Nature’s Best

Posted on November 28, 2014

Now in its 18th year, the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme is one of the longest running green tourism awards in the UK. Pic: Waveney River Centre.

Nature's Best

The green achievements of some of the UK’s most environmentally conscious holiday parks have been celebrated in the latest round of the David Bellamy Conservation Awards.

More than 500 parks were named as winners of the 2014/15 accolade, presented annually at gold, silver and bronze levels. Now in its eighteenth year, the award scheme was started by the world’s best-known botanist to highlight exceptional efforts by parks to protect the natural world.

This year’s long list of achievements varies from the winter-feeding of red deer to the creation of butterfly gardens and nature trails to the building of wildlife ponds and bird-hides. But single projects by themselves will not earn a park an award, says Rufus Bellamy who helps his father administrate the awards.

To stand a chance of qualifying, the park must submit all aspects of its operation to the scrutiny of an independent assessor trained in the running of the scheme.

“Their brief is extremely broad, and covers not just the more obvious initiatives such as creating wildlife habitats and the erection of bird boxes, valuable though these are,” says Rufus. “The assessors take a holistic view of the park’s conservation policies, and judge how far this is succeeding in making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly business.”

Rufus continues: “David Bellamy also attaches great importance to the ways in which parks help children engage with nature through activities such as badger-watches, wild food safaris, or building willow sculptures.

“These awards encourage parks to keep pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished, and to adopt even bolder and more imaginative measures which make a real difference.”

Among this year’s winners was husband and wife team Trevor and Grace Barber of Silver Trees Holiday Park in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, who were delighted to be awarded a top level accolade for the sustainable management of their park for the sixth year running.

To read more on this story, please subscribe online.

Don’t Take Employment Chance

Posted on November 28, 2014

Employment claims can arise even where a potential candidate alleges discrimination resulting in them not being chosen for the job.

Don’t Take Employment Chance

We have all seen the publicity surrounding high-profile employment cases and the enormous sums of money awarded by the courts. Yet, how many of us appreciate these types of claims are far closer to home than we realise.

“Even if a claim is groundless or fraudulent, the legal costs can be hugely expensive as can be the loss of time and resources needed to prepare the defence,” advises Peter Heffer of Lorica Insurance who provide a bespoke scheme for holiday park operators.

“In reality, a business has no control over who will raise an allegation against them and you have no control over, nor can you prevent, a disgruntled employee from lying or exaggerating.”

With this in mind, Lorica provides employment insurance protection. Cover is provided against claims made by employees, former employees and potential employees for discrimination, wrongful termination of employment, sexual harassment and other employment related allegations. Cover extends to both the employing company and its directors and officers.

We tend to think of employment claims being made by current employees but equally, claims can arise during the pre-employment phase where a potential candidate alleges discrimination resulting in him/her not being employed. We all hope this will not happen to us but can you afford to take the chance? Do you know where to go for specialist support should this happen to you?

First class employment lawyers are expensive, could you meet these costs? Talk to the Lorica team today to be sure you are prepared and covered for all eventualities.

Lorica Insurance Brokers
Tel. +44 (0)7827 895671
www.loricainsurance.com

Triple Success For West Midlands Park

Posted on November 24, 2014

Graham and Tracy Leggat are celebrating a trio of awards at the Borders Hideaway Holiday Home Park.

Triple Success For West Midlands Park

Borders Hideaway Holiday Home Park in Herefordshire is celebrating two national gold awards this autumn – plus a gong for its first-class loos.

Run by husband and wife team Graham and Tracy Leggat, the park is among just ten out of more than 2,000 caravan and camping parks in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Five Star Gold award given out by VisitEngland to its highest rated parks. Its second glittering prize was a David Bellamy Conservation Award, presented to Borders Hideaway by the world-famous conservationist at its top gold level. The accolade recognises exceptional achievements by tourism businesses to protect and enhance the natural environment, and to encourage indigenous flora and fauna.

According to Professor Bellamy, park managers Tracy and Graham Leggat have created a “wildlife wonderland” with a range of inspired initiatives. Completing the hat trick of honours for Borders Hideaway this year has been its gaining of a 2014 Loo of the Year award for the high quality standards of its washrooms.

Tracy Leggat said that everyone at the park was thrilled at news of the awards, including its conservation accolade: “Although many of our guests do come here to enjoy a traditional family holiday, we can also offer a wonderful environment to explore and make wildlife discoveries,” said Tracy.

“It’s a real privilege to live and work in this beautiful part of Herefordshire, and it’s great to be able to help preserve its very special character with the support of someone like David Bellamy. “I also hope that the national spotlight thrown on Borders Hideaway will benefit other tourism businesses by showing what a wonderful place this region is for a holiday,” added Tracy.

Tax Gains For Holiday Park Owners

Posted on November 24, 2014

OPDS is a new division of the Omar Group, which aims to support the market by advising on all aspects of park development and operations.

Tax Gains For Holiday Park Owners

Park owners could be claiming significant tax rebates according to the experts at Omar Park Development Services (OPDS).

The new division of the Omar Group was set up to help new and existing park owners in all aspects of park development and operations. Now in partnership with RD Tax Solutions, park owners can also benefit from expertise in the minefield that is capital allowances, with the average claim being around £125,000.

Over recent months OPDS has worked with several park owners to identify unique tax advantages in the UK leisure market and with success across several areas. Areas such as planning, commercial buildings, land remediation, heating and lighting, land management and enhanced eco assets have all proven to meet the stringent criteria of the tax office and together have been labelled the Leisure Park Tax Allowance (LPTA).

Richard Sigsworth, special projects director for OPDS comments: “I came across RD Tax Solutions whilst researching eco solutions and grants for parks and realised that there was huge potential for parks to claim significant tax rebates.

