Pathways to a perfect park landscape: Soils, Aggregates and Stone
First impressions really count, and that does not stop at your park entrance. It continues onto your main thoroughfare and beyond at every pitch and pocket of land – it impacts site-wide. Waterlogged patches, unruly pathways and pot-holed roads are an instant turn-off, causing untold damage to your reputation as well as to vehicles and pedestrians. Planted beds, hedge screening, wildflower meadows and green roofs can make your outdoor experience stand out for all the right reasons, too. At that means taking a closer look beneath your feet… Chances are you want your park to be more than just a place to stay. You want holidaymakers to return, to recommend and to share a positive experience of their time on site. Whilst the accommodation, the facilities, the entertainment and the environment are critical factors, it will no doubt be the “bits in between” where you could be letting the side – and site – down. Roadways, pathways, play and plants Suppliers of British Standard topsoils and aggregates for almost a quarter of a century, MCM are favoured by award-winning landscapers and the UK’s leading construction companies when it comes to the provision of consistently high quality landscape materials. The Surrey-based company source materials from quarries and sites across the South East but have a UK-wide logistics network. They have been the first port of call for soils and aggregates to projects including Holland Park play area in Kensington, Kearsney Court historic park in Dover, roof gardens and avenues at Wembley Park and groundworks at the University of Winchester. It is in these and other private, commercial and public open space projects where the correct specification, selection and supply of soils, gravels and aggregates is critical. This is why it is so important to consider your end goals when it comes to product choice for park renovations and refurbishment. Choose the right landscape materials Whether gabion stone for a cage wall or bank reinforcement, new planting or a forecourt of self-binding gravel that looks great all year round, discuss your options with a specialist supplier of soils and aggregates. They can guide you on product selection and advise on site preparation, calculating how much you need and how it can best be delivered to site dependent on access, space and location. MCM supply in loose, direct-to-site loads up to 20 tonnes or in multi-lift bags so that deliveries can be tailored to suit. British Standards soils and blends for planting, turf and meadow Now more than ever, we want to embrace and enjoy our outdoor spaces. And whilst your holiday park is more than likely blessed with a natural environment, you can always add more – perhaps some hedge screening, new planting beds, lawns, playgrounds, improvements to your wooded areas or perhaps even a living wall or green roof. Creating new beds means new soil and to ensure the healthiest establishment and long-term success of your planting, you should select the best soil blend and one that meets the most rigorous of British Standard specifications – and has the test certificate to prove it. MCM supplies lightweight substrates for roof gardens and areas where soil weight and drainage are top considerations, as well as specialist soils for acid-loving plants. For wildflower planting in pockets around the development, choose a low fertility topsoil blend to provide the nutrient levels required for a thriving soft landscape whilst suppressing the onset of invasive weeds across the planting scheme. Preparing your site to diversify PROJECT: Self-binding golden gravel path for alpacas on Surrey farm Binding together when rolled to create a self-compacted golden surface, MCM’s self-binding gravel has been used to great effect on this farm in Surrey. The golden driveway stays firm underfoot and is a versatile and attractive alternative to other more traditional loose aggregates. The homeowner took delivery of their self-binding gravel in April and after transporting the gravel by dumper across a 200 metre stretch to the alpaca shelters at the bottom of an adjacent field, the hard standing area is now complete and ready for its South American visitors. “Lulu” and the gang are more than happy with their upgraded home, as is the homeowner who commended the MCM team for helping them with product selection and arranging swift delivery. PROJECT: Self-binding golden gravel path for alpacas on Surrey farm Binding together when rolled to create a self-compacted golden surface, MCM’s self-binding gravel has been used to great effect on this farm in Surrey. The golden driveway stays firm underfoot and is a versatile and attractive alternative to other more traditional loose aggregates. The homeowner took delivery of their self-binding gravel in April and after transporting the gravel by dumper across a 200 metre stretch to the alpaca shelters at the bottom of an adjacent field, the hard standing area is now complete and ready for its South American visitors. “Lulu” and the gang are more than happy with their upgraded home, as is the homeowner who commended the MCM team for helping them with product selection and arranging swift delivery. A welcoming environment PRODUCT: Paving the way with permeable recycled aggregates With site drainage crucial throughout the year, it is worth considering a permeable recycled aggregate alternative to keep your landscape and groundworks free-draining and puddle-free. Cheaper than a primary aggregate – a win-win for budget and environment – a 2/6mm permeable aggregate bedding layer allows surface water to run off and escape through the sub-base and into the ground beneath. Its grading gives a balance between the sub-base layer’s stability and the free movement of water off, down and through. This makes this recycled permeable aggregate the perfect base layer for sports pitches, paving, car parks and driveways. PRODUCT: Paving the way with permeable recycled aggregates With site drainage crucial throughout the year, it is worth considering a permeable recycled aggregate alternative to keep your landscape and groundworks free-draining and puddle-free. Cheaper than a primary aggregate – a win-win for budget and environment – a 2/6mm permeable aggregate bedding layer allows surface
A Golden Coast heat pump will keep guests happy year-round.
