time of year, leaf blowers such as the DUB186 18V LXT Bower are a hugely popular and essential product to clear paths and public areas from autumn leaves. The DUB186 is compact and lightweight solution that can be easily transported around site, offering a maximum air volume of 3.2m2/min and variable speed control. Linetrimmers are also an essential grounds maintenance solution that remain popular thanks to their versatility and effectiveness in making light work of neatening grassy areas.

A tool such as the DUR192L 18V LXT Line-trimmer can be used to tidy edges around borders, trim awkward areas around static caravans, decking, fences and walls, as well as heavier duty applications to clear weeds and long grass. Its quiet operation is ideal for use in public spaces.

 

TAKING PLACE ON NOVEMBER 2 and 3, SALTEX offers a huge learning curve and landscaping solutions.

 

FREE TRAINING
Take advantage of manufacturers, like Makita, that offer free training on using equipment correctly and safely. When working with any outdoor equipment, always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure staff wear and use the correct safety equipment.

Failing to do so could cost an employee’s eyesight, hearing, a finger, the end of a career, or worse. As we head into winter, what better time to evaluate your outdoor areas and carry out the necessary modifications to make your guests’ first impressions count in time for the 2023 season. “The landscape and surroundings of your holiday park or caravan site provide the backdrop for a picture-postcard holiday,” urges Phil Catley, Kubota (UK)’s Ground Care Product Manager. “When it comes to grounds maintenance, mowing will likely be the operation conducted most frequently and by making simple changes to your cutting regime – such as considering cut and collect – it can have major benefits, not just to site presentation. Mowing of both communal spaces and those in and around chalets and statics is absolutely essential to maintaining the aesthetic quality of your site, and in peak growing season may be conducted on a daily basis. The finesse of a clean cut however, can sometimes be compromised by the clippings left behind following the pass of a ride-on mower.”

The Kubota G-Series has been designed for high performance and ease of operation, offering impressive cutting performance on grass of all lengths and in all conditions. For landscaped areas close to holiday lets, many Grounds Managers are now turning to ride-on units that offer cut and collect – delivering precision and accuracy of cut and removal of the clippings produced in a single pass. Says Phil: “Not only does this enhance presentation and reduce the risk and problems associated with the mown grass being trodden into accommodation, removal of clippings is also great for turf health. “Your grass surfaces are living organisms, that require both air and sunlight to create food and grow,” advises Phil.

“Allowing thick piles of clippings to accumulate can create dark, warm and damp micro-climates that can lead to issues with certain turf diseases which can ultimately impact on the health and overall appearance of your green spaces.”

 

WITH SEVEN different mowing decks Ventrac is much more than a one-trick pony.

 

SHOW DATES
They say planning is the key to success and in the case of outdoor space and landscaping – a well thought out strategy will pay huge dividends not least by avoiding costly mistakes. SALTEX 2022 takes place at Birmingham’s NEC on Wednesday and Thursday, November 2 and 3, and promises a wealth of practical tips and product to add to your outdoor landscaping plans. SALTEX attracts the most exhibitors in the industry to one place at any one time.

With new exhibitors coming on board weekly, the 2022 event is already set to be the biggest and best show yet. SALTEX continues to attract the best in the business – with visitor registrations from over 30 countries already confirmed with a roll call of domestic and international exhibitors signed-up. Free to attend, the show includes the ever-popular Learning LIVE programme - a key element in the SALTEX offering, which has this year been extended to over 30 sessions with influential speakers addressing a range of key issues impacting the industry. High on the agenda are sustainability and environmental issues.

SALTEX is an event grounds people have always made the time to attend. Visitor and exhibitor feedback surveys confirm that the networking opportunities are a massive draw and never more so than in the post-pandemic landscape. 2021 survey data showed that almost half (46%) of visitors attend for networking opportunities; over two-thirds (68%) attend to source new products, services, and suppliers; topped by an extremely high satisfaction rating of 83% voting the show as Good, Very Good or Excellent.

 

WITH SEVEN different mowing decks Ventrac is much more than a one-trick pony.

 

BIG DRAW
Reesink UK will be represented at SALTEX 2022 with innovations and technologies, new launches and best sellers from all four of its divisions Reesink Turfcare, Reesink e-Vehicles, Reesink Agriculture and Reesink Hydro-Scapes for the first time. Bound to be a big draw will be two Toro product launches from Reesink Turfcare. The new Toro ProCore 648s and ToroWorkman UTX 4x4.

Building on the incredible legacy of the ProCore 648, the 648s brings more innovative features to the time-tested machine that changed the way you aerate. The s stands for superior – and superior it is. An updated version of a customer- favourite model, there are more than 10 new patents and some brand-new enhancements based off operator feedback and Toro’s own in-depth studies. Revised controls improve ergonomics and allow single handed operation, and hole spacing and true tine depth are now set and saved in the Info Centre. Reesink will also unveil the latest powerhouse from Toro to tackle all terrains thrown at it: the new Toro Workman UTX 4x4. The fourth utility vehicle in the series, it tackles all terrains and environments including ice and snow.

