Holiday Parks Management October Issue

Holiday Parks Management

THE ULTIMATE SUPPLIERS GUIDE FOR HOLIDAY PARKS, CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPSITES

october 2017 • Issue 29

It’s SHOW TIME!

Park News

booking systems

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Holiday Parks

Management

October is a transitional month – the schools have their half term and start to look towards Halloween, Bonfire night and – dare we say it Christmas.. The nights draw in and the Autumn leaves put on their display. The team at Holiday Parks Management, however, is now in its element. Having returned from a hugely successful Glamping Show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire (and Lawns before that) our thoughts are now on Saltex and the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show next month where we will be exhibiting and looking forward to meeting our readers and customers.

This issue we are thrilled to have an interview with Martin Cox, President of the European Federation of Campingsite Organisations and Holiday Park Associations(EFCO&HPA) which represents more than 20,000 park businesses across Europe. He is also a director of West Dorset Leisure Holidays and a member of the family, which owns the park. He gives us a unique perspective on how his fellow European association members reacted to the Brexit vote, and how working closely with local businesses is key to the success of his park.

a n i N

What’s in this issue?

05 Industry news

29 EAG International preview

12

Environmental news

32 Saltex preview

15

Landscaping news

34 Glamping Show review

19

Interview: Martin Cox

37

23

Booking systems

38 New Products

27

Spatex preview

Holiday Park and Resort Innovation Preview

NEXT ISSUE features include: ■ wifi

Steph EDITOR

Kathryn SALES

■ Heating

■ security

Published by: Maggie Media Ltd t: 01432 263219. Registered Business: 47 Oliver Close, London, W4 3RL Other Publications: Glamping Business - www.glampingbusiness.com Publisher: Maggie Media Ltd, Nina Blanchard e: nina.blanch@maggiemedia.co.uk Publisher/Editor: Steph Curtis-Raleigh t: 07887 928819 e: steph@maggiemedia.co.uk Sales: 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 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced nor stored in a retrieval system by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

ISSUE 29 l OCTOBER 2017

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Park News Gold Shield – Simplifying Park Home Maintenance Gold Shield Warranty is a 10-year warranty for park homeowners, provided and administered on behalf of the manufacturers and the NCC. The scheme ensures that all homes registered under the warranty benefit from full structural cover for a ten-year period. These benefits are provided alongside and in addition to a purchaser’s right under the law.

Park home-owners will have protection against any major inherent defect in the structure of their home, an inherent defect is defined as a fault present but not known at the time of purchase. For example, window and doorframes, roof trusses, timber joists, fascias and soffits.

In order to be eligible for a Gold Shield warranty, both the manufacturer and the park must be registered with Gold Shield. If both of these requirements are met, it is the homeowners’ responsibility to register the warranty.

Homeowners also have a number of maintenance obligations, a full list of which can be found in their handbook and on the website.

Maintenance requirements include an annual inspection of the roof and ridge tiles to ensure there is no damage or displacement, gutters and down pipes clear of dead leaves and debris; chassis is kept rust free; exterior walls should be repainted with good quality exterior finish within the first 2 years and then every 3 years. Failure to properly maintain the home could invalidate the warranty in the event of a claim.

Both manufacturers and park owners also have a number of obligations that they must adhere to, with regard to the manufacture, transportation and siting of the home. A minimum of 25mm air gap should be kept from both the top and the bottom of the skirting and the home. It is also a requirement that all homeowners be given a copy of the Gold Shield warranty handbook at time of sale.

In order to register – simply complete the form on the MB&G website www.goldshieldwarranty.co.uk

Shorefield Holidays opens seventh holiday park Shorefield Holidays' seventh holiday park has now been developed, underlining the growing success of the business. Following another booming year for the holiday park company, Paul Searle, National Chairman of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, was invited to officially open the new park on the edge of the New Forest National Park and to plant one of the many new trees to further enhance the park in line with the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.

The New Forest Lodge Retreat – formerly Kelston Holiday Park – is next door to Shorefield Country Park and close to Milford-on-Sea whose beach has farreaching views over the Solent to the chalk ridges of The Needles and the Isle of Wight.

It is envisaged that the lodge park will be an exclusive, gated community for owners, who will be able to choose a selection of luxury boutique lodges.

Shorefield Holidays now offers seven parks to holiday makers and holiday home owners, each with their own USP appealing to various markets.

Simon Pollock, Chairman and Managing Director of Shorefield Holidays, says: “The opening of the New Forest Lodge Retreat is part of our strategy for growth. The rising popularity of the staycation and families purchasing holiday homes as a long-term cost-cutting move, together with our desire to ‘make every weekend a holiday’, remains a key development area for the business moving forward.”

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Park News continued

Devon park teams with rowers facing epic test Two brave souls preparing to take on "the world's toughest row" have won the backing of a Devon holiday park for their gruelling bid.

Brixham-based Mike Gibbons and his rowing companion Craig Hunter will join 30 other teams in the challenge during which they will face some of the planet's most extreme weather conditions.

Beverley Holidays in Paignton has stepped forward to become the official accommodation provider for the intrepid duo as they prepare for the 2018 Talisker Whisky Challenge.

They have 16 months to train and prepare for the physical hardships which await them, and Beverley Holidays has vowed to do all it can to help.

Taking place later next year, it will see the pair rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the world's largest ocean from the Canary islands to the West Indies.

The multi-award winning park will be providing accommodation to Mike and Craig during their monthly sessions of endurance training in the coastal waters of Torbay.

Camp Hill Estate Adds Boldscan Clubhouse Robert and Jo Ropner opened the gates to the Camp Hill Estate in 1996. Since then they have welcomed over one million people, providing events for top UK PLCs, adventure experiences for families, life skills for school children, weddings, festivals and private parties.

Always one step ahead, Robert pioneered the Aerial Extreme High Ropes Adventure Course at Camp Hill, one of the earliest recreational courses of its kind in the UK. In 2005, an Equestrian Centre was established.

In 2012 Camp Katur Glamping Village was created with a mixture of Safari Tents, Tipi, Bell Tents, Hobbit Pods and Unidomes nestled amongst breathtaking meadow and woodland.

In 2016, the Woodland Kingdom was designed to offer a beautiful family play area

with slides, swings, ropes course, climbing walls, an assault course and a giant treehouse fort. The latest addition to the Kingdom is a café and bistro serving homemade and locally sourced food.

Robert toyed with the idea of redeveloping existing buildings or putting up a wooden cabin to house the café, before discovering Boldscan’s unique canvas clubhouse, which reminded him of the cult TV series M.A.S.H. “The wooden cabin was extortionately expensive in comparison. As well as winning on price, the canvas clubhouse offered flexibility and the muted colours blended in with the landscape. Steve Hansford at Boldscan proposed a wood-burning stove, which has been a great success. It was really a pleasure to deal with the Boldscan team,” commented Robert.

The brief was to have no windows on one side and double doors at both ends. The 9x12 metre clubhouse will be a café in high season, but its clearspan interior (ie no poles) makes it a great venue for weddings or corporate events. It can even be moved to a new site if necessary.

“We are constantly enhancing Camp Hill to make all our guests, from families to corporate and private groups have a unique and memorable experience,” added Robert.

Glastonbury park is a gold performer, says AA The Old Oaks Touring Park is now flying the coveted AA Gold Pennant which is given out by the Automobile Association to only a small elite of its highest rated parks.

There was a festival air at a Glastonbury holiday park this month after its family owners found they had struck gold in one of tourism's most prestigious award schemes.

It distinguishes the business, which lies just behind Glastonbury's world-famous tor, as a UK champion of truly first-class standards for holiday guests.

But before it could be considered for the award, The Old Oaks had to undergo a rigorous inspection regime which

scrutinised almost every aspect of its operation.

Guest facilities, services and levels of hospitality all went under the microscope – and, said the AA's experts, each met the gold standard on every level.

In fact, the official quality rating for the business was 98% which, under the award's scoring system, is the ultimate which any park can ever receive.

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Park News continued

Bridge Leisure Parks Acquires Three Further Holiday Parks Bridge Leisure Parks has continued its rapid growth by acquiring three new holiday parks for a total investment of £11million.

