Paperless Policies Raise More Than £110,000 For Heart Charity
A kind-hearted fundraising initiative by caravan and motorhome specialists Caravan Guard, and Leisuredays, has raised more than £110,000 for Heart Research UK. Ten years ago, Caravan Guard launched its Paperless Policies initiative, which sees them donate £1 to the charity each time a new caravan, campervan or motorhome insurance customer opts for their policy documents to be emailed rather than posted out. Throughout 2019, Caravan Guard’s Paperless Policies campaign and other fundraising efforts raised a hearty £17,645, pushing the total gifted in the last decade to an incredible £110,887! The caring staff at Caravan Guard don’t just promote the paperless policies, they also go extra miles for the charity by taking on challenges such as the Great North Run half marathon and running healthy heart events. A “love yourself” event saw the charity deliver health and lifestyle checks and staff were encouraged to make 2020 the year to care completely about their health, as well as others. Many are already sharing healthy recipe ideas and signing up for a range of challenges, as well as inspiring each other to lead healthy lifestyles. Associate Director Laura Wilby presented Heart Research UK with a cheque for £17,645 during the Halifax-based company’s healthy heart day. “We’re delighted to have raised so much money for such a great cause in 2019 and absolutely thrilled to have smashed through the £100,000 mark in the last decade,” said Laura. “A big thank you to our customers too, who have chosen to go paperless so we can pass on all this money to help with the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” Caravan Guard cares passionately about many local and national charities to help them make a difference to the lives of others. Two runners also raised £2,283 for Heart Research UK last year after finishing the 2019 Great North Run half marathon in record times, and the company’s Great Yorkshire Bike Ride team added more donations into the fundraising pot. The money raised in 2019 could potentially help pay for scientists to develop a new blood test to identify high-risk patients after treatment for a heart attack or contribute towards new MRI techniques to examine heart muscle structure. Heart Research UK CEO, Kate Bratt-Farrar, said: “Over the last 10 years, we have been blown away time and again with the generosity of the Caravan Guard customers and staff. To have raised over £110,000 is a truly remarkable achievement, and we can’t thank them enough. “The money that Caravan Guard has raised will be used to benefit patients as soon as possible, funding life-saving research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” Caravan Guard’s contact centre staff will continue to encourage more customers to receive paperless insurance policies so they can help even more hearts in the next decade! Visit www.caravanguard.co.uk or call 01422 396 777 to buy your paperless caravan or motorhome insurance policy.
Caravan Guard lobbies local MP over motorhome road tax
The team at motorhome insurance specialist Caravan Guard met with a local MP to raise their concerns about huge increases in motorhome road tax on new-generation motorhomes and campervans. New motorhomes with a Euro 6d/2 engine registered after September 1st, 2019 are no longer subject to a commercial vehicle tax band. The Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payable is now calculated in the same way as a car, despite much lower annual mileage, and has seen first registration fees increase by 705% – from £265 per year to up to £2135 in the first year. This is followed by a fixed annual fee of £465 for five more years. Halifax-based Caravan Guard is concerned about the negative impact of this tax increase on the motorhome industry and urged their local MP Holly Lynch to support the National Caravan Council’s “Fair Motorhome Tax” campaign and to call on Parliament to review the tax in the new budget. “The motorhome sector employs many people in the Yorkshire region, from manufacturers to suppliers and dealerships – not to mention the camping sites and tourism destinations which attract motorhomers from across the UK,” said Caravan Guard’s Managing Director Ryan Wilby. “We have real concerns about the long-term, negative impact these tax increases could have on our industry, our future recruitment and our customers. “We work closely with hundreds of UK motorhome dealerships who have experienced positive increases in motorhome sales over the last 10 years, which has led to growth of our motorhome insurance scheme. Customer feedback indicates that this tax is causing confusion and could reduce demand and be a barrier for those looking to experience the freedom of motorhome ownership.” Taking the motorhome road tax debate to Parliament Ms Lynch has already raised her concerns in Westminster and has visited Halifax-based dealership Richard Baldwin Motorhomes to hear of their worries about reduced sales and the impact on the local economy. “I’m very aware of the negative impact on local businesses and the economy in Halifax that these massive increases in vehicle excise duty will have and so I’ve encouraged the Government to rethink its approach,” said Ms Lynch. “The tax hike on new motorhomes is creating a perverse incentive for people to buy motorhomes with older, dirtier engines whilst discouraging people from holidaying in the UK, instead using air travel. Neither of these approaches are good for the environment and so I have been working cross-party to urge the Government to arrive at a much fairer deal.” The National Caravan Council (NCC) has been lobbying Parliament for many months and is calling on HM Treasury to reverse this tax in the forthcoming Budget process. For more information about the Fair Motorhome Tax campaign visit www.fairmotorhometax.org To find out more about Caravan Guard and their great-value, highly rated motorhome or caravan insurance visit www.caravanguard.co.uk. Images show: Holly Lynch MP (Labour, Halifax) meets Caravan Guard Managing Director Ryan Wilby (right) and Partnerships Director Neil Menzies (left) to discuss motorhome tax increases. Holly Lynch hears of customer concerns from Caravan Guard’s Head of Operations Heather Kershaw.
