Holiday parks Management February 2018

Holiday Parks Management

tHe UltiMate sUPPliers gUide for Holiday Parks, caravan Parks and caMPsites

february 2018 • Issue 31

ROLL WITH IT! New Year New ideas

Pools & SPAS

EAG/VAE SHOW REVIEW

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Holiday Parks

Management

What’s in this issue?

I am loving the main picture on the cover of this month’s magazine. It is of Away Resorts’ newest accommodation, aptly named The Rockstar! Forget apologetic magnolia paintwork designed not to offend anyone - this sticks up two fingers at conventional holiday park home design and will appeal to a whole new demographic.

In this month’s issue we have an interview with Michael Ward who is the owner of Merlewood Holiday Park in the North West. Michael comes from a background in residential parks – he has four – but he is managing to combine both sides of the business with facilties such as a state of the art leisure centre, which are open to both residents and holiday makers.

Michael has an expression – “business is like being in a team of huskies – if you are not in the front then the view never changes.” Think about it!

h p e t S

04 Industry news

30 ground maintenance

19

33

Michael Ward interview

24 bathrooms

27

products

36 EAG and Visitor

Attraction Expo report

pools and spas

Next issue features include: I planting

Kathryn sales

I insurance

I outdoor play

Published by: Upgrade Publishing Ltd. t: 07887 928819. Registered Business: 47 Oliver Close, London, W4 3RL Other Publications: International Glamping Business - www.glampingbusiness.com Publisher: Upgrade Publishing Ltd. Steph Curtis-Raleigh e: steph@upgradepublishing.com Editor: Steph Curtis-Raleigh t: 07887 928819 e: steph@upgradepublishing.com Sales: Kathryn Kelly t: + 44 (0) 7575 408580 e: kath@upgradepublishing.com Design: Dean Coulter, Design on Tap www.designontap.co.uk www.holididayparksmanagement.com Other Events: The Glamping Show - www.glampingshow.com © Upgrade Publishing 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.

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parkNews Holiday parks "vital" to scottish tourism, says minister

Scottish tourism minister Fiona Hyslop MSP told holiday park owners meeting in Edinburgh recently that their businesses are a vital component of the country's tourism industry.

The minister made her remarks at November's annual conference of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association Scotland which was held at the city's Our Dynamic Earth.

Fiona Hyslop, who is cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, was welcomed as chief guest speaker at the conference by Scottish association chairman Colin Fraser.

The event was attended by delegates from many of Scotland's 200-plus park businesses which offer holiday options from camping and glamping to luxury lodges to rent and own.

Mr Fraser, an Aberdeenshire parks owner, said his association has long worked closely with the Scottish Government on a range of issues, and welcomed the support it has received.

In her address to delegates, Fiona Hyslop said that her department recognises the important role played by parks in producing visitor income and sustaining employment:

"Holiday parks offer visitors to Scotland both great value and a wide range of high quality accommodation options, as well as helping to sustain employment in some of our most remote and rural areas," she said.

"With Scotland voted the world's most beautiful country by readers of Rough Guide, there are even more reasons than ever to enjoy a holiday here.

"I have no doubt that our holiday parks will respond to Scotland's growing popularity as a visitor destination, and continue to play a vital role in the success of Scottish tourism," Fiona Hyslop added.

Fiona Hyslop was speaking at the start of the conference's day-long programme which also included talks from senior figures on a range of subjects related to the industry.

They included new and upcoming changes to statutes and regulations, many designed to provide enhanced consumer protection and which have been welcomed by the parks sector.

Delegates also heard about protecting their businesses from cyber-attacks, marketing to younger customers, succession planning, and issues concerning tax and insurance.

Director general of BH&HPA, Ros Pritchard OBE, outlined how the 3000-member strong association currently engages with politicians on matters affecting park businesses.

Running parallel to the conference was an exhibition featuring the suppliers of goods and services to Scottish parks, the majority of which are family owned and managed.

Fiona Hyslop MSP (centre) is welcomed to the conference by director general of BH&HPA, Ros Pritchard OBE, and retiring chairman of BH&HPA Scotland Colin Fraser

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Double success for Parkdean Resorts at British Travel Awards

In conclusion, Colin Fraser said the Scottish parks industry remained "robust and ambitious", and was looking forward to another busy year welcoming visitors from the UK and overseas.

Parkdean Resorts is celebrating winning big at the British Travel Awards, taking away two gold trophies.

The prestigious ceremony held in London at the end of last year, saw the company win the highest accolade in the Best UK Family Holiday Parks Operator and Best Camping & Mobile Holiday Company categories.

Taking place in Battersea Park with a winter wonderland theme, the British Travel Awards is seen as the “Oscars” of the travel sphere and a highlight in the calendar for travel and leisure industry professionals.

The awards recognise the performance of travel, leisure and visitor attraction providers, and are voted for by consumers, with over 750,000 cast this year.

Chief executive at Parkdean Resorts John Waterworth said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised in the British Travel Awards once more, holding onto our gold status in the Best UK Family Holiday Parks Operator and Best Camping & Mobile Holiday Company categories. These awards are extra special as they have been voted for by consumers, including those who have enjoyed holidays with us.”

Parkdean Resorts has over 70 holiday parks throughout the UK, ideal for short breaks or longer stays, including some with holiday home ownership opportunities.

parkNews

New owner for Lincs park with grown-up appeal

Couples in search of child-free holidays can now stay on an "adults only" touring park which has been newly acquired by one of Lincolnshire's long-established family businesses.

Cherry Tree Springs near the coastal village of Sutton-on-Sea has joined Springs Holiday Estates which is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

The group now comprises five holiday parks and one residential park all based in Lincolnshire and established almost half a century ago. But whilst their other holiday parks welcome guests of all ages, Cherry Tree Springs is the only one promising that stays won't be accompanied by the patter of tiny feet.

General manager of the group, Mick Wright, says the park has won a large and loyal following by appealing to couples seeking a totally grown-up holiday experience. He says that Cherry Tree Springs' customer base includes teachers and child care professionals

who are happier not being reminded of their jobs when they go on holiday.

The park also has a growing appeal to young professionals and older couples whose notion of holiday heaven doesn't necessarily involve playgrounds and boisterous ball games.

Set in tranquil countryside and just a short walk along a coastal path to the area's extensive sandy beaches, Cherry Tree Springs had also been run by a family enterprise until recently.

It has been a child-free environment for over 25 years, accepting bookings only from people aged 18-plus for its touring caravan and motorhome pitches.

There is though, says Mick, a wide age spectrum amongst its adult guests: "It's not uncommon on the park to meet both younger couples who have hired a motorhome, and older guests who have been returning here for years with a touring caravan," he said.

"Many work in occupations which involve

children, and they tell us that coming to Cherry Tree Springs is the one way they can guarantee a total switch-off when they escape for a holiday. Being set in a lovely but uncrowded location on the coast means that the park can provide exactly the sort of peace and quiet which people come here to enjoy," added Mick.

But far from being anti-children, he says, Springs Holiday Estates provides a big welcome to youngsters at its other four wellreviewed holiday parks in Lincolnshire.

Here there are opportunities not only for touring, but also for renting and owning leisure holiday homes in locations on or near the coast. In fact, says Mick, the family who own the group have relied on their own children to carry the business forward over the past 50 years.

Now closed for the season, Cherry Tree Springs will benefit from maintenance and upgrading work over winter in readiness for its re-opening next March.

Glastonbury touring park is tops – and so is tara!

Glastonbury's Old Oaks Touring Park has been named by the AA as England's top destination for campers, glampers, caravanners and motorhome owners. The family business took the overall Campsite of the Year title in the AA's 2017/18 Caravan and Camping Awards.

Given out to only a small elite of its highest rated parks following a rigorous inspection regime, it distinguishes those which provide outstanding levels of excellence. 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.

But that wasn't the end of the park's glittering awards in 2017, for it also achieved a rare fivestar gold grade from national tourist board VisitEngland.

The end of the season also saw honours for Tara White who, with her husband James, manages Old Oaks, based near the iconic Glastonbury Tor in the village of Wick. Tara received two top awards when she graduated this autumn with a foundation degree in Tourism Parks Management. She received Best Student Awards from both Bournemouth University and Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester.

Old Oaks has been in the same family's ownership for over 30 years, and is designated for adults only. As well as touring pitches, the park has now introduced a number of innovative glamping options. They include luxury shepherd's huts

The accolade followed another award earlier in the year from the organisation: the coveted AA Gold Pennant.

The raft of awards received this year, says Tara, has topped off the park's busiest season to date which saw it welcome guests from across

the UK and overseas: "Although these awards look at the quality of our park's facilities, they also put a big emphasis on the standards of hospitality we supply," said Tara. "Our aim has always been to create a warm and friendly atmosphere for guests, so it's great to receive these independent endorsements for our efforts. A highlight for me was graduating from my university course which, as it was parttime, required me to put in many hours of study and tutorials whilst co-managing the park. But it was a fantastic learning experience from which the business is already benefiting – and the best student awards really came as the icing on the cake!" added Tara.

