Holiday Park Owners

Park Owner Awarded Living Wage Accolade

Posted on January 6, 2016

Park Owner Awarded Living Wage Acolade

Park owner Patrick Langmaid, has been chosen as the winner of the Living Wage Leadership Award 2015 for the South West region.

Park owner Patrick Langmaid, has been chosen as the winner of the Living Wage Leadership Award 2015 for the South West region.

Keen campaigner for the living wage, Patrick Langmaid, has been chosen as the winner of the Living Wage Leadership Award 2015 for the South West region.
The Cornish businessman was the Living Wage Foundation SW overall champion and in addition, Patrick’s Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Padstow was also declared the winner of the Living Wage Employer Champion Award in the South West.
Award judges highlighted the tireless campaigning for the living wage which Patrick has carried out both within and without the tourism industry, and the fine example set by his business.
Patrick has already argued the case for the living wage on television and in the Press, and he says he now intends to use the publicity from his two awards to help spread awareness even more widely: “For many businesses, including mine, the living wage does represent an additional cost, but I believe there are also tangible savings to be made from managing a happy workforce.
“I know from our experience that a firm’s long-term interests are often best served by looking beyond the immediate impact of salaries on the balance sheet.
“Productivity, loyalty and staff retention are just two important factors which can translate into an overall cost benefit for the business,” he added.

 

Holiday Snaps: William McNamara OBE of Bluestone National Park Resort

Posted on November 18, 2015

Holiday Snaps: William McNamara OBE of Bluestone National Park Resort

bluestone_William McNamara is a farmer turned entrepreneur who conceived Bluestone National Park Resort and steered it through to the award-winning luxury short break destination it is today. In his late twenties he diversified from farming to create Oakwood Theme Park, building it into one of Wales’ leading leisure attractions. After 15 years he saw a gap in the market for high quality, activity-based short breaks and the Bluestone vision was born.

How was the summer season for Bluestone National Park Resort?

Although the summer weather was variable, our undercover attractions make us a holiday the weather cannot spoil. This year, on average, we will achieve over 93 per cent occupancy and during the main summer season it peaked to 99 per cent.

What are the main challenges facing the holiday park industry at the moment?

One of the largest challenges we have is that of perception; attracting talented, hardworking individuals with the right attitude into an industry that is perceived as having long unsociable hours. Low pay and little training has to be a thing of the past if we are to be successful.

What does a typical day in the office for you consist of?

My role as chief executive makes me the greatest enabler in our company and my job is to referee passion. In order for me to understand the challenges my team face I need to communicate face-to-face with all levels. That means board meetings, directors meetings, time out and coffee with front line staff and discussions with the employee consultative group. This way I can really stay in touch with my business.

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently, I am looking to the future and planning through new product development to bring some exciting projects to Wales and the UK. Our future is about growth; to stand still is simply not an option.

What has been your most interesting experience in the industry?

We could not have predicted when we launched in 2008 that it would be at the beginning of an economic recession. At that point we had invested over 10 years of time, effort and millions of pounds into the project. Riding that storm was an experience.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given and by whom? My father once told me excuses are weaknesses, actions are the only prayers that are answered.

Where do you go on holiday?

Holidays for us are becoming more three generational with the onset of grandchildren. We enjoy experiential holidays; give every member of the family no matter what age a memorable experience. It’s about having quality time and bringing the family together at a unique destination.

Last Word?

Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.

 

£960 Million Parks Merger Deal

Posted on November 13, 2015

£960 Million Parks Merger Deal

The proposed merger of Park Resorts with Parkdean Holidays will create the UK’s largest holiday park operator.

The proposed merger of Park Resorts with Parkdean Holidays will create the UK’s largest holiday park operator.

A planned merger between Park Resorts and Parkdean Holidays would create the UK’s largest holiday park operator with 73 holiday parks with an enterprise value of £960m, turnover of £370m and EBITDA of around £92m. The combined portfolio would serve 1.8 million customers including 22,200 caravan owners and 35,400 pitches. With Parkdean’s strength in the South West and Scotland, and Park Resort’s sites predominately located on the East Coast and the Northwest, including the Lake District, the merger combines diverse portfolios to create a business with UK wide, national coverage. If given the go ahead by the Financial Conduct Authority, John Waterworth, the current chief executive of Newcastle-based park operator Parkdean Holidays is to remain in the top role. Both head offices in Newcastle and Hemel Hempstead will be retained. Alan Parker, chairman of Park Resorts, said: “The Park Resorts Group and Parkdean Holidays are an outstanding strategic fit with highly complementary estates and revenue mixes. “I am greatly looking forward to working with the teams to deliver further growth.”

