Whether you’re a holidaymaker or not, having a great internet connection is a must
Holiday home owners and holidaymakers demand high-quality, reliable Wi-Fi and internet connectivity and a home away from home experience. The availability of fast, secure and dependable internet is vital for doing remote work or Zoom meetings, and, of course, accessing entertainment such as Netflix and catch up TV, as well as allowing owners and guests to connect smart gadgets such as Alexa and Google Home. Camping Connect is deeply experienced with technical expertise in designing and installing, fully managed, secure guest internet and Wi-Fi networks to the quality and performance levels your guests demand. Your guests are supported byour 7-day helpdesk dedicated to assisting guests directly if they have any queries and keeping your network running smoothly. All installations come with a 3-year warranty and legislatively compliant family-friendly web filters to protect your younger guests and your business from cyber security risks. We are with you every step of the way, providing the very best in wired and wireless technology built directly into the fabric of your park providing benefits to guests and owners alike. 5* Touring Sites By using the latest computer modelling software, we guarantee exceptional coverage before any work begins on site For peace of mind, we only use the best enterprise-graded equipment with a 3-year warranty Time-limited free access provides users with the confidence to purchase longer length packages Advanced roaming features allow guests to roam through the site and venues while remaining connected Green Field Development Our experts will work with you every step of the way to build the necessary infrastructure directly into the fabric of the development No more waiting months for Openreach – provide your guests with an ultra-high -speed network from the day they move in Future proof the connectivity on-site with fibre direct to the pitch Full network integration with smart building technologies Resort Park Superfast WiFi inside every room maximises guest satisfaction Full coverage throughout the whole complex including gardens, terraces and even car parks with seamless roaming in between Venue WiFi capable of securely connecting thousands of guests whilst simultaneously running secure staff and PDQ networks Multiple connection options – including pay as you go, free and try before you buy Holiday Home Park Just like home WiFi – direct to accommodation WiFi is fast, secure and easy to use A personal router delivers flawless signal throughout, allowing the easy connection of smart tv’s and other devices Support staff are on hand 7 days a week for any network or guest issues Wireless links capable of delivering 1Gbps connect individual caravans – no groundwork necessary For more information sales@campingconnect.co.uk 01792 277 233
Winterise your Outdoors
If you are planning to maximise your business into autumn, winter, and early spring here’s some top tips on optimising your outdoors for guests. Clean and well-maintained outdoor furniture. If your furniture is broken or covered in algae, customers will judge the standards of the park on this. Look for quality wooden furniture to withstand the wear and tear of heavy use. Or choose metal/plastic and laminate furniture that is easy to wipe down and dry off. Woodberry offers a range of picnic tables, outdoor dining tables and chairs and benches in wood, metal, plastic and synthetic rattan. Recycled Plastic Picnic Tables are very easy to keep looking neat and come with 25-year structural guarantees as well as green credentials. Maximise the usability of outdoor space Outdoor shelters, patio heaters, and lighting certainly helps to maximise the useability of outdoor spaces in wet and cold weather. It also makes it attractive to encourage customers to enjoy al fresco hospitality. Electric and Gas Patio Heaters can efficiently heat an area between 6 – 20 square metres, depending on the size of the heater. Woodberry is currently offering Winter Gazebo Packages which include Weatherproof Gazebos or Dining Cabins, Wall Mounted Electric Patio Heater, Outdoor Festoon Lights and canvas sides or blinds. Weatherproof flooring – Decking and Paving For winter, if your space allows, move outdoor furniture onto hard standing ground and give the grass a rest. This will be more attractive to customers and work harder for your hospitality. Woodberry offers Millboard Decking which is made from polyurethane. This is hand-molded from natural timber and has all the look of real wood but with none of the drawbacks. It is moisture, algae and rot resistant with high anti-slip ratings. Make a feature of your Outdoors Many hospitality venues are now making a feature of their outdoor areas with themed Dining Cabins and Gazebos. These provide a focal point for your outdoors or could even become pre-bookable private party areas. Dining Cabins can be painted in pastel or vibrant colours to look like beach huts or cabanas. These all prove great for marketing purposes as customers are keen to share their experiences on social media. Get in touch with the Woodberry team to talk through an ideas or for a free site survey. To find out more visit www.woodberry.co.uk/holidayparks Or call the team for a chat on 01926 889922 —————————
World-class on-park WiFi connectivity: the ‘new normal’?
