Holiday Parks Management Magazine November Issue

The Ultimate Suppliers Guide for Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks and Campsites

Holiday Parks Management November 2016 • Issue 24

Show report from

The latest products

The latest industry news

w w w. H o l i d ay P a r k s M a n a g e m e n t. c o m

What’s in this issue?

Holiday Parks Management Welcome to the November issue of Holiday Parks Management. It has certainly been an interesting summer.

By all reports the holiday park industry has had a great season, boosted by good weather and maybe even by Brexit, which has encouraged people to stay in the UK. In September we saw many of you at the second Glamping Show in Stoneleigh Park. The atmosphere was electric – the seminar rooms rammed with people wanting to know more about how to start and develop their glamping businesses.

We also welcomed more overseas visitors and exhibitors than last year, proving that the demand for this type of holiday is spreading far and wide. As businesses start to experiment with their accommodation offer – with lodges, cabins, tree houses, pods or tents, the lines between holiday parks and campsites blur. What sets holiday parks apart are the other facilities – the restaurants, bars and pools and amusement arcades. As such, in this issue we look at issues such as entertainment and wifi provision. We also bring you a preview of the upcoming Saltex and Spatex trade shows.

Nina

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Industry news

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Product News

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Glamping show review

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Spatex Preview

20

Green Tourism

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Entertainment Round-Up

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Saltex Preview and news

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Connected Holiday Parks

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! Retail

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Published by: Maggie Media Ltd t: 01432 263219. Registered Business: Unit 2, Wyevale Business Park, Wyevale Way, Hereford HR4 7BS Other Publications: Glamping Business - www.glampingbusiness.com Publisher: Maggie Media Ltd, Nina Blanchard e: nina.blanch@maggiemedia.co.uk Editor: Steph Curtis-Raleigh t: 07887 928819 e: steph@upgradepr.com Sales: Nina Blanchard t: 44 (0) 7799 430327 e: nina.blanch@maggiemedia.co.uk, Kathryn Kelly t: + 44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kathrynkelly@maggiemedia.co.uk Design: Dean Coulter, Design on Tap www.designontap.co.uk www.holididayparksmanagement.com Other Events: The Glamping Show - www.glampingshow.com © Maggie Media Ltd 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced nor stored in a retrieval system by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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Park News Island park seeks buyer for holiday romances

Preparing to release Larry back into the deep are Ladram Bay's Robin Carter (left) and holiday home owner Keith Setter

Shellshock! Rare blue lobster lands park with TV splash One of Scotland's most remote holiday parks has come up for sale after 30 years of private ownership, but the buyer will need to have a head for romance as well as business.

That's because Shieling Holidays on Mull attracts customers lured by the island's wild picture-postcard beauty – and they won't want any of that changed.

But if the purchaser is prepared to let nature remain the prime attraction, they will find themselves running a rewarding and profitable enterprise with a bright future.

David Gracie and his wife Moira are now preparing to retire from the park they started over three decades ago, and which is valued at just over £900,000.

The buyer will acquire two letting cottages and 90 touring pitches as well as 16 semi-permanent shielings, named after the traditional dwellings of Scottish shepherds, which are let out to guests.

With the sea bordering the park on two sides and hourly ferries from the mainland, Mull is an enchanting wildlife paradise with sea eagles and otters regularly spotted.

Scares Aplenty from Away Pioneering holiday park operator Away Resorts is gearing up for a frightfest this October halfterm with ghosts, ghouls, witches, Dracula and the odd creepy clown or two at its holiday park on the Isle of Fright, or should we say Isle of Wight.

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park will have an action-packed progamme of Halloweeninspired activities for guests of all ages this half-term, including fancy dress competitions, ghost tours and walks, trick or treating galore, witch hunts, apple bobbing, pumping carving and Movies at Midnight on a giant outdoor screen. The films being screened are Casper on 23 October and Hocus Pocus on 26 October.

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Television cameras were scrambled to Ladram Bay Holiday Park in South Devon this summer when one of its directors landed a "one in two million" blue lobster.

BBC's Spotlight team and a shoal of press reporters were quickly on the scene after hearing that Ladram's Robin Carter had scooped one of the incredibly rare crustaceans.

The chances of such a catch are put at around two million to one, and the bright blue colouring occurs only in a tiny number of lobsters with an unusual genetic make-up.

Robin has been tending lobster pots for over 60 years off the shores of Ladram Bay Holiday Park near Budleigh Salterton – and says this was his first encounter with a "blue".

Helping him land the lobster was Ladram Bay holiday home owner Keith Setter who often accompanies Robin to check the pots.

But although most of the lobsters caught find their way onto the menu at Ladram Bay's restaurant, this colourful specimen earned a reprieve.

Larry – as he was christened – enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame under the media spotlight, and was then rowed back out to sea in the company of BBC's film crew.

The Carter family has owned Ladram Bay Holiday Park for over 70 years, and Robin is one of the four siblings of its original founder Frank Carter.

A former farm, it has grown from a small camping site to one of the region's most popular holiday parks attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Park News continued

MORCO: MARKET LEADING CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS FOR HOLIDAY HOME MANUFACTURERS Morco is regarded as one of the market leaders in the supply of LPG central heating kits to the major manufacturers of Caravan Holiday Homes. For the past 60 years the business has grown from strength to strength. The development of specialist service teams whose jobs are solely to provide technical assistance and high quality customer service, has contributed to the success of the business.

Having served the industry for many years, the company structure has been developed to cater for the aftersales market. Morco has adequate stocks to provide components for park owners to repair appliances in the field or for its service engineers to carry out this work on their behalf. All parts and components are distributed to customers through trade outlets buying direct. These compromise of national stockists, specialist part distributors or alternatively customers buying direct from Morco.

Morco is proud to use Ideal Boilers, based in Hull as its contract manufacturer for LPG combi boilers. Instantaneous water heaters continue to be manufactured by its long established suppliers in Spain. All other components used in the central heating kits are made in the UK. Please contact the Morco customer service team on 01482 325456 for more information.

Lancs licking Cornwall in holiday stakes, says park Lancashire is this year rivalling Cornwall as a holiday destination for some families, according to a major holiday park, which has decided to bring forward its expansion plans.

Bay View in Bolton-le-Sands, near Lancaster, has announced it will now press ahead this year with developing additional new holiday homes on the park, originally earmarked for 2017.

Business owner Michael Holgate says there has been a large rise in "staycation" guests this year, including an increase in the volume of people who live in the Midlands.

Middle England visitors, said Michael, often choose the West Country for their holidays – but a recent analysis of guests' postcodes reveals that many more are now heading north.

Deserving a large share of the credit, he says, is the promotional work undertaken this year by tourist board Visit Lancashire in highlighting the many attractions of the area.

Willerby Special Projects undergoes rebrand Willerby Special Projects, which manufactures off-site modular buildings for the leisure and housing sectors, is set to become Willerby Innovations as it continues to strengthen its core product ranges and develops its bespoke service.

Willerby Innovations and its three core brands - Willerby Lifestyle, Willerby Bespoke and Willerby Housing – all build on the strength of the Willerby Holiday Homes brand, which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Willerby Lifestyle – Willerby’s standard range of off-site accommodation modules has been specifically designed to suit the leisure sector. Available in both single and two storey configurations, the brand includes

its themed lodges, the Wildwood Forest Lodge and Freeport Beach Hut, which were launched earlier this year.

furnished as well as being fully compliant with building regulations and TRADA certified.

Willerby Housing – Willerby’s standard range of off-site affordable housing modules ranges from single storey bungalows to four bedroom houses and can be constructed to Passivhaus standard if required.

Kirsten Bolton, marketing director at Willerby Innovations commented: “As Willerby Special Projects has evolved over the last seven years, it became clear that customers needed a greater differentiation between the distinct elements of the business.

Willerby Bespoke - Encompassing all bespoke leisure and housing projects, Willerby Bespoke allows customers to create truly unique, one-off designs to their exact specifications.

Manufactured from Willerby Innovations’ specialist 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Hull, all modules are fully

“As we continue to expand our range of leisure and housing products, while also delivering ever more bespoke projects to clients looking for something completely different, this change will give us the opportunity to simplify our vast product offering, without compromise.”

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Park News Kubota UK to hold second annual skills contest Kubota UK will be holding its second annual skills competition this month; a two-day event that seeks to put the technical competence of its staff and technicians working at dealerships across the manufactures extensive network to the test.

In a different format to last year’s event, this year will see the competition expanded to include not only Kubota UK staff, but also service engineers who conduct maintenance on Kubota machinery at dealerships throughout the country.

Each contestant will be required to conduct a 100 question written assessment followed by an intense 90minute practical challenge, with competitors tasked with diagnosing and fixing five faults on the Kubota L5740HSTII tractor. Each will be judged on their ability to remedy all five faults, as well as being able to demonstrate the method behind their decision making process.

A total of 16 competitors will be taking part over the two-day contest, with contestants equally split between Kubota UK and Kubota dealerships. The Kubota

UK winner will go on to compete at the annual global Technical Skills Contest in Japan in 2017, competing against other Kubota sales territories from around the world for the coveted ‘Gold Award’ accolade.

The Kubota dealer contestant winner will accompany Kubota UK to Japan to witness its participation in the Technical Skills Contest and enjoy an escorted sightseeing tour of the country.