Parkdean Ltd
Telephone: 0191 256 0795
www.parkdean.com

Park Resorts
Telephone: 0843 561 1239
www.park-resorts.com

 

Leisure Group Funding

Posted on October 20, 2015

Leisure Group Funding

Don Amott director, Samantha Heap (right) hands the cheque for £20,000 to Clerk to the Parish Council, Sheila Pearce.

Don Amott director, Samantha Heap (right) hands the cheque for £20,000 to Clerk to the Parish Council, Sheila Pearce.

A leading holiday park operator has stepped up to help its local Parish Council finance a raft of improvements to leisure facilities and services in the area. Lincolnshire-based Don Amott Parks, owners of Lakeside Park which is located in North Somercotes, has made a donation of £20,000 towards the cost of new projects by Lincolnshire Parish Council.

The projects will benefit the village bowls and football clubs, the playing fields, the village Institute and hall, study group and St Marys Church.

Chairman of the leisure group, Don Amott, said: “As one of the area’s leading employers we feel that it is our responsibility to work hand-in-hand with the Council to improve the environment.”

 

Cricket Fan Bowled Over

Posted on October 20, 2015

Cricket Fan Bowled Over

Paul Rodway was the lucky winner of Park Holidays UK’s 2015 pitch fees prize draw.

Paul Rodway was the lucky winner of Park Holidays UK’s 2015 pitch fees prize draw.

Park Holidays UK helped keen cricketer Paul Rodway pull off a blinder when it drew his name first from the hat to win a full refund of his 2015 pitch fees.

Paul, who lives in Canterbury, can now look forward to an entire fee-free year enjoying his caravan holiday home at Marlie Holiday Park in Kent.

The lucky draw prize was worth over £3,500 to Paul who bought his holiday home at Marlie last year after enjoying stays with a friend who is also an owner on the park.

The draw to win back 12 months of pitch fees is held every year by Park Holidays UK and is open to all holiday home owners on the group’s 24 parks in Devon and Southern England.

 

Capitalise On Silver Sector

Posted on October 20, 2015

Capitalise On Silver Sector

In2action confirms the 50+ age group is a booming demographic. Pic: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

In2action confirms the 50+ age group is a booming demographic. Pic: VisitBritain / Rod Edwards

The UK’s holiday industry is being urged to re-evaluate its provisions for the 50+ market, following a surge in bookings at ‘adult only’ parks.

The 50-strong Best of British (BoB) holiday parks group has reported that eleven of its parks now guarantee no patter of tiny feet for those wanting to enjoy a totally grown-up holiday experience.

BoB, which comprises of independently-run parks with top tourist board ratings, reports that members which bar under-18s have seen demand rise steeply in recent times.

One of the longest established adults-only parks in BoB is Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park in Somerset which has been a child-free environment for almost 25 years. Park owner Keith Betton says its appeal covers all age groups: “Although our motorhome and touring caravan owners are generally in the forty-plus bracket, we also welcome many younger couples on camping holidays in the South West.

“My father was actually one of the founders of the first national network of adults-only parks, and the publicity it gained helped to create today’s momentum for people seeking such holidays,” says Keith.

“Many of our guests work in occupations which involve children, and they tell us that parks like ours are the one way they can guarantee a total switch-off when they escape for a holiday.”

In2action, a supplier of activity course solutions, says it has identified a distinct lack of leisure provision for the 50+ age group within the holiday park market. Managing director of In2action George Ross, says: “The 50+ market seems to have been forgotten when it comes to new exciting activity concepts. Whether its adrenalin fuelled activities, pool activities, health and wellbeing, cycling, team-building or more passive group activities it’s clear that those 50 and over want part of the action.”

He continues: “Their wealth represents a huge opportunity for the UK holiday industry but activities need to be tailored to this very specific market.”

The number of ‘fifty-somethings’ in Britain matches the population of Australia and is almost as diverse. They own 80 per cent of the UK’s wealth, worth more than £280 billion.

George adds: “Holiday parks, resorts and hotels can improve their customer satisfaction scores and re-booking rates by providing more activities tailored for this booming demographic.” In2action’s suggests improvements such as:

• Having more instructors and coaches who are aged 50+ age group leading activities.

• Having sessions that are age-restricted to the demographic so participants feel they are with their peers.

• Tapping into current trends such as the Great British Bake Off and Come Dine With Me.

George concludes: “50 is not the new 30, but the way some people act it darned well might be the new 40!”

 

Park Home Moving Solutions

Posted on October 7, 2015

Park Home Moving Solutions

Gary Self, owner of Evolution Park Homes and Lodges, has seen increased sales since introducing Quick Move Properties’ part exchange scheme.