For any luxury holiday park, high-performance WiFi is no longer a ‘nice to have’. Five-star customer experience demands five-star connectivity. This is precisely what WiFi 4 Leisure delivered for Park Leisure’s Plas Coch, a holiday park nestled in the beautiful, secluded countryside surroundings of the Isle of Anglesey, Wales. A new nation of streamers During the global pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns, many of us grew closer to our technology than ever before. Indeed, we took out new on-demand subscriptions in record numbers. According to Ofcom, 12 million of us adopted a new video on demand streaming service in lockdown, with over 90% intending to remain signed up post-pandemic. With international travel off limits, many of us also fell back in love with the Great British staycation, creating a renewed interest in domestic tourism. The new reality is that guests expect to be able to stay connected when they’re on their travels in the UK. Those cosy nights with the family in your holiday lodge aren’t quite the same if your favourite on-demand series is endlessly buffering. From four devices per lodge to 12 — in only five years Previously, Plas Coch’s guests experienced blackspots between the park’s WiFi masts. Understandably, this generated attention from rather irritated guests. With over 330 holiday homes on site and occupancy levels at a record 98%, average device count per plot had grown from 4 in 2015 to 12 devices in 2020. The wireless and network infrastructure needed more capacity — both in throughput and internet bandwidth. This meant, at peak times, there could be almost 2,500 devices connected at Plas Coch. On a cold, wet Friday evening, what was once a DVD movie is now an on-demand service. Demand for connectivity is not just limited to the lodge living room TV, but also includes kids’ bedrooms, tablets and smartphones. From failed, dated masts to smart lodges of the future The solution? WiFi 4 Leisure implemented a complete infrastructure overhaul of the holiday park’s internet infrastructure. This challenging operation involved implementing infrastructure and connectivity to allow each holiday home to have its own private, secure network, much like you would experience at home. This re-engineering delivered increased internet capacity, WiFi speeds and reliability, as well as providing the park with a model of highly-connected ‘smart’ lodges — fit for future growth. The client was thrilled with the connectivity solution implemented. “Plas Coch is one of our more exclusive resorts and therefore it was imperative that we provided our customers with a fantastic WiFi and internet experience. WiFi 4 Leisure took over our existing system, re-engineered the whole thing and gave us back an amazing internet package. We can have over 2500 devices connected across that park on a given day with no loss of performance.” Heidi Beattie, Property Director, Park Leisure W: www.wifi4leisure.co.uk T: 0330 3800 100 E: contactus@wifi4leisure.co.uk
Save over 50% on your fire extinguisher and maintenance costs
Having worked with the holiday industry for the past 20 years we understand the issues that you have to deal with when it comes to your fire safety provision. Safelincs can provide you with a money-saving option that is also kinder to the environment with the P50 service-free fire extinguisher, saving you over 50% of your current fire extinguisher and maintenance costs. With the P50 service-free extinguishers you save money for several reasons: No annual service costs: P50 do not need an annual service by a trained extinguisher technician, they can simply be inspected by one of your team. Safelincs provide full training. Half the refills: The P50 extinguishers only need refilling every ten years rather than the 5 years of traditional extinguishers Longer lasting: P50 have a 10 year warranty and a 20 year lifespan Robust and 100% corrosion free. P50 are made from robust, non-corrosive materials and can be used in the harshest of environments without corroding Need fewer extinguishers. P50 foam extinguishers are safe on electrical equipment and replace traditional water/CO2 combination stands, halving the number of extinguishers required. You don’t need to replace all your extinguishers at the same time, we can offer you a bespoke plan to phase-in the P50 service-free extinguishers as your old extinguishers need replacing. Manufactured in the UK to the highest standards the P50 service-free extinguishers are CE marked and Kitemarked by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to BS EN3. Safelincs have a range of over 6,000 products and services and we can provide you with all your fire safety needs, not just extinguishers. We are offering FREE fire safety consultations to anyone who visits us at our stand 9143 at the Holiday Park Innovation Show. One of our qualified advisers will visit your site to carry out the consultation at a time to suit you. Your Free fire safety consultation will include an assessment of your current fire safety measures and the advisors will then make recommendations based on your requirements. If you would like to speak to one of our qualified advisors, please call them on 01507 464 167. You can also view our full range of fire safety and health and safety products on www.safelincs.co.uk View this video to see how easy the P50 annual visual inspection is
Plastica Pools continues to expand in-house UK manufacturing
