Countrywide Park Homes Expansion

Posted on July 4, 2017

Countrywide Park Homes Expansion

Residential and luxury lodge park operator, Countrywide Park Homes has expanded its portfolio of successful parks across the UK with the addition of six new locations purchased from park operator Lifestyle Living UK.

The company, which currently owns and operates 19 parks across the UK, purchased the new parks in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cumbria. The parks offer a selection of touring, camping, static caravans, individually designed luxury lodges and park homes. The deal comprises the business and assets of Lifestyle Living UK including the parks, lodges and future bookings.

Anthony Barney, Owner and Chairman at Countrywide Park Homes, said they saw a unique opportunity to expand the company’s portfolio through the acquisition, enabling them to purchase a group of popular parks based in desirable locations across the UK. “Norfolk, Suffolk and Cumbria are the perfect, picturesque destinations, offering sandy beaches to quaint villages, outstanding food and drink and enviable views. We remain committed to investing in locations which, like these, offer tranquillity for residents, yet are within easy access to towns or villages with essential amenities,” he said.

“We are very much looking forward to operating in these great locations, and contributing to the continued success of these sites, and providing the perfect escape for future and current residents.”

FRP Advisory, the business advisory firm, negotiated the sale following a competitive sales and marketing process. “The proposal from Countrywide Park Homes was chosen as it offered the best value and certainty in the interests of all of Lifestyle Living’s stakeholders. We wish Lifestyle Living the very best under new ownership,” explained Jason Baker, Joint Administrator and Partner of FRP Advisory.

Countrywide Park Homes

Tel. 0800 690 6060

www.countrywideparkhomes.co.uk

Post-Brexit Boom In Holiday Home Sales

Posted on July 4, 2017

Post-Brexit Boom In Holiday Home Sales

With holiday caravans and lodges being more affordable than traditional houses, but certainly no less of a second-home in terms of space and style, sales at South West Holiday Parks’ two sites in Cornwall and their flagship park in Devon, have surged in the past 12 months.

The company has put the increase in sales partly down to more Brits opting to stay closer to home for their holidays, as the uncertainty of Brexit looms. “While Brexit has cast uncertainty over the economy, it is evident to us that people are still buying holiday homes, but here in the UK times have changed,” commented Josh Donald, Managing Director of South West Holiday Parks.

“Rather than watching their savings devalue month by month due to poor interest rates and rising inflation, our owners are buying a great holiday home, in a beautiful location and can sit back and relax knowing we take care of everything for them.”

He added: “Many people either have cash in the bank and are ready to buy a holiday lodge or caravan, or they use equity release so they can buy a holiday home without having to sell their main home and downsize. With a range of finance deals also on offer and more developments planned, we feel the holiday park is on the rise.”

Keeping Up Appearances

Posted on July 4, 2017

Keeping Up Appearances

From weather-proofing picnic areas, to investing in new playground equipment and waste recycling systems, holiday park owners that take pride in their park’s exterior appearance and make the most of their outdoor appeal will ultimately reap the rewards.

If you’re considering transforming your outdoor areas it needn’t be a daunting task. In fact, investing in a few simple and cost effective measures can go a long way in improving aesthetics, comfort and facilities for your guests. “It’s important to keep outdoor spaces well-maintained as this is one of the first impressions visitors will experience at your park,” says Stephen Toone, Managing Director of Fordingbridge Plc – a leading manufacturer of canopies, walkways and sustainable buildings.

“Your clientele are more likely to return to your site and recommend to their friends and family if the external appearance is tidy.”

Maximising the use of outdoor spaces all year round by weather-proofing your facilities can not only improve your customers’ experience, but also set your park apart from the competition.

“We are seeing an increase in demand for weather protected activity areas and dining spaces. Popular designs include the soft aesthetics of timber, which blend nicely into forest parks. Alternatively, tensile structures which can be applied to all types of parks in any setting,” says Stephen.

Fordingbridge work in partnership with parks to maximise customer experience and increase revenue potential. The experienced in-house design team assists by designing a canopy, walkway or queuing area pertinent to a park’s individual requirements or brand consistency at different sites. “Canopies can be used for increasing dining and picnic areas, which improve dwell time and all year round usage. Further uses include aesthetically pleasing storage facilities, such as secure bike shelters or outdoor activity equipment,” says Stephen.