The three new parks are Ashbourne Heights on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire; Hedley Wood near Bude on the Devon and Cornwall border, and Hengar Manor in Bodmin on the North Cornwall coast.

The group now owns and operates eight holiday parks across the UK, at locations in the South West, Yorkshire, Ayrshire and Moray.

Bridge Leisure reported turnover of £21.4m in 2016, up 29% on the previous year, and is continuing to experience strong growth in 2017 with sales of holidays and caravan holiday homes up by 15% so far.

Andrew Howe, CEO of Bridge Leisure said: “These latest acquisitions are important steps in Bridge Leisure’s growth. We have shown with

past deals that we can add significant value to new parks by building pitches, investing in infrastructure and improving facilities to enhance the customer experience and create new jobs.

“We believe that those holiday companies offering the highest standards for customers will prosper.

Each of our three new parks is superbly well run and among the very best in their local area, so we are incredibly excited about being able to support their ongoing success.

“Our plan is to maintain growth through further developments to our existing parks and by undertaking further acquisitions of holiday parks across the UK. Bridge Leisure started life providing management support for holiday parks in 2008 and grew steadily before completing a management buyout, allowing the company to embark on a new range of holiday park acquisitions.

In 2014 the company was named one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, and in 2017 Bridge Leisure appeared in the Sunday Times list of the top 100 companies to work for.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Chooses Water Plus The Caravan and Motorhome Club which has more than 200 sites across the UK, has chosen Water Plus as its business water retailer.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club said the people at Water Plus and their knowledge and experience were key factors in their choice of a water retailer.

Water Plus is a joint venture formed by FTSE 100-listed United Utilities and Severn Trent Water. It has the water experts from the two water companies and provides services including billing, meter reading, account management and water efficiency advice for businesses of all sizes.

Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing from the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “As part of our wider work upgrading our facilities across our entire site network, including having wi-fi on every single site by the end of this year, we were looking for a company that can help us be more effective with the water used by our members on the land. Water efficiency and helping the environment, benefitting the great outdoors is something that is close to our hearts and the services and expertise Water Plus offers made them a strong supplier for us.

“We already have facilities for motorhomes to empty their waste and refill with water on almost 90% of the network – and we’re expanding our network, so you’ll have even more inspiring places to go.”

Water Plus now supplies water and wastewater services for the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s sites across the UK. The Caravan and Motorhome Club will now receive one consolidated bill for their 130+ sites in England and 18 in Scotland as a result of working with Water Plus.

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Tony McHardy, Corporate Director at business water retailer Water Plus, said: “The Caravan and Motorhome Club is known for being a pioneer and isn’t scared of innovation. They saw the opportunities that the new water market in England offered along with the benefits around the services we can provide, and took advantage of that. We are delighted the Caravan and Motorhome Club has chosen Water Plus and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with them.

“In our experience, organisations such as the Caravan and Motorhome Club, where they have large sites in many different locations, with complex water and wastewater needs, can benefit from the wide range of services that Water Plus offer such as advice on private network infrastructure, smart metering, water saving devices and our innovative technologies that can help to track water use and identify efficiencies. We also know that savings can be made across all businesses and organisations – from the corner shop, to a school or a large manufacturing business.”

In the new water market in England, which opened at the start of April this year, water wholesale companies – such as Severn Trent and United Utilities – will continue to manage the water supply and wastewater network, but billing and customer services will be provided by a business water retailer such as Water Plus.

Businesses can find out more about the open water market in England and the benefits to businesses at: www.water-plus.co.uk

ISSUE 29 l OCTOBER 2017

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Park News continued

Lee Valley Caravan Park launches new luxury safari tents Lee Valley Caravan Park in Dobbs Weir has launched three brand new luxury safari tents perfect for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors without compromising life's simple pleasures.

The ultimate in luxury glamping, these new tents sleep up to six adults and come equipped with all the home comforts including a small kitchen, tables and chairs, lounge area, separate sleeping areas and electrical hook up.

Located in the picturesque Lee Valley Regional Park, Lee Valley Caravan Park in Dobbs Weir is ideal for families, couples and groups who can enjoy the charming countryside of Hertfordshire and Essex in addition to the hustle and bustle of London, which is less than 50 minutes away.

The caravan park boasts excellent facilities including a well-stocked licensed shop, launderette and children’s play area. There are also miles of cycling and walking routes to be explored as well as angling spots on site for those looking to take up a spot of fishing on the River Lee. Julia Pawass, Manager of Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir commented; “We’ve noticed an increase in demand for our glamping accommodation at the park so we were keen to expand our offering. We’re excited to be launching our brand new luxury safari tents which will take the hassle out of camping and allow guests to relax in style, all while enjoying our open spaces.”

Countrywide Park Homes Moves to Nottingham Following the successful acquisition of six additional luxury parks across the UK, Countrywide Park Homes has moved offices to Nottingham to accommodate its expanding team.

The company has relocated its head office operation to the iconic Rushcliffe Civic Centre in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire from Leicestershire.

The new office overlooks Nottingham’s famous Trent Bridge, sits adjacent to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground and is only two miles from Nottingham city centre.

The location was chosen as, together with providing the much-needed space for a growing team, it provides excellent transport links and is close to a wide range of local amenities.

Nottingham’s central location within the UK is particularly convenient to the national operator, with their parks spread across the length and breadth of the country.

With the business setting its sights on future growth, the area surrounding West Bridgford also offers access to a large catchment area of highly skilled candidates, facilitating the swift recruitment of additional employees when needed.

The company now employs some 25 staff and 20 additional permanent sub contractors. Six members of the team will be based at the office on a permanent basis, with additional staff working there from time to time, as their schedule requires. The chosen space at the Rushcliffe Civic Centre offers the adaptability to accommodate these flexible requirements.

The recent company expansion prompting the move saw the purchase of the business and assets of Lifestyle Living UK Ltd, increased Countrywide Park Homes’s portfolio of luxury parks to 19.

Anthony Barney, owner and chairman at Countrywide Park Homes, said the relocation has put them in a strong position for the future.

“Having recently increased our portfolio of parks by almost 50 per cent, and with even more ambitious plans for the near future, the business needed a larger head office location that also fitted more closely with our commercial aspirations,” he explained.

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ISSUE 29 l OCTOBER 2017

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environmental NEWS Wild time at Lancs park's hands-on nature day conservation and the countryside to members of BH&HPA. Rufus's father, the television botanist David Bellamy, organises an environmental awards scheme for tourism businesses which help to protect the natural world.

Pond-dipping and ways to turn gardens into wildlife wonderlands were on offer at a nature discovery day in August at a Lancaster holiday park The well-attended event at Moss Wood in Cockerham was aimed at youngsters and grown-ups wanting to learn more about rural Lancashire's abundant flora and fauna.

It was declared open by Rufus Bellamy who is the national advisor on

Moss Wood has been presented with the award at its top gold level for twenty consecutive years, recognising its raft of conservation initiatives.

Many of these were on view at the discovery day, including a 1.5km nature discovery trail and a 3000 square-foot wild flower wilderness attracting honey bees and butterflies.

There is also a spring-fed lake at Moss Wood which acts as a magnet for birdlife, dragonflies, water fowl and a host of other

different aquatic species.

It was here that an afternoon of expert-led pond-dipping sessions was held, and children taking part were delighted at what their nets yielded with every trawl.

Youngsters also had the chance to help construct bird boxes, learn how to build a bug hotel, create their own toy bumble bees, and take part in fun competitions.

Information from bodies such as the RSPB and the Wildlife Trust was available to explain how people can identify and help protect the county's native animals, birds and plant-life.

Visit Lancashire also supplied advice on where families can go to and enjoy the region's rich natural heritage, both inland and along the coast.

Red alert as Cumbria park takes on grey squirrels Holidaymakers and residents in South Cumbria are joining forces in a bid to restore red squirrels to an area of the countryside where they once thrived.

The organisers of the initiative, Silverdale holiday park and the charity Westmorland Red Squirrels, hope that their efforts will herald a welcome return of the native reds.

Their campaign was stepped up this summer at a well-attended public meeting at the park where holiday guests and local

people were urged to become intelligence gatherers.

The charity's Bob Cartwright said grey squirrels are the single greatest threat to the red squirrel population, and it was vital to know where the greys were most prolific.

