energy efficiency

HOSPITALITY HERITAGE

Posted on August 7, 2024

Preston-born entrepreneur John Morphet founded the Pure Leisure Group in 2004, having entered the tourism market with his inaugural South Lakeland Caravans business in 1988. With John at the helm, Pure Leisure Group is now a third-generation family-run businesses employing 230 staff across its portfolio of 19 holiday parks throughout the UK.

Pure Leisure Group operates 13 holiday lodge and caravan parks in the Northwest, one lodge park in Wales, one in Yorkshire and a further two in East Anglia. Tydd St Giles Golf and Leisure Estate in Cambridgeshire, and Bridlington Links Golf and Leisure Estate in West Yorkshire, complete the UK portfolio.

Most recently, the Gledfield Highland Estate also joined the business, a 6,500-acre estate with holiday cottages in northern Scotland. Overseas, the company’s flagship is Royal Westmoreland, Barbados, a luxurious 750-acre estate with a world class golf course and a choice of magnificent, newly built properties from luxury apartments to exclusive custom-built villas.

Pure Leisure Group’s success is an extraordinary rise from the relatively humble origins of John’s early steps into the park and leisure industry. As a fourteen year old lad, he started helping out at the small caravan park on his family’s farm in Westmoreland. By the early 1970s, John was running the combined business himself, but it was a farming accident a decade later, that secured his path as a park operator, leaving the farming life behind.

SOUTH LAKELAND Leisure Village has a Gold award from the David Bellamy Conservation Trust.

John’s dedication to the business is legendary and it is this, and the ongoing involvement of his family, that has laid the foundations for the success of Pure Leisure Group today. John’s son Will is the General Manager of the Docker Holiday Park, Sons Rob and Matthew are a Regional Manager and Head of Operations respectively, whilst daughter Rebecca works at head office in the sales and bookings team.

More recently, grandson Cameron has joined the team as maintenance and support services, also responsible for the farming, green keeping and environmental side of the business at each of the holiday parks. “Having three generations of the family working full time at Pure Leisure Group makes for a more exciting business,” explains Dean Turner, Group Marketing Manager.

“Each person brings a unique perspective and creative ideas. The door is always open to new initiatives and the team is flexible and keen to try them. It’s this breath of fresh air that the entire family brings to the table and one, particularly, that John is keen to nurture.” One of the key advantages to being family-run is the fact that there is no ‘board’ to answer to. According to John, this means that the team can adapt and change direction quickly.

“Sharing the same goals and vision for the group, the family works in the best interest of the business and its guests, and in the best interest of future generations that may want to join the business,” explains Dean. The family’s diverse skillset of expertise allows the business to embrace both the tradition of hospitality and heritage of the brand, alongside understanding and meeting the modern demands of consumers.

BOATING IS POPULAR with all the family at South Lakeland Leisure Village.

“This ensures that our parks develop appropriately and evolve their offering to suit,” explains Dean. “This can be seen recently with the introduction of new play areas, as well as the new rustic log cabins and hot tubs at four of our parks. Our focus on sustainability has led to the creation of camping pods created from the waste decking from the park creating a fully circular economic process.

Any excess wood is then used for the rustic pod wood fired hot tubs.” The Group is committed to maximising energy efficiency and sustainability across the board. A recycling initiative runs across all parks and both biomass heating and solar panels have been introduced to 50% of parks to date, with a full roll out due for completion by 2030. South Lakeland Leisure Village – known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ – is considered the flagship UK property in the PLG portfolio.

Set in the borders of the southern Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the park boasts an award-winning restaurant and a whole host of leisure facilities including a sailing lake, indoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art gym to cater to guests staying at any of its 320 lodges and cottages. The park makes the most of its setting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Recently, the team managed the successful retention of the five gold star rating from Visit England and Gold award from the David Bellamy Conservation Trust, for its ongoing work to enhance the South Lakeland Leisure Village environment for wildlife. Pure Leisure Group’s head office is located close to South Lakeland Leisure Village in Carnforth, Lancashire.