British weather may be famously unpredictable, but at least guests can count on their hot tubs being warm thanks to an innovative heat pump from Golden Coast. The inverter-driven air source pump heats water up to 40°C and maintains the desired temperature while operating on a lower current. This allows it to use less energy compared to electric heaters, making it a much eco-friendlier option. The heat pump has been tried and tested in parks around the UK with impressive results. One field test conducted by a holiday park operator revealed a Golden Coast heat pump offered a return on their investment in just 18 months based on their usage and environment, resulting in an order of over 200 units. Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast explains: “Our highly efficient heat pump keeps energy consumption and running costs low. Owners can even monitor usage and control the temperature easily thanks to the touchscreen display. It means parks are completely in control of their spending, and if they have multiple hot tubs on site, it can result in significant savings over time.” Designed to be durable and long lasting, a Golden Coast heat pump uses titanium heat exchangers which are resistant to corrosion by salt, chlorine and bromine. The pump can operate in cold temperatures as low as -15°C, and has a heater tray element that protects the machine in colder months. Importantly, its unique ventilation structure means the heat pump is extremely quiet, so will not disturb guests. “There will be lots of guests around the country looking to find something special for their staycations this year, and a hot tub is always a sought-after feature,” says Adam. “It’s essential that the hot tub is useable no matter what the weather, and thanks to a high coefficient of performance, a Golden Coast heat pump warms the water quickly so guests can enjoy the spa in no time. Our heat pump offers a high level of reliability for park operators looking to extend their facility use through every season. It won’t let you or your guests down.” 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.
New ‘industry-first’ partnership helps holiday parks demonstrate commitment to sustainability
Elite Dynamics, a leading provider of software solutions to the Holiday Home & Parks’ industry, has partnered with an environmental start-up in a bid to encourage the industry, holiday home owners, and holidaymakers to up their environmental efforts. The software specialists have kick-started a new partnership with Manchester-based, Play It Green, by pledging to become a climate positive workforce. In the first month alone, Elite Dynamics’ 19 staff have facilitated the planting of 247 trees to counterbalance the business’ carbon footprint. As well as improving their own business sustainability practices, Elite Dynamics will be enhancing its EliteParks park management solution to make it easier for holiday parks to also join the scheme. Elite Dynamics holiday park customers will then be able to give their own customers and holiday home owners the opportunity to offset their travel to and from the park at the time of booking. Holiday parks can also add value to communications with customers and owners by providing ongoing practical tips on how to live more sustainably plus offering discounts on a wide range of sustainable products. Nicolette Aydin, Head of People & Business Transformation at Elite Dynamics, said: “As a business, we’re committed to doing everything we can to reduce our impact on the environment. Our staff work remotely from home. Our solutions are designed to digitise and streamline administrative, paper-based processes. And our new EliteAcademy is a digitised online training, coaching, and mentoring programme, which cuts down the need for our consultants to travel between holiday parks across the country to deliver system training. “We’ve been investing heavily in our business and our people through personal and professional training and development, and health and wellbeing initiatives over the last 12 months. By partnering with Play It Green, we’re now also making a positive difference to the environment on their behalf by committing to planting trees for every single member of our team, thus continuing to set out our stall as an elite and responsible employer. “We see this new partnership with Play It Green as a strong fit for us as a company and for our customers. The