If people on holiday can help pinpoint where they regularly spot grey squirrels, he said, it might be possible to see colonies of reds back within a few years.

Silverdale holiday park has pledged ÂŁ5,000 to help fund the project, and business owner Michael Holgate told the meeting he had a special reason to support the cause.

As a youngster growing up on his family's holiday park, said Michael, he had many treasured memories of spotting red squirrels nesting, feeding and playing in the park's woodland.

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That was 40 years ago, Michael explained, but grey squirrels have since invaded the Silverdale area and robbed the reds of their habitats and food resources.

Thinning the number of greys, said Michael, would create more red habitats and help prevent the spread of the squirrel pox virus which does not affect greys but rapidly kills reds.

Action was needed quickly, he added, as there are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, of which some 5,000 reside in Cumbria, compared with 2.5 million greys nationwide.

Michael added that there were many ways in which holiday guests and local volunteers could make a difference: "As well as reporting grey sightings to the charity, there are other practical measures people can take, such as using squirrelproof bird feeders, and trapping greys in their gardens," he said.

Park News continued

THE ULTIMATE IN 21ST CENTURY CARAVANS TO BE SHOWCASED AT YORKSHIRE DEALERSHIP Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry, the oldest and largest independent retailer of caravans, awnings and leisure accessories in the UK, will be unveiling the much anticipated new

and improved 2018 Bailey Unicorn range by hosting a ‘Unicorn Roadshow’ from the 30th September until 8th October, offering a host of special offers and low rate finance deals rivalling those that are featured at the Caravan Show at the NEC later in the month.

“The new Unicorn range of touring caravans have completely been redesigned and offer a plethora of new features and innovations making them the perfect choice for both couples and families who like to travel in style” said Jon Goulden Chairman Yorkshire Caravans.

“With a stylish new look, upgraded spacious interiors, wireless music

system, USB charging points as well as enhanced security and design features the new range is really exciting. Plus most caravans purchased at the Roadshow will be available before Christmas.”

There are 10 models within the new range offering configuration to suit everyone – four on twin axles, including the first ever family layout six berth, and six on single axles.

Eight of the models, the Seville, Vigo, Cadiz, Valencia, Cabrera, Segovia, Pamplona and Cartagena will be unveiled during the roadshow in the retailer’s indoor showroom.

Two further models; the new twin-axle Barcelona and single-axle Madrid, both with new layouts, will be available later in the year.

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GreenMech Launches Arborist In response to impending changes to emissions legislation, GreenMech have launched the Arborist 150p, a new addition to their popular Arborist range of woodchippers. Shown for the first time at the Arb Show in May, the Arborist 150p offers a cost-effective alternative to diesel powered chippers.

From 2019, Stage V Standards of the European Emission legislation come into effect, which will require all new diesel engines over 19kW (26hp) to include Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) technology. Because of this, it’s likely that the cost of diesel-powered units will increase. However, the new Arborist 150p is fitted with a 37hp Briggs & Straton Petrol engine which can offer almost the same performance as the higher horsepowered diesel engine of the existing Arborist 150, but at a much-reduced cost.

Sales Director, Martin Lucas: “It’s important for us to be continually looking ahead at issues which will affect the industry, and as a consequence our products. The launch of the Arborist 150p has come after many years of research, development and testing. It was vital that we could offer a petrol alternative that did not sacrifice on output or performance. For customers whom diesel remains their preferred choice, we will continue to produce the Arborist 150 fitted with a 26hp diesel engine which, as it stands, meets the new legislation requirements.”

The Arborist 150 has a generous 970 x 790mm in-feed chute to accommodate a 150mm chipping capacity. The 150mm x 230mm letterbox-style in-feed throat opening makes light work of heavily forked branches and as standard comes fitted with GreenMech’s patented Disc-Blade system, giving up to 150 hours of chipping before requiring re-sharpening. Designed particularly for the disposal of waste brash, the Arborist 150 is the top selling chipper in its class in Europe.

LECHUZA appoints new Key Account Manager One of the gardening industry’s most influential people has joined the team at Lechuza – designers of high quality selfwatering plant pots.

Ian Riggs joins Lechuza as a Key Account Manager bringing with him more than 40 years of experience, and he has already kick started his arrival with a visit to gardening show GLEE. Ian brings with him a wealth of knowledge from the gardening industry. From sitting on judging panels to being named as one of the top 50 most influential people in the gardening industry by Horticultural Week, his experience in the industry is extensive.

Ian said: “I’m delighted to be joining such an exciting brand and helping it develop and grow. This is a great challenge to really help this innovative brand thrive in the UK market.”

In his new role at LECHUZA, Ian will be overseeing all interaction with buyers for retailers across the country.

Using his already vast experience, Ian will be growing existing and establishing new relationships with retailers, including premium garden centres and larger independent stores. Within the new position, Ian is also looking to build relationships with commercial growers.

Landscaping news John Deere improves wide area mower Suitable for large-scale commercial mowing operations, John Deere’s new Series III version of the 1600 Turbo WAM out-front rotary mower for the 2018 season is being launched at Saltex 2017 at the NEC, Birmingham in November.

This model now boasts a Stage 5 engine to meet the latest emission standards, together with an improved cooling system for sustained use. It is designed for operator comfort, with a fully adjustable high-backed air suspension seat, and features run-flat castor wheel tyres to

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reduce downtime and increase productivity.

With its 3.25m (128in) overall cutting width, the 1600T WAM offers the ultimate in power, manoeuvrability and traction for commercial mowing contractors, local authorities, golf courses and other public and private institutions. Additional improvements for 2018 include an increase in transport speed to 15mph for extra productivity, and enhanced Service ADVISOR diagnostics for easy maintenance.

Featuring a proven mechanical four-wheel drive system and an 83-litre (18gal) fuel tank, the Series III 1600T wide area mower is powered by a 60hp (44kW) turbocharged Yanmar diesel engine. This is equipped with

electronic engine control and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for lower emissions and improved engine responsiveness. The new engine has a high torque reserve and can produce plenty of power for the toughest conditions.

ISSUE 28 l AUGUST 2017

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Park News continued

Park's bid to make Devon home to tourism Oscar Devon's Beverley Holidays could soon be walking the red carpet in Britain's "tourism Oscars" after learning that it has reached the national finals of the competition.

Contenders for the British Travel Awards, which last year attracted an astounding 1.3 million votes from the public, have now been whittled down to just a handful.

And in the "Best UK Family Holiday/Holiday Park Operator" category, Beverley Holidays of Paignton is one of only seven firms tilting at the top prize.

The outcome will depend on the number of votes cast between now and 30 September, and Beverley has issued a rallying call to its thousands of fans.

If enough click the voting panel on the park's website, it says, South Devon could shortly be home to the UK tourism industry's most prestigious accolade.

Family-run Beverley holidays beat thousands of eligible parks in Britain to make the final seven, and it shares its shortlisting with some of the UK's biggest operators.

Fife park four times a finalist in major awards Staff and managers at a Fife holiday park are celebrating after its customers voted them into not one but four categories of a major tourism award scheme.

It means that Elie Holiday Park, just outside the seaside resort of Elie, could reap a whole raft of top accolades in the upcoming Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards.

Now members of the park team and the business owners, Abbeyford Leisure, must wait until later this autumn to see just what the award judges decide.

Their verdicts will be made known at a glittering gala awards ceremony on 29 October which will be held at Glasgow's Marriott Hotel.

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Bluestone appoints two high-profile non-executive directors Bluestone National Park Resort, the five star holiday resort in Wales, has recruited two high-profile non-executive directors comprising a former Trinity Mirror executive who joins the business as chair and a former senior executive with Microsoft.

Blanche Sainsbury is a former senior executive with Trinity Mirror who will replace Andrew Probert, the former finance director of insurer Admiral, as chair. Probert will continue in the position of nonexecutive director.

Nick Barley’s executive career has spanned 35 years and included CEO, CMO and COO positions at Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett Packard and Computer Associates. He is also the founder of consulting organisation, outcomes, non-executive chairman of eCommerce specialist Netalogue and he holds non-executive director positions at Coachwise and Physical Activity.

Bluestone, which already employs 700 staff, has strengthened its board of directors to help drive a period of growth. It sought directors with specialist experience able to guide it and offer insights on strategic development.

