Holiday Park Owners

Bumper Weekend For Hoburne Holiday Parks

Posted on November 4, 2014
hoburne

The Hoburne team celebrated £1.1million worth of holiday home sales at Beaulieu recently.

Bumper Weekend For Hoburne Holiday Parks

There were smiles all round for Dorset-based Hoburne Holiday Parks recently, as the company notched up a seven-figure sales total of holiday homes in just three days.

Some 22 holiday homes were sold to new and upgrading customers at the Holiday Park and Homes Show at Beaulieu in Hampshire, 17 of those from manufacturer ABI. The bumper sales tally also included a deal on a new lodge which will be the first lodge sited at Hoburne Bashley in New Milton, Hampshire.

Hoburne’s group sales manager, Dan Steadman, said: “It was a great weekend. The weather was good, lots of our owners came to the show, manufacturers like ABI unveiled some fantastic designs and we have top quality parks in incredible locations that families want to buy into.”

Following the success at the show, open weekends were held at all seven Hoburne Holiday Parks across Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, the Cotswolds and Cornwall.

Hobourne Holiday Parks
www.hobourne.com

Tributes For Holiday Stalwart

Posted on November 4, 2014
jf

Holiday park magnate John Fowler
has passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes For Holiday Stalwart

The holiday park industry has bid a sad farewell to John Fowler, founder of the largest privately owned holiday group in the West Country – John Fowler Holidays.

From humble beginnings, the company was founded when John left his Merchant Navy ship in 1953 with aspirations of a business life ashore in Cornwall and with just his £300 pay-off in his pocket. Without a house, job or car to help him in his determination to start a business, John bought an old pre-war caravan for £100 and completely refurbished it. He had noticed visitor demand for the independence of a self-catering holiday as an alternative to traditional boarding houses or hotels.

After a round of phone calls from the village green phone kiosk he found a neighbouring farmer with permission to site the van. The agreed place was no more than a lonely grass field, without electricity or roads, but just a short scramble to a sandy beach, and a brief bus ride to Newquay. A single chemical lavatory, plus an outside tap for drinking or washing water, were the only two concessions to holiday facilities. John spent 6/6d (33p) on a small advert in a Midlands newspaper and when cash bookings started to arrive in the post ploughed all income straight into more caravans.

Within weeks he had the beginnings of a very small holiday business. Now a multimillion-pound chain of 14 holiday parks spread across the south west, John Fowler Holidays was recently ranked at number 32 in a list of the 150 biggest firms operating out of Devon and Cornwall.

The company has also been recognised in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 list of the UK’s 100 fastest firms for profit-growth. John, who passed away in September, leaves behind his wife Susan, five children and several grandchildren. There is no doubt that he has left a large gap in the industry, in many people’s lives and some very happy memories too.

A Welcome Upgrade In Online Booking

Posted on November 4, 2014
welcome

The new Welcome Anywhere booking system allows holiday park owners to reclaim their park’s allocations, without high commissions charges.

A Welcome Upgrade In Online Booking

As a supplier, it’s not often that you attend to a trade show with an unfinished product. But that’s exactly what Welcome Computer Systems did at this year’s Lawns Show, armed with their work in progress product – Welcome Anywhere for holiday parks.

For over thirty years the company has built web-based computer systems and their latest online booking system is designed specifically for the holiday park sector.

Welcome sales director Mark Ellis, explains: “Our desire to enter a brand new sector brought us to the Lawns Show and presented us with an exciting opportunity to speak face-to-face with holiday park operators. We wanted to find out why other providers have seemingly struggled to make a significant mark in the industry and just what was expected from such a system.”

Due for release at the end of the year, the new Welcome Anywhere system allows holiday park owners to reclaim their park’s allocations and make the most of selling holidays directly to guests, therefore avoiding high commission charges and offering a fully-transparent booking service.

Mark adds: “While we have always specialised in booking software for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, we recognise that the parks industry is vastly under-served when it comes to online booking systems which can provide a tangible return on investment.

“Having recently become fully-accredited members of the BH&HPA, we’re relishing the opportunity to bring our hotel booking software experience into this vibrant and much-loved industry.”

Holiday Snaps: Jon Hyatt, Hendra Holiday Park

Posted on November 4, 2014
hendra

Jon Hyatt, Hendra Holiday Park - Newquay

Holiday Snaps: Jon Hyatt, Hendra Holiday Park

Jon Hyatt is the director at Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay and the third generation of the family owned and operated business. Over the last 42 years Hendra has developed its 80 acre park with award-winning facilities and now has over 300 holiday homes with 500 touring, camping and motorhome pitches.

How do you see the UK holiday industry at the moment?

The industry broadly appears to be a lot more positive than at any other time over the last four or five years, no doubt aided by a prolonged period of fine weather this summer and an ever strong ‘buy British’ brand, which together are building confidence for the 2015 season.

What are the main challenges facing the industry?