Keith Miller, Service & Training Manager, commented: “The Kubota UK Skills Contest brings together some of Kubota’s best service engineers, internally and through our dealer network. Our UK staff and dealer network is made up of highly skilled, highly professional individuals and we think it’s important to celebrate that and test the expertise of those working with Kubota machinery, day in, day out.

“The two-day event will be tough, but it will also be fun and engaging, and something our technicians and dealers will be excited to be involved in to compete against the best of the best.”

Park's farewell to David as RAF man Paul lands top post

Gamble pays off for couple's paradise park A couple who gambled their fast-moving IT careers in London to run a hideaway North Devon holiday park say they have created a perfect antidote for guests with stressed-out lifestyles.

Adrian and Karen Coppin quit their city life last year to buy Mill Park near Ilfracombe – and this March saw them open their gates to families seeking the perfect escape.

Their 30-acre coastal park, set in a secluded wooded valley, provides pitches for motorhomes, tents and touring caravans, plus a range of luxury glamping options.

The couple, both in their mid-40s, say their aim from the outset was to attract visitors whose often demanding jobs leave precious little time for unwinding and relaxation.

To help them successfully juggle their work-life balance, said Adrian, he and Karen wanted to provide an environment where it's possible to switch-off within minutes of arrival.

After viewing dozens of different options, he said, they were alerted to the sale of Mill Park, just a short walk from uncrowded beaches and on the edge of Exmoor.

After more than two decades of helping to keep South Cumbria residents in good shape, Silverdale swimming pool and gym club manager David Oates is finally hanging up his towel.

The couple said they knew immediately that it was the park of their dreams, and ticked all the boxes they had seen as essential for achieving a totally chilled break.

But David knows he'll be leaving the popular club in good hands - because he has spent the past few months helping his successor to limber up for the manager's role.

Based near the picture-postcard 16th century village of Berrynarbor in lush Devon countryside, Mill Park has a tranquil stream-fed 1.5 acre fishing lake as its centrepiece.

Stepping into the post is Paul Tracey, an RAF Reserve Flight Lieutenant and Officer Commanding of one of the largest RAF Air Cadet squadrons in Cumbria and Lancashire.

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Park News continued

Buzz of excitement as park's new guests fly in Over a quarter of a million honey bees have helped a New Forest couple's camping and caravan park to wing its way to a top environmental award.

Back of Beyond touring park near Ringwood has been praised by botanist David Bellamy for its "outstanding efforts" to provide a safe haven for the beleaguered bee.

Business owners Martin and Vicky Bowrey have installed eight hives on their 30-acre park to try and help stem the sharp national decline in bee numbers.

These and other wildlife-friendly initiatives have now earned the couple the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award and its top gold level for the third year in succession.

It was just over two years ago that Martin and Vicky sold their successful London photography business and took a gamble on their future in rural Dorset.

The aim, said Martin, was to run an eco-friendly holiday park for nature-loving guests in a part of the country where they, as a family, often went camping.

Since then, Martin and Vicky has invested much time and energy into creating surroundings in which the flora and fauna is made just as welcome as human guests.

Covering 30 acres of quiet countryside, over half of which is woodland, Back of Beyond provides 80 pitches for camping, touring caravans and motorhomes.

The couple now also offer ready-erected bell tents for glamping guests with home comforts such as full-size double beds, a kitchen area, lighting and private exterior decking.

Back of Beyond is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Martin says that visitors to the "adults only" park are thrilled at the close encounter with nature on offer: "We're fortunate to have two wildlife lakes in the grounds, and it's possible to spot an amazing number of species including otters and red deer," he said.

Vicky and Martin Bowrey have also made their bee-friendly park a sweet retreat for glamping guests

WILLERBY LIFESTYLE WOWS LAWNS WITH NEW PRODUCTS The UK's largest caravan holiday home and lodge manufacturer, Willerby, is celebrating another hugely successful Lawns Show, where it launched six new products, including the stunning new Hive Collection from the Willerby Lifestyle brand.

The company exhibited both as Willerby Holiday Homes, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, and as its newly relaunched offsite brand, Willerby Innovations. Its fun, beach-themed stand drew in the crowds throughout the show, with its original 1957 Vogue tourer a huge hit, along with the brand-new anniversary edition of the Vogue.

The show saw the launch of a brand-new innovative product range, The Hive Collection from Willerby Lifestyle - a division of Willerby Innovations.

The new product was kept firmly under wraps ahead of the show, creating a real buzz among visitors ahead of the big reveal of The Reef, from the Hive Collection, on Saturday morning.

The unique range has been designed specifically to cater for the glamping market trend and can be tailored to suit a number of different themes.

The Reef, which was the first product in the collection to be unveiled, features a cool contemporary retro-style finish with bold colours and a laid back surfing vibe. With its attractive wood cladding and distinctive look, it certainly made its mark at the show, with a constant stream of visitors keen to see it for themselves.

Willerby Lifestyle also used the Lawns Show as the perfect platform to launch the Rutherford, which is also new to the range for 2017. The exclusive rooftop lodge boasts a unique exterior with spiral staircase and large top deck, creating a peaceful retreat for holiday-makers to make the most of the surrounding views, be that coast or country.

Willerby Holiday Homes, meanwhile, launched three new holiday homes Sheraton, Lymington and Avonmore - along with a special 70th anniversary edition of the Vogue, featuring a special limited edition painting.

With its contemporary country house design and spacious practical kitchen including stylish welsh dresser and separate dining table and chairs, the new Sheraton looks and feels more like a boutique country house hotel.

The Lymington, meanwhile, boasts a contemporary, open-plan living space, designed to feel like home-from-home and ensures there’s plenty of space for a family to relax. The Avonmore has been cleverly designed to offer a huge amount of storage space in all the bedrooms, including the twin room – something which is unique within this price point.

For more information about Willerby Innovations please visit www.willerbyinnovations.com

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Holiday home owners at Dawlish Sands Holiday Park (above) now have 50 weeks to enjoy breaks

Park News continued

Longer holidays served up for Devon owners Owners of holiday homes at a major South Devon park can now pack even more cream teas into their holiday year, thanks to Park Holidays UK.

But despite providing owners with the chance of an extra month of leisure, Park Holidays UK says that 2017's pitch fees will remain pegged at this year's levels.

The group this month advised families at Dawlish Sands Holiday Park that it has won consent for the park to remain open for 11.5 months of the year.

Dawlish Sands Holiday Park has over 200 holiday home pitches including a new development of luxury lodges starting at under £100,000 fully equipped and furnished..

Dawlish Sands' month-long extension follows other successful applications by Park Holidays UK to allow owners at its parks to gain extended use of their holiday homes.

Especially popular with young families, the park is just a short walk from Dawlish Warren's famous Blue Flag beach with its two miles of golden sands.

From now on, families with caravan holiday homes and lodges at Dawlish Sands will have to lock their doors just for the last fortnight in February.

Features include an indoor pool and lido pool with sunbathing areas, an adventure playground and other children's activities, and an entertainments venue staging nightly shows.

Autumn triggers Cumbria gold rush – and wildlife red alert Cumbria's celebrated autumn colours are getting an early start this year, says an Ambleside holiday park, and could trigger an autumn gold-rush to the county.

Skelwith Fold caravan park is now advising thousands of its visitors not to leave it too late if they want to catch nature's seasonal fireworks party.

Park director Henry Wild says trees throughout the 130-acres of parkland are just on the cusp of an incredible display of yellow, red and orange foliage.

The spectacle could hand Cumbria a winning hand in the race for autumn visitors, he says, and provide a fitting finale to the county's "staycation" summer.

But, believes Henry, the early kaleidoscope of colours and onset of berries could also mean a red alert for the park's abundant wildlife.

According to ancient folklore, he says, a harsh winter could now be in store which will diminish the food supplies on which species such as roe deer and red squirrels rely.

For that reason, Skelwith Fold is now drawing up plans to ensure that its winter wildlife feeding programme is able to cope with all the hungry mouths.

"As soon as the cold weather begins to bite each year, our park sees a friendly invasion of different species which come down from surrounding high ground to find shelter and food," he says.

There is more information about the park at www.skelwith.com

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Free Woodburning Stove from Boldscan Glamping equipment specialist, Boldscan, is offering a free wood burning range, worth £2,233, with orders placed for a Tsavo lodge until 1st December.

The Loven 8 wood burning range has been developed especially for the glamping industry, with an enlarged firebox to give enough heat to warm the space and produce a roast dinner. As well as keeping the Tsavo toasty, the steel Loven 8 Stove has a plate warmer and a temperature controlled oven.

The stove is manufactured in Boldscan’s workshops by hand.

The classic safari style tent is part of Boldscan’s Albion Canvas range. It has an extended flysheet to shade the front deck area and accommodation for six, with two bedrooms and a Cabin bed. The spacious living area has an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. An extension is available to accommodate a bathroom at the rear. Prices start from £7,222.00.

Orders must be placed before 1 December 2016, for delivery by 1st May 2017. A deposit of 30% will secure the order. www.albioncanvas.co.uk

All together now: three-generation holidays are back in fashion says Silverdale holiday park

Digital detox? "Not us!"

Dorset park guests tell BBC Guests at a Dorset holiday park spoke for the nation this August when BBC television news decided to find out just how addicted we are to our digital devices.