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parkNews

Local home manufacturer Pathfinder Homes have invited Blundell’s Senior School to be involved in their latest campaign been some incredible ideas, amazing creativity and resourcefulness demonstrated; many, of which I’m envious that I didn’t think of myself! The idea of this project was not just to bring a breath of fresh air to our design but to uncover some architectural brilliance and strengthen our relationships with local organisations. This campaign has ticked every box.”

Leading in innovation, Pathfinder Homes have an unrivalled reputation for groundbreaking design, and pioneering hand crafted techniques. Their recent quest to reinvent the industry has led to them to join forces with local Senior School Blundell’s; renowned for outstanding academic achievements and excellent facilities. The two local organisations, with their shared passion for inspiring a better way of living, are combining their expertise. This is the commencement of something very, very special.

Managing Director of Pathfinder Homes, Bruce MacDonald, along with their in house creative team presented to the Design & Technology scholars at the Tiverton based campus in September. Offering an open and subjective brief, they asked the students to be creative and develop a home design of their very own, highlighting the imagination the Pathfinder Homes culture breathes.

Whilst its sounds pretty simple, there was one small clause... the project had to comply with residential standards set out by the National Caravan Council – BS3632:2015.

This project provided the Design & Technology enterprise of Blundell’s School an opportunity to be involved in a live business, understand the constraints, seek out potential complications and provide effective solutions. Mr Wheatley, Head of Design & Technology, said, “The first-hand insight Pathfinder Homes gave the pupils about the materials, manufacturing methods and key design issues gave them a great kick start on the unique project. The students were inspired from the beginning and went on to create some fantastic, practical designs.”

In December, both organisations regrouped for the pupils to present their projects.

Students created hand sketched portfolio folders, Computer Aided Design Drawings and 3D Models all to scale to wow Pathfinder Homes Managing Director, Bruce MacDonald.

With extended living spaces, interactive bars, modular building designs, temporary housing solutions and even an underground wine cellar, Bruce MacDonald was indeed a little more than impressed. “There have

In April 2012 the UKCES (UK Commission for Employment & Skills) published a report relating to the relationship with Business & Schools highlighting the need to ‘bridge the gap’ between education and skills desired by employers and enhancing the school experience. Research indicated that if the two organisations can work together in harmony this not only enriches the educational experience and benefits the business directly. It can also reach further into the local community and provide further support within the UK’s home grown talent.

Careful not to give any genius design ideas away, Pathfinder Homes have hinted that, hand in hand with the students, some of the ideas will be used in upcoming designs. The Devon based manufacturer is eager to make this an annual tradition and is already in discussion about next year’s project.

Winners and runners up will be announced in the coming weeks and all participants will be invited to carry out an enriched and invaluable week of work experience within the creative department of the UK’s leading luxury lodge manufacturer.

Bruce MacDonald went on to say “Linking schools and communities is fundamental in today’s society and local businesses have a responsibility to lead. I believe it’s important to remove barriers and challenges and replace them with sustainable opportunity and exciting prospects, we need to work together to manufacture the future and inviting students to build an awareness of the real world of work is just the beginning.”

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parkNews Devon park treads red carpet in "holiday Oscars" Well over half a million votes were cast – and it's now revealed that Devon's Beverley Holidays is officially one of the top three destinations for park holidays in Britain.

The verdict of UK families was announced at the 2017 British Travel Awards this winter when the Paignton park scooped a bronze accolade in the contest.

It beat thousands of other eligible parks to take a place in the final line-up of tourism super-stars competing in the "Best UK Family Holiday/Holiday Park Operator" category.

Members of family-owned Beverley stepped into the spotlight to receive their award at a high-profile winter wonderland gala night staged at London's Battersea Park.

Known as the "holiday Oscars", the British Travel Awards attract hundreds of thousands of votes each year from people who provide feedback on their experiences.

Gold crowns Exmoor park's celebration year

Director and third generation Beverley Holidays owner Nicola Furneaux said: "We are all incredibly proud to have taken a top place in this competition. Knowing that this prestigious award has been voted for by our guests makes it especially touching, and we owe a huge thank-you to everyone who helped us walk the red carpet.

“Next year sees our holiday park celebrate its diamond anniversary as we move into our sixtieth year of welcoming guests to the English Riviera. This award is confirmation that our commitment to providing the best possible holiday experience for families is as strong now as it was six decades ago," added Nicola.

Tourism Excellence Awards in February – and could even compete in the national VisitEngland finals later next year.

November's accolade crowns a year of prestigious award successes for Lynette and Jamie Cook who, with Jamie's parents, are Waterrow's owners.

The husband-and-wife team quit their successful careers in IT and customer services five years ago to take on the tranquil picture-postcard park on the fringes of Exmoor.

As keen caravanners themselves, the couple saw Waterrow as a chance to create the type of ideal surroundings which they sought out for their own holiday breaks.

A year of award celebrations at Exmoor's Waterrow Touring Park has come to a golden conclusion for its family owners with the scooping of a major tourism honour.

They have put a special emphasis on caring for the park's natural environment – and earlier this year were named as winners of the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.

The business, based in Wiveliscombe, has been named as the overall gold winner in the camping and caravanning category of the 2017 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.

A raft of wildlife-friendly features at Waterrow help attract otters, deer, owls and many other bird species – plus butterflies and honey bees drawn to the pollen-rich wild flowers in the grounds.

Judges announced their decision at a glittering awards ceremony in November at Somerset County Cricket Club, attended by senior tourism figures from throughout the region.

The year continued to glisten for the family after they learned that the AA had awarded Waterrow its maximum gold five-pennant award for the quality of its facilities. In addition, the park maintained its top fivestar status with VisitEngland, and was presented with a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for its consistently glowing reviews.

Waterrow will now be fast-tracked into the finals of the South West

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parkNews Cumbria parks' loo-aid bid is flushed with success Toilets at a Cumbria holiday park group are being twinned with loos overseas in an effort to help desperately poor communities fight ill health.

But even before the block opens next spring, its loos will join others in the business which are twinned with new toilets benefitting impoverished villagers.

Holgates holiday parks in south Cumbria has started pairing off its toilets with latrines across the world which are being built with sponsorship provided by the business.

The relief programme with which Holgates is partnering works in countries such as Afghanistan, Congo, Honduras, Cambodia, Malawi, and Liberia.

The toilets will help bring improved hygiene and safety to people in mainly African villages who previously had no access to clean water and proper facilities.

Framed photographs of the actual toilets with which the group's loos are twinned are displayed at the parks, and business owner Michael Holgate hopes this may inspire a chain reaction:

Three loos have already been twinned via an international aid body, and more are in prospect as new toilets are built this winter at the group's flagship Silverdale Holiday Park.

It hopes that the new amenity block will even trump the high standards of the building it replaces, and which won a top platinum prize in the Loo of the Year awards.

"Bad sanitation is one of the world's biggest killers, and more than three billion people across the globe don't have a safe place to go to the toilet.

"It hits children, the elderly, and sick people the hardest – and there are special risks for women in Africa who are at risk of assault or being bitten by snakes in the open.

"Some customers have already asked if it's possible to twin their smallest room at home with a loo overseas, and we're delighted to tell them how it's possible," said Michael.

"We're very proud to be able to add this cause to the various charities we support," added Michael.

"The idea of helping to bring proper toilet facilities and fresh water to extremely poor people in this way has captured many people's imaginations.

Family-owned Holgates last year marked its sixtieth anniversary, and comprises six toprated parks providing holiday home sales and rentals, glamping, and touring facilities.

At Ashbourne Heights in the Peak District, the company is adding new holiday caravans and safari lodge tents with hot tubs, toilets and showers, as part of a £100,000 accommodation development.

Bridge Leisure Announces £1 million investment progamme for UK Parks Following a year of record holiday bookings, the Bridge Leisure Park group has revealed a £1 million programme of developments at its eight holiday parks across the UK. In Cornwall, Bridge is investing almost £200,000 at its newest holiday park Hengar Manor, with the bulk of the spend going towards new holiday caravan accommodation.

At Trevella Park near Newquay, the group is

devoting more than £150,000 to new caravans and two-floor safari lodge tents, which are the latest addition to the park’s popular glamping village.

Across the border at Hedley Wood in Devon, more than £200,000 is being spent on additional self-catering caravans, new top-ofthe-range ensuite touring pitches with private showers and toilets, and introducing glamping for the first time with safari tents and two-floor safari lodge tents.

Sand le Mere Holiday Village on the East Yorkshire coast has received more than £10 million of investment over the past six years, with a further spend of £100,000 in place for new caravans and refurbished touring facilities in 2018.

Andrew Howe, Bridge Leisure Chief Executive says: “We are thrilled to be launching this significant plan of development across our parks in 2018.

“In addition to adding new accommodation options, we will continue our exciting programme of team development, with every Bridge employee receiving our tailor-made HEARTS training and up to 30 people taking part in our MINDS coaching programme, which will continue to develop the Bridge Leisure stars of the future.”

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parkNews One of Cornwall's most picturesque parks has entered its golden anniversary year with a gold award as the county's top destination for camping and caravan holidays.

Polmanter Touring Park in St Ives was named this winter as the overall category winner in the Cornwall Tourism Awards by judges in the closely-fought contest.

Now the park, owned by the Osborne family for almost half a century, has also been confirmed as a finalist in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February This next stage of the competition comes at the start of a landmark year for Polmanter which first welcomed holiday guests back in in 1968.