The new recruits will join an existing board comprising: chief executive William McNamara; commercial and operations director Pamela McNamara; finance director Neil Evans; and director of HR Debbie Rainbow.

"You're amazing!" guests tell Devon's Ladram Bay Staff at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon are celebrating after their park was voted by the public as one of Britain's most amazing places to stay for families.

In the "family accommodation" category of the awards, Ladram Bay Holiday Park was voted number seven in the top 25, thanks to the volume of positive feedback it received.

The Budleigh Salterton park, itself family-owned, saw off thousands of competitors to gain a place in TripAdvisor's prestigious "Travellers' Choice Awards 2017".

It trumped even some of the UK's best known names in the holiday parks and hotel industry.

The review website bases its annual list of winners on the verdicts of millions of visitors who rate their experiences at different places to stay.

The vast majority who voted gave the park an "excellent" or "very good" rating, with many making enthusiastic comments about the quality of their stay and the friendliness of staff.

Owners who sub-let now see £5k summer pay-outs People who turn their holiday homes into cash generators during the school summer holidays are now scooping pay-outs of more than £5,500 each.

That's the finding of Park Holidays UK after a recent analysis of earning patterns among customers who sub-let during the season of peak demand.

The group says that many owners let go of just six weeks in July and August to maximise income, and then enjoy well over 40 weeks of their own exclusive use.

But such people aren't necessarily missing out on a summer break, says Park Holidays UK, because what

they earn can more than cover the cost of a holiday abroad.

Others simply prefer to make use of their holiday homes outside the main summer season, and to leave the busier weeks to fun-loving families and children.

Those buying now at the start of the school holidays are likely to see their investment make an immediate return on its sub-letting potential, says Park Holidays UK. They will also be able to take advantage of the group's current Red Ticket sale, which is seeing discounts and incentives across its 27 parks in southern England.

Big buzz at Norfolk park with £1m action plan Norfolk's Searles Leisure Resort says that Brit-loving families have put the park on course for the busiest ever summer in its 50-plus year history.

But although they may be opting for a staycation, Searles reports that guests are doing anything but staying still – thanks to an investment of over £1m in a raft of new activities.

The multi-award winning Hunstanton park says it has met its deadline of having all of the extra facilities up and running by the start of the school holidays.

They include an innovative new indoor "splash zone" with a host of different water play features designed to appeal to young and old alike.

Water zorbing, indoor and outdoor pools, all-weather sports pitches, a gym, fishing, karts, tennis, archery and bowling are already on the park's have-a-go list.

The curtain has also gone up on a new outdoor fitness park for people aged 14-plus which provides an exciting array of gymnastic challenges in the fresh air.

"I think that many people now realise that, compared with going abroad, British park holidays offer great value and a far more relaxing time for the whole family," said Paul.

In addition, and aimed largely at children, Searles has created a play park where the emphasis is on adventure activities in a safe and supervised environment.

"They also gets the thumbs-up from youngsters who like to get their thrills from being active, not lying around under sunshades with nothing to do.

In response to demand from guests, says managing director Paul Searle, the park is now buzzing with more all-action opportunities than ever for families.

"Add to this the rising costs and uncertainties about going overseas, and it's not surprising that tourism experts are predicting a record year for staycations.

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Better together - and why it works so well for parks

When, one March morning last year, Martin Cox was elected president of the body representing Europe's holiday parks, there were congratulations all round from fellow members of countries throughout the EU. The election was held at the federation's general assembly in Portugal, and everyone present was aware that in just a few weeks' time, Britain would be going to the polls in the Brexit referendum.

Martin recalls there being a generally positive expectation about the likely result – but certainly not undiluted confidence: "As we shook hands to say goodbye, many delegates wished us good luck and hoped that at our next meeting it would all be business as usual," he said.

But although the outcome of the referendum came as a shock to many, Martin says that the response from European industry colleagues at the federation's subsequent gathering was anything but downbeat: "In fact, the effect was galvanizing and produced a determination among everyone to work together even more closely in the future," commented Martin. "There was almost a sense that our unity had been strengthened by the result, and that it was now even more crucial for us to carry on working in partnership," he said.

Dorset park group director Martin Cox believes strongly that collaboration remains key to shaping the future for the parks industry and its customers

To Martin, the spirit of co-operation evident among members was a demonstration of one his most closely-held beliefs: that no business or organisation can drive itself forward and achieve its full potential by acting in isolation, and that co-operation will be the most likely way to bring success.

Guiding principle The philosophy has underpinned much of Martin's work over the past three decades in leading the expansion of West Dorset Leisure Holidays (WDLH). He is both a director of the group, and a member of the park owning family which first set out in business over 45 years ago, and which today comprises five highly acclaimed Dorset parks.

Martin's wife Vanessa and the couple's two sons, James and Robert, also play major roles in managing the group. They too, says Martin, share his belief in the principles of collaboration which are put into practice throughout the business.

WDLH, including its flagship Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport, is an active participant in many different tourism and local business bodies across the county.

Indeed, Martin has supported and, on occasions, taken the lead with some of the most influential of these, bringing together different enterprise owners to work for common goals.

They include the West Dorset Holiday Parks Association which promotes the region and operates a successful consumer-facing website (www.mydorsetpark.co.uk). More recently, Martin has taken on the role as director of Destination Dorset, a destination management group uniting private sector firms to help raise the county's profile both nationally and internationally.

His many friends and colleagues were delighted when, two years ago, Martin was presented with a special honour for Outstanding Contributions to Tourism in the

Friends overseas The international parks body of which Martin Cox is president is the European Federation of Campingsite Organisations and Holiday Park Associations (EFCO&HPA). It represents more than 20,000 park business across Europe, and is recognised by all relevant European Institutions. The federation plays an important lobbying role to ensure that the business interests of caravan, camping and holiday parks business are taken into account in European policy. It also assists in driving up sector quality and skills at a pan-European level through the exchange of best practice concepts and the promulgation of ideas for innovation.

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businesses had yet to grasp the full implications of fast-arriving explosion in internet use. Martin, however, sensed that there was indeed a communications revolution in the air, and played a leading role in strengthening the presence of the association's public website (www.ukparks.com), the launch of which he had previously helped oversee.

South West Tourism Excellence Awards. In the same ceremony, Highlands End Holiday Park also took the top gold award.

A glance at WDLH's website reveals many other ways in which Martin extends the principles of engagement to support other Dorset enterprises and organisations. For example, the site is unstinting in providing publicity to other local tourism businesses, including pubs and restaurants which might be seen as competitive to bars and cafes on

the group's own parks.

The company has also won praise for its generous support of local good causes, including the Jurassic Coast Trust to which WDLH, through its customer donation scheme, has donated an astonishing ÂŁ57,000 since 2008.

National recognition But at a national level, it's Martin's long and far-reaching contribution to the parks industry as a whole for which he is bestknown to many people. Much of his work in this sector has been achieved through his involvement with the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

He also triggered a campaign across the industry which provided information and guidance to members on how to harness IT to their own advantage. It was perhaps no coincidence that holiday parks soon afterwards became one of tourism's most active exponents of web-based marketing, leaving many of those in other sectors having to play catch-up.

But it was even before his BH&HPA chairmanship that Martin had recognised the importance of training within the industry. As with new technology, it was a subject whose benefits were initially questioned by some, but Martin's belief in the merits of sharing knowledge convinced him that there were strong reasons why both park owners and employees stood to gain from formal learning programmes.

The organisation embodies Martin's "together is better" ideals for its membership is entirely made up of park business owners and operators – and it is they who determine BH&HPA‘s policies and actions. Its democratic structure also ensures that equal voice is given to the opinions of all members, with the views of a small touring park carrying as much weight at decision level as that of a major operator.

An active participant within his local branch from the outset, Martin soon found himself being invited to join various national committees of the association. In 2003, he was elected as BH&HPA's national chairman and served a two-year term at the helm of the organisation and its 3000 park members.

Although his period in office was barely 15 years ago, it was at a time when many UK

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Skills development Assisted by other like-minded members, he helped to pioneer a raft of new industryspecific NVQ and management qualifications.

They covered a wealth of disciplines from skills training in tasks associated with park maintenance, such as the siting of holiday homes, to more advanced knowledge areas – such as recruitment and marketing – aimed specifically at park business owners and managers.