Manufacturing during such unprecedented times has been a challenge over the last year, but Plastica has risen to the challenge. Some of our raw materials are imported and have been affected by global supply chains. Higher costs on imports have been exacerbated by the global pandemic and BREXIT. Lead times continue to be fluid to accommodate this disruption and are monitored weekly by the Production team to keep customers in the loop. This is a universal issue for many UK businesses which over time will settle down. It may have slowed down production but hasn’t stopped Plastica’s manufacturing process and growth. All their products are packaged in their dedicated facilities in and close to their main premises. ‘At Plastica they have up to 90 people who offer a very comprehensive service to the swimming pool industry’ Expanding Water Treatment department Last year the company invested in a new unit to expand its growing Water Treatment department. The company have managed to keep manufacturing, while adhering to social distancing rules throughout lockdown as orders escalated. A decision was made to expand into a nearby 5,000 square foot unit which has enabled more storage space and room for an automated filling and capping machine. This has been successfully run by a team of experienced Water Treatment staff and the extra space has increased Plastica’s manufacturing capacity. Plastica acquired the right to be the sole distributor of HY PRO-70® in the UK in 2016 and can supply directly to yourselves. Available in 25kg stackable plastic drums, they sell commercial quantities of pool water sanitiser, pH Correctors or Test Tablets, and will meet all your requirements with confidence. Refresh your Commercial pools with an Extreme liner When it comes to lining your pools Plastica have many years of experience surveying and manufacturing domestic and commercial swimming pool liners for the trade. They use a state-of-the-art plotter cutter to accurately cut out and create each bespoke order, from their range of plain or patterned materials. All liner material is available in 0.50mm or 0.75mm, impregnated with algaecide and antioxidants and patterned materials are protected with a lacquer coating to extend the life and colour of the product. Co-ordinating tile bands are triple coated with lacquer to help prevent staining at the waterline, and a variety of beading colours is available to compliment your customer’s liner. Extreme pool lining solutions all year round Plastica’s ExtremeTM Pool Lining system has been used for on-site lining for over 3000 pools in the UK and abroad. Pat Devaney, the ExtremeTM Manager, said “It’s the ideal solution for renovating leaking commercial and residential pools, as well as new builds. The benefit of this system is that, with no curing or drying time to wait for, the average domestic pool would be re-filling after 3 days. Installation can be undertaken any time of year, regardless of the weather”, Pat added “The liner will not crack, is unaffected by frost and ice, is easy to maintain and scratch resistant.” Plastica’s ExtremeTM liners are guaranteed for pools for 10 years up to 32°C, as well as 5 years for hydrotherapy use up to 35°C. There is a wide choice of patterns and colours available including a range of 3D, giving the effect of slate, white marble or sandstone and new for 2021 a 3D granite. Plastica also offer an ExtremeTM liner that gives the effect of ceramic tiles, without the need for re-grouting and are a lot quicker to install! Energy Saving Commercial Covers from Plastica The need to reduce carbon emissions has become greater than ever. Most commercial 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 2019 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, reduce humidity and condensation, plus the ease of operating the system for pool staff is essential. Plastica’s reel systems are made with stainless steel to maximise strength, longevity and ease of maintenance. They 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, which is essential for commercial centres, that need to forewarn customers about any short-term pool closures. If you’d like to learn more about any of the Plastica products mentioned here, please visit: www.plasticapools.net
SPATEX 2022 – the show that promises to put you ahead of the competition
When it comes to vacations, the Brits want one thing – water! Yes, hot tubs, spas and swimming pools are the most sought-after facility when choosing a holiday destination. Which is why SPATEX 2022 at the Coventry Building Society Arena Tues 1st to Thurs 3rd February – the UK’s ONLY dedicated water leisure exhibition – is a must for those in the hospitality business. SPATEX 2022 is a showcase of the latest models and innovations, and the potential to meet over a thousand people from the water leisure industry in just one day. Free to attend, it provides holiday park owners, hoteliers, leisure managers etc with ALL you need to know about water features, spas, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, enclosures and much more besides. Everything under one roof – Whether you’re looking to renovate or dip your toe into the water for the first time, you’re promised a glittering display across all sectors. With 100 plus companies, from home and abroad, all of the Industry’s major manufacturers and suppliers will be showcasing their very latest products. What can you expect to see? Everything from one-piece pools, hot tubs, tiles, saunas, steam rooms, chemicals to heating and ventilation, commercial spas and enclosures. The latest money-saving innovations SPATEX has made energy-saving the cornerstone of its agenda. For instance, new generation heat pumps are now onstream and offer huge cost saving advantages. You wouldn’t build a house without a roof – the latest heat retention covers can literally save a fortune. Enclosures, water circulating pumps, chemical dosing systems – all have undergone big technological advances in the last few years. Help to develop your ideas – With the world’s top water leisure experts on hand, access free advice for your existing or future project. Come to the SPATEX Help Desk at the entrance to be pointed in the right direction. Top tips and advice Talks and demonstrations in the show’s free-to-attend, three-day double seminar and workshop programme will focus on how to save time and money. The ISPE (the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) has curated a series of information-packed workshops by industry figureheads who will provide a working knowledge of the latest health and safety legislation and guidance. CPD points and a certificate of attendance are awarded to all attendees. Network Make new contacts at SPATEX’s free to attend 25th anniversary networking party on Wednesday after the show closes at 5pm with free drinks, canapes and lots of industry chat. Visit www.spatex.co.uk to see SPATEX’s impressive list of exhibitors, details of the free double seminar and workshop programme and register for the Show’s regular e-newslines. SPATEX 2022 – Tuesday 1st to Thurs 3rd February. The Coventry Building Society Arena (formerly the Ricoh Arena), Coventry CV6 6GE is easy to get to – just 500 yards off the M6 and within two hours commuting time of 75 per cent of the population, it offers 2,000 free on-site car parking spaces.