It was then that dairy farmers John and Sheena Osborne began allowing campers to pitch up on one of their pastures with spectacular views along the Cornish coast.

Word about the breathtaking setting and friendly West Country welcome soon spread,

Cornwall park goes gold in celebration year

and John and Sheena quickly found their holiday business rivalling the farm enterprise.

They took the decision to develop Polmanter as a prime destination for Cornwall lovers seeking a firstclass setting for their stays, gradually adding new family-friendly facilities.

Today it still provides the same iconic views – but with features such as a heated outdoor pool, a luxurious spa, tennis court, play areas, and a shop with Cornish food and drink specialities.

Local produce, freshly prepared, is also a highlight on the menu of the park's snug Stable Bar which occupies the farm's former milking parlour.

away Resorts launches the Rockstar Pioneering UK holiday park operator Away Resorts has done it again: kicking off 2018 with the launch of an innovative new accommodation option that gives its guests the ultimate rock ‘n roll treatment.

The Rockstar accommodation - the first of its type in the UK - takes its inspiration from great British rock music, paying homage to our country’s best and biggest rock legends with an interior décor that’s part country chic, part Brit-cool, and part punk.

With more rebellious style than The Clash, it’s a bit glam, a bit anarchic, a bit edgy, but with soft, plush furnishings, being cool doesn’t mean a compromise on comfort. The Rockstar comes after the huge success last year of Tribeca, a revolutionary new caravan for the modern family of today, designed by Away Resorts for its UK parks.

Following the Tribeca’s popularity, work on the Rockstar began. Designed for incredibly indulgent getaways by holiday home design experts, ABI Holiday Homes, the Rockstar was the result of following a brief to create

something inspired by British music, that’s both ‘bonkers and British’.

Away Resorts managing director Carl Castledine, says: “Imagine that Vivienne Westwood and the Rolling Stones designed a caravan. We are talking about a mix of plaid checks, sumptuous fabrics and, of course the obligatory luxurious bedroom, complete with a huge bath.

Taking the lead now at Polmanter is Phil Osborne, one of John and Sheena's four sons, and Phil's wife Becki who combines the park with her role as a local family GP. The couple, who have two young children, say their new Cornwall Tourism award as top caravan and camping park, is a fantastic curtain-raiser to their celebration year.

Polmanter took the same accolade in 2008, and this year also saw them scoop the prestigious gold AA five-pennant award for the quality of its facilities. personality, with style, with individuality.”

The Rockstar’s first appearance will be at ‘Itchycoo Park’ at the holiday company’s Tattershall Lakes destination later this year.

There will be 15 Rockstars in an area called ‘Itchycoo Park’, which will have stars on the pathways and its own very own stage.

Itchycoo Park was a hit song for the Small Faces in the 1960s and ‘70s.

“But the real rock & roll touch is that they will each have a bubbling hot tub sat outside, for the ultimate indulgence that every hardworking rock star deserves. We are responding to an appetite out there for holiday accommodation with

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environmental News How Cumbria park is fixing it for fell walkers People walking the uplands of Cumbria can continue putting the best foot forward, thanks in part to a top-rated Lake District holiday park and its fundraising efforts.

Park Cliffe on the shores of Windermere has donated £1,500 this year to the Fix the Fells programme which makes vital repairs to some of the region’s most popular footpaths. The sum results from a busy twelve months of money-raising activities at the family-owned park, ranging from quizzes, raffles and a duck race to a bonfire night in November. Park guests are also invited to make a voluntary donation when they book their stay online – an option which the vast majority take up, according to business owner Susan Dickson.

Susan, who runs Park Cliffe with her husband Derek, said that many park visitors are keen walkers who enjoy exploring the surrounding picture-postcard fells: “They, like us, recognise that so many pairs of feet using the footpaths can have an impact, and that constant maintenance is required to

keep the trails in good condition,” she said. “Fix the Fells does a magnificent job which benefits millions of people each year, and we are very pleased to be able to do our bit to support their work. “Our holiday guests are always happy to join in our fundraising activities, and to put their hands in their pockets to help a very good cause,” added Susan.

Fix the Fells is a partnership project which tackles the problems which can arise when trails are subject to prolonged and heavy usage from walkers.

Trampling can kill the vegetation and lead to erosion, and this in turn causes soil to be washed into streams and lakes, as well as leaving ugly scars on the landscape. The money raised by Park Cliffe will be used to repair and maintain popular paths such as the routes up to the summits of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike. Work is carried out by teams of skilled National Trust rangers working with an

army of over one hundred dedicated volunteers comprising mainly local people.

Park Cliffe boasts a raft of national and regional accolades, and was last year named as the Lake District’s top holiday park in the annual Cumbria Tourism Awards.

From its stunning lakeside setting, the park provides luxury holiday homes to rent and buy, glamping pod accommodation, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

Green award for Argyll park hitting half-century As a West Highlands holiday park prepares to mark its golden anniversary in 2018, the family owners have been praised for achieving the gold standard in countryside care.

Resipole Farm Holiday Park in Argyll will now be celebrating its 50year milestone with the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level. The world-famous botanist said that the Sinclair family have shown themselves to be true friends of wildlife and the natural world with their many green initiatives.

Managed today by Rory Sinclair and his partner Karin, it was Rory’s grandfather Archie who first started welcoming camping guests on his

farm in the early 1950s. Resipole’s picture-postcard setting on the banks of Loch Sunart quickly gained it popularity among couples and families seeking an idyllic location for their Scottish holiday. In 1968 it was officially designated as a holiday park, and since then the family has invested much time and energy into caring for the grounds and creating new facilities.

Their reward has been to see a year-on- year increase in visitor numbers from the UK and overseas, and both regional and national awards for the park’s high standards.

As well as pitches for campers, touring caravans and motorhomes, Resipole also provides luxury timber lodges and holiday caravans for hire, and glamping pods.

Rory, who runs the park alongside his parents Peter and Joke and his aunt Fiona, said the family has always tried to ensure that Resipole remains a haven for wildlife. Deer, red squirrels, badgers, and a myriad of bird species are drawn to the 15-acre grounds which includes an ancient woodland with a nature discovery trail.

In addition, the Sinclairs have planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs which provide valuable nesting and breeding habitats as well as food resources.

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Merlewood

Homes for Life

- as well as for Holidays

for Michael and Julie ward, the park business is about growth and regeneration. they own Merlewood country Park in lancashire (a holiday park), and four residential parks in the same part of the north west. the couple’s proudest achievement is receiving the accolade of “residential Park owners of the year” on three occasions and the family’s approachability has meant that on their parks their homeowners have never seen the need to introduce a residents’ association.

Four out of the five Parks owned and managed

by The Ward family - Acresfield, Wyre Vale, Lodge Park, and Merlewood - are all less than 10 minutes’ drive from one another Gawthorpe Edge being just a little further away - so that they can be sure to show their faces regularly at each one and maintain good contact with owners. Acresfield features a state of the art leisure centre and spa with swimming pool and bistro, which can also be accessed by owners at Merlewood Country Park who are offered free weekend memberships.

Michael inherited the residential park business from his parents and both himself and his wife Julie have grown the business since then. Now they are lucky enough to have their two children working for them; Sophie – who manages the marketing and events and Alex who can turn his hand to every aspect of the day-to-day running of the parks, as well as supporting his father at trade shows.

The acquisition of Merlewood – the family’s one holiday park - was not really a part of the original business plan. The main attraction of the purchase in 1998 was in order to help Michael’s father-in-law who was suffering from a work-related injury. “It wasn’t really our intention to buy a holiday park but we were attracted by the stunning location,” says Michael.

“My father-in-law was a self-employed builder at the time and he had back problems which meant he would probably never be able to work again. Merlewood came with accommodation at the entrance and we offered him the job as manager, initially to oversee things rather than physically managing them. However, after a while, his health improved and he went from strength to strength!” he adds.

The combination of running a holiday park alongside the residential parks has proved to

have other unexpected benefits as well. The couple often see owners from their holiday park move over to purchase residential pitches to live in during their retirement.

Merlewood attracts its holiday home owners from the towns around Manchester, with most travelling around 30-40 minutes to get to the Park. “We have many long-standing holiday home owners who love coming to the park and the area around it – therefore it’s a natural progression for them to come back to us for retirement – they know us and the area already.”

Recently, their parks were featured in a Channel 5 documentary about the Blackpool area. “UK seaside resorts generally only attract bad press. Channel 5 wanted to portray the many positives that these areas have to offer and Blackpool was chosen as the centrepiece of this new series,” Michael says.

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The first episode attracted over 1.2 million viewers, which the Channel 5 producers felt was remarkable for a new series (as a comparison, BBC Breakfast normally attracts 700,000 viewers). In fact, the series featured Acresfield Residential Park at Garstang and Merlewood Holiday Park in such a positive light that they have been inundated with enquiries from viewers. “One couple called us up about Acresfield and asked, ‘Is the park really as nice as it appeared on the programme? Well, then we are definitely selling up and coming to live there.”

The television programme illustrated the wonderful community spirit at the family’s parks. One episode focused on Gordon and Sandra, a couple who had taken great pride in designing their Prestige Sonata II luxury home at Acresfield. Unfortunately, Gordon passed away just before his 75th birthday and just before the filming started. One of his final wishes was that he wanted his friends to celebrate his milestone birthday in his absence.