The poor weather of recent years has knocked consumer confidence in UK holidays, which may take a long time to recover. But perhaps even more significant is the economic uncertainty that much of the UK population is living with - how much will the average family have to spend, or save for a holiday after the bills are paid and how much is this disposable income likely to be squeezed over the next 12 months? In short, how can we give potential guests the confidence to book UK holidays in advance and not just wait for last minute budget deals?

How have customer expectations changed during your time in the holiday business and how have you reacted to those demands?

Even in my relatively short time at Hendra, we have been attracting an ever wide range of holidaymakers to the park, so we have an ever increasing range of expectations to deal with. From the weekend group surf-breaks to the three-week extended family summer holiday we, in true family business style, strive to be honest in our offerings from the start and concentrate on exceeding expectations through fantastic customer service to deliver memorable holidays.

If you had to identify one element, what is the most crucial aspect to the success of your business?

The continual and substantial investment in our business year on year has been absolutely key to Hendra’s ongoing success over the years. Whether in renewing our holiday home fleet on a rolling six-year basis, adding new customer facilities or in securing our energy security with renewable technologies, we have always taken a long term view on investment over short term gain.

What has been your most interesting experience in the industry?

Personally I have thoroughly enjoyed helping to develop our environmental business strategy; with our business occupying 140 acres and accommodating up to 4,000 guests a night, reducing our impact on the environment and our dependence on fossil fuels has not only been vital to our sustainability but also very rewarding for all involved. It is another example of our long term view to business and investment, but also recognising that the surrounding environment is our key offering to guests at Hendra.

Where do you go on holiday?

Before joining Hendra full time I spent time travelling around Australia and New Zealand with my wife, I was shocked by how many of the local people we met had seen more of the UK than we had, so we often plan trips around the UK now.

Hoseasons Unveils Specialist Range Of ‘Bouja’ Breaks

Posted on October 28, 2014
bouja

Hoseasons has added a touch of class to its holiday offerings with the new Bouja breaks.

Domestic holiday operator Hoseasons has launched a new range of luxury holidays, designed to appeal to holiday park customers looking for that little bit extra.

Due to launch at the start of next year, Bouja will offer families, friends and couples affordable luxury getaways at six countryside and coastal locations across Devon, Wales and Hampshire.

With hot tubs at each location and every holiday home featuring a deck, patio or private garden, as well as a flat-screen TV with iPod docking station, Hoseasons managing director, Simon Altham, says Bouja breaks will set a new quality standard when it comes to great value UK holidays.

“We are incredibly proud of Bouja – not just because it’s the latest addition to our ever-growing specialist breaks portfolio, but also because it underlines our commitment to developing innovative new holiday products that give our customers that little bit extra.”

Top quality towels, linens and mattresses come as standard on a Bouja break, as do contemporary interiors, chunky outdoor beanbags and games consoles. Barbeques are also included where available, and all Bouja customers will receive a complimentary welcome pack and personal greeting.

“Bouja really is a breath of fresh air,” adds Simon. “Whether it’s a relaxing family holiday, a relaxing romantic escape or a beachside break with friends, Bouja has something for everyone.”

Curtain Set To Rise On Landscape Show

Posted on July 3, 2014
landscape

LANDSCAPE takes place in September 2014 at Battersea Park, central London.

Curtain Set To Rise On Landscape Show

Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Battersea Park for the annual LANDSCAPE show, on September 23 and 24.

Established as the essential trade event, LANDSCAPE is dedicated to bringing the industry together by introducing its visitors to the latest products, services and techniques necessary to design, build and maintain prestigious interior or exterior landscaping projects.

Each year it attracts garden designers, architects, landscape contractors, local authority professionals, and facilities managers from all over the UK and abroad.

Visitors to this year’s show can take part in a comprehensive programme of free seminars, featuring some of the biggest names in the business. The show will be open to the public from 10am – 6pm on Tuesday 23rd September, and 10am – 5pm on Wednesday 24th September. Visitors can register online for free tickets at www.landscapeshow.co.uk.

Insurance Surgery Opens For Holiday Park Operators

Posted on July 3, 2014
lorica

Peter Heffer, of Lorica Insurance, believes it is time to provide the holiday park sector with greater clarity and certainty of cover.

Insurance Surgery Opens For Holiday Park Operators

Feeling as passionately as he does on business insurance cover, Peter Heffer, of Lorica Insurance, believes it is time to provide the holiday park sector with greater clarity and certainty of cover.

A unique ‘insurance surgery’ is being created, in conjunction with Lorica Insurance Brokers, to allow park owners and operators the opportunity to have an expert on hand. The service will launch later this year and will be available to all park owners and operators regardless of whether they are members of any trade association(s).