Martin also helped to create close links between BH&HPA and Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester. This resulted in the development of a new university-level qualification for those within the parks industry, and has since seen many students graduate with foundation degrees in tourism park management.

Feedback from those completing this higher education qualification has been overwhelmingly positive. Their comments about gaining a fresh perspective on park management, learning new practices, and gaining extra confidence in their ability to meet future challenges is exactly what Martin had always hoped would be the empowering legacy of the course.

Kingston Maurward College accorded Martin an honorary lectureship in recognition of his services to industry skills in 2009.

But education about the parks industry is important not just for those within it, says Martin. For many years he has played a key part in the lobbying work of BH&HPA both at home and abroad, informing politicians and other legislators about the important role of the

park's industry in generating wealth and jobs – and of the need for its interests to be protected.

The value of maintaining such links was brought sharply into focus in 2012 when the Chancellor‘s "omni-shambles" budget proposal threatened to impose a 20% VAT levy on static caravans. Martin joined with his industry colleagues in demonstrating to politicians the negative economic implications of the plan on holiday areas such as Dorset, and the policy was reviewed in the industry's favour.

But despite committing often long days – and evenings – to his work on behalf of the sector, Martin says that his greatest pleasure is working with his family in the running of their parks business.

Family favourite There are more than 600 privately owned holiday homes across WDLH's five parks, as well as units for rental, glamping pods, and touring pitches. Dorset, says Martin, has long been a holiday favourite for both younger families and more mature couples, and he believes that the mix of locations and accommodation opportunities his group provides can appeal to all types of guests.

And being able to satisfy such a wide range of different expectations, he says, is one of the enduring strengths of the parks industry: "Whether someone is looking for a few nights camping, or investing tens of thousands in a luxury holiday home, our sector is uniquely positioned to meet their requirements," said Martin. "But what we provide actually goes way beyond just a unit of accommodation. What people want, and what we offer, is an experience to which guests want to return time and time again.

"This is why factors such as hospitality,

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helpful staff and a friendly atmosphere are so crucial. They are not abstract concepts, but the cornerstones on which the opinions of customers are built. If you need evidence of that, just look at how many online customer reviews for any park are focused on how well guests felt they had been treated during their stay.

"I don't think that any park business sees standing still as part of its agenda. Every park owner I know is looking continually at how to evolve his or her business, and to constantly raise the quality bar for their customers.

"One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through engagement with each other, and to share ideas and aspirations. I really do think that the parks industry is unique in the way that its members work together for the common good, and produce benefits that are felt by everyone - not least our customers.

"It's a way of doing business which seems to be reinforced by each new generation taking up the reins of their family-run park. It is also the reason why I believe that the future of this sector will continue to remain in safe hands," added Martin.

booking SYSTEMS Take advantage of changing booking behaviours

in the outdoor holiday market

More than ever holiday makers and family adventurers want to browse for their camping, glamping and park holidays on iPads and smart phones. Not only that, they want to land on a responsive website with engaging copy, gorgeous photography and an online booking system for them to be able to book there and then. No more waiting till reception office hours, no phone calls and no paper booking forms to send in the post with a cheque – that’s so yesterday!

Increasingly, industry data suggests that booking behaviour is changing and that 2017 is the year where we more holiday bookings were made on mobiles and tablets than on home computers.

Consumers are ready to complete their entire ‘search to booking’ journey on their smart phones and outdoor holiday accommodation businesses should be facilitating this shift in booking behaviour to stay ahead, reduce booking turnaways and increase occupancy and revenue.

Join the online revolution! Anytime Booking is here to help you - check them out at www.anytimebooking.co.uk for some of the most feature-rich software for this sector. Supplier to the Caravan & Motorhome Club and hundreds of other

thriving camping, glamping and holiday park businesses, Anytime drives direct bookings to your site, links with a whole host of third party agents so you can sell more holidays, and gives you all the tools you need to manage your site and track performance.

Don’t let your booking process be hard work for your customers. Whether you are migrating from another booking system or just starting out, your business growth will depend on a good user experience and Anytime Booking can help you achieve this.

Visit Anytime Booking on stand 2424 at The Holiday Park Innovation Show, NEC Birmingham, 8 & 9 November 2017

We are expert in supporting the booking behaviours of the outdoor holiday market ★ 24/7 online bookings ★ Choose your sales channels ★ Centralise data ★ Reduce admin ★ Track business performance

See us on Stand 2424 at The Holiday P ark Innovation Show , NE C Birmingham, 8-9 Nov 2017 19/21 Coinagehall Street, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8ER 01326 574660 sales@anytimebooking.co.uk www.anytimebooking.co.uk ISSUE 29 l OCTOBER 2017

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booking SYSTEMS A Cloud Solution Gemapark is a really mature cloud solution offering you the benefits of access from any location, reliable infrastructure and automated backups. Gemapark is able to import customer and booking data from

That Reduces Admin your old systems and get you up and running quickly. This is coupled with full support and training for your staff making the process of moving to the cloud as smooth as possible.

Features such as an interactive chart, check-in dashboard and task lists make managing holiday bookings easy.

Automated emails for balance reminders, welcome and post visit emails, coupled with the ability to take online bookings and online balance payments, greatly reduce booking admin.

GemaPark also provides a comprehensive range of easy to plugin booking widgets or, for the more adventurous, a full booking API. The booking widgets allow you to add an availably search, availability calendars, or park maps from which you can check availability and book to your website. “Adding online bookings to your website can seem like a big step that you never feel comfortable to make, but GemaPark makes the process extremely straight forward,“ says Andy Haslin, Cheverton Copse Holiday Park

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Does your booking system really do everything you want and need?

Now that the summer season is coming to a close, many Parks reflect on how their booking system has coped. If you find that your booking system has not performed as you wanted, leaving you stressed and frustrated then it may be time to consider alternative solutions.

“More and more clients are moving their booking system to CampManager,” says the company’s Marketing Manager Leona Mills.

“It’s not as difficult and time consuming as you may think to switch booking systems and it can bring new opportunities to your business.”

CampManager sets up your pricing each year and works closely with you to ensure the system does everything that you want.

Alan Riddell, Auchenlarie Holiday Park comments, “It was so easy to make the move. Since moving to CampManager our online bookings have massively increased.

The first weekend we went live we had more bookings than we had in the entire month with our previous provider.”

In order to choose the best booking system for your needs, you need to ensure the system provides you with flexibility; from the method of pricing to showing availability for all your different pitch or rental accommodation types at one time. Providing staff and online users with alternative date options ensures that they can see complete availability all from one view.

CampManager optimises bookings by placing them on a back-to-back basis maximising revenue and reducing wasted nights. Prices are calculated instantly based on the party details entered and customers receive personalised booking confirmation emails. Balance reminder emails are sent automatically with a link allowing customers to pay balances online saving you valuable time. CampManager designs your online booking page in the same style

as your website providing a seamless booking process for your customers.

Cost is an important factor but having a system that is simple and easy to use and that really works for your business is more important. “A good booking system will generate considerably more bookings for your business, reduce many office tasks and save you valuable time,” says Niall Norris, CampManager. hello@campmanager.com

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2017 Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Holiday Park & Resort Innovation delivers first-hand the very best in advice, products and services creating an unparalleled opportunity for holiday and leisure entrepreneurs to make the most of their resorts, holiday parks and attractions. Combining world class experts, face-to-face advice, 150 inspirational seminars, 350 leading suppliers, workshops, unrivalled networking and live features all under one roof - these two days are truly unmissable for anyone in this sector!

Whether you’re relatively new in the holiday market and looking for inspiration and advice or an established business looking for new and exciting ways to improve your offering, the event covers everything you need to run your holiday business more efficiently. The industry’s most innovative and influential figures will pass on their peerless knowledge and advice and ultimately help you stand out from the competition and increase your occupancy rates. Frank Finch from the National Caravan Council will provide an insight into the holiday park sector with all the latest tourism statistics whilst Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver from Accessible Derbyshire will cover how to win your share of the £12.1 billion accessible tourism market.

Digital expert Richie Jones will look at how to make your brand stand out and Andrew Baker from Haven’s Hafan y Mor Holiday Park will discuss the latest developments going on in the park.

