The world’s first brushless industrial pump from Saniflo
Top Ten Packing Tips for Your Staycation
Are you planning a staycation this year? With Google search terms for ‘best places to go on holiday UK’ up by 120% in the past three months, it seems a lot of us are considering it! Related search terms for ‘holiday homes for sale UK’ and ‘summer holiday UK’ are also on the rise by 70% and 60% respectively. Go Compare’s survey reveals a similar trend, with 18% of participants opting for a staycation due to the travel issues holidaymakers faced in 2022, including constant staff shortages and cancelled flights. It’s clear that the stress and complications COVID-19 brought about are still affecting our holiday planning. The cost of living is also having an impact, with 56% of Brits claiming they’re considering a staycation because of the crisis. With over half of us considering a UK-based holiday in 2023, how can we make sure we pack efficiently for our break? Pure Leisure, which offers luxury holiday lodges for sale in the UK, has gathered together the top ten packing tips to help you prep for your holiday. Even though you’re not going abroad, it’s still likely to be hot – especially if the weather we’ve had recently is anything to go by! It’s essential to protect yourself from the sun. Pack plenty of sunscreen, at least factor 30, plus a wide-brimmed sunhat or cap and sunglasses. You don’t want sunburn ruining your holiday! Layers are also important in the UK. It’s no good to just bring t-shirts, shorts and dresses – as we know all too well, the weather can change in an instant in Britain. Remember to pack a lightweight raincoat and an umbrella as well. If you’re going somewhere that could get muddy, like a festival or walking holiday, wellies are essential! You can always pack a couple of plastic bags to pop your muddy, wet clothes or items in, so they don’t ruin the rest of your things. We all know that feeling of packing absolutely everything and the kitchen sink when preparing for a long trip. The uncertainty of being away from the familiar and not knowing if you’ll be able to access the things you need means you end up packing loads of unnecessary items! When holidaying in the UK, you can be sure to find a local shop or chain supermarket that’ll have everything you might need. This means you can pack light and buy items like hand sanitiser, books or magazines and snacks only if you need them. You can also exchange heavy books for an e-reader and kids’ games for a lightweight device. If you pre-load films, games, books and music onto your devices, you won’t even need access to Wi-Fi, meaning you can keep the kids (and yourself!) entertained on the journey. A charger is likely already on your list of things to pack for your break and with no need for an adapter, this is an easy step! But you might also want to pack a power bank. These portable banks allow you to charge your phone or device, even if you don’t have access to a socket. They’re slim and lightweight, meaning they don’t take up much space in your suitcase and fit neatly into most bags. Look for power banks that have a capacity of over 5,000mAh (milliampere hour) – anything below this is unlikely to be able to fully recharge your smartphone. Anything over 20,000mAh will provide you with plenty of power, but they may be much heavier and bulky to fit into your bag. If you’re planning to go to a festival or on a camping holiday, a power bank is essential. No one wants to be stuck without their phone on holiday – just remember to charge the power bank up before you set off! If you’re only planning to be away for a few days, swap your suitcase for a weekend bag or backpack. With plenty of pockets for easy storage, they’re not as bulky as suitcases and you can keep them with you on public transport, rather than having to put them in a luggage rack. A smaller bag also won’t take up as much space if you’re taking the car, giving you extra room for other items. This means you can bring your fold-up bike if you’re planning on cycling through the beautiful British countryside, or your tent if you’re heading to a festival for the weekend. If you’re planning a longer trip and do need the extra space of a suitcase, look for one with 360° wheels. This allows for easy manoeuvrability on public transport and/or down the country lanes to your holiday cottage. No one wants to experience the same struggle as Cameron Diaz in The Holiday when she arrives at her holiday cottage and has to drag her suitcase down a muddy, winding path! A suitcase with a built-in laundry bag is also a good idea, giving you somewhere to put your used clothes, keeping them away from your fresh, clean ones. Feel free to choose whichever suitcase catches your eye, as you don’t need to worry about luggage size or weight if you’re not travelling by plane! If you’re a coffee addict and staying in a remote caravan park without easy access to cafés, invest in a portable mini coffee machine! These machines brew your favourite coffee perfectly every time and their small size means they don’t take up too much space in your bag. Some hotels do provide coffee machines and pods, so always check what facilities are available before you travel. However, you might still want to bring your own if you’ve seen the viral TikTok video from former hotel manager Melissa Hanks, aka @melly_creations, which reveals just how dirty hotel coffee machines can be! If you’re heading to a festival or camping holiday, bringing one of these machines is a stroke of genius! Trust us, everyone will thank you for the brilliantly brewed coffee after a night spent in a tent. Instead of bringing
Hydratech’s new Safeguard antifreeze range helps park operators save money
Hydratech winterisation fluids are used by holiday park operators of all sizes throughout the UK. Their non-toxic, fully inhibited antifreeze solutions are trusted by service engineers and maintenance teams to ensure the smooth running of their operations, avoiding costly frost damage and unplanned maintenance. Safeguard, Hydratech’s latest non-toxic antifreeze range has been especially formulated to provide superior winter protection for caravan, motorhome and marine craft wastewater and hydronic heating systems – at a very competitive price. Giving peace of mind during winter storage, the Safeguard Wastewater product protects toilets and water systems, including tanks, fittings, valves, pumps and drinking water systems. Offering freeze protection down to -46°C and burst protection down to -73°C, the antifreeze formulation is safe for aluminium, copper, brass, and standard system plastics. Suitable for winterising hydronic heating systems in static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and marine craft, Safeguard Heating antifreeze delivers