TV reporter Emma Simpson travelled to South Lytchett Manor holiday park near Poole to pose the question: "Could you ever bear to switch off, even on holiday?"

The answer was an emphatic "No!" – but with the proviso that no-one felt like a slave to their devices, and everyone gave priority to simply enjoying their holiday.

"Gramping" rise signals success for Cumbria park

The BBC report, shown on both the morning and evening news programmes, said that virtually all ages are hooked-up for an average of 25 hours every week.

Young families joining forces with grandparents for holidays have seen a marked rise this year, according to a major Lake District holiday park.

At five-star South Lytchett Manor, holder of the AA's national Campsite of The Year title, guests agreed that holidays did provide an opportunity for a partial digital detox.

Silverdale park in South Cumbria says that "gramping", as it's known, has been making a big comeback after decades of decline.

But park owner Michael Holgate believes that teaming-up with gran and grandad is about more than simply spreading the costs of a break.

He says that multi-generation holidays are a chance for extended families to spend quality time together during their increasingly busy working lives.

Gramping also boosts regional tourism economies, says Michael, because the larger party sizes mean more money being spent with local businesses.

"When Silverdale first started out in business sixty years ago, it was quite common for three generations of the same family to go away on holiday together," he said.

"Extended family breaks fell from favour as overseas holidays gained ground, and people began leading more separate lives from one another.

"But now British staycations are back in demand, families are using the opportunity to enjoy each other's company in the way they once did.

"As well as sharing the expense, it also means mum and dad have a built-in child care service so that they can make an occasional escape and be just a couple again," he added.

But many said that they couldn't resist posting occasional pictures of themselves and the park's beautiful scenery on social media sites such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.

The park was acquired by husband-and-wife team Joanne and David Bridgen a decade ago, and they have since introduced a raft of improvements to the site.

Some of the changes, said Joanne, were made after canvassing opinions from holidaymakers – and one was the expressed need for reliable and fast broadband.

The couple therefore invested in a state-of-the-art wifi system which is available throughout the park, set in the former grounds of an historic country manor house.

Guests told BBC reporter Emma that South Lytchett Manor's excellent connections certainly added to their enjoyment of the park, but wasn't a deal-breaker by any means.

"We don't switch off – but we're not addicts" a park guest tells the BBC's reporter at South Lytchett Manor

Michael says that the gramping phenomenon is also resulting in more families sharing the cost of buying a caravan holiday home.

Grandparents pooling their purchasing power with their grown-up children, he points out, can cut in half the cost of owning and running a holiday home.

"We've been seeing many more people this year doing their sums and realising the considerable financial benefits of shared ownership," says Michael.

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Park News continued

Yorkshire Caravans Acquires Coachman Brand Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry, the oldest and largest independent retailer of caravans, awnings and leisure accessories in the UK, has announced the addition of another UK manufacturer Coachman Caravans to its brand portfolio as both businesses celebrate significant milestones in their histories.

Whilst Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry is enjoying 85 years in business this year Coachman Caravans celebrates 60 years and this new partnership is particularly special for two long-standing and wellrespected family run Yorkshire businesses.

Coachman Caravans, which are manufactured just a few miles away in Hull, East Yorkshire will bring even greater choice to the large number of customers Yorkshire Caravans already supports with their camping and caravanning requirements.

“Coachman is an exclusive and established Yorkshire brand and we are delighted to be able to offer this high specification, luxury range to our customers in our special anniversary years,” said Yorkshire Caravans Chairman Jon Goulden. “To mark the occasion we are hosting an exclusive preview evening to launch Coachman Caravans where we will have on display models from the Vision, Pastiche, VIP and Laser 2017 ranges offering customers a caravan to suit every budget from affordable quality to unrivalled luxury”.

As a luxury touring caravan manufacturer specialising in superior build quality and innovative design features, Coachman don’t manufacture the numbers some of the other manufactures do resulting in unrivalled quality and attention to detail. Furthermore, with all of their caravans undergoing a rigorous 24-hour testing programme before being released to the dealers customers are assured of complete peace of mind.

MP sees sunny outlook for West Wales tourism West Wales MP Simon Hart says that holiday parks are in the vanguard of the region's "vibrant and ever-growing tourism economy".

Feedback from parks, the MP told delegates, suggested that many were reaping the benefits of the continued investment they had made in the quality of their product.

Mr Hart was at Cross Park Holiday Village in Kilgetty, near Tenby, in September where park owners and managers met for their end-of-summer conference.

Families enjoying a park holiday in West Wales, he said, could be confident that their experience would be a match for the excellence of the natural surroundings.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP was the principal speaker at the conference, organised by the West Wales branch of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

Branch director Huw Pendleton, who owns three top-rated parks in Pembrokeshire, welcomed Mr Hart at the end of what he said had been a very positive main season for members.

Parks had benefitted, he said, both from the good summer weather and movements in the exchange rate which made, for many people, a staycation preferable to travelling overseas.

Branch chairman Thomas Scarrott told Mr Hart that sales of holiday homes were also buoyant, signalling a long-term commitment by families to domestic holidays.

Mr Scarrott, whose Vale Holiday Parks owns seven parks in Wales, said the impact of spending by park visitors was felt by all types of businesses in the region.

Simon Hart MP (centre) with from left, branch director and BH&HPA vice chairman Huw Pendleton; BH&HPA national chairman Henry Wild; branch chairman Thomas Scarrott, and branch secretary Gail Thomas

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The longer-term implications of the Brexit vote were also addressed by Mr Hart who said he believed that UK tourism would remain strong regardless of how EU negotiations concluded.

Lancashire park takes the lead for bees

Animal Kaiser Tournament Success

Earlier this year, Moss Wood in the village of Cockerham hived off a large section of its dog exercise field to create a colourful wilderness of wild flowers.

The second Animal Kaiser competition was held in North Wales premier Family Entertainment Centre at Hafan Y Mor. With sixteen players coming together from all over the United Kingdom to do battle in the Boardwalk venue each player were given the same set of cards so it would be an even playing field.

It was overseen by the one and only Professor Kaiser and after two hours of solid Kaiser Battles between sixteen players it ended in the final game being a best out of three challenge between Last Year’s champion Joe Griffiths and the newcomer Thomas Crowe. Joe won the first round using the Tech skill to his advantage. However Thomas came back to win the second round with an extremely good use of his Power and Guts skills.

In the third round both players used all three skills but Joe’s experience of playing in a competition arena gave him the edge and with the help of his power skill he beat Thomas.

Brent, Haven, Giftworks & Whitehouse Leisure supplied this year’s prizes for the winner and runner up.

Family-run Moss Wood, established by the Wild family over 40 years ago, provides around 200 pitches for holiday homes, touring caravans and motorhomes.

A Lancashire caravan park has sown the seeds of survival for endangered honey bees by swapping pooches for pollen in part of its grounds.

Specially chosen for their high pollenbearing blooms, they are now providing the much-needed nectar which will help sustain honey bees over the winter.

Its many initiatives to protect the natural environment led to its being presented once again this year with the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Moss Wood's bee buffet extends to over 3000 square feet, and park director Henry Wild says dog-owning guests have given their full support to the move.

Pet owners still have over three acres of exercise grounds – and the wild flowers are adding an extra flutter of pleasure to Fido's regular romps.

That's because the blooms have also created a buzz among butterflies, and a raft of both common and less familiar butterfly species now share the nectar with the bees.

Team champ Jeannie joins park's new recruits holidaymakers stay each night.

Jeannie's appointment is the latest of six new jobs created recently at the multiaward winning park which says it has just enjoyed the busiest summer ever in its 60-year history.

The park's shop, which is also used by Silverdale village residents, stocks a raft of merchandise from sausages to swimwear – and under Jeannie's management, will soon see new changes.

New job recruits at a major South Cumbria holiday park include a Lake District football team president who has now transferred her career into the premier league.

Jeannie Coates, aged 57, is now in charge of the supermarket operation at Silverdale Holiday Park where up to 2,000

Backed by her many years of retail experience, Jeannie intends to broaden even further the range of Cumbria-made produce carried in the shop, and to adopt a "local suppliers first" buying policy whenever possible.

When not heading the team at Silverdale park's supermarket, Jeannie enjoys

helping run the local Arnside Football Club of which she is president.

Jeannie's partner Phillip also sits on the club's committee and helps to support its training programme..

Silverdale park owner Michael Holgate said he was delighted to welcome Jeannie on board, and that the supermarket now stands to benefit greatly from her extensive retail experience.

More than 130 people are now employed

by Silverdale and the five other parks in Cumbria and North Lancashire owned by the Holgates group, the vast majority recruited locally.

Other recent new job opportunities created at the parks have been in customer services, administration and ground maintenance departments.

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Glamping site for sale

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2 01 6 The sun broke through the clouds on the first morning of the Glamping Show and continued to shine throughout the three days, bringing with it a truly international visiting audience.

Following the success of the first Glamping Show in 2015, word of the event has spread far and wide attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Existing glampsite owners and those planning to launch their own glamping business came not just from the UK but also from all around the globe, including Australia, Canada, USA, Israel, Slovenia, Italy, France, the Netherlands and registrations received from 33 countries in total including Mexico, Costa Rica, Israel, the USA, Greece, Napal and many more.