ENGAGING IDEAS

“With more competition than ever before within the holiday park and leisure sector, attracting customers with new and engaging ideas are vital to achieve this. One of the many innovative ideas is the inspiring and engaging butterfly exhibit, which provides an attraction to suit all ages in all weather conditions.” A comprehensive outdoor play area is a winning formula for hospitality venues looking to appeal to young families.

Camber Sands Holiday Park in Sussex required a large new play area as part of a refurbishment project earlier this year. The park owners wanted separate areas for toddlers and juniors and a wide range of equipment. They enlisted the help of HAGS-SMP to design and install the scheme, which included themed multi-play units, dynamic equipment, a zip line, sunken trampolines and a trail with an 8m traverse wall.

The play area has proven to be a huge hit with customers, and according to HAGS, the only complaint from site has been to ask how to keep the adults off the equipment! “Theming seems to be a constant favourite with our clients. From pirate ships to fairy-tale castles you can add real play value to your areas by engaging a child’s imagination,” comments Simon Wright, Head of Sales at HAGS.

BETTER VALUE

“With something to suit all budgets, our products are built to last, providing better value over a longer period of time. A small play area suitable for approximate six to ten children might start from £10k and increase from there.” Simon add: “Remember though, if your budget is tight you might consider planning your scheme in phases, this way you can add to the playground over a period of time that suits.”

To find out more about maximising your outdoor space, subscribe to Holiday Park Scene

Company Contacts

Fordingbridge Tel. 01243 554 455 www.fordingbridge.co.uk

HAGS-SMP Tel. 01784 489109 www.hags-smp.co.uk

IvyLiving Tel. 08448 002215 www.ivyliving.co

Rolec Services Tel. 01205 724754 www.rolecserv.com

Trimax Tel. 01933 652 235 www.trimaxmowers.co.uk

Coastal Breaks Top Holiday Wish List

Posted on July 4, 2017

Coastal Breaks Top Holiday Wish List

‘Seasiding’ is the most popular way to spend your holidays in 2017 according to holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts.

The new term has been coined by the company to describe a trend in holidaymakers booking up to take a trip to the seaside, either for their children to share in the same experiences they have enjoyed years ago or simply to appreciate the wonders of a holiday by the sea. The UK staycation market has grown steadily over recent years, with many people opting for domestic holidays over going abroad.

As a result, Parkdean Resorts welcomed over 500,000 holidaymakers in 2016, a figure which is set to increase this year - with real demand for coastal breaks in particular emerging. John Waterworth, chief executive of Parkdean Resorts, said: “This year will see more and more people reliving memories of childhood holidays at the sea, reflected by an uplift in our booking figures for 2017 breaks across our coastal parks.

“While nostalgia and tradition play an important part in the trend, ‘seasiding’ is all about holidaying at the coast in new ways. The seaside offering has evolved considerably over the decades since my parents visited as children, not least on our parks which now provide caravans with central heating and double glazing, and often with indoor pools and adventure play areas, making it comfortable to holiday both sides of the peak summer months.” John added: “We have made a significant investment of £50m across our parks on accommodation, retail and leisure facilities this year, where families can create memories that will last a lifetime.”

TV Drama Draws A Crowd

Posted on June 30, 2017

TV Drama Draws A Crowd

Fans of TV drama series Broadchurch have helped set a record year for visitors to West Dorset, according to a major holiday parks group in the region.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays says bookings are currently up 25 per cent on last year’s figures as families go in search of the picturesque vistas and seascapes seen on screen.

The final series of the award-winning drama finished in April, and the parks’ General Manager, James Cox, said that enquiries began to swell from the first episode: “We experienced similar uplifts during the first two series of Broadchurch, and many of those guests became repeat visitors – so obviously the county lives up to expectations!

“Now with this latest wave of demand, we are expecting to see the busiest year yet for our business, and will be helping to point families to some of the locations seen on television.