Efficient Solutions for Commercial Swimming Pools
Save Money and Save the Planet The need to reduce carbon emissions has become greater than ever. Most establishments are looking for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise impact on climate change. ‘Over 90% of a pool’s heat is lost through its water surface’ Reduce your Swimming Pool Energy Consumption It is now widely accepted that installing a heat retention cover is the single most effective means of reducing swimming pool energy consumption. Fit the right cover on your pool and you will see a reduction in energy bills of up to £20,500 per annum (figures based on a 2011 study of a 25m x 12m pool at 2018 prices). Depending on the type of reel system you opt for, a payback period as short as 12 months can be expected. Plastica’s Managing Director said “We have manufactured and installed thousands of commercial cover and reel systems from Olympic sized competition pools to freeform fun pools over the last 40 plus years. Our customers benefit from our products having unique specification advantages as standard. For example, on our commercial pool covers we provide hemmed edges, double welded seams down the length of pool covers (not the width), reinforced leading edges and stainless-steel reels. All resulting in less stress on the covers to prevent fraying, delamination and tearing, as well as a reduction in general wear and tear and ease of maintenance.” Fast and Efficient Covering The unique and durable covers almost eliminate evaporation and reduce humidity and condensation. Plastica’s reel systems are made with stainless steel to maximise strength, longevity and ease of maintenance. We offer choices to accommodate any commercial pool requirement. Manual for smaller lighter pool covers and motorised systems – to reduce manual handling for poolside staff. Plastica has earned an enviable reputation for installing cover and reel systems to an agreed schedule. Vital for commercial centres that need to forewarn customers about any short pool closures. If you’d like to learn more about how certain products could save you time and money, please get in touch with Plastica Pools. Call them on 01424 857802 or visit their website: www.plasticapools.net
TiksPac Waste Bag Dispensing Stations around the UK
TiksPac UK is an international waste specialist brand. TiksPac provide pet owners to free waste bags from dispensing stations. The positioning of the dispensing stations, essentially recreation areas, footpaths, woodlands, beach fronts are key space to reach a 100% target market for dog walkers, communities and holiday residents. Dog fouling is the No 1 Environmental Crime in the UK, it is a problem. Our stations offer great signposting space for messages – reinforcing do the right thing, the free biodegradable bags impact the residents. It is positive action. The issue of single use plastic being used for dog waste and general waste is significant and local authorities struggle with effective solutions. Winning the APSE Innovative Environmental award with Swale Borough Council in 2017, Tikspac are delivering against this problem. There are an estimated 8 million dogs in the UK, who between them produce over 1,000 tonnes of faeces each day. To tackle the growing number of dog owners who fall foul of the law, TiksPac are now working with more than 30 councils across the UK. A survey measured a 60% decrease in dog fouling complaints on average and a 50% decrease in in overall littering in the same areas. The UK Pet owners are increasingly keen to bring their dogs with them on holiday, the Tikspac solution works to keep your land tidy and encourage the right behaviour The dispensers hold 100 per cent compostable and biodegradable dog waste bags which are free and accessible 24/7. The idea is aimed at those who have forgotten to bring dog bags with them, as well as those who have a sense of community and are willing to clear up in their area. In addition, TiksPac provide now the TidyPac which is specifically designed for litter picking. Get in touch and discuss this solution for your holiday park. https://ecogreencommunities.com/
The search for the ideal safari glamping tent is on!
Buying a glamping tent is a considerable investment. A smart investment, but absolutely one you only make after careful deliberation. Therefore we asked James, glamping advisor at safari tent supplier Outstanding: What aspects you need to pay attention to when buying a safari tent? Unique tent with return “In principle, all customers have the same goal in mind: buying a safari tent or lodge. But the search for the ideal glamping accommodation goes beyond purchasing just any tent”, says James. “And we owe it to our customers to help them find the perfect tent”. Every campsite owner wants to offer an unforgettable glamping experience and every camper is looking for a tent with the wow factor. However, according to James, when you’re buying a tent, you need to look beyond mere appearances. “First, you’ll want it to have a good price-to-quality ratio”, he explains. “Then, you’ll want your investment to be cost-effective. And, lastly, you’ll want to have no concerns about the tent after you’ve bought it.” Always a custom made tent According to James it’s not necessary to know right away how many people you’re planning to accommodate, because their Outstanding safari tents are available in various sizes. Furthermore, they can furnish them in such a way that they’re suitable for both bigger and smaller families. “Perhaps you’re looking for stylish group accommodation. If so, we can simply extend your favourite tent by a couple of metres. If it’s not possible to expand at ground level, maybe our lodge with an optional extra floor is the right solution for you. Or perhaps you can make optimal use of the space you have with our narrower and most compact tent”, says James. “Our wide range always offers a fitting solution!” A fitting interior for every tent With Outstanding, you can choose exactly what you want: big or small, a little luxury or a lot, with or without a slide, a bed box or an extra floor. They offer countless options and according to James that’s why it’s crucial that they offer customers their expert advice. “Naturally, we have a few basic formats that will enable you can make best use of your space, not to mention set you apart from your competitors. By adding a slide to your glamping tent for example”, he says. “Is buying a safari tent with a slide impractical? There’s nothing children like more than sleeping in a tent with their own slide, as you’d expect! However, we do think it’s important for the tent not to lose space unnecessarily. The solution? The design looks like our bed box, but in reverse: an adventurous sleeping space below and a spacious playpen above the slide. Distinctive and practical,” James concludes enthusiastically. So, what does your ideal safari tent look like? Visit www.outstandingtent.co.uk for more inspiration. Or contact glamping advisors James and Suzie at 0203 769 4999 to find out which safari tent suits you best.