Viewers saw Acresfield homeowners rally round Sandra to organise the party and also help with her everyday chores. “It perfectly showcased how rewarding Park Home lifestyle can be. The viewing figures for this episode increased to 1.38 million – it was phenomenal,” adds Michael.

With an aging population and a diminishing sense of community, it is understandable why the programme struck a chord with viewers. In addition, the quality and comfort of the park homes also resonated. Michael and Julie have worked closely with two of the main manufacturers, Prestige and StatelyAlbion, to ensure that the homes at Acresfield are energy efficient ahead of the current British standard and well ahead of the majority of bricks and mortar properties in the UK.

Merlewood

“The homes at Acresfield are not only very energy efficient, but they are also very subtly adapted to assist those with disabilities and we supply wheelchair roller ramps for example for homeowners and/or guests to use,” says Michael. “This ensures that our homeowners can live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.”

“We offer homes for life – we want people who suffer from some form of disability to be able to still live independently but on the other hand we also promote an active retirement,” he adds. “The health club offers all kinds of facilities for people of all ages to take part in sport, as well as offering a hair studio, beauty spa and bistro. Owners of new homes on Acresfield Park receive free membership to the Health Club whereas for our Holiday Park we offer our owners free weekend memberships and they can purchase passes for guests. This is very popular with grandparents wanting to entertain their grandchildren especially if the weather is poor. We offer activities for all age groups and levels of fitness.”

So, what are the main differences between running a residential park and a holiday park? “People often ask me this,” says Michael. “Obviously we require more staff for the upkeep of the holiday park, for example with landscaping”.

Michael compares the two sides of the business as being like an estate agent or a car dealership. “Purchasing a holiday home is very much like buying a car – it can be a snap decision where people decide to buy there and then and the paperwork needs to be done right away. A residential park enquiry can take much longer to result in a sale. It is not unusual for it to take 6 months before residents sell their house and place their order for their new home.”

“Holiday home owners don’t necessarily keep their caravans on the site for too long.

They may move to a different location for example. Therefore, we see a greater turnover of holiday homes than on our residential parks.”

The couple are critical of the changes made by the Government in the 2013 Mobile Homes Act, which stipulates that park owners cannot act as agents for second-hand homes. “We can understand the reasoning behind the changes, but we find that our home owners dislike the stipulation because they know and trust us. In the past, when a home came onto the market for sale the owners would supply us with a set of keys so that we could show prospective purchasers around. Now that homeowners have to go through an off-site estate agent the service is just not the same,” they say.

Residential Parks now face the possibility of the abolition of commission on the re-sale of existing park homes, which the couple also disagree with. “Commission is a very important part of our income stream,” Michael says. “If this was to be abolished or the percentage reduced by the Government, it would mean that we would have to increase pitch fees to compensate and that could be a real disadvantage to park home owners. A home that comes up for resale would become less sellable because of the higher pitch fee. It is really unfair to penalise existing homeowners in this way – especially as over 40% of resales are carried out by beneficiaries. This uncertainty in our business is worrying,” he adds.

Michael believes that the Government needs to change its attitude towards park living. “I

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have been told in the past that the Government doesn’t want to encourage ‘homogenous settlements’ – single age group settlements - which is frankly ridiculous,” he says. “We are at a stage where the Government needs to recognise park homes as acceptable, affordable housing. They form an important provision within the housing sector because of our aging population. We need to encourage local authorities to allow parks to expand and to do away with the reticence that surrounds the development of new parks,” he adds.

Another important aspect of Park and holiday home living that isn’t recognised, according to Michael, is their lower carbon footprint.

“There is tremendous wastage in traditional bricks and mortar building. However, companies such as Prestige, who build park homes and leisure lodges, reuse all of their waste. Their offcuts are burned in boilers to heat their factories and everything is extremely eco-friendly. Take the homes at Acresfield – not one property has an EPC rating below B – whereas most standard bricks and mortar homes would be classified as D or an E. Our local estate agents don’t have any other properties in the area on their books which can boast a “B rating” other than on Acresfield.”

“We could very much be part of the solution to providing affordable, eco-friendly accommodation,” adds Michael and Julie

The Ward family with Professor David Bellamy

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Rebecca Adlington OBE, Sophie Ward and Stephanie Slater MBE who have done more than their fair share for the environment on all of their parks.

“We have taken part in the David Bellamy scheme from the start. In fact, as far as we are aware, Wyre Vale is the longeststanding gold award holding Residential Park Home Estate and Merlewood has won a gold award for the last 17 consecutive years. People think that holiday parks are more environmentally friendly than residential parks because of the driveways and tarmac roads on residential parks but we have not found that to be the case.”

Their residential park home owners were ahead of the game when it came to recycling. “We started recycling years before our local Council – in fact our recycling scheme was so successful that we had difficulty coping with the amount we collected,” Michael recalls. “Our home owners have always been very keen to be involved.

Merlewood was also one of the first holiday parks in the country to introduce grey water recycling, where we collected rain water and used it to wash out bins, or water the flower beds for example. Acresfield also received a “Special

Distinction Award” as an energy efficient leisure club – which is quite something as the water is heated to a balmy 31 degrees centigrade! Professor Bellamy recognised the innovative technology which had been introduced in order to attain an “A” rating.

This is quite amazing as leisure facilities similar to ours are normally high energy users”.

In fact, the Acresfield pool recently played host to some VIP guests when Rebecca Adlington OBE; Stephanie Slater MBE, Paralympic medallist from Rio 2016; and Rob Bale, GB team member from London 2012 captained teams in a swimming gala, organised by the couple’s daughter Sophie Ward who is herself a former GB youth swimmer and medallist.

It is clear that the desire to be the best in the business is shared by all of the Ward family.

“I have a saying which I use a lot. Business is like being part of a team of husky dogs – if you are not the lead dog your view in front never changes,” he laughs. “We need to be constantly pushing the boundaries and providing the best possible facilities and services for our homeowners, holiday home owners and guests.”

“Sophie and Alex are as keen as we are to gradually grow the business in the future,” concludes Michael. “We would like to acquire further parks and expand our existing ones.

On one condition – as long as they can be close to the ones we already have – as we are a very hands-on family and maintaining our close relationship with our residents and holiday home owners is at the core of our success.”

bathrooms

& washrooms sanifos underground NEW! Pump stations Saniflo has taken its 55 years of macerator pump design experience and translated it into a new range of underground pump stations for pumping residential and commercial waste water from flats, plants, outside event sites or public buildings.

The new Sanifos range consists of three models, the 110, 250 and the 500 with a 3-phase version of the Sanifos 500 to be launched in early 2018. The new products allow a pumping station to be sited outside a building and below ground where the drainage is too low for a sewer or too low for a surface mounted pumping station.

The two smaller units, the 110 and 250, are designed for the drainage

of a single dwelling incorporating WC, bathroom, kitchen and utility room. With 110 litre and 250 litre tanks respectively, both units feature a single grinder pump with float activation and robust cutting blades to prevent clogging. The automatic 1500 watt motor is both powerful and quiet for unobtrusive operation and helps to discharge the waste up to a maximum height of 14m or horizontally along 110m or a lesser combination of both.

The Sanifos 500 features dual motors and is designed to work with a single dwelling with multiple storeys or multiple smaller holiday homes. It contains two separate load balanced pumps that operate alternately for even wear and to provide a fail safe operation. In the event of overload both motors run simultaneously, or in the unlikely event of a motor fail, the other motor will take over. With a high capacity 500 litre tank the Sanifos 500 has multiple connections to take waste from bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms in industrial or large domestic buildings and can pump up to 18m vertically or 200m horizontally and features two powerful 2600 watt motors.

For more information or for a copy of the Saniflo brochure please visit www.saniflo.co.uk

Five Reasons To Go En-Suite If your holiday park offers glamping your guests will need toilets and showers.

The conventional way is to invest in a toilet and shower block for communal use.

Here are 5 reasons why it may make a lot more sense to give each pitch its own En-Suite shower room.

1. You can start small and grow organically. You can start with just a few pitches and add pitches as you go, without having to invest in a large toilet and shower block.

2. Quick return of investment. Unlike a toilet and shower block, CampPlus En-Suite Pods pay for themselves.

Usually in 3-4 years, and after that they will provide extra income for at least 12 more years.

3. A lot less cleaning. Your guests will keep the unit clean themselves during their stay. So instead of cleaning toilets every day, 7 days a week, you only clean at changeover days. No changeovers = no cleaning = precious time off.

4. Happy customers who come back. Having to share toilets and showers isn’t all that glamorous, is it? CampPlus En-Suite Pods put the Glam into Glamping. And your guests will appreciate that.

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5. Higher ratings. The state of the toilets is the first thing that gets mentioned in most reviews. And, unless you clean your toilet block after every visit, you don’t always have control over how people leave it. With en-suite units you eliminate that risk, you’ll get higher ratings every time.

CampPlus have installed dozens of en-suite units throughout the UK www.campplus.co.uk

exhibition hall full of the latest spas and hot tubs.

Reduce costs Although the dividends are rich, the maintenance of a water leisure facility can be a major expense. A visit to SPATEX will show you all the latest innovations in sustainable energy and good housekeeping.