holiday park and leisure resort industry already leads the way in terms of its sustainability efforts and many of our customers are streets ahead when it comes to their green and eco policies. We’re proud to work with so many forward-thinking businesses and we’re excited to help them showcase their existing environmental credentials through a platform that will bring their good practices to life for their customers.” Richard Dickson, Co-founder and Head of Engagement at Play It Green said: “From governments to children around the world, everyone is aware climate change is an issue we all must do something about. The challenge to reach net zero by 2050 is huge, so practical action is a priority and this is a joint endeavour between nations, people, and business. Play It Green support a few pieces of this complex jigsaw by helping everyone plant trees to offset carbon emissions and lower their carbon footprint through news, weekly tips, and access to discounted sustainable alternatives. “Our vision at Play It Green is to give people and businesses the power to be greener and enjoy their journey, so we are delighted to welcome Elite Dynamics as our official strategic holiday park industry partner. Not only have they taken the decision to be a more sustainable business, but through their innovative software solutions, they have the potential to offset hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers’ travel and plant millions of trees. With this unique industry-first collaboration, we can create globally scalable positive outcomes both environmentally and socially.” For more information on Play It Green and how everyone – individuals through to large companies – can become part of the climate solution, visit https://playitgreen.com. Elite Dynamics is the only park management applications provider to have its solution officially accredited by Microsoft Dynamics and is a top tier Microsoft Gold partner. For more information on Elite Dynamics or to arrange a demo of the market leading Microsoft powered software solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk.
Bluepoint Tags and Labels
Bluepoint – An innovative Devon based tag and label manufacturer, is excited to release a new line of ‘print your own’ identification solutions to the camping and leisure sector. Campsites and holiday parks, both large and small will now have the flexibility to print their own range of on demand, personalised pitch tags, vehicle permits, and swimming pool passes quickly and efficiently, without the origination costs, minimum order quantities and timescales often associated with purchasing generic tags from a print company. Holiday parks and campsites printing their own customised passes and pitch tags for their visitors with specific information and detail, such as arrival and departure dates, numbers of guests, vehicle registration and even site rules and special offers was devised after local campsites requested that Bluepoint come up with a turn key solution, in which they could quickly and easily print their own personalised pitch tags and guest passes on site and with the variable information that they needed. Bluepoint responded by developing a range of tags and labels and, in conjunction with a major printer OEM, developed a complete print system, which allows a wide range of label, tag and ID bracelet ‘blanks’ to be printed quickly and cost effectively (typically 8pence full Colour) through an easy-to-use package. The system can even print Colours of the week and specific guests’ details saving hours of administrative time and the task of traditionally handwriting all this information; often we have been reliably informed, hundreds of times in busy periods and in some cases in duplicate! Bluepoint manufacture and offer the following products. • Car parking tickets / passes • Tent and caravan pitch tags • Car Mirror hangers • Window stickers • Adhesive Labels • Custom sizes / shapes • Colour and Black and white printing systems • Caravan storage tags If you would like further details of the system which includes printer, software*, inksand tags, then please contact our friendly sales team on 01392 927030 or drop us an e-mail across at sales@bluepointtags.co.uk *Label and tag templates can be supplied upon request and, unlike other campsite print systems, the Bluepoint system can also be used effectively for office scanning and day-to-day office printing.