“So overall, Broadchurch has proved a massive boom for Dorset’s visitor economy,” added James.

Family-owned West Dorset Leisure Holidays owns five holiday parks in the region, including its flagship Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport. All parts of the business have seen booking figures rise, says James, and there has also been an uplift in sales of new and pre-owned caravan holiday homes.

Thrills And Spills

Posted on June 30, 2017

Thrills And Spills

Water play is sure to keep guests returning year after year…

There’s no better time for enjoying the thrills and spills of water play than on a family holiday.

A holiday park that can offer a unique and exhilarating swimming experience is sure to score over it’s nearest rivals. Through smart design and a clever selection of features, any holiday park can transform their swimming pool into an exciting aquatic play space that guests will enjoy and want to return to on repeat visits. “Water play installations offer a range of benefits when compared to standard swimming or paddling pools,” explains Ernie Hemming of Ustigate Waterplay.

“Firstly, a water play installation uses water on demand, which is a more economical and cheaper solution as water will be consumed only when someone touches one of our activation bollards using considerably less water. Moreover, a water play installation provides countless hours of fun for all the family.”

Ustigate installed a bespoke splash zone at Dinosaur Adventure Park in Norfolk last year.

The allocated splash area had previously been home to long-standing old wooden outdoor play equipment which had become outdated so the park owners took the decision to reinvest in the area and give it a new lease of life. The new splash zone takes inspiration from the famous Dippy the Dinosaur, the mascot and one of the Dinosaur Adventure Park’s most popular attractions in order to attract and retain more customers on site.

The splash zone was divided into three bays which have range of play items designed for each age group - toddler, teen and family. The focal point is the huge ‘supersplash’ elevation consisting of a bucket that tilts over crashing onto a platform creating a mini-tidal wave soaking everyone in its spray zone. The fully PWTAG compliant filtration and recirculated water system ensures highest quality of water for children to play in.

EXPLORE OPTIONS

Ustigate’s Vortex sourced products offer the latest designs and features which are premium quality and competitively priced. The price of a typical splash pad depends mainly on three factors; size of the scheme, the type of water system that will be used - one use or re-circulating - and finally the selected water features. According to Ustigate, a typical once use system would usually cost between £50,000- £100,000 and a recirculating system costing £300,000- £500,000.

“Ensure you have explored all possible options as water installations can be expensive and time consuming,” comments Ernie. “Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the right decision in the long term as a significant drop in quality may lead to additional repair or alteration costs in the future or even worse closing of the water play installation. “Even though initial setup costs for a high quality and robust water system may be excessive this will be cost effective in the long run as the water system will be able to stand the test of time and demands of excited children.”

Leyland-based World Leisure recently completed a £1.5m overhaul of the swimming pool facilities at Ribby Hall Village Holiday Park in Lancashire, in just 12 weeks.

MAIN ATTRACTION

The holiday park’s pool is well-known for its water slides and is used by members and visitors alike. It was given a refurbishment eight years ago but bosses at the attraction decided the time was right for a complete revamp, with added facilities to maintain interest for visitors. The new pool features new slides including a 48m interactive play slide. Members and guests are able to climb a tower to the top of the slide, which then takes them out of the building and back inside again. As they come down the slide, they can play an interactive touchpad game on the inside of the slide, with scores recorded once the ride is complete.

To find out more about water play facilities please subscribe at Holiday Park Scene

Company Contacts

Certikin Tel. 01993 778855 www.certikin.co.uk

Hippo Leisure Tel. 01752 771740 www.hippoleisure.com

Ustigate Waterplay Tel. 01322 424445 www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

World Leisure UK Tel. 01777 284883 www.worldleisureuk.co.uk

Into The Woods

Posted on June 30, 2017

Into The Woods

For over 35 years Blairgowrie Holiday Park was the Wood family’s flagship site, but after the expansion of the company – extending to a further four parks – the 2008 purchase of Deeside has since changed the landscape.

The Deeside site boasts exquisite hot tub lodges, contemporary holiday homes and en-suite glamping pods. The Woods’ also welcome campers with large areas of hardstanding and fully serviced pitches available. Says Park Manager Shona Stewart: “The park provides a peaceful and tranquil environment for its guests to have a relaxing stay while enjoying picturesque countryside views with nature on your doorstep. The area is popular among visitors from Scotland and further afield who come to explore Royal Deeside.”