The pool industry is currently working hard on green issues and great strides are being made in renewable technology. Heat pumps have been an accepted technology for well over 20 years and new generation heat pumps, saving even more energy, are being developed all the time.

Aside from heat pumps and dehumidifiers, there are other ways to reduce energy consumption such as heat retention covers, enclosures, water circulating pumps, chemical dosing systems – all of which have seen huge energy saving advances in the last few years.

SPATEX is THE Show for holiday parks in 2018 as this issue went to press, sPateX was taking place from tuesday January 30th to thursday february 1st at coventry’s ricoh arena. as the Uk’s only dedicated pool, spa and sauna exhibition it’s a must attend event for any holiday park which is planning on adding or upgrading wet leisure facilities.

If there is one recreational facility that a customer consistently looks for in a holiday park it is a swimming pool. Invariably, it is the central focus for activities and the fun and sense of well-being they offer is what holidays are made of. As competition amongst holiday parks increases, it is essential to stay ahead of the game and keep abreast of developments in the water leisure world. Which is why the SPATEX Expo has established itself as the hot attraction for the holiday park owner and operator.

Unique showcase With well over a hundred exhibitors, SPATEX plays host to the UK’s gathering of wet leisure experts and equipment. If it’s not at SPATEX, it’s not worth seeing! Hundreds of new products will be on display in a

showcase that includes everything under the wet leisure umbrella, from saunas, steam rooms, enclosures, swimming pools to children’s play features, spas and hot tubs.

Early last autumn, thanks to an overwhelming demand for more exhibition space, the floorplan was increased which means 2018 will be a much bigger Show. At the time of going to press, 21 companies that have never exhibited at SPATEX at the Ricoh Arena had signed up. As far flung as Canada, America, they add an even greater international flavour and representation. One such company is EasyCare Products, based in California, which is looking to introduce into the UK and European market its pool surface products that require no scrubbing, acids or draining. To date, 24 leading spa companies are exhibiting so you can be assured of an

Extend your knowledge Focusing on the needs of the commercial sector, the Show will once again play host to a double seminar and Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE) workshop programme throughout the three days of the Exhibition.

The topics are diverse, ranging from a talk (organised by Golden Coast) by marketeer, Aren Grimshaw offering advice on how to raise the profile of your company to the prevention of cryptosporidium by the world’s leading expert, Professor Rachel Chalmers.

There will also be sessions on new Standards and Guidance that affect all in the pool and spa business. The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) and Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) will both be holding keynote seminars during the Exhibition.

ALL seminars are FREE and certificates of attendance are available to all attendees.

SPATEX 2018 The Ricoh Arena, Ericsson Exhibition Hall, Coventry Tuesday January 30th to Thursday February 1st 2018. Readers of our digital issue can still register FREE at www.spatex.co.uk and sign up for news. on The Ricoh Arena offers 2,000 free car parking spaces and is conveniently situated just off Junction 3 of the M6 motorway which makes it less than a two-hour drive for 75 per cent of the population.

For further information call Michele or Helen on +44 (0) 1264 358558 or email michele@spatex.co.uk; helen@spatex.co.uk

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Traditionally, pool controllers have been produced to do little more than just switch the chemical dosing pumps on and off. And so, Topline have worked with their extensive customer base to offer additional features that pool professionals find essential to operate dosing ancillaries. Topline currently manufacture four ‘TEC’ models of pool controller and are also UK stockists for the Ezetrol Plus, the German DIN standard controller from Evoqua Water Technologies. For all manner of swimming pools and recreational waters Topline have it covered, offering a full range of equipment, and can supply and fit a new pool controller from as little as £1,400.00 +VAT.

The TEC4000, Topline’s new touch screen Wi-Fi enabled controller, will take control of the pH and Chlorine dosing, using a new robust amperometric free chlorine sensor, control the sand filter flocculent dosing pumps, variable speed drives (VSD) and peripherals such as timer controls for the day tank electric agitators. The unit will also data-log all readings and events for on-screen display and for interface with a tablet device.

Topline also manufacture the TEC2000, which data-logs the pH & Free Chlorine for on-screen display along with time stamped events logs, with outputs for VSD & mixers, and the twin TEC3000 and TEC3500 controllers.

Identical in appearance, the TEC3000 series units have full colour touch screens, for pH and amperometric free chlorine control, the units offer subtly different functionality to suit different needs of the pool operator.

The TEC3000 being a simple ‘read it and feed’ and the TEC3500, using Fuzzy Logic algorithms, limiting the need for end user standardisation.

Topline also offer Pool Plant Operator (PPO) training, both on-site and in their newly refurbished training room at the offices in East Sussex.

For all manner of pools, all shapes and sizes, Topline can offer a tailored system designed to match the demands of the pool and the professional pool operator. www.topline.uk.net

Improve Swimming Pool Water Quality with AFM Have any of your customers ever complained of poor water quality after using your swimming pool? Now is the time to act to be ready for next season. Water Technics Limited can help you improve your water quality using a number of simple steps: 1 - Survey Pool Hydraulic System 2 - Install Activated Filter Media instead of sand in Filters 3 - Service or Install Automatic Dosing System 4 - Improve/implement correct testing procedures Advances in filtration media such as Activated Filter Media (AFM®), improvements in automatic dosing and other areas mean there’s no excuse for murky water.

Activated Filter Media, or AFM® is a direct replacement for sand, doubling the

performance of sand filters without the need of additional investments in infrastructure. AFM® resists biofouling, biocoagulation and transient wormhole channelling of unfiltered water and never needs to be recharged or replaced.

AFM® is a highly engineered product manufactured from a specific glass type, processed to obtain the optimum particle size and shape. It is then exposed to a 3-step activation process to increase its surface area by up to 300 times for superior mechanical and electro-static filtration performance.

Replacing your old sand with AFM will improve water quality dramatically. Did you know commercial pools should change the filter media every two years? When was your last sand change? www.watertechnics.co.uk

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Pools &sPas Swimming Pool Water book launch The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group’s (PWTAG) muchanticipated new book was launched at the end of last year. The Drayton Manor Hotel in Tamworth was the venue for pool operators to be introduced to the third edition of Swimming Pool Water: treatment and quality standards for pools and spas. Over 160 delegates (a sell out) to an all-day launch seminar heard expert speakers – from PWTAG itself and from its industry forum – talk about the importance of the new edition.

With the help of PWTAG’s 11-strong membership council, and input from the 18 members of its industry forum, the book has been significantly strengthened. The new material includes: I detailed guidance on dealing with the chlorine-resistant protozoan, Cryptosporidium I superchlorination – one way of dealing with the threat of cryptosporidiosis comprehensive information on management and training, including the help provided by PWTAG’s code of practice, accredited training and Poolmark I detailed information on hydrotherapy pools, including guidelines on baby swimming in warm water pools I a totally new chapter on swimming ponds I detailed guidance on the sizing of balance tanks I the enhanced role of UV treatment – including detailed guidelines on its validation I dealing with algae I pump economics I upgrading pools – making the best of what you’ve got I chemical safety – more on spillage; bunding I microbiological sampling techniques I dealing with the hygiene challenges of pool water play equipment; pool cleaning generally

Make a splash With Hippo Hippo Leisure have installed custom designed compact slides at Seawick Holiday Park in Clacton-on-Sea and Birchington Vale Holiday Park in Kent.

A closed tube spiral slide at Birchington Vale is providing great excitement for children and their families as they twist and curve through the 18m slide and make a big splash as they reach the pool! Natural light effects have been incorporated throughout the slide for extra fun.

Seawick Holiday Park’s new indoor pool includes a 9.9m colourful closed tube flume ride. Children travel down a straight slide before going around a bend and splashing into the pool.

Both slides have been installed by Hippo Leisure to help brighten up the pools, increase family appeal and encourage repeat visits.

To find out more about Hippo Leisure’s products and services, visit www.hippoleisure.com

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I definitive guidance on spa pools I birthing pools – what to use and what to avoid I the pool in its environment new horizons.

Work on the new edition started over two years ago and has involved close scrutiny by PWTAG’s expert membership of what was published in 2009. That edition sold 10,000 copies, so PWTAG knew that a new edition would be an important contribution to maintaining high standards in the pool industry. Input from PWTAG’s industry forum, a relatively new development, was important to the new book.

The lively seminar, which PWTAG hopes to repeat, included presentations and discussion on water distribution dynamics, Cryptosporidium, disinfection, UV validation, hydrotherapy pools – and converting the theory into practice.

Janice Calvert chaired the launch seminar, as she has PWTAG for the last four years. “I’m proud to have managed the production of this new edition, and grateful to all our colleagues, whose help has been invaluable. PWTAG has a unique role in this largely and strangely unregulated industry. I am confident that we have produced strong guidance, which should serve the industry well in the years to come, alongside our constantly updated online guidance,” she said. www.pwtag.org.uk

Holiday Parks

Call 01242 698182

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G Insurance G Planting G Outdoor Play

Water Technics is an industry leading supplier and installer of swimming pool equipment. Offering the very latest technology to provide crystal clear pool water. Over 20 years of product and plant experience make us the Number 1 choice for all your swimming pool needs.