Papa John’s is Big Hit in St Andrews
Papa John’s has teamed-up with Abbeyford Leisure to bring the home of pizza to the home of golf in St Andrews. With unrivalled views across the sandy bay towards St Andrews and beyond, award-winning St Andrews Holiday Park at Kinkell Braes is one of the most sought-after holiday locations on the east coast of Scotland. In 2019, the resort owned by Abbeyford Leisure, added a Papa John’s franchised store to enable visitors to enjoy their favourite pizza with family and friends while on holiday. The store also delivers to the local community of the town including students at St Andrews University. David J Evans, Abbeyford Leisure chairman, explains: “As one of the leading holiday park brands across East Central Scotland, we take great pride in providing the best available caravan holidays available. For example, our St Andrews club house has recently undergone a £1Million investment in its refurbishment. With 450 caravans and lodges with hot tubs plus camping on site at St Andrews, our appeal is to family groups including grandparents, parents and children alike. “The best thing about adding a Papa John’s is the kudos the brand provides. On arrival, our customers immediately know we are offering quality and innovation as soon they see our Papa John’s store. “Our aim is always to exceed expectations and when we hear feedback that the children of the families who visit are saying ‘wow they’ve got a Papa John’s’ we know we’ve hit the mark! This is why we chose Papa John’s. It’s a well-known global brand with a great reputation for fabulous food which adds to our own value proposition. There is nothing our visitors like more than to enjoy their favourite pizza on the balcony on a glorious summer evening, overlooking the bay. It’s times like these that the whole family can get together and have fun that make great memories. It’s what our holidays are all about. “The process of opening the store was straight forwards. Our business plan centred around how we could provide a top-class delivery and collection service to the whole community which we serve. We collaborated with the Papa John’s design team and they were easy to work with and flexible to accommodate our needs to ensure that the construction and fit out of our new store interior was completed on time. “Our store manager and assistant manager were trained at Papa John’s Quality Control Centre (QCC) in Milton Keynes. Our other team members were trained in-store and we also worked in close partnership with the Dundee Papa John’s store to ensure everyone had ‘hands on’ experience and was ready for launch. Now, our Papa John’s store is open 12 months of the year, ensuring employment for around 16 staff all year round. “The initial marketing included promotion through leaflets within our own holiday homes, billboards in the town plus the students were great at chatter on the social channels too. Word quickly got around! “Although we got off to a great start, our first full year of trading was challenging due to the Pandemic. The mandatory lockdowns meant there were less holiday makers and students but a greater demand from local residents. We were pleased to be able to continue deliver to local families in line with Government guidelines, even in the most difficult times. “We are now looking forward to better times ahead where our customers can get away from it all, take in the stunning scenery, perhaps play a round of golf and pick up a pizza to enjoy with their family at their very own nineteenth hole! Our partnership with Papa John’s has been successful and we look forward to delivering many more pizzas and working together to enhance our customers’ experiences for many years to come.” For those interested in running a multi-unit Papa John’s franchise, or a ‘non-traditional’ store, Papa John’s has various opportunities throughout the UK. Help is provided with location selection, growth incentives and full turn-key opening of stores. Papa John’s offers world-class support, comprehensive training plus national marketing. As a franchisor, the Company supplies all the assistance needed to get your successful Papa John’s up and running. For further information please visit: www.papajohns.co.uk/franchise
Is the coast clear? Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax.
The Budget seems a long time ago, and the much-heralded ‘tax day’, when the Government was set to announce a raft of consultations, passed without much comment. So is the coast clear for business owners and, in particular, caravan and holiday park owners in relation to Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax? Graham Poles, Tax Partner at Armstrong Watson shares his views. Before the Budget, there was talk about the loss of Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), previously known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief, which allows business owners to sell their interest in a trading business and pay just 10% Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The press had picked up on the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) consultation, released in November 2020, in which the Chancellor was encouraged to replace BADR with a new relief focused more on retirement and to consider raising the rates of CGT so they were more closely aligned to Income Tax. These proposals led to a great deal of activity in the run-up to Budget Day as owners wanted to get sales completed before any changes came into force. However, in the end, the Budget did not change anything. Furthermore, a previous report by the OTS had also called upon the Chancellor to consider the Inheritance Tax reliefs that businesses enjoy, in particular Business Property Relief, which exempts mainly trading businesses from Inheritance Tax (IHT). The OTS, in this report, suggested that rather than applying the relief to businesses that are mainly trading (a 50% test), it should only apply to those businesses that were substantially trading, (an 80% test) aligning this to the CGT test for BADR. This would have had the greatest impact on those businesses that have a mixture of both passive income, such as rents, and trading income, like caravan parks. The problem for these businesses is