When Gary Self, owner of Evolution Park Homes and Lodges, was first introduced to Quick Move Properties’ part exchange service, he was nervous about how he would promote the concept to his customers. But just a year later, he says he has seen an upsurge in sales, an increase in traffic to the park and most noticeably a significant rise in the number of sales that go all the way through to completion.

Gary explains: “Using part exchange eliminates the risks and horror stories people hear about; things like sales falling through, buyers pulling out at the last minute, and renegotiations following a bad survey. When we sell a property using part exchange, we know that we’ve got a solid cash buyer, the client knows that they’ve got a solid cash buyer, and the dates always pull together, on time, without any delays.”

When Gary first started offering the part exchange service, he says some of his customers were a little resistant, fearing that they would only receive 75-80 per cent of the property value. But after help and support from Quick Move Properties he was able to put together an attractive package that works well for everybody involved.

“All of my customers have commented on how easy it was for them; there was no stress, there was no worry, they weren’t chased by any solicitors or buyers and that makes a big difference to their move.”

Mr & Mrs Davies benefitted from Quick Move Properties’ part exchange service when purchasing their park home.

Mr & Mrs Davies benefitted from Quick Move Properties’ part exchange service when purchasing their park home.

Now Quick Move Properties is helping leisure park operators to complete sales and get customers moved onto site before the end of the year, with its new Stock Support service. The service offers a range of new units from leading manufacturers that are ready to be sited throughout the year, without the usually lengthy lead times associated with ordering a park or leisure home.

Quick Move Properties’ Sales Director, Patrick Chambers, explains: “There are a lot of potential customers out there who want to move on park before the end of this year, but long lead times with park and leisure home manufacturers mean that many are unable to fulfil new orders until well into the New Year.

“Thanks to our new Stock Support service, we have park homes and lodges from Prestige, Homeseeker, Omar, Wessex, Tingdene and Pathfinder that are all available to site on your park before the end of this year. What’s more, units can still be tailored to customer specification and requirements with 12 weeks’ notice."

Quick Move Properties
Tel. 01793 840907
www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk

 

 

 

Top Athlete Unveils Park Upgrades

Posted on September 29, 2015
ladram

International athlete Jo Pavey helped Ladram Bay celebrate its landmark re-development.

Top Athlete Unveils Park Upgrades

Holidaymakers at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon are benefitting from a major refurbishment of the swimming pool complex, adventure golf and restaurant.

More than £2million has been invested to upgrade the facilities, which were officially unveiled by top athlete Jo Pavey MBE, a regular visitor to the park.

“I’m sure holidaymakers and day visitors alike will love the changes,” said Jo.

“I’ve already tested out the pool with my daughter – she loved it, especially the interactive zone. It’s a great place to come and relax with your family.”

Upgrades at Ladram Bay include the swimming pool complex, which was completed by Dorset-based Cresta Leisure and features a main pool, interactive children’s zone with slides, fountains, splash tower, water troughs and interactive activity wall.

The on-going investment programme has seen more state-of-the- art accommodation options added, including holiday homes and luxury lodges with decking and hot tubs.

 

Essex Park Celebrates Award Hat-Trick

Posted on September 29, 2015

Essex Park Celebrates Award Hat-Trick

The Weeley Bridge Park team celebrates its Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

The Weeley Bridge Park team celebrates its Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

Weeley Bridge Holiday Park in Essex has been awarded a prestigious Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

The Certificate of Excellence programme, which has been running for five years, is given to outstanding businesses that have consistently received praise and recognition in the form of great reviews from Tripadvisor travellers.

Weeley Bridge, operated by Park Resorts, is located near to Clacton-on-Sea and is popular with both holiday home owners and holidaymakers.

Terri Lacy, General Manager at Weeley Bridge Holiday Park, said: “This is a key award as it reflects our customers’ first-hand experience of the park.

“This award, combined with the number of people who come back year after year, shows us that we are doing something right and we’re all looking forward to building on this and improving even more.”

 

Boom In Home Tourism

Posted on September 8, 2015

Boom In Home Tourism

Brits continue to choose UK destinations for short breaks and holidays. Pic: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards.

Brits continue to choose UK destinations for short breaks and holidays. Pic: VisitBritain / Rod Edwards.

The growing ‘staycation’ trend has fuelled a record-breaking performance for domestic tourism already this year, with numbers up by almost a fifth.

The latest results from the Great Britain Tourism Survey (GBTS) published by VisitEngland revealed that 28.7 million trips were recorded in England between January and April this year, an 18 per cent increase on the same period in 2014.

Expenditure is also up by 18 per cent on last year, totaling almost £5 billion.

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive Officer, James Berresford, said: “We hope this strong performance will continue to boost the industry – and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure we remain globally competitive, a world-class destination that entices domestic and international visitors.”