New exhibitor, Steve Watson, Owner of Landpod, said: “As this is our very first show with the Landpod we weren’t sure what to expect but have been blown away by the quality of visitor. We’ve had interest from all sorts of people including some large organisations such as the National Trust and from visitors as far afield as Nicaragua. It has certainly exceeded all our expectations and has been well worth exhibiting.”

Young businessman, Alex Cash of Littleholme, added: “I have received some really good quality leads, all of whom have requested a site visit, so I am going to be very busy for the foreseeable future. The Glamping Show has literally changed my business and propelled it forward.”

Since the launch of the Show, buzz around the industry about the 100% glamping focus of the event has quickly established it

Learn from International Glamping Developments, Max McMurdo presenting on ‘Creating Affordable Glamping Solutions’ and Mark Scott providing a ‘Guide to Getting into Glamping’.

as the perfect industry meeting point.

Karen Cooke, Director of Swan Events, explained: “Our measure of success for the show is based on how well all of our exhibitors do over the 3 days of the event as well as how well we meet visitor expectations. The exhibitors want to leave having written real business as well as picking up quality leads to follow up after the show. If this is achieved they will return and have confidence to use the show as a launch platform for new products and structures which keeps the show fresh and exciting. On the flip side, visitors want to know that they will discover new products and new ideas as well as having the chance to meet up with friends and colleagues that they may not have seen for a while.”

Mrs Cheney from Furtheringhay is planning to establish a glamping business and came specially to attend several of the seminars.

Of Mark Scott’s seminar she said: “The presentation by Mark Scott was incredibly informative and has certainly given me pause for thought about my plans and how I will go about implementing them. The whole Show has been excellent.”

As the doors close on the Glamping Show 2016, the organisers are already looking forward to 2017 and taking on board the lessons learnt this year and to welcoming back exhibitor and visitor to an even bigger and better event.

Karen added: “As organisers we want the Glamping Show to become the industry gathering point, an annual event that everyone wants to be involved in and the feeling at this year’s show is that we are well on the road to achieving just that.”

There is no doubting the thirst for knowledge in this young industry was more than evident over the three days as virtually every seminar was packed to capacity. Industry experts were in attendance throughout the Show and presented on everything needed to make a success of a glamping business including Kate Morel talking about ‘What Can WE

Event Organiser Karen Cooke with Show Manager Dan Wiseman

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J OL LY GOOD S HOW! EXH IB ITORS AND V ISITORS I N THEIR OWN WOR DS

Adria: Slavica Sterk We have received some good solid enquiries and we have found all the visitors we have spoken to are purposeful and know exactly what they want to get out of the show. The feedback we are getting from lots of our customers is that more people are staying in the UK for their holidays and as a consequence that is filtering through to us in good business.

We are just setting up in the UK and this has been excellent for us. We are interested in doing more with the magazines to show the kind of resort facilities we can create with a turnkey solution.

Alpaca Alliance: Harvey Brown We have had an incredible response from people interested in alpacas for grazing, pets or as an added attraction for a glampsite. We are hoping to create more UK breeders to supply and if this show is anything to go by, I would expect to see more breeders here in future.

Aquashell: Harry Singh Last year we got 15 good enquiries a day. This year we got 50 enquiries in the first morning of which I would say 35 are worthwhile.

Ashwood Shepherd Huts: Jamie and Emma Mandeville We were really pleased to see so many visitors, it was busy since the doors opened. We have confirmed orders and several hot leads so the team is feeling very positive

Camping Connect: Ben Griffiths We have had so much interest in our campsite management software from the very first day! As part of our show offering, we are running a business card prize draw to win one of our interactive site maps, which provides site owners with an easy way to manage and monitor payment collection.

CampManager: Andrew Norris It's been a short lead time into the show but we are really glad we came. For any glampsite owner who needs to a water solution we can supply a full management and installation service however remote the site may be.

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Cedartree: Tony Fearnehough The pre-show marketing has been excellent this year. The show has really developed. We are very happy indeed.

We are expanding our business and the show is perfect for us.

Costco: Simon Thompson We are having a fantastic show without a doubt. We are signing up people on the stand for a £10 voucher. We will definitely be telling head office that we need to come here again next year.

Dub Box: Matt Clay We meant to exhibit last year but we didn’t get organised in time! Really pleased with the shows, we have had enquiries from all sectors including some of the major festivals.

Easy Cabin: Simon Fletcher This is a unique product more suited as a temporary hotel or accommodation on building sites. Some visitors didn’t get it but others saw the potential. We really need to be able to sell multiple units, so one good customer makes it all worthwhile.

Energy Solutions: Gavinder Johal It’s our first time looking at this sector and we are impressed by the possiblities. People have come to us and said that they can know consider offgrid glamping for the first time.

Hooked on Glamping: Mark Green The show is excellent and we have made sales from the stand. People seemed to know about us from the magazine and came to find us which is great.

GTF Finance: Neil Baxendale We have been able to have meaningful conversations with customers and some exhibitors too about financing. We offer the whole gamut of services, from finance through to marketing new companies. Great show!

Landpod: Steve Watson We attend many exhibitions throughout the year but none are as friendly or focussed as the Glamping Show. It is a pleasure to be here and speak to so many business owners and help them establish successful businesses. The Glamping Show is a great platform for both exhibitors and visitors in this young industry.

We have had the best show ever. We have had enquiries from all sectors - festivals obvioiusly see the potential. We couldn’t have imagined a better response.

Mango Crafts: Chris McCarthy We travel a lot, we go to a lot of specialist shows. We like the focus of this one. It has been very good for us.

Mattressman: Darren Barker We are very pleased with the show and have met with all kinds of business. We like our new position although we had a good show last year too.

Anne Berry, Forestry Journal (Media) We really enjoyed the show. It was a great networking event and we received great feedback on the product from a quality visitor audience.

Phil and Avril Wright - Shropshire The show looks more polished this year, the stands have improved their presentation and the seminars look even better with more space. We have come for the seminars and also because we wanted to invest in a hot tub. We have just bought one from Naked Flame.

Caroline, Hampshire I am planning to set up a glamping site in Hampshire next spring and came to the Glamping Show to have a look at the pods and shepherd huts available on the market.

The Glamping Show is the perfect place to find everything in one place, great show!

Sally & Colin, Bed Down Glamping, Suffolk We run a small glamping site in Suffolk with bell tents. With any customer-facing business you need to keep your product fresh and the glamping show is a great place to get new ideas and identify those accessories that will enhance our tents and keep them new and exciting. It is great to see such a huge glamping collection all in one place.

Sarah & Paul, Leamington

Liquiline: Richard Connor It's been a short lead-time into the show but we are really glad we came. For any glampsite owner who needs to a water solution we can supply a full management and installation service however remote the site may be.

We heard about the show through a friend and being interested in all things glamping we came along to get some ideas. It's a great show and it is good to see some eco-products although it would be nice to see a few more.

James & Anna King, Buckingham We have a mixed farm with pigs, sheep and arable near Buckingham where we currently run a farmhouse B&B and have been toying with the idea of establishing a glamping site so we have come up to do a recce and get some ideas of the type of glamping offering that would suit us. It's a great show with a good range of products and ideas.

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Green Tourism launch Carbon Calculator in a bid to capture sustainable progress in tourism sector Sustainability accreditation company Green Tourism has created an online tool designed to calculate the carbon footprint of hospitality and tourism businesses.

Called Carbon Calculator, the tool has been devised to help develop sustainability benchmarks for the hospitality and tourism sector. It produces annual carbon footprint reports to benchmark where the business is currently as well as demonstrating improvement year on year.

Trialed with 1000 businesses, the Carbon Calculator has had positive results for the businesses that understand consumers buy in to sustainable experiences. Almost 40% of UK travelers consider the environment and sustainability when choosing a holiday destination according to World Travel Market.

The Carbon Calculator allows business owners to not only calculate and record their carbon footprint year on year but also provides a certificate to be displayed for consumers.

The diverse range of businesses that have used Carbon Calculator include Jury's Inns and Radisson Blu Hotels across the UK, Leeds University, Murrayshall House Hotel and Golf Course in Perthshire and London Zoo. A staggering 180,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide has been saved as a result of sustainable practices.

Installing a biomass boiler, sourcing local food and promoting car-free activities to guests are just some of the sustainable initiatives encouraged by Green Tourism that help to improve a businesses carbon footprint.

Jon Proctor, CEO of Green Tourism commented: "With more and more travelers considering their carbon footprint when choosing a holiday destination it has never been more important for hospitality

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businesses to become sustainable. Our ambition is to drive the green tourism revolution around the UK, Ireland and beyond. Implementing cost and carbon saving practices and being able to record this succinctly with the help of the Carbon Calculator will be an asset to any business on a green mission."

As the go-to standard in sustainability across the UK within the hospitality and tourist industry, Green Tourism is spearheading the tourism sector's sustainable mission, and with their comprehensive framework, based on a rating of Bronze, Silver or Gold depending on how far a business is on the green journey, hospitality and tourism destinations can become truly green.

Photocaption: Jon Proctor and Andrea Nicholas, founders of Green Tourism Green Tourism Turns Over a New Leaf Green Tourism, the world's largest sustainable certification programme of its kind, marked World Tourism Day on the 27th September 2016 with the launch of a campaign focusing on member benefits.

