DISCOVER OUR ‘ONE-STOP SHOP’ IN STONELEIGH!

Caravan Park Electrical Services will be heading to The World of Park and Leisure Homes Show, where we’ll be showcasing our extensive product portfolio. With over 40 years of industry experience, we pride ourselves on putting the customer at the heart of everything we do – delivering tailored solutions backed by expert knowledge and support.

As a trusted choice for both supply-only and full installation, our experienced team can handle enquiries of any size or complexity. Visit our stand to explore our comprehensive range, including connection units, multi-service bollards, lighting solutions (including solar), EV chargers, bulk metering units, distribution units and mains panels.

We’ll be demonstrating our latest metering systems, designed to suit your operational needs. Whether you prefer a card-based solution or a fully self-service system, you can choose the level of control that works best for your business At CPES, we are more than a supplier; we are your partner in achieving a sustainable and efficient electrical infrastructure – supporting your park every step of the way.

Caravan Park Electrical Services
01790 753153
www.cpes.co.uk

THE OPEN ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY

There’s a quiet revolution rolling through the British countryside, and it’s running on diesel, solar and wanderlust… Motorhome ownership is booming and with it, a new kind of traveller is reshaping the tourism landscape.

Forget tour buses and pre-packaged trips, today’s explorers prefer self-sufficiency, open roads, and the freedom to choose their view each morning. For holiday park owners and managers, this is not a trend to watch from the sidelines.

It’s a golden opportunity to attract a growing, engaged and self-reliant audience that’s ready to spend, if you’re ready to welcome them.

WHY MOTORHOMES ARE NOT JUST PASSING THROUGH
Once considered the preserve of retirees and festivalgoers, motorhomes have gone mainstream. Driven by post-pandemic shifts, environmental awareness, and a craving for flexible travel, today’s motorhome owners are families, digital nomads, adventurers and comfort-lovers alike.

They’re skipping airports and checking out of hotels, opting instead for clean air, control, and communities on wheels. But here’s the catch: while they love the open road, they don’t want to rough it. They’re looking for safe, scenic, and well-equipped bases and that’s where you come in.

TODAY’S MOTORHOME GUESTS bring everything they need and they’re happy to pay for the things they value most: safety, service, and the freedom to roam.

FROM STATIC TO STRATEGIC
Traditionally associated with static caravans and summer getaways, holiday parks are now transforming into dynamic hubs for motorhome tourism. With the right facilities, you don’t just become a stopover, you become the destination. Motorhome travellers value:

• Full-service hook-ups: Electricity, water and waste disposal make extended stays easy.
• Flexible booking options: Cater to both overnight visitors and those settling in for the season.
• Modern comforts: Think laundry rooms, Wi-Fi, EV chargers, and even co-working areas.
• Scenic and secure settings: Gated access, helpful staff and quiet hours go a long way.

Add a view of the coast or countryside, and your park suddenly offers something that no roadside lay-by or city car park can.

WHY IT MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
Let’s break it down. Motorhome owners bring:

• Self-sufficiency: They don’t need you to provide beds or bathrooms, but they’re happy to pay for a clean, safe, connected space.
• Off-season income: Many tour year-round and actively seek out parks with winter availability.
• Repeat business: A good stay = loyalty. Many return to favourite parks annually or recommend them in active online communities.
• Low overhead for high reward: Unlike static units, touring pitches require less infrastructure and turnover.

With a little foresight, even under-used parts of your park can be turned into attractive hardstanding motorhome pitches, creating new revenue without major redevelopment.

WHAT MOTORHOMERS REALLY WANT (AND HOW TO DELIVER IT)
Meeting the needs of the motorhome market doesn’t mean luxury spas and nightly entertainment (although some will love that!). What matters most is a balance of autonomy and amenity. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• Ease of access: Wide, drive-through pitches and clear signposting.
• Solid ground: Hardstanding with level areas beats a boggy field every time.
• Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi and good mobile reception are now non-negotiable.
• Family & pet-friendliness: Play areas, dog walks, and fenced zones make a big difference.
• Social touches: BBQ spots, fire pits, or communal lounges help build community.

Add an online booking system (ideally with app functionality), and you’re ticking all the modern motorhomer’s boxes.

WHAT TYPE OF PARK ARE YOU?
It’s worth considering your niche. There’s space for everyone in the motorhome market—but your park doesn’t have to appeal to everyone.

• Family parks: Offer excitement, entertainment and practical convenience.
• Adult-only parks: Promise peace, quiet and curated experiences.
• Eco-retreats: Cater to conscious travellers with natural, minimalist setups.
• Luxury resorts: Attract those who want the comforts of a hotel with the freedom of the road.

By defining your offer, you can attract the right kind of motorhome guest, and keep them coming back.

DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND
So, if your pitches are ready, your facilities welcoming and your park easy to find and book, you’re not just accommodating motorhome guests, you’re becoming part of their story.

In return, they’ll bring loyal custom, word- of-mouth buzz, and a whole lot of wheels to your gates! It’s time to open up your park and your thinking, to the power of the self-sufficient traveller.