comprehensive protection against freezing and corrosion. Providing protection down to -40°C, Safeguard Heating’slong-life high temperature rated formulation contains synergistic corrosion inhibitors, that exceed ASTM D1384 standards. The product also contains broad-spectrum biological inhibitors and polyacrylates to prevent scale precipitation. Safe for associated system metals and plastics, Safeguard Heating will not damage standard rubber, hose or gasket materials. As well as being non-toxic, the Safeguard range is readily biodegradable (90% over ten days) and will not remain in the environment or bio-accumulate, making it safer for the application and local environment. Developed to protect systems and save money Due to raw material availability and logistical chaos, the leisure and facilities industry has seen antifreeze prices rise considerably over the last few years. Hydratech have developed Safeguard antifreeze to deliver significant cost savings when compared to other products on the market – without compromising on protection and performance. Tried and tested by many of the UK’s leading park operators, including Park Holidays and Pure Leisure, Safeguard is available to buy direct from Hydratech (bulk trade discounts and distributor pricing available) and many leading suppliers including Travis Perkins and Huws Gray. Celebrating 25 years of fluid engineering success Since 1998, Hydratech have been providing the leisure and facilities industry with superior antifreeze solutions, expert technical advice, and unrivalled customer support. Utilizing over 100 years combined experience in all aspects of wastewater and hydronic heating system protection, Hydratech’s commitment to undertake extensive product development and establish technical partnerships within the leisure industry, has helped them grow from a small family run business to a global operation, with an enviable list of blue-chip customers throughout the caravan and park home sector. Buy direct from Hydratech and receive further benefits including: Bulk trade discounts Unrivalled technical and logistical support Next day delivery from a UK manufacturer Distributor pricing in 1, 4, 5, 25, 205 & 1000 litre containers ‘Always in time’ approach to stockholding and logistics For more information on the Safeguard range and the savings your business can make, call Hydratech on 01792 586800 or email: sales@hydratech.co.uk www.hydratech.co.uk/safeguard-antifreeze
Dekboard unveils its new hot tub range
DekBoard, the specialist manufacturer of sustainable PVC decking for holiday homes, has now added hot tubs to its already extensive product range. This new addition enables DekBoard to offer its customers a greater depth of products – everything they need to create a luxurious outside space, from all decking options to hot tubs. Mark Cartwright, Commercial Director at DekBoard, explains why DekBoard decided to include hot tubs in its offering: “Here at DekBoard we work hard to support our customers by guaranteeing the highest quality and most up to date product range. One way of successfully achieving this is by monitoring market trends and pre-empting the needs of our customers, to ensure our offering reflects these. The addition of hot tubs to our range is one such example. “The popularity of hot tubs has risen exponentially over the past few years, with many holiday makers choosing park-based accommodation with this feature. As a result many park owners and their residents are upgrading their holiday homes to take advantage of this increased interest. However, it is important to remember that hot tubs require regular maintenance and must adhere to the correct compliances to keep them safe and enjoyable.” Correct compliance for peace of mind In 2017, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its HSG282 guidance on the control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems. This guidance has since been updated and now contains specific advice on domestic-type hot tubs used as part of a business activity, for example in holiday-park rentals. This helps holiday park owners and their residents meet the necessary requirements when it comes to the installation and maintenance of hot tubs. “If you are a caravan or holiday home park owner who has rental accommodation with hot tubs, you need to ensure these are HSG282 compliant,” continues Mark. “Our goal is to provide park owners with the ultimate peace of mind. This is why our hot tubs have been carefully designed to not only provide style, comfort and relaxation to users, but also to comply with the Health and Safety Executive’s legislation.” “It is worth bearing in mind that non-rental accommodation with hot tubs, is not subject to the same compliance rules. However, as a park owner, it is always pertinent to have a conversation with the owner to determine if the hot tub is being correctly maintained to ensure site safety”. Safety and style – the perfect combination As part of the HSG282 compliance features, DekBoard hot tubs are self-dosing, removing the reliance on the doser remaining in the tub, have tamper proof controls for peace of mind, and feature a fast water release, reducing the time it takes to change the water. Overall, DekBoard hots tubs provide maximum impact with minimum effort, giving park owners a truly distinctive unique selling point. PVC perfection – creating the perfect outdoor space By adding hot tubs to its range, DekBoard can now offer holiday park owners everything they need to create the perfect outdoor space for their residents. Its PVC decking beautifully emulates real wood but requires no treatments to protect it from the elements. It is also extremely durable, very easy to maintain, and is slip resistant, which when installed around a hot tub makes for a safe and comfortable underfoot experience. Alongside its decking, the DekBoard range also features coordinating balustrades, skirting, privacy panels, steps, ramps, and gates, and practical yet tasteful lighting solutions. Combined, the DekBoard range enables park owners to produce beautifully styled – and safe – holiday homes that will attract holiday makers year after year. Understanding the industry “We have supplied the holiday park market for many years and understand the needs and wants of their owners. When it comes to PVC decking, we know price is one of the most important considerations, together with style and quality of product. We believe our decking and accessories range combines all of these essential qualities and we plan to continue this same philosophy and commitment through to our new hot tub range,” concludes Mark. Further information about DekBoard’s new hot tub range, as well as its core decking solutions collection can be found at www.dekboard.co.uk or by calling 01724 848500.