JOHN MORPHET Founded the Pure Leisure Group in 2004.

The purpose-built building is home to 30 of the Group’s 230 UK employees, although the staff total is closer to 400 globally including Royal Westmoreland. Careful expansion is always on the agenda at Pure Leisure Group. Planning has been agreed at Gledfield, the Royal Westmoreland Highland Estate and the Group has also recently acquired the Loch Ness Highland Resort.

Situated at the southern tip of the world-famous Loch Ness, this luxury glamping retreat’s cosy glamping pods and spacious holiday homes are perfect for the modern adventurer. Despite the cost-of-living challenges which have affected the majority of the industry, Pure Leisure Group has continued to grow and exceed targets.

The team has also continued to give back, whether it be in charitable actions or supporting other local businesses. “Corporate Social Responsibility underpins the running operation at Pure Leisure Group,” explains Dean. “At our parks offering food and beverage, we work hard to support local and, wherever possible, a farm to fork solution with chefs using the finest, freshest local produce. We also actively give back to the community.

GUESTS STAYING at Fell End Holiday Park in Cumbria can enjoy great leisure facilities.

Most recently, donating a £50,000 business profit and charity pot share to a hospice in Lancaster and a cancer care centre in Stockport.” A slew of awards is testament to Pure Leisure Group’s commitment to quality and care. The team recently won the coveted Red Rose Award for Best Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality business.

They were also a finalist in the Family Business of the Year at these same awards. Pure Leisure is also shortlisted for a trio of top accolades from the renowned BIBA’s run by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The team is hoping to return from the ceremony at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in September celebrating a hat-trick.

PURE LEISURE
01524 784290
www.pure-leisure.co.uk

YOUR NEXT STAR PERFORMER

Posted on August 3, 2023

YOUR NEXT STAR PERFORMER

THE CAPELLA 2HCX in action at Three Cliffs Bay holiday park.

Every holiday park will appreciate the vital role a utility vehicle plays in the smooth running of the site. And the STAR EV range of utility vehicles not only performs effectively behind the scenes but also as the star of the show too.

For holiday parks that can extend over acres of land, utility vehicles aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re essential for daily operations, maintenance and gardening work as well as transporting equipment, guests and luggage from one side of the resort to another. STAR EV’s award-winning range brings productivity, sustainability, efficiency and value to every holiday park’s fleet and we look at how they do that.

ENERGY DENSITY
The greater energy density of a 210Ah maintenance-free lithium-ion battery makes STAR utility vehicles productive members of the team. With an industry leading tow capacity and payload able to handle up to 670kg of material and an electric tipping bed ideal for off-loading, vehicles such as the Capella 2HCX and Capella Work Machine are ideal to ensure the smooth behind the scenes operation of your holiday park.

Whether it be transporting guests, linen, maintenance equipment, hospitality services or even medical equipment, the Capella can maintain steady productivity between charge cycles, and easily be topped up via an on-board Lester charger. With the Lifted model staff and guests can also be safe traversing any kind of off-road terrain.

The guest experience is a top priority for a holiday park, so a vehicle that can be seen but not heard is vital. With a lithium-ion battery, the STAR EV lineup is able to perform its maintenance tasks noiselessly so as not to disturb the peace and enjoyment of the park’s visitors – an essential around guests staying in tents and caravans.

Even so, these vehicles don’t always belong behind the scenes. The Sirius 2+2 is designed to hold up to four passengers and is an attractive addition to any holiday park, elevating the guest experience, allowing them to ride in style and comfort as they take in the views of their destination.

THE SIRIUS 2+2 IS DESIGNED to hold up to four passengers and is an attractive addition to any holiday park.

ELECTRIC FLEETS
Many guests go to holiday parks to escape the bustle of city life, including the traffic that comes with it. With a close connection to their natural surroundings, it’s important for many resorts to be kind to the countryside they call home. STAR EV electric fleets produce zero emissions or leaks when being charged.