Join some of the industry’s most progressive and ambitious suppliers and find absolutely everything you need to develop your holiday business whether it’s accommodation, marketing, booking systems, food and drink services, leisure equipment or energy companies. Interact with an audience of over 3,500 visitors who are facing the same challenges and have

made the same decisions you are considering. No other event gathers such a diverse collection of the industry’s most progressive and innovative minds in one venue to exchange the knowledge, ideas, and opportunities that could change your holiday business.

2017 also sees the launch of the Family Attraction Expo running directly alongside, designed as a one-stop-marketplace for an owner or manager of a visitor attraction or tourism enterprise this vibrant and diverse event will open up a host of opportunities to visitors this November. Running alongside again is the Farm Business Innovation Show which took home ‘Best Trade Show of the Year’ at the 2016 UK’s EN Awards.

Register for free tickets to attend on the 8th & 9th November 2017, NEC Birmingham.

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EAG International & VAE 2018 Three Days That Could Transform Your Business On 16th-18th January 2018, members of the parks, attractions and amusement industries will be converging on ExCel London for a unique event. The world-class Docklands venue will be opening its doors to the ninth EAG International & the Visitor Attractions Expo.

EAG International follows a 70-year tradition of an amusements and coin-op show in London at the start of the New Year, while the co-joined VAE was launched in 2015.

VAE was born out of direct approaches from suppliers to the smaller parks, attractions and indoor and outdoor play markets. Show Organiser Karen Cooke explains, “The international theme parks and attractions market is well catered for, with large and successful shows taking place around the world. We were told that many suppliers and

operators wanted a more localised approach, couldn’t always travel overseas for shows, and weren’t necessarily in the market for multi million dollar rides and imagineering services. Our VAE has been to create a more intimate event, strong on networking and focused on new income opportunities.”

The introduction of VAE has dramatically widened the show’s reach with exhibitors and visitors in general agreement that the combined offering is far greater than the sum

of two individual shows:“What is there is what we do. A fine show.”

Jamie Hinds – Managing Director, 1st4 Leisure “Saw the people I needed to see. The Customer Service seminar was great.” Stuart Henry-Warby – Centre Manager, 360 Play/DP Leisure For the convenience of visitors, it’s possible to move freely between the two shows with a single entry badge, available free of charge to trade visitors.

EAG International and VAE’s timing, right at the start of the New Year is perfect for the holiday park proprietor or manager. Visitors can experience and receive advice on the very latest products from more than 150 manufacturers, prior to finalising investment decisions for the forthcoming season. EAG International & VAE’s stature has grown to the point where many manufacturers have selected the show as the European launch venue for new games and products.

EAG’s amusement machine offering can contribute a rich stream of additional revenue to the holiday park environment.

Many parks operate arcades and FEC’s but even outside of these there are significant

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contributions to be had from the latest kiddie rides, prize vendors, redemption games or even a full-scale carnival style skill wall.

Many of the products and prize merchandise at the show will feature the latest licensed entertainment brands for increased appeal and desirability.

In addition to traditional amusements , the holiday park operator can expect to see bingo products, children’s indoor and adventure play, climbing walls, virtual reality, laser tag, bowling, children’s electric vehicles, pedal and petrol powered go karts, plush and prizes, vending and water games.

Of particular interest to many park operators will be a wide selection of change machines and other cash handling and ticketing products. For those operators considering a partial or totally cashless solution, integrated systems with payment via card or wristband will also be on display, along with back-ofhouse reporting and control systems. Some of the systems on show will incorporate access control, thereby eliminating a major headache for some holiday park operators.

A visit to EAG & VAE is a time-efficient way to catch up with the very latest and hottest products available to the leisure operator.

There is, however, much more on offer. The now legendary ‘After Hours at EAG’ networking and social event is attended by

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more than 1,000 visitors and exhibitors, plus many Exhibitors also stage their own events during the show.

A comprehensive and far-reaching seminar programme will also take place over the three days. For 2018, the range of topics to be covered has been widened to reflect changes taking place in the leisure market.

The seminar sessions are free to attend and offer a great way to learn and explore ideas with industry peers.

It would be difficult for any visitor to EAG & VAE not to come away with at lease one product or idea for increasing or protecting revenues whilst improving the guest experience.

At best, that initiative could be transformational for your business!

To take part in this game-changing event visit www.eagexpo.com

With the full Learning LIVE programme set to be revealed in the coming weeks, the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) has released a few teaser seminars. The programme looks set to provide limitless opportunities and inspire and educate visitors from a wide range of sectors within the turfcare industry.

Now in its third year, SALTEX’s free-toattend education programme has gone from strength to strength. Last year, Learning LIVE saw 53 unique seminars, 99 highprofile speakers and many key topical issues explored. For 2017, the programme will follow the same successful format developed over the past two years situated within four purpose-built seminar theatres on the show floor with state-of-the-art sound systems and screens.

Within the theatres a number of influential speakers will be on hand to provide updates and key advice. Mark Pover, facilities investment strategy manager at The Football Association (FA), will be participating in a panel debate entitled ‘Funding the future of natural turf.’ With so much money being invested into artificial turf, SALTEX visitors will have an opportunity to ask the funders if there is a danger of natural turf being left behind.

Commenting on the panel debate, Mark said: "We haven't forgotten the fact that the majority of football matches in this country are played on natural grass. We have just shy of 800 artificial pitches on our 3G register suitable for affiliated matches and we are continuing to invest in these but there are approximately 23,000 natural

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Learning LIVE signals opportunity The SALTEX 2017 free education programme is set to inspire visitors at the NEC on 1 and 2 November. grass pitches. Clearly these are very important, as is the quality, so we will continue to improve and use natural turf pitches to keep people playing and also attract new players.

"We are currently spending two million pounds a year on natural turf pitch improvements and I believe that SALTEX is the ideal place to update the industry so that visitors understand exactly what we are doing and the targets we have set. It is also a good opportunity to address some of the negative rumours that are circulated annually and reinforce our commitment to natural turf."

For those visitors that are looking to progress their career, the ‘Career development’ seminar presented by Steve Chappell, head greenkeeper at the PGA Centenary Golf Course at The Gleneagles Hotel, should not be missed. Steve will be primarily focusing on how volunteering can significantly help improve job prospects.

“The thought process behind the session is to provide a little bit more of an understanding of how volunteering can help improve and embellish your CV,” says

Steve. “It can help you stand out from the crowd and be more employable to a prospective employer.

“The seminar would be beneficial for younger people in the industry, and also maybe for those who feel they have become stuck in a rut. The message behind it all, is to use the opportunities that are out there to develop yourself because it can help you take that next step which will give you that career fulfilment you are looking for.”

Additionally, the seminar ‘Making your move’ will be beneficial in helping a visitor along their career path. Wayne Billing, head groundsman at Northampton Saints RFC; Stuart Kerrison, head groundsman at Essex CCC and Danny Beckley, head of estates and grounds at Harrow School, will all be on hand to reveal the secrets behind making it to the top within their respective fields.

For further inspiration, John Ledwidge will be documenting his rise from starting in an apprentice position through to being the current grounds manager at Leicester City FC in ‘From apprentice to grounds manager’. In a separate seminar John will

also be joined by the rest of his grounds team in a session entitled ‘Building a team for success.’

By attending any of these seminars within the programme, SALTEX visitors have the opportunity to enhance their CV as IOG and Basis CPD points are available for all Learning LIVE sessions. Attendance at the seminars can be recorded by picking up a CPD form from the IOG Hub (Stand C180) and can contribute towards the minimum requirement of 35 hours in 12 months in order to qualify for the IOG’s Certificate of CPD Achievement.

After being motivated by the Learning LIVE seminars, visitors can visit SALTEX 2017’s new feature - the Job Clinic. Located on the IOG Hub, industry expert Frank Newberry will be hosting 15-minute one-to-one sessions covering CV writing to interview techniques. To book an appointment with Frank, visitors are advised to go to the IOG information desk on the IOG Hub as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Located in the centre of the UK, whether you are travelling from overseas or within the UK, the NEC is incredibly easy to get to

The full programme of SALTEX events will be regularly updated via www.iogsaltex.com by car, rail or air. No matter what route you take, one thing is certain - opportunity awaits on November 1 and 2 at SALTEX 2017.