ServiceS Pool Filtration Media Change & Filter Replacement/Refurbishment Water Treatment Automatic Dosing – UV Systems – Ozone – Much More energy Saving Reduce Running Cost - Inverters – Heat Pumps – Pool Covers Pool refurbishment Pool Tiles for Shell & Surround – Liners Supply & installation Services All Types Pool Equipment

Why chooSe WaTer TechnicS? Quality Independent advice you can trust value Discounted prices for all customers Service Emphasis on customer care.

Knowledge We share our vast industry experience & know how.

Partnership Long term help and support

Visit our website www.watertechnics.co.uk for our full range of products and services. issUe 31 l febrUry 2018

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grounds maintenance After taking delivery of a GreenMech CS100 from his local dealer Turner Groundscare in the spring of 2017, Arthur Owen of Rhos Holiday Park says that maintaining the site’s hedges and brash is now a breeze. The Holiday Park, in a relaxed location on the Isle of Anglesey, offers pitches to static caravans and tourers just minutes’ walk from award winning beaches and Red Wharf Bay. Arthur Owen is not only Manager of the site but is also in charge of all the site maintenance. “The site boasts lots of great open spaces but these need maintaining and as a one-man band I’m always on the lookout for machinery that can make my life easier” explains Arthur, who is the latest in the Owen family to take charge. A large area of the park is bordered by hedges, and with some of these being between caravan plots, access is restricted. “For the brash clearance work I had previously hired a large hydraulic chipper but having done some research online, I found there were smaller alternatives out there.”

Already familiar with the GreenMech brand thanks to his agricultural background, his research saw the CS100 chipper coming out as best in class. “I had a demonstration and was immediately impressed with the

Breeze Through Hedges strength of the machine, considering its compact size. It’s really easy to use and has the strongest gravity feed system I could find, which helps to get the job done quickly and easily.”

With a working width of just 760mm, the CS100 is a small, yet mighty, workhorse. Powered by a 16hp or 18hp petrol engine, the wide, open design in-feed chute enable large volumes of bushy material or timber of up to 100mm to be processed. This impressive chipping ability is provided by two high grade steel, long-life reversible blades that are easily re-sharpened thus ensuring low running costs.

“Squeezing the CS100 between caravans is not a problem meaning I can chip large amounts of brash into next-to-nothing, straight into a pile or bin. I’ve also had it working on the farm and it has taken everything we’ve put into it easily in its stride. It’s been a great addition to the site,” concludes Arthur.

Outriggerpads Showcases New Jack Pads at CCM 2018 Spreader plate specialist Outriggerpads makes its debut at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2018.

The Telford-based company will officially launch its new stabiliser and jack pad for motorhomes and caravans at the six-day event.

The Eco Lift jack pad is specifically designed for use on grass or soft ground. The pads sit under the jack legs, helping to spread the ground pressure and improve stability.

Charles Grizzle, Business Development Manager for Outriggerpads, said: “With our temperamental British weather, ground conditions can very rapidly change. Our Eco Lift pads can take the strain, providing an extra level of confidence that your caravan, RV or motorhome will remain stable.”

The large surface area of the Eco Lift jack pad helps to diffuse the ground pressure of the jack legs, in order to prevent subsidence.

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Each pad is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), meaning it is extremely lightweight and doesn’t take up much room. Fitted with a rope handle, they are easy to carry and position. HDPE pads hold their shape under extreme vertical pressure and can adapt to the contours of the terrain. They are also water and corrosionresistant.

The standard black pad measures 300mm x 300mm x 25mm, and features a recess to house the stabiliser foot. It weighs just 1.9kg and has a 4-tonne load capacity. Options include a thicker 30mm pad for heavier loads, or upgrading the colour to high-visibility yellow, which helps to alert pedestrians to any potential trip hazard and makes the pads easier to locate.

The Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Show 2018 takes place from 20th-25th February at Birmingham NEC. Visit Outriggerpads on Stand 1426.

Outriggerpads is the UK’s leading supplier of high performance polyethylene spreader plates, outrigger pads and mats, with vertical load bearing capacities of up to 350 tonnes. www.outriggerpads.co.uk

grounds maintenance Making Grounds Maintenance Look Easy, the tym t393 It has a robust 38hp 3-cylinder liquid-cooled Yanmar engine, dual element air cleaner and independent rear and mid PTO selection allowing for the use of various implements including a range of rear mounted attachments including but not limited to finishing mowers and rotary tillers. And if that wasn’t enough, the T393 is also easy to use with an excellent turning radius and maximum traction, too.

A vital part of the success of one holiday park over the next is the quality of its grounds maintenance and in every park’s artillery of equipment will be a tractor. A workhorse that makes the hard work look easy is TYM tractors’ latest arrival to the UK market, the T393.

Transportation, ground preparation, seeding and mowing, there’s a reason the T393 is nicknamed a ‘multi-tasking marvel’ and that’s thanks to its ability to be able to switch from one task to another, or from one operator to another.

Bridging the gap from the compact utility range into the mid-duty range, the T393 is a good choice for grounds maintenance professionals who need a powerful, but compact tractor that is more than capable of managing the small and large jobs. It has one of the highest lift capabilities in its class with a lift capacity of 1200kg and has one of the highest hydraulic flow rates with a maximum output of 42 litres per minute.

For those wanting a slightly smaller model, the TS25 tractor tackles maintenance and transporting tasks at holiday parks, caravan sites and campsites like a pro. It’s one of the few sub-compact tractors on the market available with either a manual or hydrostatic transmission and that means the tractor can be tailored to specific turf maintenance needs. For example, for loader and mid-deck work, the simple-to-use hydrostatic transmission is the best choice, whereas for aeration and sprayer work, which requires a set working speed, the manual transmission machine will deliver the best results.

Transporting tools, towing trailer, moving tasks (logs, rubble, soil) the TS25 can do it all! Plus, there’s no need for a dedicated mower, the TS25 has the stamina to pull one across vast stretches of grass and its lightweight credentials mean it’s the perfect choice for fine surfaces. Its 25hp three-cylinder engine gives it enough power to perform its tasks with ease without being detrimental to turf. www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

“I am delighted that the Tallis Amos Group has agreed to acquire our company and bring its combination of experience and expertise to this part of south-west England,” says Bob Culverhouse. “It will allow us to grow the business and continue delivering the best possible parts and service support to existing and new customers, across a wider range of products from John Deere and other leading brands.”

Tallis Amos Group takes on Bs Mowers

The Tallis Amos Group is owned by the Tallis and Amos families, with managing director Ben Tallis, who is based at TAG’s Evesham head office, and sales director Simon Amos, based in Leominster, running the company as partners. With this latest acquisition, the group now manages five outlets in Evesham, Leominster, Bibury, Narberth and Bristol.

Agriculture and turf dealership Tallis Amos Group Limited (TAG) has acquired the trade and assets of Bristol based professional turf dealer BS Mowers Limited, as part of John Deere’s ‘Dealer of Tomorrow’ strategy.

TAG was identified as one of London Stock Exchange's 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain in 2015. This annual report is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized businesses.

BS Mowers is largely known for its expertise in the fine turf machinery industry throughout Avon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and North Somerset. To provide continuity of sales and service to customers in the area, all the BS Mowers staff led by branch managing director Bob Culverhouse have been retained and the dealership will continue to operate as a turf only outlet under the TAG banner from January 2018.

The business’ existing trading area will remain largely unchanged as a result of the merger.

“As a strong family run business, we firmly believe the Tallis Amos Group is the right long-term partner for customers across its newly expanded sales area,” says John Deere Limited division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson. “The dealership has a long history with Deere, a great deal of experience and a reputation among its customers for consistently delivering the highest levels of after-sales support.” www.JohnDeere.co.uk

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For your FREE Glamping Business Directory Listing go to www.glampingbusiness.com

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- an update With 2017 rapidly becoming a distant memory, it’s too late for the Compass Team to wish park owners a Happy New Year (where did January go?), but we’re very pleased to be able to say ‘hello’ to customers and park owners from this edition of Holiday Parks Management. We’d like to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on what’s happening within the business.

First of all we’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Chris Barclay as Compass Director. Those of you who have met Chris will be in no doubt as to his commitment, enthusiasm and energy; also his passion for the parks industry. Chris is currently heading-up plans for ambitious improvements to the products and services Compass provides. Many of these plans are already well advanced and we’re excited about 2018 – watch this space!

Compass has been a part of the dynamic and ever-growing PIB Group for over 12 months. PIB’s massive investment in the IT systems, personnel and training at our head office in Gloucester has generated a significant boost to the levels of service the team can offer to clients.

Our account executives, account handlers, underwriters and claims experts have all felt the benefit of this investment. More importantly, our clients have too.

As this edition of Holiday Parks Management goes to press, we’re gearing up for the BH&HPA Conference in London where as usual, the Compass team will be on hand to offer support to members. We’re always more than happy to ‘give back’ to the industry by working with the Association and are particularly looking forward to the Compasssponsored Party Night at the Honourable Artillery Company. No doubt we will see many of you there!