Static Trader: Decades of Industry Knowledge Brings Business Success
When Hayley and Byron Whiteside set up Southeast Static Trader in July 2017, the original plan was to bring their knowledge of on-site and off-site static caravans into the static caravan and leisure homes trading industry. Little did they know just how much their particular brand of expertise, combined with their ‘customer first’ approach, would be in demand. Byron has a professional background in static caravan sales, having worked on holiday parks in the South East for over a decade. In 2017, seeing an opportunity to share his expertise in all aspects of static caravans, transportation and siting to off-site customers and other traders, Byron and wife Hayley decided to set up their own trading company. With plenty of industry contacts and a team of expert contractors ready to work with them, Southeast Static Trader was born. Initially working from the corner of an industrial yard, with six statics plus an old, cold static converted into an office space, Byron, Hayley and their small team set out to build a business with a different kind of foundation, creating a business which makes the most of the team’s industry knowledge and prioritises customer care. There are decades of individual knowledge within the team: take Dean and Lee with their understanding and expertise in siting and levelling; Hoddy’s knowledge of wide load and heavy goods transportation, and of course Byron, Hayley and salesman Sean’s collective and extensive product knowledge – of manufacturers and the wide range of static caravans available at any given time, plus the in-depth logistics of site surveys, movement and siting of statics. All of which means Byron and Hayley have built a formidable collective knowledge base “a team of professionals around us where we’re able to overcome any scenario and, importantly, to keep our customers happy.” As individuals, everyone on the team has an area of specialist knowledge to contribute, something Byron recognises as “experts within who we are as people”. But it’s the way they’ve come together as a team that has developed Southeast Static Trader’s position of strength in the industry and “why” Byron points out, “we’ve been able to grow our business from nothing to practically 300 deals within the two years since we started.” Indeed, from their original handful of used static caravans, trading in a small corner of the South East coast, Static Trader’s sales yard directly reflects the stellar growth the company has achieved so far. The company’s Rye Harbour sales yard now accommodates around 80 used static caravans at any given time, plus 8 brand new static caravans thanks to dealerships Static Trader has secured with brand leaders Atlas, Carnaby and Regal. The Rye Harbour are also now home to a fleet of vehicles delivering in-house transportation and siting services across the UK, available to Static Trader’s customers. All of which has resulted in a subtle change of branding; whilst Static Trader has an active presence in the South East, the location label has been dropped from the brand name to reflect UK-wide growth. “How we have grown has been about how we have approached what we’re doing – from the services we’re offering and the statics we are trading in. It’s all about delivering professional standards and going the extra mile for our customers, whether they’re buying from us, or selling to us. The reason we’re a breath of fresh air in the industry is because at Static Trader we’re actually a set of people who care about what we’re doing – and about what the customers want.” All of which is something Static Trader have proved to be very successful at, gaining positive feedback for both buying and selling. “I can’t recommend this company highly enough,” shared customer Rachel in the company’s five-star Google review. “We received excellent service when viewing and choosing the caravans, and did not feel under massive pressure to buy. The transportation crew were absolutely amazing – we loved them!” This level of service is mirrored in Static Trader’s purchasing service. “Having never sold a caravan before, I felt well supported,” customer Sadie stated after Static trader purchased her on-park static caravan. “I was pleased with the price and transportation which was all dealt with for me. Payment for the van was very prompt.” Sadie’s experience also shows that, when it comes to customers, Static Trader is just as much a presence onsite nowadays as offsite. As well as selling and purchasing, Static Trader has a specific trade arm to its services, trading directly with leisure parks and static caravan sites, as well as other leisure home traders. This professional trading is something Byron values greatly as part of the company’s continued success: “With the support of people around us, we’re only going to grow from here and we’re ready to open up our front doors to professional contacts. With our manufacturer dealerships as well as our wide network of contacts, we pride ourselves on finding the right caravans for the right parks, marrying up our stock with their needs based on our discovery and relationships with the parks, finding something which is the right fit for them within our extensive list of contacts.” In all of the industry spaces – onsite, offsite and online, Static Trader is developing an authority presence which promotes professional standards and customer care at all levels of practice. All enquiries are welcome, from trade or private customers and whether static-specific questions or general how-to research, someone on the Static Trader team will have an answer to give or a solution to offer. For more information, visit Static Trader at www.statictrader.com.