Following extensive research into what members value from Green Tourism, the company has revamped its offer; focusing on providing products and services that deliver significant value and business return.

As successful marketing can form a massive 25% of points towards a green grading, the sustainable certification programme is saying thank you to its loyal members by offering a free annual digital marketing health check, as well as the opportunity for members to tell the story of its green business journey through a case study.

Other member benefits will include access to an extensive and current business resource

library, bespoke and ongoing support from expert assessors and technical experts and use of the Green Tourism exclusive Carbon Calculator tool to calculate annual carbon footprint and demonstrate results to customers.

The impact of practicing sustainable initiatives has been proven to generate greater economic benefits for the business, local communities and provides a more enjoyable experience for tourists by creating meaningful connections with local people.

Jon Proctor, Green Tourism's chief executive explains the importance a Green Tourism certification has on a tourism business: "As World Tourism Day raises awareness internationally of the importance of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value, we felt this was the perfect day to launch our new campaign. The Green Tourism team has undertaken extensive research within the hospitality and tourism markets and spoken with all of our members to devise these new benefits and new ways of working. We are pleased with the results and hope our members will agree.

"Our ambition is to drive the green tourism revolution around the UK, Ireland and beyond. We hope our work to date and our recent listening exercise with members will demonstrate this commitment."

Working with over 2000 businesses, across the tourism and hospitality sectors in the UK and abroad, Green Tourism assesses the green credentials of a business and rates their efforts against a rigorous set of criteria on the basis on Bronze, Silver and Gold.

To find out more about Green Tourism visit www.green-tourism.com

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news

SALTEX is growing SALTEX 2016 is the must-attend event for those involved in the holiday park industries.

Last year’s SALTEX (Sports, Amenities, Landscaping Trade Exhibition) was an unprecedented success with over 260 exhibitors and 8,714 unique visitors spanning 45 different nations. Building on that success, SALTEX 2016’s improved show features and unrivalled industry support are set to work together to create the most exciting holiday park industries event to date when the doors open at the NEC, Birmingham on November 2 and 3.

With three large halls containing many of the major players from across the industry, SALTEX 2016 is the ideal place to see products and services which could improve the daily operations of holiday parks. The exhibition will see a plethora of exhibitors representing the likes of play equipment and services, turf maintenance equipment, fencing and landscaping, sports surface design, research and consultancy, seeds, turf, aggregates and treatments, and facilities services management. Visitors can also expect to see new products being unveiled, new unique services and some exciting guest appearances on the exhibitor stands.

There will be a number of education opportunities at this year’s SALTEX through LEARNING LIVE – an all-encompassing free to attend education programme designed for all sectors of the industry.

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @IOG_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/IOGSALTEX

The NEC has well connected transport links to the rest of the country – with more than 75 per cent of the UK’s population situated within just three hours from the venue. Plus visitors who decide to travel by Virgin Rail can receive 25 per cent discount on their ticket fare.

The full programme of SALTEX events will be regularly updated via www.iogsaltex.com.

Visitor registration to SALTEX 2016 is free. To confirm your attendance visit www.iogsaltex.com

Based on SALTEX 2015 post-show feedback surveys, show organisers have made the decision to bring back outdoor working demonstrations, which will take place on a grass area directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8 and will provide visitors with an opportunity of seeing a number of products in action.

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Dennis & SISIS to take centre stage at SALTEX 2016

ETESIA LAUNCH BRUSH ATTACHMENT FOR SAFE WEED REMOVAL AT SALTEX 2016

The joint stand of Dennis and SISIS (E070), located at the centre of the SALTEX exhibition halls, will feature a vast array of world-class turf maintenance equipment when the exhibition opens its doors at the NEC, Birmingham on 2 and 3 November.

Etesia will be launching a new weeding brush attachment on stand C050 at IOG SALTEX 2016, which is available for Etesia Hydro 124 models, for the safe removal of moss and weeds without the use of chemicals.

Amongst the impressive line-up of products from the British manufacturers is the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500, a tractor mounted vertical action air injection aerator. This popular machine injects air directly into the root zone speeding up the aeration process, moving air uniformly throughout the root zone for complete aeration and not just where the tines have penetrated the surface. Its air injection tines are specially designed to use the maximum air available from the compressor and it has a wide working width to ensure outstanding turf care whenever you are ready to aerate.

It provides the operator with the flexibility to alternate tines for other operations such as hollow coring prior to top dressing. Other benefits to users of the Aer-Aid include fast forward speed for excellent productivity, smooth and quiet operations and minimal maintenance.

SALTEX visitors will also get the opportunity to see two top performance pedestrian scarifiers in the form of the Rotorake 600HD – which contributes to aeration and compaction, and the Auto Rotorake MK5 – both machines come with a range of interchangeable reels.

Two slitters can be seen with the Autoslit (pedestrian) and the Multislit (tractor mounted) which both offer deep, clean penetration with minimal surface marking. The SISIS Dart is an independently powered vertical action aerator complete with a powerful 6.5hp engine and a wide range of interchangeable tines. For a machine which is equally effective on both natural and synthetic turf then look no further than the SISIS Osca – a tractor mounted powered oscillating brush. Also on the stand will be the SISIS Quadraplay; a single pass maintenance system which incorporates a mounted frame for up to four implements and the SISIS Towed Implement Frame which is designed specifically for daily maintenance of artificial surfaces – it can also be fitted with a number of implements including the Flexicomb and Straight Brush.

Flying the flag for Dennis will be the G860 which comes with an extensive range of unique features and benefits. With the interchangeable cassette system; the user has the option of fitting 11 quick changeover cassette including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, and slitters as well as 6 or 8 bladed cutter cassettes.

Featuring a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish, it also weighs in at just 166kg making it perfect for stadium pitch mowing. After being selected as the chosen mower for the 2016 UEFA European Football Championships in France; it’s easy to see why so many groundsmen already use this machine.

Visitors will also be able to get another glimpse of the G34D which was launched at SALTEX 2015. With a 34” cutting width, the G34D incorporates a large diameter 8 bladed cutting cylinder for maximum performance in short and longer length grasses. Also featuring prominently on the stand will be the Razor Ultra 560, which is ideal for golf greens and tees, cricket pitches and bowling greens; the FT series available in 17" (43cm), 20" (51cm) and 24" (61cm) cutting widths and the dual purpose S500 PLUS which features interchangeable spiker and slotter reels.

If you have weeds, algae or moss on your surface then prevention is preferable and regular sweeping will help to achieve this.

The ten-brush MBR 124 gives users an environmentally-friendly alternative to using harmful chemicals.

Ideal for use on block paving and tarmac, the 500mm diameter brushes with a working width of 150mm can be simply adjusted to tackle the most stubborn infestation. The brush attachment is fully adjustable for height and angle to facilitate a wide variety of tasks and surfaces. It may also be used for maintaining surfaces to prevent the growth of moss.

Etesia has always been at the forefront of green innovation. That is why today, to better respond to new legislation on the safe use of chemicals, the company embarked on the development of an ecological accessory.

Areas of use include: driveways, car parks, paths and walk ways, roads and industrial parks.

The brush attachment is compatible with Etesia’s Hydro 124 DN and Hydro 124 DX machines. This accessory also gives more versatility of the machine by expanding its accessories range. The wire brush is assembled and disassembled easily at the front of the machine, without changes to be made in advance. Other accessories available include a mechanical spreader, sprayer, blower, sweepers, and side brush.

Visitors to the stand will also be able to view a range of pedestrian and ride-on rotary mowers and the Attila range of brushcutters.

New product brochures will also be available.

Dennis and SISIS’ experienced and knowledgeable members of staff will also be on hand to offer valuable advice about specific turf maintenance programmes and all visitors to the stand will be able to get their hands on the new product brochures.

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GET INTO CONDITION WITH ICL ICL will be featuring a number of exciting new products for both the turf and landscape/industrial sectors on stand H030 at SALTEX 2016.

Leading the way in offering the very best in product innovation, ICL will be showcasing new products in their Vitalnova range of biostimulants and turf conditioners. Visitors to the ICL stand will get an opportunity to find out about these new products and also take advantage of a new product launch offer that is exclusive to Saltex. ! Vitalnova Stressbuster is a unique liquid formulation pre-conditions turf against stress and helps generate quick recovery.

Featuring iron which provides an instant colour, Stressbuster also contains a unique combination of macro and micro nutrients, wetting agents, bio-stimulants and amino acids.

! Vitalnova Amino Boost is a liquid fertilizer which has been specifically designed to enhance turf quality and support a healthy plant. It is the ideal product for the early part of the summer to stimulate growth or to maintain turf quality through periods of plant stress. Another great benefit of Amino Boost is that it is a perfect tank-mix partner for Primo Maxx and other liquid and water soluble products from the ICL range. ! Vitalnova SILK is a specially formulated liquid fertilizer containing high levels of potassium silicate which rapidly increases leaf and stem strength and also helps to produce a cleaner cut.

The ICL stand will also be featuring the new Landscaper Pro range. The range features the products that professional landscapers and gardeners can use to help meet the demands of modern day lawn and landscape management.

As well as showcasing a number of new unique products, the ICL technical team will be on hand at SALTEX to talk all things turf and landscape. Whether you are seeking advice on combating diseases, generally looking to improve your turf or landscape areas or have any other questions about your maintenance programmes then ensure that a visit to stand H030 is on your agenda.