Visitor registration to SALTEX 2017 is free.

To confirm your attendance visit www.iogsaltex.com

Pathfinder Open Weekend Pathfinder Homes, one of the UK’s leading lodge and park home manufacturers have announced the dates of their annual open weekend this year as the 25th and 26th November with a special trade day on Friday 24th November.

This year, the event is set to be bigger than ever; Pathfinder Homes will not only be exhibiting the newest model The Evolution, they will also have four of their best selling homes on display and launching a bespoke Garden Pod.

transferring to this side of the business opportunities are endless and what’s more? Being built by the UK’s leading luxury lodge manufacturer you can be sure of unquestionable quality & innovative design.

Whilst this event marks the end of their ‘Year of Evolution’ it also marks the beginning of a brand new venture Pathfinder Homes are launching their range of Garden Pods, Summer & Out Houses.

With factory tours taking place throughout the day, guests can witness the process of building a luxury park home and lodges from the very beginning.

People considering purchasing a lodge or park home or visitors who have already ordered, even the just plain curious can explore the whole factory, see where ideas are devised, how bases are built, meet who fits the cladding and even see where the tools are stored!

This is a business venture highly anticipated with many enquiries throughout the last few months. The Garden Room on display at the VIP event is architecturally designed to offer a sound and sustainable extension of room to any home. With their bespoke service

Special Trade day on the 24th, 10am – 4pm daily, Sat Nav Postcode: TQ12 6TU.

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The Glamping Show Stamps Its Mark Having now closed the doors on its third-year outing, it is clear the Glamping Show has really stamped its mark on the glamping sector, not just in the UK but worldwide. The 3-day event welcomed suppliers and visitors alike from all corners of the globe as far afield as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Doubling in size since its inception in 2015, this year’s event welcomed over 100 exhibitors showcasing all types of different structures, accessories and services. In fact, everything you need to set-up and run a successful glamping business.

Wayne Clark, from The Septic Tank Store had this to say: “Thursday, the first day of the Glamping Show, was the best day we have ever had at any trade show!”

Galvin Broughton, from ASTECtherm, added: “It’s been breathtakingly amazing. The picture in my head about how good it was going to be was great but then times that by 100 and that’s how good the Glamping Show has been.”

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It was a bit of a soggy start to the show this year but the rain did nothing to deter well over 1,000 visitors on the first day coming through the doors to see what the glamping show had to offer this year followed by many more on days two and three.

New glamping operators visiting the show from the Wye Valley commented: “Our overall impression of the show is really good, there is such a range of different ideas and prices here that we are spoilt for choice. We want to keep our business simple and we have seen several ways that we can achieve that here at the Show.”

In addition to the increased size of the show, the organisers unveiled three new visitor innovations this year; Meet the Experts, Top & Tail Workshops and Design & Styling Demonstrations.

‘Meet the Experts’, sponsored by Success Matters, hosted fifteen sector experts who conducted 20-minute one-to-one meetings with visitors, who wanted to get a better understanding or insight into a particular business challenge. The experts covered a range of topics from social media and marketing through business planning and setting up a glamping site to insurance and planning. The visitor feedback on this new innovation was exceptional, with virtually everyone who took a meeting giving it a 10 out of 10 and saying that they would like to see it run as a regular feature. They all felt it added value to their visit and injected another level to the show.

TV presenter and Upcycler, Max McMurdo of Find it, Fix it, Flog it and Shed of the Year fame, was once again in attendance, presenting seminars over two days of the show to captivated audiences talking about upcycled design and how to make the most of small spaces. On walking around the show in between times he marvelled at how the show has grown in breadth and diversity as well as size compared with what was on offer just this time last year.

Also new to the Glamping Show this year were the top and tail workshops hosted by glamping consultant, Kate Morel, and aimed at new business owners who were looking to get the most out of their trip to the Glamping Show. For the first hour of the show Kate helped 20 delegates to identify what their business objectives were and then set an itinerary for the day, providing a debrief session at the end of the day to consolidate learnings. Again, these workshops were very well received by all who attended, giving delegates a real focus for their visit to the Glamping Show.

point of view but also that of a future glamping site owner. Speaking to visitors who attended my seminars and ‘Meet the Experts’ sessions, I found a lot of people had returned to the show after attending last year and the year before, some of whom are well established site owners, as they still found the show added value to their businesses.

One gentleman I spoke to has run an established glamping site for the last four years but still spent two days at the Glamping Show this year to make sure he got around everything. Now that is testament to how good the show is and the value it provides for its visitors."

Max commented: “I got to the end of the first day at the Glamping Show and I was shattered. It’s twice as big as last year and nobody told me! I spoke to so many exhibitors and picked up leaflets on everything from solar panels and battery packs to yurts, tents and wooden structures.

This show is awesome!”

Saturday saw yet another new feature to the show when Nikkita Palmer Designs ran a series of design and styling demonstrations throughout the day. For those visitors who were looking to enhance or put the finishing touches to their glamping offering, Nikkita provided some exceptional insight and knowledge in to how to create stylish interior themes to project the perfect image.

The seminar programme, which presented a wide variety of topics that applied to both new and established glamping operators, was as popular as ever with many presentations having standing room only.

However, the new floor layout with the seminar theatres situated in an open plan design in each corner of the exhibition hall made them much more accessible and an integrated part of the show adding to the superb atmosphere of the show.

Sarah Orchard, of Orchard Associates, commented: "I felt the show had really moved up a gear this year; it was fantastic; not only from a marketing professional's

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PARK IMPROVEMENTS

CPES Ltd innovative new products for Electric Vehicle Charging As the number of electric vehicles on UK roads rapidly increases, EV charging becomes an ever more important aspect of car ownership.

The government has committed itself to the EV revolution and has suggested the end of the internal combustion engine by 2040.

Increasing numbers of electric vehicles are now towed behind motorhomes to destinations throughout the UK, all requiring access to charge points. You have probably witnessed this either on your park or as you have been on your travels. Is your park prepared for the challenges that this will create?

CPES Ltd has a range of products available to suit all requirements and budgets from their e-Charge range of wall or post mounted

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enclosures to bollards incorporating pre-payment systems. The range includes trickle charge, fast charge or rapid charge versions The entry level e-Charge incorporates key switch security to give you control of availability. This can be ‘stand-alone’ or linked from your holiday home supplies. Upgrade options are available to restrict the hours the eCharge can operate thus allowing charging to only take place overnight when the demand on your parks electricity supply is lower.

The e-Charge NB bollard is built around the companies top selling touring bollard and is available in a range of colours and finishes including aluminium and stainless steel. Payment options are available including coin, token or via a payment portal. cpes.co.uk

SPATEX is a shop window on all that is new and happening in hot tubs, swimming pools, spas, saunas, enclosures, steam rooms, indeed everything under the wet leisure umbrella. SPATEX has the lot – whether it’s an individual hot tub for a chalet or a large ten-person commercial spa, you can be sure to find it at SPATEX 2018.

With 100 plus exhibitors, both national and international, SPATEX is a glittering showcase of all that is new in this sector.

With the industry’s experts, all under one roof, it’s the place to free and impartial seek advice on a project or problem or to source energy saving products.

The exhibition is also a unique platform for free professional training and education and repeating the now tried and tested formula, a double seminar and workshop programme will run on all three days of the show with the emphasis on holiday parks and the commercial sector. Admission is free and CPD points are available for attendees. Whether your interest is in water treatment or testing, commercial pool operation, fitting covers, servicing heat pumps, tiling, construction, servicing or maintenance, SPATEX Workshops promise to extend your knowledge. There will also be sessions on new Standards and Guidance that affect all those who operate water leisure facilities. On Thursday 1st February, a special Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) will be held in which the world’s leading authority on Cryptosporidium, Professor Rachel Chalmers, will be giving a talk.

The seminar programme will also cover Legionnaires’ Disease and the steps required to prevent, detect and combat this silent killer. It only takes one bad outbreak to completely destroy a business.

Each year, SPATEX, attracts a high level of visitors, and it’s essential for anyone involved in the provision or operation of water leisure facilities.