Countdown on for UK’s biggest outdoor holiday home show
Great British Bake Off star and motorhome fan Karen Wright will join renowned Yorkshire chef Steph Moon on the Great Holiday Home Show Cookery Stage this September. The countdown is now on for the Great Holiday Home Show which will be held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Friday 8 September to Sunday 10 September for the first time. Karen, from Wakefield, was one of 12 contestants on the Great British Bake Off in 2018 and says she loves baking while she’s away on holiday. She will be giving her top tips for baking in a caravan and demonstrating recipes from her new book ‘Meals on the Move’, and personally signed copies will be on sale at the show. Karen said: “Anything can and does happen in caravans and motorhomes. My caravan now doubles as my prep kitchen when I work at food festivals. It’s fantastic, as I have everything I need and get all the benefits of campsite life. Fresh air, changes of scenery, companionship, solitude, we all have our own reasons why we enjoy living our dreams, and for me the list is long – I look forward to sharing my top tips at the Great Holiday Home Show next month.” Multi award winning consultant chef Steph Moon will host the cookery theatre throughout the three days of the Great Holiday Home Show. Steph said: “I am really looking forward to this brand-new show having stayed in many holiday homes and now owning my own camper van, I am a huge fan of this lifestyle. Cooking in a confined space has its challenges, Karen and I look forward to showing you how tasty, easy and fun this can be.” Alongside the cookery theatre, there will be the Great Holiday Home Stage hosted by TV Presenter Christine Talbot. There will be a show on stage every hour, to inspire and entertain. Special guests include Matt Baker MBE, adventurer Andy Torbet, YouTube motorhome family the Roaming Radfords and Peter Wright from Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet. The show will include the latest models of holiday homes, caravans and motorhomes and all aspects of life exploring the great outdoors. It is the biggest outdoor show of its type in the UK with a phenomenal 227 holiday homes and 140 caravans/ motorhomes on display; giving you a unique opportunity to experience the widest possible range. Tickets are on sale now for the show with Andy Torbet appearing on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th September, along with Peter Wright. The Roaming Radfords will be on all three days, TV presenter Matt Baker MBE will be on stage on Sunday 10th September. Hall 1 of the Yorkshire Event Centre will feature an e-bike testing arena with brands such as Shark Ebikes, MiRider and Estarli. Visitors will have the opportunity to try out the latest models. Also in Hall 1 are a variety of holiday parks, companies who specialise in pet products and food and drink stands too. Hall 2 will be become the Leisure World Shopping Village with trade stands from some of the industry’s biggest brands such as Isabella, Sunncamp, Bradcot, Groves and Crespo. The shopping village is the perfect place for anyone looking to purchase a new accessory or upgrade to the latest industry technology. The Great Holiday Home Show also has some fabulous bands playing and great options for food and drink from Mexican burritos to artisan Cheese toastie. Tickets are £12.50 per person, children under 16 go free with an accompanying paying adult. To book, go to: https://thegreatholidayhomeshow.seetickets.com/
Life Is Colourful With Us
Great Little Rewards offers a range of vibrant, on-trend, engaging cuddly toys, collectible stationery and bricks at value for money prices. Great Little Rewards offer an ever-changing range of on-trend, cuddly toys and stationery items, featuring brands your young guests will love. From Pokemon and Minecraft to Squishmallows we have something for everyone and offer value for money prices. We offer the most current ‘must have’ collections that children really want in a range of unique styles. Our stationery range of bright, great quality collectible erasers, pencils, pens and more have proven very popular with our Clients and fly off their shelves , whilst our toy brick range is a big hit with young creatives and keeps them busy, giving their parents a bit of time to themselves. Our ranges are also a perfect gift to take home after a lovely holiday. Email: sales@greatlittlerewards.co.uk and we will be delighted to send you a copy of our trade catalogue
Saniflo’s Sanibest Pro provides robust service for guest house
Managing Director of Leisure at DF Capital