Kubota Gears Up For SALTEX 2016 Kubota UK is set to showcase its extensive range of groundcare machinery accompanied by its industry-renowned engines at SALTEX 2016.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham between 2 – 3 November 2016, SALTEX is the UK’s national event for groundscare, sports, amenities, estates and green space management. Set to welcome over 8,000 groundcare professionals from groundsmen to greenkeepers and estate managers, SALTEX offers Kubota the optimum platform to showcase its extensive groundcare range to the industry.

Taking centre stage on this year’s stand will be the ever-popular L-Series, midrange utility tractor range, which offer the perfect blend of power, versatility and functionality.

Customers wishing to purchase Kubota’s high end L40 Series range at the show will be able to take advantage of the innovative extended warranty programme through Kubota Care.

The stand will also host a range of compact tractors, out-front mowers, and RTV’s for visitors to explore.

Adrian Langmead, Groundcare Business Development Manager commented: “SALTEX provides an excellent platform for existing and potential Kubota customers to get close to the machinery and talk to our experts about the right machine to suit their needs.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming this year’s visitors, and discussing the products

and after sales support that comes as part of the complete Kubota experience.”

Kubota will also be showcasing a number of its world-renowned engines at Saltex.

All engines on display boast the proven reliability and technological innovations Kubota’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers have come to expect.

To find out more about Kubota UK and its range of solutions for the groundcare sectors, visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.

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COMPLETE WEED CONTROL BRINGS MAGIC TO SALTEX Complete Weed Control, one of the UK’s largest weed control contractors, will be at SALTEX 2016 (stand E053) and visitors will not only be able to find out more about the company’s extensive range of specialist services but will also be left astonished by a world-class magician and mind-reader.

With an extensive range of services available including moss control, weed control and disease management it’s no wonder that so many are turning to Complete Weed Control for a complete solution. The company has since reached new heights by launching a new service - Complete Grounds Maintenance. Unveiled at SALTEX 2015, Complete Grounds Maintenance delivers a comprehensive range of services, simplifying the headache of managing outside spaces without having to rely on a number of contractors.

A wide range of local authorities, industrial premises, forestry sites and sporting venues are now all benefitting from the allencompassing services, which include: ! Grass Cutting - Regular cutting of all grassed areas ! Selective Weed Control - For control of broad leaf weeds in turf ! Total Weed Control - Hard, soft and gravel surfaces ! Grass Growth Control - Retardation of grass growth in all areas ! Invasive Weed Control - Management and control ! Moss Control - Moss and algae in turf and on hard surfaces ! Shrub Pruning - Scheduled and reactive work ! Winter Maintenance - Grit spreading and snow clearance ! Litter Picking - Scheduled and reactive ! baseguard - Rubber crumb surfaces As the winter months approach, visitors can also find out more information about Complete Ice Control - which was formed in response to the overwhelming need for a professional, reliable and trusted local gritting service to deal with snow and ice worries using the best tools and technology available.

Renowned magician and mind-reader Robert Fox will be performing live throughout the two day event on the stand.

Robert who has performed for a number of celebrities including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, One Direction, Olympic legend Usain Bolt and Paul McCartney – to name but a few, will leave SALTEX visitors truly astounded. The expert magician performs using coins, cards and borrowed objects from attendees. Changing £5 notes into £50 notes, making people’s jewellery appear in impossible locations, bending forks like never before seen, removing peoples’ watches without their knowledge and performing award winning card tricks is just a sample of what Robert will bring to Complete Weed Control’s stand.

SALTEX TO ADDRESS BREXIT IMPACT ON INDUSTRY SALTEX 2016’s all-encompassing and free-to-attend LEARNING LIVE programme is set to explore what impact leaving the European Union will have on the industry, when the exhibition opens its doors at the NEC, Birmingham on the 2 and 3 November.

Designed to cater to all visitors that maintain or manage pitches, estates, grounds, landscapes, play areas and parks, LEARNING LIVE will play a major role at SALTEX and will offer an extensive information-sharing experience, an incredible line-up of guest speakers and will focus on key issues that surround the industry – Brexit being one of them.

In an organised panel debate, the implications of leaving the EU will be discussed. Professor John Moverley, chairman of the Amenity Forum has been confirmed as a panel member and will seek to specifically address the implications for weed, pest and disease control, as well as the amenity sector as a whole.

Commenting on the debate, John said: “At this moment in time we are at a very early stage but, as well as posing a challenge, it is a time of opportunity to influence future decision making and represent the sector’s interests. I look forward to a lively debate.”

Other panel members include managing director of Turfcare Technologies David Cole from the industry supplier sector and chair of the IOG’s Young Board of Directors Will Graves who will discuss the impact of the Brexit decision for young people in the industry. More high profile panelists will be confirmed shortly. As John says, a lively debate is set to ensue and it could prove to be an ideal opportunity for visitors to raise any issues they may have regarding Brexit’s impact on the wider industry as the panel members will actively encourage questions from the audience.

Elsewhere within the LEARNING LIVE programme, the Amenity Forum is set to host the ever popular ‘Question Time’ which has been modelled on the BBC programme. John will be reprising the ‘David Dimbleby’ role by chairing the event and the invited panel of experts, which includes Will Kay from Languard, Mark De Ath from Headland Amenity and Stephen Jacob from BASIS Registration, will receive questions on current issues primarily concerned with weed, pest and disease control. They will have no prewarning of the questions and members of the audience will be invited to help present these and make comment. Based on previous years, the event promises to offer a highly-informative and animated debate.

SALTEX 2015 featured 1,655 minutes of free seminars through the LEARNING LIVE programme and, off the back of its success, this year show organisers have commissioned an additional fourth lecture theatre to expand the number of presentations across the two-day event – to offer an even more exciting programme featuring a greater depth of content and quality.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Solar Powered Floodlight – the Off-grid Solution

You could save up to £500 on a new Polaris Polaris is offering substantial savings with autumn special offers on new Polaris Ranger utility vehicles and utility ATVs. From Monday 3rd October you can take advantage of a special discount of £500 off the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of a new Polaris Ranger utility vehicle or you can have a discount of £250 off the MSRP of a new utility Polaris Sportsman ATV.

A new solar powered floodlight goes on sale from 1 November 2016. The SolarMate Arena Light is designed by UK-based company Solar Technology International and provides a quick to install, instant, scalable and economical way to floodlight holiday parks, regardless of whether there is a mains electricity supply.

Polaris offers the widest choice of proven 4 x 4 utility vehicles and accessories so there will be a Polaris to suit any business users needs from farming to landscaping, local authorities to

large estates, in fact anywhere that calls for rugged, dependable 4x4 off-roading.

In addition to these offers, members of the NFU, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers Union benefit from an additional 5% discount on selected new Polaris utility vehicles. Polaris is a world leader and European No.1 in 4x4 ATVs and utility vehicles, with an extensive range that is best viewed at an authorised Polaris dealer who will provide full details of the offers. Offers close on the 30th December 2016. www.polaris-britain.com

Mid-range McCormick X6 tractors have a choice of new features

“Over the past 18 months we have developed, trialled and showcased the new SolarMate Arena Light to a range of audiences and have realised that it provides the perfect lighting solution for a host of outdoor business uses including glamping sites where bright, efficient, quick and easy to install lighting is required. ” explained Adrian Williams, Managing Director, Solar Technology International.

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The SolarMate Arena Light is designed to be robust and fully weatherproof. The 6.8w crystalline solar cell and 12000mAh Lithium ion battery pack are integrated into the lamp head so it can be wall mounted or clamped onto a standard scaffold pole with ease, the light angle is adjustable from 0° to 30°.

New mid-range McCormick tractors ideal for turf applications have replaced two of the famous marque’s best-selling ranges with increased power and torque from new engines, and a broader range of features to give added performance, fuel economy and driver comfort.

The lamp head LEDs can provide up to 1000 lumen brightness over 200sq metres and can be operated by a remote control or via an integrated PIR (Passive Infrared) movement sensor.

“The X6 Series covers applications previously met by the McCormick MC tractors and the top end of the McCormick X60 line,” notes Ray Spinks, sales director and general manager at McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK. “The X6 models are in many respects more advanced, with features not previously available, while higher power and torque outputs deliver increased performance.”

Each of the three models in the McCormick X6 line-up comes in ‘standard’ and higher-spec ‘LS’ versions, main differences being in the hydraulics, wheel equipment, transmission speeds and availability of suspension for the front axle and driver’s cab.

www. holidayparksmanagement.com WWW.HOLIDAYPARKSMANAGEMENT.COM

PRODUCT NEWS

Kintech Secures SafeStor Contract With Bourne Leisure

Kintech has secured a contract with Bourne Leisure for its recentlylaunched SafeStor all-steel storage unit to be made available for sale to owners of all holiday homes and static caravans at the majority of Bourne’s 37 Haven parks throughout the UK. The Haven sites accommodate approximately 26,000 holiday homes and caravans, and within the first 12 weeks of the arrangement being finalised Kintech had sold over 750 SafeStor units.