Compass has specialised in the insurance of park businesses and holiday and residential homes for over 40 years. Our multi-skilled, long-experienced team are more focused than ever on offering our clients specialist cover and 24/7/365 emergency support. We’ll continue to offer free, confidential, no-obligation insurance health checks to parks that might be seeking an alternative provider. And don’t forget the peace of mind that comes with Compass holiday and residential home insurance too. Those that introduce this cover to their customers can rest assured that they’re taking an essential step in improving the overall protection of their park business.

No matter what you need, The Compass team is always here to help.

We look forward to hearing from you. www.compass.co.uk

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Park iMProveMents

Reducing Waste Water Costs in the leisure market With water scarcity a growing concern around the world, businesses can certainly strive to do more to reduce the amount of water they waste… and the good news is that it doesn’t take much effort at all and can also help save companies money – so it’s a win-win!

The leisure market in particular uses a lot more of this precious resource than other sectors do perhaps, so it’s vital businesses working in this industry do take steps to conserve water wherever possible. Bringing in a firm to carry out a water audit of the premises is wise, because this will show if there are any spikes in usage, any irregularities and also make it easier to see if there are any leaks that could be wasting water and costing companies money.

Not only will this audit provide valuable insight into usage and management of leaks, but also help companies devise new ways to use their water more efficiently, thereby driving down costs.

But there’s also a lot that companies themselves can do, before and after the water efficiency auditors have been and gone. Educating and training members of staff properly is a must so they know best how to save water, while you can also fit water-efficient devices like low-flush loos, push taps and so on that will use less water than more traditional appliances and equipment.

Checking your meter readings on a regular basis is a good idea because this will help you see if there are any unexplained spikes in usage. You can install a smart meter to monitor how much water is being used at

hourly intervals, just by measuring the water flow. If a spike in this is seen, you can act immediately to see if there’s a leak or some other problem – and get it sorted out as soon as possible.

Data loggers are actually the best way to help you drive down your water consumption and supply costs, so certainly something to look into this year if water conservation is a top priority for you and your business.

Another option to help you save water and drive down costs is alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting. Rainwater is collected and stored before being filtered and reused in place of mains water. You can use this for toilet flushing, process water, laundry and vehicle washing. www.h2obuildingservices.co.uk

Frontier Pitts Work With Caravan Parks To Increase Security The FBX accessories options include a variety of warning signs, lower folding skirts, boom lights, articulated boom, override key switch, magnetic locks for the end-rest, with a choice of ‘pogo stick’ or fixed end-rests.

Roadblockers and Rising Kerbs are impactresistant barriers which control vehicle access and are well suited to ‘High Security’ sites. Such installations range from car parks through to anti-terrorist protection of defence installations. There are a few models of road blockers available, including the Parking Height Rising Kerbs and the Security height Roadblockers.

Over the years, Frontier Pitts have installed perimeter security equipment on many caravan park sites nationally, to ensure the holiday park sites fulfil their security requirements with cost-effective traffic management.

Frontier Pitts manufacture many marketleading solutions which are ideally suited for controlling constant access to and from site. From the traffic control Automatic Barrier model FBX, to the parking height Rising Kerb, to the Anti-Ram Terra 180° Swing Barrier, Frontier Pitts install many

solutions for Caravan Parks The FBX Automatic Barrier is manufactured in boom lengths up to six metres, up to five metres for booms with skirts, and each boom can be fitted with warning lights and signs to the customer’s specification.

The FBX is designed for reliability and durability, featuring sealed-for-life, nomaintenance bearings on the drive shaft; while both barriers and control cabinet are supplied with a 20-year protective alkyd paint finish as standard.

Frontier-Pitts, based in Crawley, Sussex, is the acknowledged leader in perimeter security equipment. Our services include design, manufacture, civil and electrical services, site surveys, installation, spare part and a full Maintenance Contracts package to give you complete peace of mind. Our product range includes security gates, automatic barriers, road blockers and rising kerbs, bollards, and pedestrian control gates and turnstiles www.frontierpitts.com

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Park iMProveMents

Park Finder Solves the Chicken and Egg Dilemma The Holiday Home Centre has launched its exclusive in-house, touchscreen park finding service. So, from the comfort of our show room customers now have the ability to search for parks that suit their requirements at the tip of their fingers.

They can make appointments to visit the parks and print off leaflets to take away with them. Whilst they are here, they can browse the holiday homes at their leisure Where there are expert advisors on hand to help with any queries. Buying a Static Caravan just got easier!

“The winter months can provide a lull in activity across the caravan buying market so this year we set our minds to really improving the customer journey at the Holiday Home Centre. We have always puzzled about customers finding themselves in a Chicken and Egg situation, not knowing whether to find a park first or pick their perfect holiday home and then find a location,” said Scott Curran, Sales Manager.

The Holiday Home Centre has always strived to rectify this situation by giving a huge range of holiday homes in one location for customers to browse on-site whilst using their knowledge and strong network of Holiday Parks to help match holiday home to holiday park quickly and easily for the customer.

“At The Holiday Home Centre we’ve always wanted to help the customer streamline this process, manage their time to best of their ability and bridge the gap between park and caravan. So, we put our heads together and created Park Finder, a system which allows customers to view up-to-date information about holiday parks and their facilities at the touch of a button,” adds Scott.

“Within the Centre we have a huge 48 inch touch screen that takes the customer through a series of questions to help define their requirement, from how far would you like to drive from home to reach a park to what kind of amenities would you like to have on site. The system crunches live data along with user input to match them with the perfect park, listing all the features, typical site fees and location information quickly and efficiently.” www.theholidayhomecentre.com

Funshine Future Bikes Shone Bright at EAG World of Rides, leading UK manufacturers and distributors of children’s amusement rides for nearly five decades, exhibited their ‘Parent & Child’ 12v battery operated ‘Funshine Future Bikes’ to a constant queue of leading UK leisure operators on their stand at the EAG Exhibition.

The ‘Funshine Future Bikes’ are the first battery operated children’s rides ever produced, that not only come with full LED lighting as standard, but the toy bodies themselves are made with an UV reflective decorative finish, that allows each of the rides to glow in one of six colours, either indoors or outdoors under ultra violet lighting.

The wheel centres are also now all fitted with coloured revolving LED light displays that look as if the wheels are revolving at high speed, which makes them ideal to lighten up any dark days. On their various test sites, prior to release, children queued to get on them every day and as a result the takings were extremely high.

In addition, World of Rides also exhibited their hugely popular and profitable ‘Parent & Child’ Driving School Car, Bumper Car, Muddy-Tyres Tractor and Off-Road Car, and Baby Animals that have all enjoyed record incomes during the 2017 staycation season.

“We sold all the rides on our stand, in addition to multiple numbers of sets of rides and their long-life purpose-built tracks,” said Sales Manager Andrew Robinson. “This is something which we have never done before and deposit payments were even transferred into our bank account during the show, to ensure an early delivery timescale, which was unheard of previously!”

World of Rides Driving School Cars are also increasing in popularity every year, as more and more holiday park and resort operators see the edutainment benefit of teaching their young visitors the importance of road safety, whilst playing in a fun environment.

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The cars are all fully operational, with working lights and indicators, colour coded foot pedals, seat belts and a reverse gear.

“Another reason why our Driving School Cars are proving to be so popular is because after much testing we discovered that parents or guardians would only take one ride with their children if the seating was too small or uncomfortable for adults, so we made our whole range of ‘Parent & Child’ rides larger than any of our competitors, and now all the parents take multiple rides with their children in comfort and safety!” adds Andrew.

“Our Bumper Cars have also dramatically increased in popularity, due to their comfort and reliability, and orders were also taken for their new Battle Bumper Cars that have a Hit & Spin facility as well as being able to be linked to large external display screen, so that members of the public can keep track of how the battle score is progressing.” www.worldofrides.com

Park iMProveMents

Mediatheme’s latest product answers all the questions Mediatheme, has launched its newest innovation, providing holiday parks with a contemporary multiplayer quiz game.

The Pronto app is available on both Apple and Android platforms, and allows quiz participation anywhere The Entertainer installed.

Location enabled, with instant updates and fullservice support, Pronto can be used for individual or team participation. It will also be available for multi-venue leagues and communities.

“There’s no doubt,” says Mediatheme’s Head of Corporate Development, Bina Sitaram, “Pronto is the quiz future for pubs, campuses and venues.

The Entertainer touch screen entertainment system is a powerful and effective business tool that provides the hospitality, leisure and holiday sectors

A Serious Investment in Fun

with an endless flow of fun, events, and great entertainment for their customers.

“The system has changed the way venue and site entertainment is managed, providing the ability to plan entertainment and increase revenue. Pronto takes that ability to manage in-house entertainment cost effective and efficiently, to a new level,” adds Bina.

The Entertainer is a simple-to-use system that allows total control for the site operator or manager, rather than paying third parties to provide music, entertainment, karaoke, discos, quiz nights, casino nights, and much more. It’s also suitable for entertainment for wedding parties and fund raisers. www.mediatheme.com

GOGO Chicken Electrocoin’s new versatile fun game - GoGo Chicken, is fast becoming a favourite for operators and players in the UK and Europe. It is a capsule vending machine that can also thrive in a redemption market with its ticket dispensing unit.

The new Highway66 is all about fun. It’s a magnet for customers, and a real money-maker, too. But it’s also a serious investment.

The new Highway66 has been manufactured and tested to withstand the tough play bowlers can often dish out, and is made using the same robust construction and quality of Qubica’s traditional bowling solution. Parts last longer.