Motorhome Trader
www.themotorhometrader.co.uk

MORE IMPORTANT THAN A COMFY BED!

Hybrid working has blurred the lines between ‘holiday’ and ‘home’ and as a direct result, connectivity expectations have undertaken a seismic upturn. Recent research showed that 78% of guests expect ultrafast Wi-Fi across the entire park with 31% considering reliable Wi-Fi as more important than a comfortable bed.

Today’s holiday park visitors don’t just want but demand the same seamless on-line access they get at home. That means delivering strong and robust Wi- Fi has become as essential as providing water and electricity. Poor Wi-Fi experiences lead to lower park review scores and reduced guest retention.

Parks that fail to deliver a strong connection risk losing out to competitors who recognise the importance of a top-tier digital experience. “The UK leisure and holiday park sector is an industry going through one of the most dynamic periods of transformation I’ve seen,” says Kendal Stacey of Wifinity UK, on the back of 25 years of specialist experience.

“It’s no longer just about delivering Wi-Fi to a static caravan — it’s about enabling a smart, digital-first environment where every touchpoint, from check-in to entertainment, is frictionless.” Founded in 2007, Wifinity has become a market leader in managed connectivity solutions, specialising in complex and hard-to-reach environments.

THE DEMAND FOR FAST, reliable Wi-Fi at holiday parks isn’t a passing trend, it’s an expectation that will only continue to grow.

Originally founded to solve connectivity issues for military personnel living in remote MOD barracks, Wifinity has expanded its expertise to a variety of industries including education, healthcare and residential communities.

Wifinity works with 4/5 of the UK’s top parks, providing internet to over 25,000 holiday let accommodation units, and holiday parks is a significant specialist area. Winning holiday destinations now need to think like both hoteliers and tech providers combined, taking a broad perspective encompassing:
• Smart energy management
• Digital signage
• EV infrastructure

Kendal reports: “Parks are investing in IoT, mobile-first guest platforms, and cloud-based infrastructure to stay competitive, meet guest expectations and optimise operations. These need a strong underpinning connectivity network to be effective. “It’s an exciting space — one that blends decades of traditional guest service with the cutting edge of tech innovation.”

Investing in the IT network and Wi-Fi is not just about investment cost but also revenue generation by future-proofing your venue as a key asset while improving guest satisfaction. By comparison, poor connectivity can lead to negative reviews, lost repeat bookings, and brand damage.

Strong connectivity and premium Wi-Fi tiers drive revenue streams. Smart point-of-sale systems, kiosks and mobile ordering rely on a robust network foundation. Better connectivity leads to more on-site spend, especially when guests can easily order food, book activities or upgrade experiences via an app.

Smooth operation allows holiday businesses to think outside of the box with such innovations as pop-up food and beverage, retail or services and providing secure EPOS, allowing you to trade anywhere “Strong connectivity actually becomes a selling point in itself,"

Kendal points out, “Reviews go up. Word of mouth spreads. Repeat visits increase. “Parks that can market “connected luxury” or “work-from-holiday” win business over those that can’t,” he points out. Guests now bring an average of 3–5 devices per family member — phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles. Investing in the network enables:
• Streaming services in accommodation
• Smart room features (heating, lighting)
• App-based bookings and real-time info

But it is not all about the guest experience. Streamlined operations is proven to reduces cost through increased efficiency as a strong IT network supports:
• Staff communication and mobility
• Smart energy management (reducing utility costs)
• CCTV and ANPR systems
• Real-time occupancy and usage tracking.

This all adds up to lower overheads and better decision-making. “Investing in a robust network keeps your business competitive,” comments Kendal. “Other parks are already doing this — those who don’t invest will fall behind.”

OPERATORS WHO INVEST in robust, future-proof solutions will not only see higher guest satisfaction but also increased revenue and operational efficiency.

“With hybrid working and workations now the norm, guests are choosing locations with reliable connectivity so they can stay longer and blend work with leisure.” Building trust through security and compliance, modern networks include enterprise-grade security, guest data protection and content filtering — protecting your brand and your guests from risks.

Especially important for family-friendly and corporate clientele including:
• Guest data protection (GDPR compliance)
• Network segmentation to protect business systems
• Content filtering for family-friendly environments

A foundation in future technology is essential for holiday venues looking to introduce features such as:
• EV chargers
• Mobile check-in
• Smart TVs
• In-park digital signage

All of that depends on a scalable and resilient network including:
• Wi-Fi 7 adoption for higher speeds and lower latency
• Edge computing at park level to process data locally
• AI analytics to understand guest behaviour and improve services
• Integration with CRM systems for personalised guest experiences
• Data driven decisions

Kendal urges: “A modern IT network is not just about Wi-Fi — it’s about creating a digitally enabled park that delights guests, empowers staff, reduces costs, and builds brand loyalty. “For park owners, it’s an investment in long-term growth. It’s a fundamental and valuable asset that every park owner would consider when buying or selling a park.”

Wifinity
020 8090 1290
07376 053094
www.wifinity.co.uk

DISCOVER OUR ‘ONE-STOP SHOP’ IN STONELEIGH!