Pair this with superior energy efficiency and they reduce their actual pollution percentage, eliminating any contribution to global warming. What’s more, beyond their zero emissions, machines such as the Capella and Sirius are lightweight with a light tread too, providing a gentle drive on grounds while the lithium battery also eliminates the risk of a hydrochloric spill.

Reesink
Tel. 01480 226800
www.reesinkagriculture.co.uk

ENERGY EFFICIENT SAVINGS

Posted on August 3, 2023

ENERGY EFFICIENT SAVINGS

When it comes to heating swimming pools efficiently, park managers can look no further than the Fairland InverX heat pump. The patented biometric hexagon design maximises heat exchange efficiency, and a real-time power consumption display allows park owners to track usage.

The high coefficient of performance means that for every kilowatt consumed, InverX offers 16 kilowatts of heat in return. Even at 50% capacity, InverX still delivers high coefficient of performance of 11.6. For flexibility, InverX has three operational modes.

Turbo mode increases capacity to reduce initial heating time by 20%, Smart mode runs at 20-100% capacity according to water and ambient temperature for energy efficiency, and Silence mode is ideal for night use when capacity is reduced to 20-60%.

Golden Coast
Tel. 01271 378100
www.goldenc.com

DESTINATION HOT TUBS

Posted on May 10, 2023

DESTINATION HOT TUBS

Holiday locations now have a wealth of compliant spas to choose from...

HOLIDAY BOOKERS continue to look for hot tubs as part of their vacation wish list.

The holiday market continues to recognise hot tubs as essential for attracting the best level of bookings. Key words and phrases such as ‘staycation UK with hot tub’, ‘hot tub staycations UK’, and ‘UK staycations with hot tubs’ all appear on a list of the most common staycation Internet searches. So, there is great appeal for the appropriately named Vacation Range, from Superior Wellness, that is ideal for holiday homes, cottages, B&Bs and Airbnb.

Ready to order now, you can choose from the Vacation Lounge or the Vacation Social depending on your customers’ needs. Great for guests who want to relax on holiday, the Vacation Lounge hot tub is suitable for five to six people and offers the perfect combination of one lounger and five seats. This 13 amp hot tub has R10 insulation and 25 jets.

 

SOCIAL TIMES
Superior’s Vacation Social is an all-seater hot tub for up to seven people, ideal for larger holiday rentals that need a hot tub big enough to fit all guests in. This 13-amp hot tub has R10 insulation and 26 jets. Not to be out-shone, Sunbeach Spas remain the exclusive supplier of hot tubs and related products to a number of holiday parks around the UK, including multiple sites with both Coastfields Leisure and Country & Coastal Holidays along the east coast, and also Lady’s Mile Holiday Park in the south.

“We continue to bring new holiday park companies on board, and most recently have been awarded a new contract to supply over 100 of our 344S spas and 100 saunas to a brand new park over the next six months,” reveals Sunbeach’s Wayne Green. Sunbeach’s 344S plug-and-play spa is now in its third regeneration and remains by far the spa of choice for most of our holiday park clientele.

Wayne confirms: “They appreciate its simplicity of design, combined with a good feature set for its price point - enough features to make it great for customers to have fun and relax in, but also be easy to maintain by site staff. The 344S features award-winning R10 insulation system, making it cost-effective to run, too. “For the next level in lower-cost, eco-friendlier running, it is also heat source pump compatible and pairs wonderfully with the iNHEAT range of heat pumps exclusively available from Sunbeach Spas,” Wayne shares.

“Our iNHEAT heat pumps are available with outputs from 3kW to 21kW, with either on/off switching or inverter controls, and can be retrofitted onto a wide range of spas and swim spas.” Matthew Lowe, Sales Manager with Coastfields Leisure Ltd, endorses the Sunbeach offering: “We have been in partnership with Sunbeach Spas now for over five years, we chose to use them initially due to the energy efficiency and ease of installation of the 344 tub. We are currently using almost exclusively the 344 spa,” says Matthew.