With over a decade’s worth of sector experience, we asked Peter, Lorica Insurance Brokers’ director of holiday parks, to provide insight into policy exclusions park owners, operators and individual holiday home owners should be alert to when purchasing insurance:

• Anything containing the words ‘warranty’, ‘condition precedent’ or variants thereof

• Other conditions requiring the policyholder to do or not to do something

• Theft of property from the open

• Theft not involving forcible and violent entry to or exit from a building

• Water or frost damage during the winter

• Theft and malicious damage during sub-letting

• Business interruption unless specifically arranged

• Caravans and the like whilst in transit and during siting and un-siting

• Buildings constructed in non-standard materials

• Package travel regulations

Many, if not all, of these exclusions are negotiable in the current climate, yet despite this he continues to see a large amount of inferior insurance products in the marketplace. A simple case of ignorance and complacency over customer need and product evolution, advises Peter, who is available for no obligation advice during normal office hours.

Thumbs Up For Popular Show

Posted on July 3, 2014

world

Thumbs Up For Popular Show

Last month’s World of Park & Leisure Homes Show at Stoneleigh Park drew holiday park visitors from all over the UK to see the latest leisure lodges and park homes from leading manufacturers.

In addition to the 50 lodges and homes on display, visitors also enjoyed a showcase of American touring static homes along with a range of cutting edge products and services from all areas of the leisure and park home industry.

Jo Turner, the show’s organiser said: “We felt it was the best show to-date. We received hugely positive feedback from manufacturers, exhibitors and visitors alike, and it certainly reflected the current buoyant mood within the industry.

“Demand for stand spaces at next year’s show are already at record levels,” she added.

The show got off to a flying start with the introduction of an exclusive trade preview day, welcoming trade visitors from across the country. The general consensus among exhibitors and trade visitors was positive, with many appreciative of the extra day for informal business meetings and consultations.

“We took the decision to add the trade day, following feedback from previous shows,” said Jo. “It gave park owners and operators the opportunity to spend quality time viewing the homes and discussing their requirements with the manufacturers and other trade representatives, not forgetting the chance to simply catch up with old friends.”

Exhibitor Kelly Flynn of Nuvex Ltd commented: “The extra day really made a difference and it was great to see trade customers enjoying a day out with time to catch up on what’s happening in the industry.” She added: “It was encouraging to hear how the UK holiday parks and campsite operators are feeling positive and confident about the industry as a whole at the moment.”

To read more on the World of Park & Leisure Homes Show, please subscribe online.

Park Resorts Launch Caravan Sales App

Posted on July 3, 2014
park

Park Resorts new caravan sales App is designed to make buying a caravan as simple as possible for prospective home owners.

Park Resorts Launch Caravan Sales App

Park Resorts has become the first UK holiday park operator to launch an App showcasing all of the current caravans, lodges and chalets for sale on its parks.

The free App is a one-stop shop for people looking to invest in a holiday home, as well as existing home owners.

Users can search for properties by location using a UK map, find parks closest to their current location, or search by model or price range. The App also allows prospective buyers to view details of the facilities at all of Park Resorts 38 parks as well as photo galleries of all of the caravans, lodges and chalets for sale. A useful finance calculator also helps them to work out costs and repayments.

Martin Abrams, head of digital at Park Resorts said: “We know that around a third of visits to the Park Resorts website are now made from tablets or mobile phones and we expect this number to further increase over the coming 12 months.

“Nowadays people want to easily access information when and where it suits them and often on the move. This new user-friendly App is designed to meet the growing demand for people browsing on these devices. This is just the first part of some big changes to our web and mobile offer this year and we’re excited at what lies ahead.”

The App was produced, built and tested by Park Resorts inhouse web team based at its Hemel Hempstead HQ. It is available to download for free from the App Store or Google Play.

Pop Star Boosts Charity Coffee Morning

Posted on July 3, 2014
bunn

Abby Garner (far right) and members of the Bunn Leisure fundraising team with Billy Ocean.

Pop Star Boosts Charity Coffee Morning

Fundraisers who decided to hold a coffee morning to support a cancer charity, ended up raising £10,000 after it got Billy Ocean’s backing.

The group were surprised when the recording artist turned up at the event at Bunn Leisure Holiday Park in West Sussex. The friends had hoped to raise a few hundred pounds at most when they agreed to host a small event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

But the fundraiser took on a life of its own after the group asked Bunn Leisure Holiday Park, where they all own caravans, whether they could use a few tables at one its entertainment venues to host the event. Staff at the park offered their support and helped spread the word among owners and holidaymakers. Then pop star Billy Ocean, who was performing at the park, lent his support by posing for photos and offering a signed shirt for auction.

Fundraiser Abby Garner, said: “I had a vision that we’d get maybe 30 or 40 people and raise a couple of hundred pounds. I thought if a few of us got together we could do our little bit.

“We had raised about £5,000 before the doors even opened thanks to the raffle tickets and sponsorship. And on the day we raised that much again. We were stunned that from such a small beginning we raised so much.”

John Bunn, managing director of Bunn Leisure Holiday Park, said: “Abby owns a caravan here on the park and is a regular visitor – and when she asked for help, we were all too pleased to do everything we could to help her raise money for this worthy cause.” He added: “I’m delighted the team have raised so much and pleased that we were able to support those who put so much energy and effort into this extraordinary fundraiser.”