Caravan Park Electrical Services will be heading to The World of Park and Leisure Homes Show in Stoneleigh, where we’ll be showcasing our product portfolio! Being the number one choice when it comes to supply-only or installation of our products, we have an experienced team who are able to handle enquiries of any size and complexity.

Visit our stand to discuss our comprehensive range of solutions including; connection units, multi-service bollards, high and low-level lighting (with solar options), EV chargers, bulk metering units, distribution units and mains panels. As pitch-side facilities continue to evolve, parks are expected to adapt to suit the dynamic needs of their customers.

New to our portfolio is our ‘complete pitch-side solution’. Mounted on a single stake is our connection unit with supporting fibre enclosure supplying power to park homes or lodges, along with pitch-side EV chargers and hot tubs.

If you’re not looking for an electrical upgrade, but instead someone to carry out the annual testing and inspection – our testing and certification department is equipped to handle periodic testing! All testing is conducted by our electricians and signed off by our NICEIC Qualified Supervisors, giving you peace of mind that your installations meet the highest safety and quality standards.

Caravan Park Electrical Services
01790 753153
www.cpes.co.uk

REDUCING COSTS AND ENERGY BILLS

REDUCING COSTS AND ENERGY BILLS

CARAVAN PARK ELECTRICAL Services offer a complete 360 degree solution for reducing energy bills.

As energy prices are at an all-time high, finding ways to reduce costs is more important than ever. Caravan Park Electrical Services offer a range of solutions to reduce energy consumption. A vast portfolio features multiple configurations of connection units and multi-service bollards.

During manufacturing these products can be fitted with a metering solution which suits your needs, from read-only to SMART metering technology, with something to suit everyone. A popular choice is an Alpha RFID pre-payment metering system, allowing operators to receive customer payment prior to consumption. Supported by Alpha software, the customer is issued with their reusable SMART card, which they’ll use to upload credit to their meter.

This simple system is a solution for many when it comes to installing new units or retro fitting a meter into their existing enclosures or touring bollards – even if supplied by another manufacturer. Another great option for reducing running costs is solar lighting. Caravan Park Electrical Services stock both high and low level solar options which are zero emission and have zero energy running costs due to being powered by the natural sunlight.

CPES do offer a complete 360 solution from sourcing components and accessories to manufacturing a vast range of products including: Connection Units, Multi-Service Bollards, EV Chargers, Lighting, Distribution Units & Mains Panels. Caravan Park Electrical Services’ highly experienced and dedicated team are available to handle your enquiry, design, quotation, production and installation of the most up to date electrical distribution systems.

Caravan Park Electrical Services
Tel: 01790 753153
sales@cpes.co.uk
www.cpes.co.uk

EV CONCERNS STALL STAYCATION GROWTH

EV CONCERNS STALL STAYCATION GROWTH

BBC CAMERAS ZOOM in on Martin Cox at his Dorset holiday park, Highlands End

Fears that ‘range anxiety’ amongst electric vehicle owners could put the brakes on domestic tourism growth have been voiced by a major holiday parks operator. Martin Cox, whose family business owns five holiday parks in Dorset, is now calling on government to address the lack of charging points in many rural areas. Their absence, he said, could dissuade visitors from venturing too far into the countryside because of uncertainty about being able to top up their electric cars.

Martin’s concerns were featured in a recent BBC television report in which he warned that rural economies could suffer substantial losses of tourism revenue as a result. Martin was filmed at his company’s flagship holiday park of Highlands End in Bridport which has six EV chargers – the maximum that the local power supply can sustain. “We have up to 500 cars a night in summer, and it simply isn’t enough to meet demand,” he told BBC Politics South reporter Frankie Peck.

“Many will have driven upwards of two hundred miles to get here, and their vehicles will need re-charging before they go out the next day, but we simply haven’t the capacity. “There are only around 275 charging points throughout the whole of Dorset, so the available options are very limited. “Nobody wants to spend their holiday in a state of anxiety about their car coming to a halt, and just one bad experience could deter a family from making a repeat visit.

“In our five decades of operating holiday parks, we have never supplied petrol or diesel to our customers, but there is now an expectation that we will be able to charge their cars. “It changes the dynamics of our relationship with guests who, of course, we want to keep happy - but who we know are sometimes frustrated at not being able to plug in,” he said. As vice president of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, Martin says that many of the body’s 2,500-plus holiday park members report similar problems.

They would like to help EV owners, he says, but the limited electrical supply capacity in their regions is a major hurdle to them installing additional, or even any, EV charging points. “I am fully sympathetic with the government’s aim to drive up EV usage and have done all we can at present to provide charging facilities,” said Martin, himself an electric car owner.

“However, until the electrical supply infrastructure is improved in many rural areas, some EV owners may think twice about taking a holiday too far from home. “This will produce serious consequences for the visitor economy, and the victims will be the many small businesses who rely on tourism spending to survive and sustain jobs,” said Martin. Martin’s family has owned parks in Dorset for over 50 years, and in 2022 Highlands End Holiday Park won the top gold accolade in the holiday park category of the South West Tourism Awards.

MANY ELECTRIC CAR OWNERS are reluctant to travel far from home, says Martin Cox