“We picked this model due to it looking the part, excellent build quality, great energy efficiency, ease of installation and we have not been disappointed,” adds Matthew. Coastfields currently have around 100 tubs on our fleet units and Sunbeach look after all the warranty and aftercare needs including the care chemicals and filters. There is also a stock of chemicals and filters in Coastfields’ shops so retail customers, who also have the same tubs, can keep them in perfect condition.

 

Matthew enthuses: “We are also currently near completion of another lodge development at Grange Leisure Mablethorpe utilising the 344 tub. It’s been a pleasure to work with Sunbeach Spas and look forward to many more years of excellent service.“ Relative newcomers to the holiday hot tub sector, Certikin offers a range of four true-hydrotherapy hot tubs, specifically designed for the holiday-let market for both guests and operators.

The commercial spas don’t just comply but some exceed the all-important health and safety requirements enforced by HSE and Local Authorities. The premium, energy-efficient smart spas feature an ozone generator, 24- hour filtration duration; a spa frog in-line chemical dosing system and have no perishable items such as headrests, diverter, or air valves fitted.

In addition, and going above and beyond the HSE and BISHTA guidelines, the hot tubs also feature a fast drain valve, reducing drainage time to 9-10 minutes; a reduced heating time of 3-5 hours with an additional energy source; tamper proof 2-3 button control panel and a silent, energy-saving circulation pump to protect the high-speed pumps.

They can be operated via a Smartphone App and Wi-Fi control that allows the operation of up to 100 spas. The Sevilla Plug and Play model features one lounger and five seats and has 46 hydrotherapy jets and relaxing LED colour-therapy lighting. Due to its low power consumption, it is ideal for parks with limited electricity supply.

The Cordoba comes with 40 hydrotherapy jets, StarLightTM corners, Central LED colour therapy lighting and accommodates six people. The smallest hot tub in the range is the four-seater Porto whilst the largest is the very spacious seven-seater Valencia.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY
The main aim of the introduction of Health and Safety Guideline 282 (HSG282), that came into effect in early 2017, was to reduce the risk of Legionella outbreaks associated with spas and hot tubs. The guideline covers all spas and hot tubs in a commercial setting i.e. all those hired out and used by more than one party such as holiday destinations and lets.

The guidance aims to:
• Reduce the risk of Legionella and microbiological contamination
• Emphasise the operator’s responsibility
• Ensure testing is frequent and planned (at least three times a day)
• Highlights that results should be recorded
• Stresses there should be a written action plan if required

The Lovibond® Professional Pool and Spa Photometer Kit enables the operator to measure all the tests mentioned in HSG282 from one case. Contained within the kit is an MD 100 Professional Photometer for the measurement of chlorine, bromine and pH and an SD 80 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Pen. All kits are supplied complete and ready to use. They use premeasured reagents which when added to the hot tub or pool water sample form a colour the intensity of which is proportional to the amount of substance being tested.

A typical test procedure would be
• Take a sample of the water to be tested in a sample cell, place it in a photometer and zero the unit
• Add tablet reagents and allow the colour to develop
• Return cell to photometer and read
• Record results and take appropriate action

Each HSG282 test kit purchased receives access to a FREE online Training Course. The training course covers:
• What is HSG282
• What to test for and why
• Correct Sampling
• Overview of pH, TDS, Chlorine & Bromine
• How to use photometers, comparators & TDS Pens
Importantly, the kit measures both chlorine and bromine so, if different disinfectants are used across your site, the same kit will cover both. Contact support@lovibond.uk for more information.

ADVICE ON ENERGY COST SAVINGS

Posted on October 26, 2022

ADVICE ON ENERGY COST SAVINGS

In a bid to help hospitality with the energy costs crisis, the not-for-profit Zero Carbon Forum is offering free energy saving guidance from its Save While You Sleep initiative. The aim of the scheme is to help businesses, like holiday park operators, reduce their power usage overnight to cut costs and carbon.

UK Hospitality estimates that 10,000 business could shut permanently in the coming 18 months. While bosses of companies owning almost half of the UK’s 47,000 pubs said that thousands of pubs face closure without urgent government support to soften the blow from soaring energy bills.