HAGS Play and Outdoor Equipment
HAGS understands how to design play spaces that attract customers to your destination and keep them there longer. While parents explore your “grown-up” environment, the children can stay occupied on our fun play solutions that stimulate their imagination and challenge them physically. As any commercial operator will tell you, happy entertained children mean happy and relaxed parents! An exciting and challenging play area gives children somewhere to let off steam and make new friends. Investing in new or existing play equipment is a great way to show customers that your commercial establishment caters for families with young children who want to be entertained and have fun. Whatever type of play area you want to create, however big or small, HAGS can assist you through the process. From designing to manufacturing the equipment right through to installation and aftercare. HAGS provides a fully comprehensive solution to ensure your satisfaction. The story behind the name HAGS is European with Scandinavian roots and was born in 1948 when a small Swedish engineering company took an order for a swing frame from a local community. When it was installed people started talking about it and the owners saw an opportunity to refocus the company in the production of playground structures. Working with you HAGS’ philosophy is to inspire all generations by creating exciting play areas that: attract customers to your site, improve your customers experience, increase dwell time and increase your foot traffic providing you with a great return on investment. The HAGS approach HAGS provides a full service from design through to installation. We start by creating fresh exciting designs based on consultations with project managers, designers, architects and site managers. We listen and involve you throughout the process, whilst also drawing on our industry experience. Increasing your ROI Tailored to fit HAGS’ considered designs and proposals are tailored with you and your clients in mind. The HAGS team works with your site and budget to ensure your investment works for all concerned. Your site is unique, and whether you are considering a whole development, or a single unit offering many areas of play value, HAGS will work with you to achieve the right solution and ensure your project delivers. The importance of an external Play Area In an increasingly ‘more is more’ world, businesses are starting to realise the benefits of developing their sites to provide more than just a one-off experience. These days, we are seeing more and more business owners begin to invest in a well-designed play area to not only attract customers, but retain them for longer providing them with a greater return on investment Attract families to your site Research has shown that children’s play facilities influence customer’s decisions on where to visit, dine out or holiday. Installing a well-designed play area illustrates how businesses are working to improve the customer experience. Increase dwell time Parents often use the promise of visiting a play area as a motivation to visit somewhere more frequently. As the play areas are safe and secure it gives families peace of mind to allow their children to play. It’s also an inexpensive option to entertain the children, whatever the occasion. Higher foot traffic Parents often use the promise of visiting a play area as a motivation to visit somewhere more frequently. As the play areas are safe and secure it gives families peace of mind to allow their children to play. It’s also an inexpensive option to entertain the children, whatever the occasion. 87% of families are more likely to visit a holiday park, pub or visitor attraction with their children because of the play facilities on offer. 95% of families are more likely to return to a site if their children have been entertained and happy playing in a safe play area. 97% of families feel that having facilities to entertain children while at a public house, holiday park or leisure facility is vitally important to them. HAGS currently has some great offers for commercial providers on a range of their high quality products. For example: UniPlay Metis Junior Multi-Play Unit – Supply, Delivery & Install with Grass Matting: £6,999* Viper Rope Swing Supply, Delivery & Install with Grass Matting: £6,999* Arena Philadelphia Multi-Use Games Area Supply, Delivery & Install (excluding surfacing): £4,499* To see the full range, visit: www.hags.co.uk/cipo
Golden Coast says relax
