food and beverage

SHOW SEASON SPECIAL

Posted on August 7, 2024

Welcome to the Holiday Park, Caravan Park, Camp & Glamp sites related Exhibition Previews, the premier events for the holiday park sector! This year’s exhibitions promise to be an unmissable gathering for industry professionals, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest innovations, trends, and products that are set to shape the future of holiday parks.

Whether you are a park operator, developer, supplier, or enthusiast, these show’s provides a unique platform to network with peers, gain insights from industry leaders, and discover new business opportunities. Set against a backdrop of increasing demand for unique and sustainable holiday experiences, the exhibitions will showcase a wide range of offerings from cutting-edge accommodation solutions and eco-friendly initiatives to advanced technology and guest amenities designed to enhance visitor satisfaction.

Attendees will have the chance to attend informative seminars, engage in interactive workshops, and witness live demonstrations, all tailored to inspire and inform. Highlights include keynote speeches from renowned experts, panel discussions on current challenges and opportunities in the sector, and a dedicated area for start-ups to present their ground breaking ideas. Join us at this vibrant event to stay ahead of the curve, drive your business forward, and celebrate the dynamic and ever-evolving world of Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks, Camp & Glamp Sites.

==========================================

THE GLAMPING SHOW 2024
19th-21st SEP 2024
Location: NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, UK
Web. www.theglampingshow.com

Calling all holiday park operators! Claim your FREE ticket to The Glamping Show 2024. Visitor registration has now opened for The Glamping Show 2024, the UK’s flagship business-to-business event for the glamping industry.

The Show, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, takes place from 19th-21st September at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Tickets are free of charge and give visitors access to the extensive exhibition showcasing the latest products and services for operators of holiday parks and glamping, caravan and camp sites, as well as complimentary access to an unmissable programme of seminars designed to help site owners, and those looking to open a site, maximise return on investment.

In the last decade, glamping has become increasingly popular and the industry has grown to become a prominent part of the leisure sector. This year’s Show welcomes both new and returning exhibitors from across the sector including manufacturers of bell tents, wigwams, pods, shepherds’ huts, cabins and gypsy caravans, along with eco toilets, portable washrooms, storage containers, hot tubs, lighting, fire pits, barbeques, accessories and a whole lot more.

So, what are you waiting for? Put the date in your diary and claim your free ticket to The Glamping Show 2024 at www.theglampingshow.com and click ‘GET FREE TICKET’.

 

==========================================

SALTEX 2024
30th - 31st OCT 2024
Location: The NEC, Birmingham, UK
Web. www.saltex.org.uk

Holiday parks are all about creating idyllic escapes. For grounds maintenance staff, the pressure to maintain flawless landscapes and stay ahead of the curve is real. This is where SALTEX 2024 comes in. As the premier event for grounds management professionals and volunteers, SALTEX 2024 promises to redefine standards in the field.

Taking place on October 30th - 31st at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, the leading exhibition offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and innovation. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, SALTEX showcases the latest products, services, and technologies, giving attendees the insights and resources needed to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape.

This year’s theme, “Uniting the industry, powering progress” highlights how SALTEX connects thousands of professionals from across the world. Attendees can look forward to expert-led seminars, live demonstrations, and the opportunity to engage with industry leaders.

Learn how to tackle common challenges, from pest control to irrigation, and discover new techniques to keep your park pristine year-round. Join us at SALTEX 2024 and take the first step towards elevating your holiday park to new heights.

Register now to secure your place at the forefront of the grounds management industry.

 

 

==========================================

LAND, LEISURE & TOURISM SHOW
6th - 7th NOV 2024
Location: The NEC, Birmingham, UK
Web. www.lltshow.com

Grow your business at the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show as is the UK’s largest event for rural businesses, holiday parks, leisure and attractions. Celebrating its eleventh year, the show has newly rebranded to provide a platform for businesses to network, generate leads, showcase products and boost brand awareness.

For your convenience the event now features three great zones, Holiday Park & Resorts Innovation, Family Attractions and Leisure, Food and Beverage. Plus, this year the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show is co-locating with the Farm Business Innovation Show, which helps farmers and landowners find ways to diversify and optimise their land.

Verity Hyland, Event Director, Agriconnect said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the newly named Land, Leisure & Tourism Show this year, it’s looking to be bigger and better than ever.” Mark your calendars for the Land Leisure and Tourism Show at the NEC Birmingham, 6-7 November. Join us and be part of shaping the future of UK tourism.

Scan the QR code or email the team at events@agriconnect.com for more information.

==========================================

UK POOL & SPA AWARDS
5th DEC 2024
Location: The NCC, Birmingham, UK
Web. www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

Entering the 2024 UK Pool & Spa Awards is a golden opportunity for holiday parks, caravan parks, and campsites to showcase their exceptional facilities and gain national recognition for their commitment to providing outstanding aquatic experiences.

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence across the pool and spa industry, highlighting innovative designs, superior customer service, and the highest standards of maintenance and safety. By participating, your park not only stands a chance to win one of the coveted titles but also benefits from enhanced visibility and credibility within the industry.

Winning or even being shortlisted can significantly boost your marketing efforts, attracting more visitors and setting you apart from competitors. It is also an excellent way to motivate your staff, recognizing their hard work and dedication. The entry process is straightforward, and the exposure your park will receive through various media channels can lead to increased bookings and customer trust.

Don’t miss out on this chance to highlight your park’s exceptional offerings, from state-of-the-art swimming pools to luxurious spas and wellness facilities. Enter the UK Pool & Spa Awards today and let your park shine as a beacon of excellence in the holiday and leisure industry.

Entries close in September 2024, don’t delay and enter your facilities today!

 

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

PARKDEAN CONFIRMS £144M INVESTMENT

Posted on April 27, 2022

PARKDEAN CONFIRMS £144M INVESTMENT


The UK’s largest holiday park operator, Parkdean Resorts, has confirmed £140 million is being spent nationwide at its parks as part of its biggest ever investment programme. The investment will go towards new accommodation, new and upgraded activities and facilities, and installing park-wide Wi-Fi capability, which will further improve the guest experience in 2022.

Parkdean Resorts operates 66 parks across the UK, and with advance bookings at record levels, the award winning company expects even more holidaymakers for 2022. The parks are now hiring for seasonal and full-time roles across sales, food and beverage, and housekeeping. Nationwide, the £140m investment includes over 850 new caravans and lodges, new developments at 16 parks, and hundreds of refreshed and upgraded chalets and lodges with a brand-new look. More than £13m has been invested in the company’s ‘Parks of the Future’ initiative.

Three parks, Newquay in Cornwall, Southview in Skegness, and Naze Marine, in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, will benefit from a whole host of exciting new activities and upgraded facilities as well as upgraded and brand new accommodation options, while Trecco Bay, Europe’s largest holiday park, will be bigger and better than ever after a further round of enhancements. The investment in these sites takes the total number of ‘Parks of the Future’ to ten, as Parkdean continues to invest in taking its parks to the next level.