Maintenance is easier. And you’ll have more money left for other areas of your business.

With premium features like HD scoring, video masking, LED capping lights and more, the new Highway66 lets you absolutely delight your customers with a stunning on-lane experience, encouraging them to stay longer and play more.

Offering nonstop thrills and player interaction Highway66 is an irresistible mini bowling attraction. The new Highway66 HD Scoring system with HD video, gives players the kind of eye-popping digital entertainment they expect and demand.

Setup is easy. Plus, you can control the ticket pay-out depending on player skill, the maximum number of players, time per game, or the maximum number of balls.

When a coin is inserted, the theatre and the attraction begins, with unique sounds and the clucking hen movements. Then with the final melody and sound, the hen lifts up to lay the Capsule which drops into the tray and/or it pays out the tickets depending on the selection of prize or tickets.

GoGo Chicken offers operators the chance to select a mix of payout combinations of prize vend, ticket redemption or a combination of both with bonus payouts, which gives it a unique standing in the Prize vend and redemption market GoGo Chicken also has a unique design that allows it to dispense a range of capsules with dimensions from 45mm, which is ideal for operators who would rather have an increased capacity, up to maximum of 100mm for the bigger prizes.

With an eye catching colourful metal cabinet, attractive top header with LED Lighting and with extra visibility from three sides in brightly coloured frames, GoGo Chicken will also provide durability for many years.

GoGo Chicken is becoming a big hit as players are entertained with the theatre mode, sounds and clucking noises, and is a must for anywhere there are families including FEC’s, bowling centres, shopping centres, theme parks, pubs and Holiday Parks. www.electrocoin.com

www.qubicaamf.com

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EAG and VAE a world of Play under One Roof the newly combined eag international and visitor attraction expo is now in its 9th year and has grown steadily, this year attracting a record number of exhibitors, including a number of new companies to join the show, the majority of which came from outside of the Uk. It seems likely that they were attracted by the boom in staycations that has had a knock-on effect on the family entertainment centre and holiday park business. A number of highprofile coastal locations have invested heavily in machines and infrastructure in the last couple of years to create destination locations – all the more attractive when the weather is anything but!

redemption-only brand called Bulldog Games. Of the 17 new products shown at EAG/VAE the majority were pushers. “People forget that Bell-Fruit did in fact manufacture pushers in the past,” said Managing Director Peter Collinge. “We expect that with the decline of the pub sector, redemption machines will take us into new markets both in the UK and overseas.”

Retro Redemption

Harry Levy Amusements remains the preeminent name in pushers in the UK and together with its sister company Crown – showed a wide range of product for the traditional amusement market including Scooby Doo, Minion and Justice League themed games. JNC Sales also showed pushers from Cromptons and Whittakers and Belgian specialist VdW unveiled its spectacular Zanzibar pusher product at the show.

The retro appeal of the seaside amusement arcade appeared to be a theme at this year’s show as many manufacturers looked back towards more traditional types of machine. It could be said that 2018 is the year of the Penny Pusher – and it doesn’t get much more traditional than that! On the first morning of the show, one of the biggest brands Bell-Fruit Games, known for its AWP (amusement with prizes) machines, unveiled a new

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Virtual Reality The other big news was Virtual Reality.

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past couple of years, you will be aware of the march of VR within both the consumer and the arcade video gaming spheres. This year, there was a plethora of options at the show. BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Europe

Sega’s Justin Burke with Paul Sturgess

Immotion is a new UK-based technology start-up whose attractive, white, futuristic platforms combine advanced motion with custom-made content. This was the first time that the company exhibited at the show.

Hologate was another new exhibitor and provides turnkey multiplayer VR solutions which easily integrate into existing venues or can be brought to events. The experience which is available up to four-player is futureproofed by constant upgrades. Finally, Vilmira from Lithunia exhibited for the first time as well with the world-renowned Stereolife VR product which it distributes in Europe to parks and attractions.

The Fun of the Fair Redemption at this year’s EAG/VAE went back to the carnival for inspiration. From UNIS again, via Instance Automatics, there was Coconut Shy – just like the funfair but more attractively presented. Sega Amusements International once more expanded its ‘skill wall’ with the new games Bean Bag Toss and Hoopla (ICE), which also brought the fun of the fair to the show. The company also showed a massive new game Wheel of Fortune from US manufacturer ICE which is the most realistic rendition of the famous TV show ever created for redemption.

Sporting Chance As ever, sports-related games are the mainstay of any amusement arcade and EAG/VAE did not disappoint. Sega Amusements International called in the help of 7 foot 7 inches tall Paul Sturgess who is Britain’s tallest man and the tallest professional sportsman, playing for Harlem Globetrotters and famed for his ‘standing Ltd. showed the AiSolve WePlayVR Virtual Reality ‘booth’ which is a self-contained environment where the player walks around with a VR backpack in order to maintain freedom of movement within the game. Two games are now available for this attraction with more in the pipeline, so the initial investment can be refreshed going forward.

The TAB Astria stand

Instance Automatics is an industry name to watch – the company, which has the distribution rights for Chupa Chups lollipops in the UK and is known for its Maxxgrab cranes, also holds the distributorship for the UNIS range of games in the domestic market.

The UNIS VR Omni Arena is a multidirectional treadmill which syncs with the game software. Players are supported at waist height and can walk or run around in all directions. The game manages to create a real attraction while maintaining a small footprint. It is almost as much fun watching people play as taking part yourself!

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dunk’. Paul was on hand to demonstrate NBA Hoops – the company’s latest basketball game.

On the BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Europe stand, X Games Snowboarders was shown for the first time. This is a hyper realistic stand-up snowboarding game from Raw Thrills is licensed from ESPN follows on from the success of Snocross and Super Alpine Racer. Bowling was also well represented at the show with a new kids jungle bowling game from JNC and the funky Lane Master from UNIS which marries an alley bowler with a traditional video game.

Something Different For something a little bit different, visitors could find the latest DanceDanceRevolution A in a brand new white cabinet with a new tutorial mode and plenty of new tracks from current artists. For the younger player, Go Go Chicken is a versatile fun game combining redemption with prize vending in a cute cabinet.

Back to Instance Automatics stand for Pong – in a cocktail style cabinet but not as one might expect with a video screen. No, this is an electro-mechanical game which is far more fiendish than it might seem. A spinning knob on each side of the table is all players have to deflect the puck.

From BANDAI NAMCO again – my pick is Injustice Arcade – featuring the characters from the recent Justice League movie. The two-player, tag team style fighting game has a unique feature – it gives the player a character card one of the hit characters in the game e.g. Batman, Superman, The Joker etc. after every game, which can then be used in future games. There are over 100 cards to collect, with several versions of the most popular super-hero and villain characters, which bring different fighting skills and which can be extra powerful when used together.

Another interesting game is the Fun4Four multigame table for up to 6 players from Austrian company TAB-Austria. Featuring a giant 42inch multi-touchscreen this game is massive in Continental Europe due its mammoth catalogue of games and its spacesaving qualities. Players can even play driving games using their smart phones as controllers!

Ditch the cash?

Perhaps not surprisingly after a year of currency changes (with more to come) the main theme on cash handling – was cashless!

BANDAI NAMCO Management Solutions showed the Embed suite of products and

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have carried out a number of high profile installations in Hollywood Bowl locations in 2017. SUZOHAPP was demonstrating the IDEAL cashless system which is also perfect for the arcade environment. Hemisphere West and first-time exhibitor Nayax showed affordable solutions that can be retrofitted to any coin-operated machine in order to make it accept cashless payments. Semnox Solutions showed its innovative cashless debit card solution to operate indoor and outdoor FECs including modules for arcade machines, food and beverages, signage, ticketing and more.

was back this year with its vending machines and nuts and dried fruits.

To conclude EAG/VAE has definitely moved its focus from pub retail to amusements, holiday parks and attractions. Visitor numbers appeared to be slightly down on previous years despite a valiant effort on behalf of the organisers to promote the show. Where low-stakes

gambling could be found the emphasis was more than ever on digital machines with many manufacturers such as Electrocoin and Reflex Gaming showing lower budget models at the show. Multiplayer games took centre stage for companies such as Astra with Austin Powers and Betcom with its first redemption title Fairytale of Tickets shown on UK Gaming Solutions’ stand.

Child’s play Kiddie rides were well represented at the show. SB Machines specialises in quality and quirky Italian rides and showed a magical Train Carousel ride with video and a compact interactive Scooby Doo ride. The company has taken over the distribution for Sela Car – a market leader in bumper cars and related products. JNC sales showed its three-seater Happy Bus and Aqua Dash which follows on from the success of Go Go Pony. Formula K had a fine range of coin-op and non coin-op minicars and tracks. World of Rides’ David Robinson was losing his voice at the end of the show, and the company sold all of the rides from their stand, such was the interest, particularly in their Funshine Future Bikes and their Parent & Child Driving School car.

Food and drink This year, the show welcomed more food and drink brands including first time exhibitors drinks brand Vimto Out of Home and Popppy which vends a low-fat, additive free popcorn.

Tubzbrands was another new exhibitor and supplies plastic capsules with popular confectionary brands. Spanish firm Salysol

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