Kintech Sales Director Shaun Caddick said: “Bourne Leisure is making the product available as part of a purchase of a new holiday home and also to existing owners. They have specified SafeStor because its galvanised steel construction means that it is non-combustible, strong and weatherproof, and its multi point locking system with anti drill and pick properties offers high levels of security.”

The units are built from within, so all bolts and screws are on the inside, removing access points and deterring tampering. As a child safety measure, the door can be opened from the inside. The units’ ventilation system minimises condensation build up, preventing damage to stored items caused by damp. SafeStor is virtually maintenance free, so there is no risk of rot damage or leaks.

The 144cm x 182cm x 92cm units specified by Bourne Leisure comply with all park and local authority regulations. They are available in a green or cream powder coat finish.

Bourne is also displaying Kintech’s SafeStor mobility scooter storage unit on its sites and has included the unit in its catalogue.

For more information about SafeStor units go to www.safe-stor.co.uk

Strong and Safe The SAFE-Trak 19-28 is a powerful workhorse and comes as standard with all the features expected of a GreenMech chipper. Fitted with a 50hp diesel engine, it has a 190mm x 280mm letterbox-style infeed throat which provides a 190mm chipping capacity. The patented SAFE-Trak system incorporates two independently adjusted track mounted legs. By extending one track at a time embankments up to 35° can be traversed in complete safety. With both track mounts fully extended, the 19-28 model offers a massive ground clearance of over 600mm for dealing with hidden obstacles and enabling access to the most difficult terrain.

Quality outdoor furniture to suit all needs.

LeisureBench Ltd was established 15 years ago and has expanded rapidly to become one of the country’s leading suppliers of outdoor furniture and garden buildings.

Through years of experience supplying the pub trade with a range of products specifically for this market, LeisureBench has expanded taking its expertise into all other marketplaces requiring outdoor furniture and accessories.

The LeisureBench range of products is extensive, starting with the stunning collection made from Grade ‘A’ premier teak, incorporating a wide choice of benches. For a more relaxed environment, customers can choose the Oasis Rattan collection, which is modern, durable, very strong and virtually maintenance free. This range is suitable for outdoor or indoor use.

For those requiring furniture that is easy to move, there is the aluminium range. It is both lightweight and weatherproof. The hardwood collection is carefully selected from trusted and certified sources and the heavy duty picnic tables are available in round and ‘A’ frame designs.

There is also a selection of furniture made entirely from recycled plastic, which is tough, long lasting and good for the environment.

For those wanting a splash of colour, Leisurebench has introduced Tolix Style chairs and ISOTOP sleek table tops. The chairs are available in an array of colours and are made from extra thick plate for commercial strength and durability. Unlike most on the market, the steel has been electro-galvanised before powder coating, which helps to prevent rust. Again this furniture is suitable for outdoor or indoor use.

The ISOTOP thin edged sleek designed table tops with an elegant and comfortable satin finish will match any decoration and are resistant against all types of weather conditions.

LeisureBench also stocks a wide range of accessories, including parasols, cushions and umbrellas etc.

LeisureBench can deliver nationwide and guarantees delivery from stock mostly the next day, but always within five working days. www.leisurebench.co.uk

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SPATEX 2017

the ‘hot’ winter destination for holiday parks If there's one ingredient that singles out a holiday park from the crowd and secures repeat bookings, it is the quality of its water leisure provision, be it a hot tub, sauna or swimming pool. As the best relaxation resource that a resort can provide, they are widely regarded as fundamental to a holiday business's success. Which is why attendance at the wet leisure Industry's annual Exhibition, SPATEX 2017, at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena (Tuesday January 31st to Thursday February 2nd) is one of the most important dates in your 2017 calendar.

Proving water is the key to success Looking to inject the X factor into their holiday cottage business, Ruth and Gordon Christopher installed two beautiful Caldera hot tubs and what they once regarded as a luxury very quickly became an essential and pivotal to their success.

Holt Farm is an independent, family owned business set in the stunning Herefordshire countryside, offering luxury accommodation in four holiday cottages. Almost two years ago, owners Ruth and Gordon took the decision to install two hot tubs. “They were installed in January in a cold winter,” says Ruth. “We had the best swim ever a couple days later because it was snowing which gave it such a magical feel. Some guests, who have not used a hot tub before, think you have to have fine weather to use one so I love telling them about how the best times are in the dark, the snow and the rain!

“We chose two seven-seater hot tubs between our four cottages and it works well for us as they are situated on outdoor patios. They are strategically placed as most of our customers book at least two cottages so we have great flexibility to give them at least one cottage with a hot tub.

Then in quiet times we can offer a hot tub to customers whose cottage might not have an adjacent one - they are usually delighted by the added value to their booking.”

“The hot tubs have proved a real boon to business,” says Ruth. “Potential customers are always looking for an added value fun facility when they make their booking and the hot tubs fit the bill perfectly and have broad appeal. Hen and stag parties love them as well as the big birthday gatherings, reunion groups and walkers. We find our customers use them all times of the day and night. Small families and couples enjoy them too for relaxing - more in the evenings rather than in the day. The great beauty of a hot tub is that it is not seasonal. The majority of our guests stay for weekend breaks but families who book longer stays in the school holidays use the hot tubs all week long. And of course, mid week walking groups love relaxing in one after a long day in the hills.

“Maintenance takes just a few minutes per day; refilling is more lengthy but having two tubs is good in that they can fill simultaneously! For us, getting the hot tubs has been a great investment and we’ve not looked back.”

Dip your toe in the water Whether you’re looking to venture into wet leisure for the first time or refurbish an existing facility, SPATEX is the UK’s largest showcase of hot tubs, swimming pools, spas, saunas, enclosures, steam rooms and much more. Anyone involved with the operation or management of a commercial wet leisure facility will benefit from SPATEX 2017.

Over a hundred exhibitors from home and abroad makes it the ideal hunting ground to source new products and innovations, seek advice for a specific project and explore new ideas. But SPATEX isn’t just a showcase - with 42 seminars over three days led by 35 eminent experts you can gain valuable Industry knowledge on topics as varied as commercial spa operation and the latest health and safety guidance for wet leisure facilities. In fact, SPATEX boasts the largest source of free Industry education in the UK. Visit www.spatex.co.uk to see the impressive list of exhibitors, details of the double seminar programme and register for free.

DIARY DATE: SPATEX 2017 - Tuesday, January 31st to Thursday, February 2nd.

Visitor registration is FREE – go to www.spatex.co.uk The Ericsson Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Coventry. For further information, please contact Michele or Helen in the SPATEX office T: 01264 358558, helen@spatex.co.uk michele@spatex.co.uk

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Entertainment Sutcliffe Play creates a ‘New World’ of imaginative play

feature

Sutcliffe Play is a UK-based employee-owned playground equipment designer and manufacturer. The company specialises in creating bespoke outdoor play equipment that can turn empty spaces or old playgrounds into exciting play facilities for visitors.

The company has experience working with an extensive range of customers, including visitor and leisure attractions, local authorities, schools, architects, housing developers and local communities.

Sutcliffe Play recently launched the New World’s Collection of themed playground equipment, designed to transform spaces into colourful and creative playgrounds for children aged 2 to 10.

Patrick Martin, Sutcliffe Play’s Design Manager says: “The New Worlds Collection is designed to let a child’s imagination run wild.

Like the start of a book it’s designed to kick-start a child’s creativity and instantly transports them to another world.”

The New Worlds Collection can create two different playscapes with just one piece of multi-play equipment as the units feature a different world on each side. Filled with varying levels of challenging activities, the collection is suitable for a range of abilities and also includes Springies, Rockers and Seesaws.

Patrick concludes: “Whether you are adding to your current play space or starting from scratch, the New Worlds Collection can add a boost of colour and interest.

“The designs and characters we’ve created are all instantly recognisable so that children can relate to them, igniting their imagination into a world of pretend and role play.”

To find out more visit www.sutcliffeplay.co.uk or call 01977 653 200.

Wexel Gaming’s Linked Bingo games pay out over £1m join in. With £1 million pounds now paid out it shows how much the link is growing in popularity” said Wexel’s Chris Shipley.

Wexel Gaming is celebrating its digital linked bingo product paying out its one millionth pound in prize money and expect to continue this growth trend with more operators coming on board with its Bingo Plus product. It is another positive milestone in the revival of Bingo on the High Street for Wexel Gaming, which has seen the creation of the fastest growing linked bingo group in the UK at venues across the country.

The group of stakeholders are spread the length and breadth of the country including Cashino, Showcase, Nobles, Tyne Tees Entertainment & Godden Gaming. Wexel are expanding the operation into Holiday Parks with initial installations at Trecco Bay at

Porthcawl, South Wales and Butlins Skegness in the coming weeks.

The linked bingo games are played continuously on a daily basis from 12 noon (11am Sat) until late into the afternoon, coupled with evening play on a Friday and Sunday. The system is designed to save operators costs on staffing with no increase to the regular staff levels. The club can opt to be a ‘slave site’ meaning that the called numbers come from one of the live calling clubs on the link.

“Linked bingo offers our customers minimum guaranteed prize money and great Jackpots no matter what time of day they

At the recent Autumn Coin op show (ACOS) at Chelsea, Wexel Gaming showcased their latest Linked Bingo and AWP Slot games on Tablet technology with a range of Electronic solutions including handheld wireless devices and fixed based stations.