This robust four-wheel drive, full- sized utility vehicle has 25 percent more cargo capacity than others in its class and blasts through its tasks. Finishing the line up from Reesink Turfcare is Toro’s Groundsmaster 3300 mower, back with its innovative flail attachment, and one of two tractors – the TYM T395 is coupled with an AgriMetal blower attachment at the show.

The industry’s first all-electric compact tractor from Reesink Agriculture is the second on stand. Since Farmtrac’s FT25G launched, it’s won awards, been on multiple TV programmes and impressed the industry’s electric vehicles and technology enthusiasts, as well as winning the SALTEX Innovation Award in the Environmental and Sustainability category. So, if you’ve missed seeing it in person up until now, now’s your chance. With the theme of the show sustainability, Reesink e-Vehicles is ably represented by the electric CapellaWork Machine with cargo box from STAR EV and KAASPEED’s unique electric scooter. Both make transporting cargo and people around the site fun, clean and green.

Also on display, and the next big thing for sustainable cleaning of machinery, is Bio-Circle GT Maxi, the parts cleaner that requires no water and eliminates pollutant run-off into the water system. This VOC-free, pH neutral cleaning option is gentle on the environment but powerful enough to remove grease, oil, grass contamination, white-line paint and fertiliser.

From Reesink Hydro-Scapes, there’s a selection of irrigation and water aeration solutions, encapsulating the long established and industry-leading Toro irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors, Otterbine pond and lake aerators; SRC wall-mounted controllers and quick-replace Franklin pump systems.

 

INSURANCE MATTERS
For many parks bringing third parties and contractors on site to complete works is part of everyday life. Whether it’s for large developments, upgrades or just simple repairs and maintenance, having other businesses onsite is a regular occurrence. As we head into the period when many parks undertake important maintenance and development work, specialist insurers, Compass, has put together some helpful tips to consider when it comes to their insurance. From an insurance perspective you want to check that:

1. The contractor does have insurance in place.
2. That insurance is specific to the work they are going to undertake
3. Their insurance doesn’t expose you and your policy to any claims Contractors come in all shapes and sizes, from large commercial businesses to bona fide contractors, Compass advises.

Regardless of the type of their business, the length of contract and the work they are undertaking when coming onto your park requires them to have their own insurance cover. The only exception is if you’re employing a labour only sub-contractor as they are automatically classed as your employee by most commercial policies and would therefore be covered on your own policy.

A contractor working on your park without the right level of insurance could expose you, the most obvious way is in your liability to the public. The limit of indemnity (LOI) on Public Liability needs to be the same as the limit you have on your Park business policy, referred to as being ‘back to back’. If it isn’t then in the event of a liability incident, you could find yourself picking up the gap in an award to a claimant.

 

 

COMPANY CONTACTS

Compass Insurance
Tel. 0344 274 0276
Email: enquiries@compass.co.uk
www.compassparks.co.uk

Kubota (U.K.) Limited
Tel: 01844 268205
www.kubota.com

Makita UK
Tel. 01908 211678
www.makitauk.com

Price Turfcare
Tel. 01284 827540
www.priceturfcare.com

Resink
Tel. 01480 226800
www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

SALTEX
Tel. 07754 552405
www.saltex.org.uk

ON THE MENU

Posted on February 16, 2022

ON THE MENU

Common sense options for your on-site food servings…

 

KEEP THE CUSTOMERS happy with a wealth of catering options to suit all tastes.

 

According to a YouGov survey of Britain’s most popular dishes, roast chicken just overtook fish and chips at the top of the taste bud pops.
For the record, both share 85 per cent of the adult popularity vote, with the all-day English breakfast hot on their heels at 83 per cent.
In an ever-changing world, it is good to know some of the old traditions still have staying power.
But ignore the march of not just new eating habits but preferred ordering techniques at your peril. It is no good sitting back and watching your residents receive their Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats deliveries bypassing your on-site restaurant and take away options.

If Covid taught us anything it was to be flexible with our hospitality business and to embrace new ways of creating business. That means reaching for the clouds with an assortment of your own bespoke APPs to boost business including holiday cabin deliveries.
Personally, while juggling the grandchildren and their bingo cards, I loved ordering my holiday park drinks from my table via an APP only to have them arrive at the table within minutes.
Statistics provides the power to make knowledgeable decisions about our on-site catering. In another survey, OpenTable found that the average British person spends over £4k on dining out each year – that’s a quarter of some people’s annual income.

 

HAVEN HAS LAUNCHED its own Academy to train chefs for its 40 plus holiday locations.