whether this is simply a delay in the inevitable changes to these taxes or, because of the impact this would have across many businesses, it is not something this Government would feel comfortable introducing. My view is that the interaction between IHT and CGT means that the 50% or 80% test will be looked at and aligned in the near future. The problem this creates for a caravan park is that the elements of trading would need to be carefully examined, probably annually, to make sure that the business would continue to qualify for this IHT relief, allowing those businesses to make decisions about succession with a clearer idea about whether the relief would apply. In relation to BADR, I do see things differently and feel that whilst the relief may change over time it has remained focused on entrepreneurs since retirement relief was replaced. In this new post-Brexit world I suspect the Government will want to continue to encourage people to take a risk with capital to build businesses. These entrepreneurs build a workforce eventually seeking to sell these, and start another, and so on. I think the relief will be here for some time to come although they may change the amount available for the relief; again I can see there being pressure to increase the limit from £1 million. What to do if you run a caravan and holiday park? It will be vital to understand if your business is structured correctly, ensuring it’s as tax efficient as possible but also that the composition of your turnover falls on the correct side of the relief. HMRC is looking for businesses, such as caravan parks, where the income could drift each year between qualifying and not and to challenge these whenever there is a sale (and BADR is claimed) or someone dies and the executors claim BPR. In either case, it is important as part of your annual review to know whether you qualify for reliefs or not, and it is here where your accountant can help you understand the best way to show your turnover. This information can halve the amount of tax due on a transaction, and given where values are at the moment this means this can be a very significant figure. I suspect we won’t see any further movement on either Capital Gains Tax or Inheritance Tax until the next Budget but in advance of that I would recommend that caravan and holiday park owners consider what the loss of these reliefs could mean for them and their families. For support and advice on whether your business qualifies for reliefs please contact Graham Poles on 01228 690198 or email graham.poles@armstrongwatson.co.uk.
VAT on caravan and lodge sales: is there potential for savings?
By Alex Nicholson, VAT Director, Armstrong Watson LLP From a VAT perspective, operating a residential or holiday park is often a complex undertaking and the sale of a new caravan or lodge is no exception. Depending on a number of different factors, these sales may take one of three different VAT liabilities – namely: subject to VAT at the standard rate (20%), the reduced rate (5%) or the zero rate (0%). A “small” caravan (one not exceeding either 7m in length or 2.55m in width) is subject to VAT at the standard rate. A structure that exceeds either of these dimensions – but is not manufactured to British Standard 3632:2005 – is subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 5%. One which exceeds either of these dimensions and is manufactured to BS3632:2005, can be zero-rated. The second hand sale of a caravan may only be zero rated if it exceeds 7m in length or 2.55m width was occupied before 6 April 2013 and meets BS3632:2005 For completeness, BS3632:2005 specifies design and construction requirements for an ex-works residential park home that is suitable for year-round occupation and can be used as a permanent place of residence. When it comes to the removeable contents sold within the caravan or lodge – such as tables, chairs, carpets and washing machines, there is an opportunity to make substantial VAT savings. Removable contents are always subject to VAT at the standard rate, irrespective of the liability of the structure of the caravan, and therefore must be valued in order to declare an appropriate amount of VAT on the sale. Crucially, this valuation can be made in any way which is ‘fair and reasonable’ and – provided it can be shown to be reasonable – does not need to conform to HMRC’s prescribed view. HMRC’s ‘suggested’ methodology is to treat removable contents on the sale of a caravan or lodge, as representing the same proportion of the selling price as they did on purchase. Whilst this may appear reasonable, from experience this often results in VAT being declared far above what is appropriate. Take, for example, two lodges, of the same make and model, with the same removable contents. Both are purchased for the same price from the manufacturer, yet one is sold on a park (for example purposes only) overlooking a lake in the Lake District, and one is sold at an objectively less desirable location. The first lodge could sell for £500,000 and the second for £100,000, and using non-bespoke methodology, VAT would be declared on removable contents at a value five times higher on one sale than the other. However, cannot be fair to declare VAT at 20% on a fridge that the suggested methodology deems is worth £7,000. For operators, a focus on this area can lead to substantial retrospective refunds and future efficiencies where the fact pattern is conducive and appropriate advice is sought. By following an innovative methodology of fairly valuing removeable contents, agreed by HMRC, businesses within the sector, may have the opportunity to recoup four –years of retrospective refunds, and increased margins on every future unit sale. This methodology, whilst remaining compliant with VAT law, is a bespoke way of approaching the VAT on removeable contents, as opposed to a suggested methodology which does not reflect the true economic reality of the sale. For more information visit armstrongwatson.info/VAT-Reimbursement. Whilst VAT savings may be available for caravan and lodge sales, it is prudent to seek specialist advice to ensure compliance and avoid falling foul of tax liabilities. For further information contact alex.nicholson@armstrongwatson.co.uk.