Mark Chapman, founder of Zero Carbon Forum said: “We look forward to seeing what Government intervention is provided to support our sector, but we want to provide all our knowledge and insight to try to help every operator in the industry during this crisis.

“By sharing the data and analysis gleaned from our members’ overnight energy usage made into a range of accessible resources, including engagement training and checklists, operators can engage their teams quickly to reduce energy waste and save on costs and carbon.” The Save While You Sleep programme was officially launched following member trials, which have realised energy savings per outlet worth £6,000 per annum at 2021 market rates.

SMART METERS
It works by combining energy and carbon analytics with operational training and ongoing coaching. Existing energy smart meter data is run through Zero Carbon Services’ proprietary intelligence platform, to identify energy wastage every day and night.

Advice and guidance is straightforward but impactful with processes to save on energy, via a two -stage ‘10-minute’ shutdown process supported by posters and energy checklists for General and Area Managers.

The Zero Carbon Forum is a non-profit organisation which builds on 10 years of carbon reduction collaboration in the UK’s hospitality and brewing sector. It enables members to reach their decarbonisation targets faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively than acting alone.

For more information visit: www.zerocarbonforum.com and www.savewhileyousleep.world

Warfield Go Green

Posted on February 7, 2018

Warfield Go Green

ABOVE: Warfi eld Park has been named the National Social Responsibility Company of the Year.

ABOVE: Warfield Park has been named the National Social Responsibility Company of the Year.

A residential park in Berkshire has hit the mark at the National Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Awards 2017. Warfield Park in Bracknell claimed the title of National Social Responsibility Company of the Year. The award recognises the ambitious upgrade programme to improve energy efficiency and performance of park homes at Warfield which recently marked its 70th anniversary. Energy efficiency measures have been installed in 29 rental park homes under a government initiative, and the park has assisted 49 private residents to do the same during 2016. Apart from improving living conditions for residents, projected energy savings are anticipated to be in the region of £500 per year per home. The works on the 90-acre park were carried out by two companies: Omar Skinner and Sons and Insulated Homes Limited, the latter nominating Warfield Park for the award.

 

Smart Thinking

Posted on March 8, 2016

Smart Thinking

 

There are now a vast number of ways for holiday park owners to save energy and reduce costs.

Put aside all the moralistic haranguing about improving energy efficiency and cutting down on waste ‘for the good of the planet’.

Investing in park efficiency makes just as much sense because it can cut swathes off your bottom line. With a vast number of cost-saving measures, offering fixed term payback periods, there has never been a better time to improve your green credentials and trim your annual overheads.

“Energy is usually the biggest cost after wages, so being energy efficient is key,” points out Jon Proctor, chief executive of Green Tourism.

“There are many ways that this can be incorporated; for example, lighting should now be LED as these are the most efficient and environmentally friendly forms both indoors and out,” says John.

“Space heating can be better-controlled with timers and occupancy sensors for lighting and heating will avoid wastage. Hot water should be stored no more than 60 degrees and ideas like solar hot water should also be considered.”

The owners of Concierge Camping, located on the Ratham Estate near Chichester have taken a ‘green’ approach to the design of their park and have made significant investments to future-proof the site. Guy and Tracey Hodgkin purchased the estate in 2011 and are bringing it back to its former glory. Last year saw the development of Concierge Camping – a luxury touring park on the estate, which offers 15 hardstanding pitches, each with a 16 or 32 amp electrical supply. The on-site shower and toilet block has an energy efficiency B rating and costs the park owners just £10 per week to run. The water is heated by highly efficient heat pumps and the internal environment is controlled by a heat recovery unit. All lightbulbs are LED and Guy plans to add solar panels to the building later this year, to efficiently generate electricity.

“We haven’t made a song and dance about our environmentally-friendly credentials, and if I’m honest, the top end market doesn’t really seem to pay much attention to it,” comments Guy. “When we opened Concierge Camping a year ago, I wanted to make the facilities as economical to run as possible. Every detail was thought out to from day one and the hope is that spending that bit extra on high quality equipment now, should pay-off in the long run.”

