HARPA Conference 2026 underlines industry's role in housing and communities...

The newly branded Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA) last week brought the UK parks industry to the heart of Westminster as it hosted its 2026 Conference, marking a high-profile debut for the association’s new identity.

Formerly known as the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, HARPA officially adopted its new name and branding in January 2026 following a member-led rebrand launched at the close of its 75th anniversary year. The Westminster conference provided the first major opportunity to present the new identity, vision and strategic direction to policymakers, partners and the media.

A central feature of the event was a full-scale demonstration of the sector’s contribution to the UK’s housing needs. A brand-new, British-manufactured residential park home was installed at the entrance to the conference centre, offering parliamentarians a tangible example of how modern park homes and responsibly run residential parks could help deliver some of the 30,000–50,000 new later-living homes the country needs to build each year, as identified by the Government’s Older People’s Housing Task Force.

HARPA said the installation was designed to challenge outdated perceptions of park living, highlighting quality design, modern construction and the role of professionally managed parks in creating sustainable communities. Political engagement was a key focus of the two-day conference, with 22 MPs and peers attending across the programme.

CLAIRE FLOWER, DIRECTOR OF BEVERLEY HOLIDAYS, took on the role of National Chair of HARPA at the 2026 Conference

Some of the MPs and peers in attendance were Nigel Huddleston, Dame Harriet Baldwin, Lord Mark Harper, Sir Julian Smith, Sir Christopher Chope, Caroline Voaden and Lord Attlee. Parliamentarians joined delegates for lunches on both days, enabling direct discussions on planning reform, housing supply, later-living provision and the economic contribution of park businesses to rural and coastal communities.

The conference also marked a leadership moment for the association, with Devon park owner Claire Flower, a director of Beverley Holidays, formally taking on the role of National Chair. Flower, who served on the working group that guided the rebrand, said HARPA represented more than a change of name, positioning the organisation as a modern, inclusive and proactive voice for the sector.

HARPA’s new vision focuses on building a strong, sustainable and well-respected parks industry, with connected and engaged members at its heart. Its mission commits the association to specialist advice, raising standards and delivering effective advocacy, underpinned by values of collaboration, transparency and ambition.

With a new identity, a clear policy message and Parliament firmly in its sights, HARPA’s 2026 Conference is designed to position the parks sector as both economically significant and socially relevant — and ready to be heard.

Holiday and Residential Parks Association
01452 526911
www.harpa.org.uk