Bingo Plus provides operators with the tools to deliver Link games with attractive prizes and the option to deliver a suite of AWP content, Bingo variants and Poker.

‘GTAB2’ is a self service Tablet kiosk that continues to be a popular product, allowing players to collect and credit a tablet device and enjoy a gaming experience from all areas of the premises.

For more information contact – Chris Shipley Email: sales@wexel.co.uk Tel: 01482 370680 Mob: 07966 531332 Web site: www.wexel.co.uk

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Jigsaw:

the perfect fit for holiday parks

Tony Eyre of Connected Entertainment speaks to us about his Jigsaw touchscreen entertainment software.

What’s been going on at Connected Entertainment?

We’ve further increased our presence into the holiday park sector in 2016, and now supply Jigsaw to 20 leading Holiday Park businesses. Additionally, our ongoing product development roadmap keeps us very busy and we’re looking forward to releasing some new innovative content for 2017.

What does Jigsaw do?

Jigsaw is already best of breed in terms of supplying a range of entertainment products on one fully connected platform. It has become the benchmark for retail leisure venues. This is backed up backed-up by industry leaders including Pete Stedman of Parkdean Resorts: “The Jigsaw is a ‘one stop shop’ entertainment system ideally suited to the entertainment and hospitality industry.

Jigsaw is extensively used across our parks as the reliable source of music and karaoke, providing in-venue advertising and entertainment content such as staged games, quizzes and gaming events including Linked bingo, video horse racing and bingo beats. Jigsaw is particularly valuable on smaller holiday parks where you have less entertainment staff, as a tool it ticks the boxes of what an entertainer or Entertainment Manager needs to support their entertainment programme.”

So, who is Jigsaw aimed at?

Jigsaw is aimed at anyone who needs background or foreground music, karaoke, games, and bingo. We supply to holiday parks, commercial bingo clubs, adult gaming centres, betting shops, and retail pub venues. Although holiday parks have been a major success for us, Jigsaw is now

gaining some good traction into other commercial retail venues as it provides more fun and diversity than any other entertainment system.

What do you mean by “connected’?

All Jigsaw terminals are connected via the internet back to our central servers. This means we can upload the latest music including pre-releases, and karaoke tracks as they become available, keeping the customer’s music offering right up to date.

We also provide a fully managed background music service offering tailored playlists and long play music mixes.

We also use that connectivity to offer linked games, such as Linked Bingo, Super Linked Bingo and more recently Linked Quiz.

John Flack of Park Holidays says: “Park Holidays offer a wide range of first class entertainment products within our parks, and the Jigsaw entertainment system has enabled us to bring several different products under one umbrella. The downloadable music content has been really important to Park Holidays, as it allows our Music and Karaoke content to be kept relevant and right up to date. The Bingo and Linked Bingo feature is very easy to use and provides a reliable and important part of our consumer product offer. Linking our parks together to play Wide Area Bingo Games continues to provide a compelling and successful product to our consumers, and so benefit our business. Finally, the technical support from Connected Entertainment is excellent, which is an important part of our supply relationship.”

Martin Lagar, National Gaming and Compliance executive for Parkdean Resorts

has said; “Linked Bingo forms an important and growing part of the entertainment offer to Parkdean Resorts guests. We have worked very closely with Connected Entertainment for a number of years to deliver what I consider to be a ‘Best in class’ product and bingo offer. Using Jigsaw has allowed us to provide our guests with an ultra-reliable and exciting game of linked bingo across 45 of our parks. This number is set to grow as we see the revenues generated from this product as an important part of our revenue mix”

Finally; what about the future.

Where is Jigsaw going?

We have some really exciting developments planned for Jigsaw in the coming months.

For example, we’ve field trialled a new digital quiz product for, which has shown some great results. Jigsaw has revolutionized the retail entertainment space since it was launched almost three years ago.

And it’s not just Holiday Parks that Jigsaw is proving successful in; Simon Coombes, Project Manager at Praesepe has said; “Jigsaw is a great product and greatly enhances our customer product offer within our commercial bingo venues, and also at our Cashino AGC venues. We have installations at Beacon Loughborough and Margate, where they utilize the digital signage feature, as well as the regular games features and music, and we are about to install Jigsaw at Cricklewood and Lowestoft” We have an ambitious roadmap of further enhancements and new features, so anyone looking for some new ideas for their Retail Venue or Show Bar should give us a call on 01482 467038.

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Connected Holiday Parks how Wifi is the Smart Choice Holiday Parks know that there are some customers that don’t want to get away from it all completely, so in order to cater for them and increase revenues, they need to be able to offer wireless connectivity to guests.

Providing a strong, high-speed internet connection is regarded as an essential service, not an added extra, these days.

Whether it’s keeping the kids entertained, ensuring that mum and dad can be onhand if they need to work, or just letting everyone access Netflix, the internet has become an essential part of many people’s daily lives.

Holiday parks need to provide a reliable WiFi internet connection as part of their standard package. Using a WiFi connection, visitors can lounge by the pool, or sit out in the sun, while they browse on their phones, tablets or laptops. This allows them to keep up with everything they need to, without having to stay inside while the rest of the family has fun outside.

But holiday parks can benefit from a strong WiFi connection in other ways.

The future is SMART There’s been much talk of smart cities, but can a holiday park also be ‘smart’?

With a stable and robust internet connection there is no reason why not.

The possibilities available with smart technology and the Internet of Things are endless. While providing a better service to customers, park owners can also significantly increase the efficiency and profitability of their parks.

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Improved queuing One of the most precious parts of any holiday is time. Visitors want to make the most of their few weeks of relaxation, not to spend it queuing up for services, standing in line waiting to get into the restaurant, or waiting for the person in front of them as they laboriously count out their payment in change.

Apart from being an irritant to visitors, it creates added stress for staff as they struggle to keep the queue moving and guests happy.

Some parks are tackling this issue with SMART cards and bands. Registered to the guest on arrival, they can be pre-loaded with cash and information, making every point-of-sale interaction efficient and seamless.

Parents who want to offer their older children independence to spend, without worrying about substantial bills being run-up in their absence, can give them smart bands with a limit on.

Parents can also keep an eye on where their kids are via a connected mobile app, in order to ensure they are safe while also giving them the opportunity to explore. This is especially useful when holidaying with teens, who may not want their parents trailing around in their wake all day.

By Aubone Tennant, Joint CEO, Wifinity Ltd – www.wifinity.co.uk.

All-round improved customer service Connected technology is all about making life easier. Holiday parks can use devices to ensure doors to visitor accommodation locks behind them, and that all the lights are turned off as they leave (switching them back on as they unlock the door after an evening out). TUI has added these functions to the SMART bands it provides its visitors in a trial, allowing them to glide through the resort with little to worry about other than having a good time.

While these don’t seem like important elements to a holiday, anything that removes the need to think increases the ability to relax. People don’t want to worry that they’ve left the oven on, or forgotten to lock the door. They want to switch off as well.

Connected devices give holiday parks the information they need to ensure they can offer the best possible facilities to visitors.

They can use the data gathered to see which activities are most popular, and when. This helps them manage staffing levels in real-time.

Smart Power consumption SMART meters can be used by many holiday and caravan parks to provide visitors with a pay-as-you-go solution for

power consumption during their stay. It’s both a convenient and flexible way for the park, and /or the caravan owner to manage billing.

The park team can use the online portal to track and monitor energy usage throughout the park and see patterns and spikes in energy usage. There’s a chance to go the extra mile with customer service here – by providing visitors with tips on how they can reduce their energy consumption during their stay.

Billing is accurate, not estimated, promoting the trust that is essential for developing continued customer loyalty with new and returning visitors.

General maintenance and grounds management Holiday parks can use smart watering systems to keep the grounds looking their best year-round, while making sure that no water is wasted.

Smart devices can monitor themselves and send alerts to the team. Vending machines, for example, can monitor their own stock levels. When a product is about to sell-out, the machine can send a message to the park team to restock the item. It could even cross-check how much is in stock across the park and raise an order with the supplier.

This saves time in staff needing to visit each machine to check stock levels.

this, the technology remains impressive, but causes visitors stress and frustration.

Each of these devices – from smart vending machines to pay-as-you-go wrist bands place demands on the network, so the WiFi network needs to be robust and scalable to cope with the demands placed on it.

The need for a strong, stable WiFi connection

As far as visitors are concerned, the main benefit of a good WiFi connection in their holiday park will be the ability for them to stream Netflix and YouTube, keep their friends supplied with holiday snaps and, maybe, connect with their offices when needed. They won’t see that the smart holiday park that they are staying in relies on the same WiFi to keep the park running smoothly, and nor should they.

Smart technology can make a holiday park run smoothly and efficiently. Yet, that’s only possible if the park also has a strong, reliable WiFi connection. Smart devices need to connect to the internet to function properly and to share the information that makes these systems work. If they can’t do

The customer’s job is to relax and have a good time. Smart parks give them maximum opportunities to do this, but this is only possible when the park has an internet connection that can manage the workload.

By using smart technology across the park, visitors receive a seamless service.

Machines are functioning and well-stocked, and the park team is free to help visitors in less mundane ways.

The park can even use an app to track maintenance requests and completion status. This takes another task off the visitors list – they no longer need to track down a member of staff to report an issue.

The visitor gets more time to relax, and the park is able to see to the problem efficiently.

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