How do I make my glampsite stand out after lockdown?
Glampsites have increased in popularity since their inception in the mid-noughties. The staycation boom had already started pre-Covid but this year, foreign travel options are still looking decidedly shaky. Glampsite operators say this uncertainty has led to bookings going through the roof, with some already turning down summer bookings while off-peak slots are filling fast. However, even in the midst of a market boom, there’s no place for complacency – 2020 profits were hit hard thanks to the spring lockdown, and it’s important for glampsite managers to keep in mind the long-game to ensure they see a healthy ROI in future. So how can you improve your glamping facilities this year, so your site remains a must-visit destination in 2022 and even beyond? Here, we take a look at two fantastic businesses – a glamping site and a pod manufacturer – that are ready to hit the 2021 season with a bang – and have no intention of slowing down thanks to some creative thinking and clever investment… A glampsite that’s truly glamourous! Marking its 7th year in the glamping arena, Mrs Mills’ Yurts continues to add to its customer offering, with the most recent addition being a glampervan that can be taken off-site. Mrs Mills’ Yurts is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo, Nicola and Gary Mills, which launched in 2015 on National Trust Landmark May Hill, Gloucestershire. Wanting to escape London and the suffocation of being in a great, grey city of busyness – and having watched too many home improvement programmes – the duo fell in love with a tired farmhouse on a hill overlooking the Cotswolds. Following a period of serious restoration, which involved the couple and their children staying in a kitsch caravan themselves, Mrs Mills’ Yurts was born. While glamping was still relatively new and a novel offering, Nicola was adamant that she wanted to put her style and taste into the business. And it was her love for novels, especially those by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which inspired the flamboyant designs and the names of the yurts too: Zelda, Hildegarde, Tanaduke and Gatsby. Each yurt offers the ultimate indulgent glamping. Sleeping up to four people, each has its own private bathroom with luxury sandalwood toiletries and flowers, luxury linen and soft cotton towels and bathrobes, and extravagant sheepskin throws to keep glampers warm around the campfire. Cream teas are offered on arrival and a mouth-watering breakfast hamper is also delivered, filled to the brim with local produce. The hosts also arrange for daily tea and buns served in the “home from home” kitchen, and offer an extensive and delightful range of home-cooked meals from the campfire menu. For that added indulgence and to further relax glampers, three of the yurts also have a private wood-fired hot tub. The start of 2020 saw Amory added to the family collection; a glampervan that can be driven off-site and to any destination where the heart desires. Amory is the ultimate glampervan for wild camping; featuring a solar panel on the roof and the interior decked out just as the yurts themselves are – no corners are cut, that’s for sure. While many campervans come bare, Amory comes with everything from beautiful bedding and linen, through to champagne glasses, cloth napkins and even a cheese hamper to be enjoyed while on an adventure. Restrictions permitting, people are now booking Amory for trips abroad as well as touring the UK. It offers the full glamping experience wherever the glamper wishes to experience it. Nicola and Gary have no end of secret gems to suggest, and Amory allows you to choose a difference location every day. Nicola Mills, co-founder of Mayhill Glamping, said: “We pride ourselves on offering something totally luxurious, indulgent and extremely stylish at our rural retreat. Everything at Mrs Mills’ Yurts comes with a nod to the jazz age, from the sheepskin rugs and the garish gold beds, through to the wood-fired hot tubs. “Our Yurts are indulgent hotel rooms under the stars – they’re to my style and taste and it’s always lovely to get such positive and warm feedback when people come to stay with us. “We’re especially excited to launch our glampervan; we’ve had it just over a year now, but this year is when it’ll really get its chance to shine.” As well as being within a short distance from many great local pubs, attractions and stunning walking routes, Mrs Mills’ Yurts is also a short distance from the Cotswolds, Cheltenham and the Wye Valley, situated between Gloucester and Ross-on-Wye. Check out the glampsite at mayhillglamping.co.uk. Boxing clever with Maverick glamping pods Park operators are now looking at how every inch of property can be used to its full revenue potential, especially with increased demand for 2021 