 

EATING OUT
The study also revealed that Brits eat out 1.5 times on average per week and spend about £53 per meal. We are now seeing the evolution of industry trends, fuelled by the population’s growing appetite for eating out.
Increasingly, all-day eating is becoming the norm. Set meal times are a thing of the past – people want to be able to grab a bite to eat at any time of the day in a casual and informal environment.
Why limit yourself to just on-site customers when you can build a reputation and extend your reach throughout your geographic area. South West Holiday Parks teamed up with an award-winning Devon restaurant business as part of an overhaul of its leisure facilities at Coast View Park. The new ODE&Co restaurant welcomes park guests as well as the general public.
Visitors to the 120-seat venue can enjoy sour dough pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven from an open kitchen and prepared with impeccably sourced ingredients including organic flour and 100% buffalo mozzarella from Laverstock farm in Hampshire.
ODE&Co also takes advantage of the fresh seafood available on its doorstep, serving local catch, crab, lobster and grills. Locally sourced beverages include craft ales from Two Beach Brewing Co, organic and bio dynamic wines, local ciders on draft and soft drinks.
The restaurant has panoramic views of South Devon coast from the newly created inside and outside seating areas. The restaurant will also offer take away and delivery services using electric vehicles.
Catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes can create challenges for operators – particularly when you’re looking after diverse needs and expectations on the same site, from campers in tents to guests in luxury holiday lodges.
It’s an issue they recognise at the award-winning Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park in Dulas, Anglesey.
The Anglesey campsite has been owned and operated by the Hunt/Mount family for 45 years. Long before a restaurant was created on site, however, food was still on offer, thanks to a very forward-thinking purchase of a pizza oven.

 

SERVICE WITH A SMILE is always appreciated. Pic. Golden Sands Holiday Park.

 

While guests can enjoy a casual meal in the restaurant, there are also options available for those who want to dine alfresco.
Thinking outside the box and a firm believer in supporting local businesses, Tyddyn Isaf partnered with The Great Orme Brewery to create their own range of four local ales and a craft lager.
Catering surely is a complicated business. Add to those complications the challenge of recruiting and retaining good staff and you will know that making money through on-site catering is not for the faint-hearted.
Hospitality and catering professionals met recently to discuss apprenticeships and their role in reducing the severe people and skills crisis in hospitality and catering. The common issues were recruitment and ensuring a path of continuous professional development.
Food prices have gone up at their fastest rate in nearly 30 years - but there is worse to come, experts have warned.
Soaring food costs and the energy bill crisis drove inflation to 5.4% in the 12 months to December, up from 5.1% the month before, in another blow to struggling families.
The last time inflation was higher was in March 1992, when it was 7.1%. And with gas and electricity costs set to rise further in the spring, analysts predict it will reach that level again.
As one of Britain’s leading family holiday companies Haven own and operate 40 award-winning family holiday parks throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Haven appear to be opting for do-it-yourself solutions, covering their catering bets with options for extreme ends of the food chain.
Holidaymakers heading to Lincolnshire’s coast could have another option for their meals with a number of jobs being advertised at a Burger King in a holiday park.
Numerous jobs are being advertised for roles at a restaurant in Mablethorpe - but the fast food chain is yet to confirm whether it will be being built.

 

ENSURE FIXTURES and furnishing suit your target market and menu offering. Pic. Hubbox

 

HOME GROWN
Haven is also introducing an opportunity for budding chefs to receive on-the-job skills and experience training as part of its new Haven Chef Academy.
This new training academy will provide fundamental learning experience for 200 specially selected trainees who will be inducted into an 18-month development programme with access to world class kitchen facilities, working alongside professional chefs as well as having a personal talent coach and mentor. Once initial training is completed, trainees will be placed at one of Haven’s coastal parks across the UK to embark upon priceless on-the-job training.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is eager to get into the food & beverage industry,” said Anne Blyth, Talent Director at Haven. “This carefully curated programme will be hugely beneficial to all those selected, giving applicants the tools they need to begin a fantastic career and get that essential on-the-job training which is very hard to come by these days”.
Successful applicants will start their time at Haven Chef Academy with an initial accelerated eight week learning programme that will provide them with a sound start into the industry with several tailored masterclasses and live demonstrations leading into an on-the-job learning structure. The selected trainees will be lucky enough to be earning whilst learning at one of the best places in the leisure industry – plus they will gain a professional industry recognised apprenticeship qualification through Haven’s training partner Lifetime.

 

TAKE A REGULAR STOCK CHECK of your restaurant offerings to ensure it is suiting your customers. Pic. Cofton Holidays.

 

“Emerging out of several lockdowns where the appetite for jobs have been slim, this is an immense opportunity for those who are struggling to get back into the hospitality industry,” said Joe Hurd, celebrity chef and Lifetime Ambassador. ”These opportunities are hard to find and as no prior experience is needed applications are open to all who are hungry to start their culinary career and gain from the expert tuition on offer.”
WITH millions of British holidaymakers heading for holiday parks in the UK this year, one of the major attractions for most visitors was that the cooking would be done for them. Catering is the vital ingredient of the holiday park business menu.
From high-class restaurants to family-friendly pizza cafes, the choice on offer at many locations is vast. Quality food and good surroundings are key to the restaurant enjoyment factor with staff service and excellent menus par for the course in these competitive times.