SPATEX 2018

is a game changer Wellness is big business and the addition of a good water leisure facility in a holiday park draws customers like nothing else and is essential for repeat business. Which is why the UK’s only dedicated water leisure Exhibition, SPATEX 2018, at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena (Tuesday January 30th to Thursday February 1st) is a must-attend for all holiday parks operators and owners.

SPATEX has the answers Whether you’re looking to dip your toe in the water or enter the world of wet leisure for the first time, SPATEX is your starting point.

Situated on the English Riviera, Hoburne Devon Bay Holiday Park was able to find a simple, economical and fast solution to an on-going increasingly serious problem - a leaking swimming pool and toddler’s paddling pool. SPATEX exhibitor, Certikin International had the cure with on-site lining.

Offering sterling service for nigh on forty years, Hoburne’s main swimming pool (24m by 10m) and toddler’s paddling pool (5m sq) had long since seen better days and was in need of a thorough refurbishment and some TLC. Starting out in life as a tiled pool, it had at some point in its long history been fiberglass-lined but was now leaking badly and in dire need of repair.

Hey presto! Our on-site lining team took just under two weeks to transform the tired, leaking pools into shining examples of what a holiday park pool should look like and that is inviting… come rain or shine!

Visitor registration is free and simple at www.spatex.co.uk The Ericsson Exhibition Hall at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena is super easy to get to - just 500 yards off the M6 and within two hours commuting time of 75 per cent of the population - and offers 2,000 free on-site car parking spaces.

SPATEX 2018 - Tuesday January 30th to Thursday February 1st - The Ericcson Exhibition Hall, Ricoh Arena, Coventry CV6 6GE. To avoid disappointment, book your stand now Michele or Helen Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558 helen@spatex.co.uk michele@spatex.co.uk www.spatex.co.uk

Enter Torbay-based pool dealer, RS Pools Ltd whose MD, Robin Simpson, without hesitation recommended Certikin’s on-site lining. “On-site lining was the most efficient way to fully waterproof the pools and meet the holiday park’s brief for a speedy and fuss-free solution,” says Robin.

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PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Play Feature Transformation at Searles Leisure Resort Hippo Leisure recently installed a Play Platform and Splash Zone inside a new indoor pool at Searles Leisure Resort.

The highly interactive water play features encourage water confidence in all children, regardless of age or ability. It also increases the active fun appeal of the resort to children, making it an all year around leisure destination for both local families and holiday makers.

The two-tier Play Platform incorporates a twin lane multi-slide with aquacatch which children love racing down to see who can exit the pool first!

The outside of the Platform houses a spray rail which sprays an arch of water over children playing in the pool below it. Children love controlling the flow of the water by covering the jets up. A tipping trough has also be positioned at handrail height on the outside of the platform and tips and drenches the children below with water once it is full!

The Play Platform features aquatic themed outside walls which provides visual stimulation for children playing around it.

The Splash Zone is situated in the pool next to the Play Platform. It’s centre piece is a Waterball which includes low level water wheels, fill n’spill buckets and water cannon jets for toddlers and and less water confident children.

One of the water cannons gently dispurses water into 2 water channels, which feature paddles allowing children to guide the stream of the water through them and back into the pool.

The Waterball has a Mast with 3 interactive arms (shark shower, waterwheel and tipping bucket) which provide high level fun for older children who like to anticipate when they will be showered,

sprayed or soaked with water! A span pipe which houses more tipping buckets and waterwheels, joins the Waterball Mast to a second Mast. The second Mast has 2 shark shower arms and a spray rail arm. The Mast is topped with a large tipping bucket and splash board for extra excitement.

A set of Splash Toys complete the fun. A spray hoop creates a gentle water curtain effect that children pass under and a water web allows water to jet out of the top creating a web effect. Children have fun playing with the water flow on both of these features.

Finally there is an under the sea themed toddler slide which features a tactile aquatic design with mirrors and moving elements to bring a unique element of play to a traditional slide.

Paul Searle, Managing Director at Searles Leisure Resort comments: ”We are very pleased with the bright and vibrant play features Hippo have installed and look forward to seeing our visitors enjoying them throughout the summer. The features will help to enhance the active fun appeal of the resort and encourage families to return year after year”. www.hippoleisure.com

New waste management servicelaunched for holiday resorts sector A free waste management service that aims to get more holiday resorts to recognise the cost and environmental benefits of baling and compacting waste is being launched.

Wastesaving Audit is being launched by phs Wastekit, one of the biggest divisions in the phs Group and a key player in the UK’s waste management market.

The service includes a free site survey to review businesses’ current waste management practices, a bespoke consultation to advise on where cost savings can be made and a free trial of a baler or compactor machine, plus training in how to use it. It’s the most comprehensive free audit with no obligation currently on offer in the waste management sector.

“It’s surprising how many businesses are still unaware of the huge cost reductions that they can make using a baler or compactor machine,” said Joe Roberts, managing director of phs Wastekit. “That’s why we felt compelled to do something to open their eyes to the savings and created the Wastesaving Audit.

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www. holidayparksmanagement.com WWW. holidayparksMANAGEMENT.COM

PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Junior Driving School Cards Edutainment at its Best World of Rides, leading UK manufacturers and distributors of children’s amusement rides for nearly five decades, have launched their new ‘Parent & Child’ Junior Driving School Cars, to allow Farm Parks and Holiday Parks to be able to influence the world of children’s road safety education – as well as providing a colourful, popular, and very profitable new attraction for their parks.

The side-by-side, twin-seat Junior Driving School cars are fitted with a full dashboard, complete with ignition key, and have fully-operational seat belts, horn, head lights, direction indicators, accelerator and brake pedal with brake lights; as well as having a reverse gear, and

can be driven around a street-patterned track, where, depending upon the operator’s imagination and budget, children can experience the feeling of driving on the open road.

“Our main purpose is to edutain children in road safety …with lots of learning through fun," said World of Rides spokesperson Andrew Robinson.

However, Local Authorities, Schools and Education Authorities, and Police Forces, have all shown great interest in using such facilities, to ensure that younger children are made fully aware of all the dangers on our roads, before they ever reach adulthood.

The constantly increasing number of road users in the future, with all the safety implications that this creates for younger children, is a social concern that requires continuous monitoring, and the provision

of a Junior Driving School helps to adjust the safety measures required to address this situation, as well as to prepare them for the much more stringent driving licence requirements in the future.

Parks can organise pre-driving classroom based Highway Code learning sessions, a hands-on driving lesson, and at the end of the lesson, children can be given their very own special driving license and a copy of the Highway Code.

The cars can either be coin-operated or supervisor-operated by remote control, and they can all be viewed on their website: www.worldofrides.com

Global Play is Child’s Play with SPI SPI Global Play Ltd is part of the Global Leisure Group of companies. SPI have been manufacturing and designing soft play since 1972 in the UK. The company has grown and diversified to keep one step ahead of Industry trends. SPI are market leaders within Concept Development and manufacture. Their reputation for perfection and quality ensures customers are never disappointed.

From planning and design, stunning theming and decoration, precise production and installation through to professional aftercare and maintenance, The Global Leisure Group has all your needs covered.

With a reputation for quality and innovation, SPI design exciting new and creative concepts every day. The company takes great pride in its “Balers and compactors will - without exception - save businesses up to 90% of their waste disposal costs, which will have a huge impact on their bottom line. The machines work by reducing the volume of general and recyclable waste by compacting it down and baling it, which means businesses can dramatically reduce the number of waste collections they need to pay for.

“A lot of businesses also don’t realise that

products and professional approach. At every stage of the process they aim to exceed customers’ expectations. SPI Family Entertainment Centres span the globe, with millions of children visiting their sites each year. www.spiglobalplay.com

they can actually make money from baled recyclables like cardboard and plastic. Selling baled recyclables to recycling companies can generate a whole new revenue stream for them and reduce their landfill tax bill. We work with many businesses to ensure they make the most of that opportunity,” added Joe Roberts.

Standard landfill taxes will rise to £88.95 per tonne in April 2018 and the latest figures suggest that UK commercial businesses are

still producing around 15 million tonnes of waste per year* phs Wastekit is a leading expert in waste management and has been providing high quality baler and compactor machines, as well as servicing, maintenance and accessories suitable for all machine types, for over 35 years.

To arrange a free Wastesaving Audit visit www.phswastekit.co.uk

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