“The core ethos of OPDS is to help parks so I am continually seeking new opportunities and cost saving initiatives to that aim. Through this unique partnership we are able to further strengthen the services we offer to parks.”

Demand Soars For Family-Run Holiday Park

Posted on November 4, 2014

The expansion of Wayside Holiday Park represents a £450,000 investment that will lead to the creation of 38 new lodges.

Demand Soars For Family-Run Holiday Park

A holiday park in North Yorkshire is expanding onto a new ten-acre lakeside site after demand for its luxury holiday homes soared by 20 per cent over a three year period.

The Wayside Holiday Park in Wrelton has recently enjoyed a spell of dramatic growth, leading to the sale of all its 154 plots on the existing site.

Now, a £450,000 investment by the park owner Mark Goodson will see the addition of 38 new lodges to the picturesque lakeside setting, as well as the creation of four new jobs.

Mark is the third generation of his family to own and run Wayside Holiday Park, which combines five star static caravan holiday homes with a small AA four star-rated touring site.

Mark comments: “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we’re marketing our products effectively and it has really paid off, sending demand for our holiday homes through the roof and prompting us to expand onto a new site.

“Most of our customers live within a two-hour radius of Wrelton because they love the convenience of being able to head over here on a Friday, have a full weekend enjoying some of the best countryside Yorkshire has to offer and then still be back in time for work on Monday morning. Armed with that knowledge, we’ve been able to get our marketing mix just right and it has really paid off.”

All Eyes On The Farm Business Innovation Expo

Posted on November 4, 2014

The Farm Business Innovation Expo is free to attend and returns to London Olympia on 27th and 28th November.

All Eyes On The Farm Business Innovation Expo

The much anticipated Farm Business Innovation Expo returns to London Olympia in November, inspiring land owners to find new ways to use their land and ultimately maximise profit.

Don’t let the name fool you – you don’t need to be a farmer to benefit from a day at the show.

Now in its second year, the exhibition and conference is packed with inspiration, ideas and advice to help rural entrepreneurs to diversify out of agriculture. More than 3,000 people with an interest in rural business attended last year’s event, to take advantage of the exclusive seminar and workshop schedule, networking opportunities and 200 exhibitors.

“If you’re considering diversifying your farm or rural land, then you simply must attend Farm Business Innovation,” urges event director Gary Hall.

“We are expecting double the amount of visitors as last year and double the insight into the industry.”

The 2014 expo is free to attend and runs from 27th – 28th November. Seminar and workshop topics are set to include farm shops, tourism, glamping, renewable energy or storage, with expert advice on how to identify opportunities, as well as how to seek planning permission and attract investment. The expo conference will also highlight the latest trends that forward-thinking land owners will turn to next year, featuring business advice and diversification inspiration direct from the experts.

Book your free ticket online now at www.thefarmingshow.co.uk

Tributes For Holiday Stalwart

Posted on November 4, 2014

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.

Hoseasons Unveils Specialist Range Of ‘Bouja’ Breaks

Posted on October 28, 2014

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.”

Campaign Calls For Tourism VAT Cuts

Posted on September 22, 2014

Findings by the Cut Tourism VAT campaign reveals that the UK’s tourism industry would be significantly better off if VAT was reduced from 20 per cent to five per cent. Pic: VisitBritain.

Campaign Calls For Tourism VAT Cuts

Pressure is mounting on the government to cut VAT on UK tourism, after thousands of businesses and politicians signalled their support for a nationwide campaign.

The Cut Tourism VAT campaign believes the industry would be £4bn a year better off, and lead to the creation of up to 120,000 new jobs, if Britain fell into line with Europe and reduced the levy from 20 per cent to five per cent.

A cut in VAT would also increase the appeal to visitors from overseas already struggling with a strong pound, campaigners claim, helping the British tourist industry to compete with low-taxed European and American attractions.

Graham Wason, chairman of the Cut Tourism VAT Campaign, said: “This new research is the economic proof the Treasury has asked for to prove what every other country in Europe knows – that cutting VAT on holidays is profitable for governments.

“Many of our coastal towns are ignored but cutting VAT would help them thrive. More than 60 cross-party MPs have signed our parliamentary motion and more than 1,000 companies and groups are backing the campaign.”

Campaign supporter Dermot King, managing director of Bourne Leisure commented: “As the pound continues to strengthen against the Euro, the gap in price competitiveness between the UK and her European partners widens. Outside of the London bubble, UK tourism continues to try to compete with not just one but increasingly two arms tied behind its back.”

Tourism is one of the UK’s largest industries – employing over 3.1 million people and generating £127bn for GDP in 2013 – and campaigners say a cut in VAT would give a vital boost to regional businesses and economies reliant on the industry.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association said: “As the driving force behind our recovery, it’s vital we help smaller firms grow. No one denies the cut would dent tax revenues initially but only briefly, so this is a chance for politicians to prove they are really in it for the long by making an investment in an industry which is the UK’s biggest employer of young people.”

New Forest Ranger Leads Campsite Activities

Posted on September 22, 2014

Campers in the New Forest are being given environmental information and advice from a new park ranger.

New Forest Ranger Leads Campsite Activities

A new seasonal ranger is helping campers have fun in the New Forest while helping them protect the National Park’s animals and landscapes.

Chris Marshall will lead bug hunts, forest games and craft activities exclusively for families at four Camping in the Forest campsites throughout the summer.

Campers at Roundhill, Ashurst, Holmsley and Hollands Wood are being treated to a wild time of adventure and discovery, with walks from the campsites to learn more about the flora and fauna, how the New Forest got its name and why ponies have played such an important role in shaping the landscape.

The new role is being supported as a joint partnership between the New Forest National Park Authority, Camping in the Forest and the Forestry Commission.