As the parks have spread across the country, so too has the family’s involvement in running the company. Colin and Margaret, who started the business three decades ago have since been joined on the team by their daughters, Rachel, Kirsty and Sarah.

The eldest, Rachel, is in charge of the administrative and financial side of the business. Middle daughter, Kirsty, manages the HR and Health & Safety sectors, and the youngest, Sarah, is the head of the Marketing and Sales department.

The girls are also joined by their husbands, who oversee the parks operations, and most recently Shona Stewart who — two years ago — was promoted to Park Manager after six-years as the Administrator for Deeside Holiday Park.

Wood Leisure
Tel. 01250 878123
www.woodleisure.co.uk

To read more about Wood Leisure and Deeside Holiday Park subscribe to Holiday Park Scene

Making A Splash

Posted on May 3, 2017

Making A Splash

The overhaul of the swimming pool facilities at Ribby Hall Village was carried out by World Leisure.

The swimming pool facilities at Ribby Hall Village holiday park in Lancashire have undergone a £1.5million transformation. The pool was refurbished eight years ago but bosses at the attraction decided the time was right for a complete revamp, with added facilities to maintain excitement and interest for visitors.

The work was carried out by World Leisure and the pool now features new slides including a 48m interactive play slide. World Leisure also refurbished the splash pool and added an interactive aqua deck play structure, with tipping buckets and integral slides.

A themed Glass Reinforced Polyester toddlers’ pool links into the splash pool, with a slide and steps to open the pools up to all ages. Mark Leech, Senior Manager at Ribby Hall Village, said: “It is important as a business to continually invest and improve the facilities we offer to our customers. We believe the new interactive slide and new splash pool features will be real talking points that will bring family visitors back again and again.”

Gas Meter Checks

Posted on May 3, 2017

Gas Meter Checks

All gas meters should meet the new Measuring Instruments Directive (MID).

Property owners could be liable for prosecution if their gas meters do not meet new safety standards. The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) replaced the old Ofgem legislation in 2016 and governs the manufacture and accuracy standards for electricity and gas meters in the UK.

The aim of the legislation is to ensure that customers and users are protected by ensuring that all meters comply with safety and accuracy standards. “This is particularly important for property managers as it could mean your existing meters are illegal,” says Chris Smith, Managing Director for Energy Controls – a leading supplier of SMART meters and Pre-payment metering systems. “If so, consumers may have a right to refuse to pay for their electricity and as landlords you could be liable to prosecution.”

You can check the meter itself for an MID stamp of approval or you can ask your supplier to provide an MID certificate. Your meter supplier is legally required to provide supporting evidence that their meters conform to MID standards; if they are unable to do so then it is highly likely your meter does not conform.

Pool Upgrades At Campsie Glen

Posted on May 3, 2017

Pool Upgrades At Campsie Glen

The pool at Campsie Glen Holiday Park has been upgraded for the summer season.

Campsie Glen Holiday Park in Stirlingshire has invested £80,000 into upgrading its outdoor swimming pool facilities. The new development, which launched in April, features an enclosure over the existing outdoor pool, plus the installation of a brand new children’s pool and new changing and toilet facilities.

The new Perspex enclosure, model Endless Summer in Moss Green, is an aluminium and acrylic structure that offers safety by taking away the danger of broken glass, and functionality by sheltering the pool area from cold drafts and making it more weatherproof.

The new children’s pool is a 2.5m x 4m NIVEKO one-piece pool, which was supplied and installed by Eagle Leisure from South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Both swimming pools run on energy efficient air-source heating system contributing to the environment-conserving focus of the park. Bruce Thomson, Operations Manager at Wood Leisure, commented: “We are committed to investing in our parks and facilities to deliver value to the families from Scotland and beyond. This significant investment supports our long-term growth and development plans while benefiting our customers, wider community and Scottish economy.”

Holiday Park Scene Magazine

UK Holiday

Countrywide Park Homes Expansion