Charlie Boughton of Fields End Water Caravan Park, Lodges & Fishery adds: “Our energy efficiency isn’t something we shout about, but I feel it is almost expected by a lot of people these days. “If I am being honest, the main benefits of being energy efficient, is just that I feel I am doing my bit and peace of mind.”

To read more on this story, please subscribe online.

Super Heroes

Posted on September 8, 2015

Super Heroes

Cost-effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping will maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

Cost-effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping will maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

A popular swimming pool is a must for the modern holiday park; number one for its undoubted pulling power in attracting and retaining visitors year on year.

On the flip side, the average holiday park swimming pool can present a huge drain on business resources both through upkeep and running costs as well as staffing overheads.

Operators find themselves under more pressure than ever to demonstrate effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping to maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

“Most people are now opting for energy efficient pools, more so than ever before,” comments Tim Bareham of Cresta Leisure. “It is partly down to an increase in environmental awareness generally, as well as the rise in energy prices, and of course the allure of cost savings that can be achieved over time.”

Tim adds: “Although energy efficient methods are generally more expensive to install, the benefits are huge. You’ve got to speculate to accumulate.”

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland has enjoyed a 25% reduction in gas and electricity usage in their swimming pool following the installation of Heatsavr.

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland has enjoyed a 25% reduction in gas and electricity usage in their swimming pool following the installation of Heatsavr.

Going ‘green’ is not only helpful in protecting the environment, but it can also translate into cost savings. If it were a superhero then Brenntag’s Heatsavr would have powers akin to the Invisible Man. The Heatsavr is a liquid pool cover that works by forming an invisible monolayer over the surface of the pool, preventing heat and moisture from escaping while the surface is unbroken. There are many other associated benefits that come with having a pool cover. Stopping evaporation also directly effects the quantity of chemicals used to maintain hygienic water conditions. By reducing evaporation you are also reducing the quantity of chemicals normally lost through evaporation. Having a pool cover also reduces the amount of contamination that enters the pool through the water surface, this will also have a direct effect on the rate of chemical consumption.

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland had Heatsavr installed as part of an upgrade that also saw them have new boilers fitted. The work that was carried out saw a 25 per cent reduction in gas and electricity usage since the work was undertaken in August 2013. The country club had previously used a traditional pool cover, but it was ill-fitting because their pool is oval shaped. That meant that heat and moisture were still able to escape, as the cover was only partially effective. Heatsavr liquid pool cover reduces evaporation not only at night but also during the day when bathers are present in the water.

To read more of this story please subscribe online.

Hot Stuff From The Kitchen

Posted on January 27, 2014

Hot Stuff From The Kitchen

If you cannot stand the heat – get it out of the kitchen… and turn it into free hot water, advise climate control specialists, Calorex Heat Pumps, of Maldon, Essex.

Calorex manufactures heat pumps for holiday park and mass catering sectors – specialist machines that cool down steamy locations, such as kitchens, by cooling hot air and removing moisture from the atmosphere.

Here comes the clever bit! Instead of just dumping that unwanted heat outside, Calorex heat pumps recycle the energy they remove to provide free energy by heating the water supply.

A win-win situation for restaurants, holiday parks and other catering outlets who not only improve the working environment for staff but also save money by cutting heating costs.

“Kitchen heat pumps are ideal because they not only create a more comfortable working environment in the kitchen itself but also offer the most economic method of producing hot water”, explains Calorex managing director, Richard Carrington.

“Simple air conditioning units offer nothing back in return but, in comparison, heat pumps not only deliver that air conditioning function but offer free hot water and substantial energy-saving bonuses that will quickly match and surpass that initial additional outlay at the outset”.

As a further bonus heat pumps will not only cool air but also remove moisture from humid atmospheres in far greater quantities than traditional air conditioning. A lease purchase scheme is available and this can often work out cheaper than buying a unit outright; repayments can be tailored to equal the monthly energy savings.

For more information contact Calorex
Tel. 01621 856611
Email: sales@calorex. com or visit website www.calorex.com