bookings. With attention predominantly turning towards lucrative accommodation options, now is the time to test the viability of expanding sites before having to heavily invest in complex infrastructure and committing to a large-scale public offering. Luxury temporary accommodation provider Caboose & Co. has produced a revolutionary travel pod, The Maverick, that will be the wingman of many a park operator this summer season. Caboose & Co’s managing director Tom Critchley says: “Having managed temporary accommodation sites for over 15 years, I’ve a wealth of valuable expertise when it comes to guest hospitality and assisting pop-up hotels, resorts and festivals diversify their offering. We work with landowners seeking to transform their sites into sought-after holiday destinations – whether that be for caravans, glamping or camping.” Born from wanting to solve the challenges faced when sourcing sleeping spots, Tom and his team supply shipping containers converted to the highest of industry standards, the cosy rooms can be simply and quickly deployed anywhere. Joining its impressive 54-strong converted container fleet, the first-of-its-kind product named The Maverick has been brought to the UK staycation and glamping markets as a direct response to increased staycations following COVID-19 international travel restrictions. With The Maverick also available with a hard deck atop the structure, it enables outdoor hospitality and event organisers the flexibility to
Using HR software to improve multi-site communication
Multi-site communications can often pose a problem for larger holiday park operators. Whether this concerns visual merchandising or health & safety, training or operations, miscommunication can cost companies huge amounts. We asked Chris Thomas, from HR software programmers Inform People, about how using the right software package can help to keep large organisations running smoothly and effectively… Q&A with Chris Thomas from Inform People, HR software provider What are the main issues employers face when overseeing different teams with different responsibilities? “You know when a company grows to have multiple sites and it encounters problems with its ‘information supply chain’? “Well, what we do is deliver automated online systems for effective communications, consistent compliance and ensure best practice operating standards. “We help employers tackle this by harnassing automation of tasks, communications and issuing policies. This way managers can monitor what is and is not being done and not worry about what needs to be issued to people to be completed. “Inform People knits all the existing systems together to give a holistic solution that pulls health & safety, operations and learning & development together in a way that no other systems can match. We do this by setting cross-department rules and giving businesses a better picture of how their sites are performing.” Is Inform People suitable for any size of organisation, or is there a “sweet spot” that the HR software is most useful for? “In retail and hospitality we say the sweet spot is companies with 40+ remote sites from a centralised head office. They will probably interact with the public as their customer base and have an annual turnover of £100million+, although we do work with smaller companies and build upon the foundations from different industries.” Who are your biggest customers and how have you helped them to manage staff? “Our biggest customers, for example, are JD Sports which employ 36,000 staff in 11 countries. We also manage online and offline learning hospitality businesses including Nandos. “Our work with these companies includes health and safety audits, policies and risk assessments. Our learning and development software provides training, skills sharing and storage of useful documents for employees. We also offer visual merchandising and marketing via audits and communications.” In the “gig economy” there is often a high turnover of staff – we’re likely to see that even more post-lockdown. Is Inform People suitable for employers with a high staff turnover? “Inform People is specifically designed for this! We provide a very easy-to-use system that looks to automate, then assign key tasks to make sure they are done by the right person at the right time. “All of the tasks are set up in advance and senior managers set the rules so when new people start they just need the URl, username and password to get all the information they need to do their job.” What have you got planned for the future to help employers? “We are continually improving systems – one development was allowing users to select the language they want and their system is then available fully translated to each employee’s requirements.” For more information on Inform People and how it can help your business, see informpeople.co.uk.