As DF Capital’s managing director of leisure, Ian Martin ensures DF Capital plays a vital role in supporting businesses to make the most of current commercial opportunities. He understands portfolio management, credit oversight and retailer and manufacturer relationships and has three decades of experience in leisure finance, crucially including manufacturing relationships and sales management roles How is the caravan and park homes market faring at the moment Ian? We had a good 2022 in terms of sales but that seems to have fallen off this year. Should we remain positive despite all of this? Yes, that’s right, things have started to slow a little. After a period of booming sales, many manufacturers are now having to put the brakes on slightly in terms of production to give the parks chance to clear some of the stock they are holding. Parks are being more proactive in encouraging buyers with special offers and deals. I’ve seen free site fees and free gas and electric for a year– which are nice incentives for the right customers. Nonetheless, at a recent park and leisure homes show, manufacturers and parks said they were pleased with the footfall and enquiries in general. Anecdotally, I’ve also heard that holiday bookings at certain parks are holding up well, especially as they too are offering money off deals. So, whilst it’s a more difficult market than it was 12 months ago, there is still interest in the sector and I expect this to continue. That is where DF Capital comes in. Can you tell me a bit more about DF Capital? DF Capital is a specialist savings and commercial lending bank, providing personal savings products to retail customers and award-winning inventory finance solutions to dealer and manufacturing businesses across the country. DF Capital works closely with manufacturers and parks in the leisure industry and provides flexible working capital solutions – Floorplan Finance, Unit Stocking and Rental Finance – throughout the unit distribution cycle. Can you explain what these are in more detail? DF Capital supports park home and lodge manufacturers and distributors with capital funding throughout their distribution cycles. This is done by providing credit facilities, known as Floorplan Finance, across the distribution network which can help to grow sales, improve cash flow and free up working capital. Holiday parks are also supported by credit facilities so they can purchase and supply units to their customers when needed without having to pay for them upfront. This is called Unit Stocking and this brings cash flow and working capital benefits to distributors. DF Capital also provides holiday parks with flexible funding to enable them to purchase more units so they can hire them out to customers, spreading the cost over time whilst earning rental income. By providing this flexibility, park operators can decide whether to sell or continue to rent out the unit at the end of the term. This is known as Rental Finance. How is DF Capital helping parks and manufacturers in the lodge and park home sector to keep things moving and grow their businesses in the current market? Our funding can help both parks and manufacturers to grow their sales, protect cashflow and support working capital. If we don’t already work with a manufacturer, we can offer parks a direct funding facility, whereby we provide the funding to the parks and they pay the manufacturer for the units received. For manufacturers who have a programme with us, we pay them upon delivery of the homes, with the parks then repaying us upon final sale to their customer. It’s a streamlined process that makes selling products easier for both manufacturers and the parks. We’ve grown the number of manufacturers we work with over the last few years and now support more parks than ever before. We are all about helping grow sales for manufacturers and parks alike. The facilities we offer are tailored to individual needs and we offer facility limits – according to our customer’s affordability – to unlock growing sales. We also have flexible limits to support a park or manufacturer. Does DF Capital offer hire fleet funding? Yes, DF Capital offers a rental and hire fleet facility to parks. Manufacturers offer units on fleet terms and we typically finance them over a four year period, up to a maximum of 90 days per rental contract. Is consumer finance on the cards for holiday home purchases? We are exploring options to widen the lending products we offer and this could include consumer finance in the future for a number of our sectors When did the Floorplan Finance scheme start, what has onboarding been like, and do you see a time when this will be the default way of doing business? DF Capital has been offering Floorplan Finance since it was founded in 2016. Floorplan financing is well established and, in some areas – such as tourers and motorhomes – the vast majority of manufactured units are funded via a floorplan scheme. We are continuing to see growing interest for similar finance in the lodges and holiday homes market, so expect to see more units across the entire sector to be funded by floorplan over time. Tell me about something that makes DF Capital stand out in the industry We are quite unusual in this industry as our charges are fixed at the point a home arrives at the park, until we are repaid. This gives parks and manufacturers certainty as to the cost of having an unsold home on the park but also provides important protection against increasing interest rates on the assets that have already been funded by us. For those interested in finding out more, what should they do next? Visit dfcapital.bank/commercial and take a look at our product information. We even have videos on our website to help explain how we can help. You can also contact me on imartin@dfcapital.bank and we can discuss ways in which DF Capital can support both