Managing multiple facilities is a complex task, but with a Golden Coast heat pump you can at least be confident that your hot tub heating is fully under control. The pump uses innovative inverter technology to maintain water temperature on a low current, thereby ensuring higher efficiency. Since the pump uses far less energy, electricity bills are significantly reduced – so you need not worry about your budget. “You can relax knowing that the heat pump is only using the amount of energy you need it to, preventing any unwelcome surprises when the electricity bill comes,” explains Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast. “In fact, running costs will not only be manageable, but could be far lower compared to using electric heaters. You could save thousands of pounds by switching to a Golden Coast heat pump.” Given the amount of light and heat sources running simultaneously around a holiday park, power cuts are a common issue. But when you turn on a Golden Coast heat pump, soft start technology reduces the current peak for a seamless start up. The lower energy consumption also means you can be sure you’re using a more sustainable heating product – helping you cut your carbon footprint. The robust build of a Golden Coast Heat pump guarantees a long product life, so maintenance isn’t a problem either. The pump benefits from titanium heat exchangers which are resistant to corrosion by salt, chlorine and bromine. Even the changeable and unpredictable weather experienced throughout the UK is no match for a Golden Coast heat pump. It can operate in cold temperatures as low as -15°C, and has a heater tray element that protects the machine in colder months. The heat pump unit comprises an efficient rotary compressor and multi-speed fan motor which guarantee quiet operation with a noise level of just 40dB (that’s library level), so guests won’t be disturbed by the sound. “Our heat pump is ideal for holiday parks because it can keep hot tubs warm in any season, which provides more flexibility with facilities, and since the heat pump warms the water quickly, guests will be happy that they don’t have to wait long to use the hot tub,” assures Adam. “Whether you have one hot tub or a hundred, managing them should be stress-free, and it can be with a Golden Coast heat pump.” For more information on Golden Coast heat pumps, contact a member of the sales team on 01271 378100, email swimmer@goldenc.com or visit www.goldenc.com.
Stand out with premium connectivity for staycationers
Much has been written about the importance of digital connectivity in the world of work, but it’s just as important for holidaymakers. With 67% of travellers saying quality Wi-Fi is a deciding factor when choosing where to holiday, connectivity is not just a nice-to-have for operators in this sector. While many caravan and holiday parks offer Wi-Fi access to their guests, due to the limitations of the technology the quality of the connection can sometimes be poor and unreliable. This can potentially lead to frustration for guests as many people expect to be able to access the same services they do at home, such as social media and streaming. However, telecoms reseller Online Systems and UK network service provider Freshwave have teamed up and developed an exciting industry first. In 2019 in a first for the UK, Vodafone agreed to share some of its spectrum with Freshwave to help offer high-speed mobile broadband in remote areas without fibre connectivity, as well as to promote efficient use of its spectrum. Using this spectrum and small cell technology, Freshwave and Online Systems have developed mobile private networks that bring 4G data speeds to park lodges via a small antenna on each lodge. An “off the shelf”, standard 4G router then distributes the signal internally via Wi-Fi. Operational services, such as sales, maintenance and housekeeping are also able to use the network. Using a mobile private network brings a host of benefits to both the guests and the park: A more robust and stable connection: The ease of Wi-Fi access but without the capacity restraints. It’s too expensive to dig comms cable to every lodge so Wi-Fi is usually provided by outdoor access points, each serving multiple lodges. But a mobile private network provides broadband capacity using a 4G small cell network. Even before the pandemic connectivity was important, but with new, flexible ways of working expected in the future, its importance will only increase. Less infrastructure to install: 4G needs less infrastructure than Wi-Fi due to its far greater range, especially in the presence of obstructions such as trees. This is a huge benefit in a holiday park as digging runs the risk of coming across unexpected things such as gas, water, electricity and foul water. And less excavation means less disturbance for guests in the park, as well as minimising health and safety risks. Less infrastructure can also reduce cost: Mobile spectrum enables higher power and reliability, meaning better coverage with fewer radio points, resulting in lower costs. On-site control for the holiday park operator: It’s their network giving them complete control of coverage, capacity, data and devices, as each must use a SIM registered to the network. Alec MacDonald, Head of Special Projects at Online Systems, said: “Holiday park operators are excited to learn about this new connectivity option and the feedback we’ve had from parks who are already using our mobile private networks has been excellent. Their guests are happy to have reliable, secure connections that they can use multiple devices on. And the park operators find that it’s also valuable for their operational services. The speed of deployment of these networks is also a real bonus, as they are up and running quickly with minimal disruption.” These award-winning mobile private networks are already being enjoyed in holiday parks across England and Scotland. To find out more, email us at sales@onlinesystems.co.uk.
