Staying Connected At Holiday Parks & Campsites
As the need for wireless connectivity increases across the leisure and hospitality sector – now a primary factor in booking decisions – holiday parks are no longer an ‘exception to the rule’ when it comes to connectivity. Even those campsites situated in the most remote locations will need some level of guest WiFi. Ranging from simple, low bandwidth activities such as checking emails or social media, through to bandwidth sapping video streaming and video calling, guest WiFi provision is always a bespoke design challenge with basic WiFi set-ups unlikely to make the grade. The problem with connectivity in remote areas is that wireless signal doesn’t pass through water. This can often cause a problem in wooded areas as trees and leaves hold a lot of water. Then there’s power. How do you get power to access points so customers can receive a signal? There are many considerations to take into account and issues you can encounter but worry not, there are technologies that can help. See dlink.com for advice on getting connected.
How one small product is boosting the winter holiday park trade
A huge problem for the UK holiday industry is, let’s face it, the weather. Not only are outdoor activities more or less off-limits when Mother Nature does her worst over the winter months, but motorhomes, caravans and holiday homes are not geared up for the harsh conditions – or so it was thought. With the introduction of more modern and efficient materials – walls, outer shells etc which keep in the heat – and the introduction of heating in even the most basic of models, winter breaks are now on the cards for millions of caravan owners and those wanting to rent too. For those parks which close during the winter, the loss of revenue is now somewhat of an unnecessary evil. “But we drain down for the whole winter,” we hear you cry. Why? When you can drain down on a more regular basis with a simple and highly cost-effective bit of new technology? Floë is a brand which has got everyone talking over the past few years – it offers owners of all types of holiday units, from houseboats to lodges, the chance to drain water from the system in just four minutes. The pump takes all the water out out of the system which is liable to freeze or harbour dangerous bacteria, and cleans the boiler as it works. “It must be expensive!” you protest! Well, it’s not if you cost out the benefits over five years (the length of time the product is guaranteed for). The Floë Induratec costs £235, plus £40 if fitting is needed. So over five years, it’s an investment of just £55 a year including fitting. But if people can return whenever and as often as they like to holiday parks over the winter months, this could be paid off well and truly within the year. This opens up a whole new raft of Christmas and New Year business opportunities for holiday parks and their surrounding communities. So popular has Floë become, the US market are now looking at buying this Northern Irish invention – and company founder Jason Paul tells us: “Our trials in the US have worked well and our order there is underway. We are still growing in the UK too so we’ve been hectic recently! “The sites are really beginning to come on board and see the benefits to the customer. “Park managers are thinking about what they’ll get in return – more income for the park, happier customers and a bigger benefit for the local community.” “How can we be sure it’ll work?” you ask. There are plenty of solid online testimonials for Floë products such as: • “This product works so well that it feels like every caravan should have one as standard.” • “Hi Jason, Just to let you know I fitted the Floë 868 to my static on the weekend. It was very easy and works perfectly. It’s a brilliant product and will make my life so much easier when draining down over the winter period. Thanks for all your advice!” • “After reading about the Floe 868 and having many problems with frozen pipes over the years and at a vast expense I decided to take the plunge. Contacted Jason who answered my questions putting my mind at ease. Why didn’t I do it sooner – money well spent, so easy to fit, easy to drain down, no more paying to drain down which cost £80 a time. Don’t normally comment on products but this is brilliant, even told a few on the caravan site they’re all interested. Once again Jason thank you.” • “Fitted it today in under 30 mins, test drained down all taps and showers, and filled back up without incident, this is a fantastic piece of kit!” • “Thank you Jason for working with us and of course we will recommend the 868 to anyone looking for a drain down system. The season has been extended on our park so I’m sure there will be interest in your product.” If you’re still not convinced, get in touch with Floë who will answer your questions – before the winter kicks in!
Elite Dynamics to focus on continued growth of holiday park industry
Elite Dynamics, a leading provider of software solutions to the Holiday Parks industry, will start 2020 with a dedicated focus of supporting Holiday Parks to capitalise on the predicted rise in staycations. The tourism sector is forecast to grow by almost 20 per cent over the next five years* – faster than many other key industries including manufacturing and construction – and presents huge opportunities for forward-thinking Holiday Parks. As market leaders within the industry, Elite Dynamics, which was founded by industry and technology specialists Jamaine Campbell, Jack Vernon, and Nicola Campbell in 2015, plan to unveil new systems and tools to simplify processes for holiday park owners and help improve their bottom line. New product enhancements are being continuously developed to facilitate the ongoing digital transformation of the Holiday Parks industry; from integrated management solutions improving customer communications to providing the functionality to add-on extra revenue streams for on-park activities and events. The company’s rapidly growing customer base, which has tripled in the last three years, is already reaping the benefits of using unique software solutions officially accredited and powered by Microsoft technology. Dean Styger, Finance Director, Talacre Beach Caravan Sales Limited, said: “Implementing our Microsoft Dynamics based park management solution enabled us to strip £250,000 of costs out of the business in the first year.” Jamaine Campbell, co-founder and Commercial Director of Elite Dynamics, said: “We’re committed as a company to being at the forefront of the digitisation of the Holiday Parks industry and to provide innovative, market leading solutions that increase our customers’ efficiency and positively impact their bottom line. “The UK Holiday Park sector accounts for a huge £9.3bn of visitor spend each year and people both stay longer and spend more than any other tourism area. With even more growth forecasted through a continued boom in staycationing, now really is the time for holiday park owners to evolve, grow and capitalise on a strong market. “We understand how technology is changing and what businesses need to give them a competitive edge, so we’ll provide them with the tools and support to successfully manage everything from start to finish.” Throughout 2019, Elite Dynamics has grown its suite of products to include new EliteCRM for Customer Relationship Management and EliteFinance options, as well as launching a new Owners App to strengthen communication between holiday parks and their customers. They have also invested in growing their workforce to a 13 strong team of industry, technology, and IT specialists, which has more than doubled in the last two years. For more information or to arrange a demonstration of our industry focused solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk.
Innovative Inclusive Play Equipment From Huck
Being active is good for you – and that goes especially for children, youngsters, and adults with limited mobility. Huck appreciate the importance of play not only as a means of keeping healthy but also as an aid to improving social and communication skills. Their range of inclusive play equipment is designed to ensure that everyone regardless of age, gender and ability can play together and have an exciting time. On offer is a colourful range of play equipment that is obstacle-free and designed to suit all. The pieces that make up the range includes swings with safety seats, hammocks and trampolines. This Huck series of equipment offers endless swinging and climbing fun, without over-exerting its users. One of the great things about Huck’s inclusive swings is that the large flat and upright seats invite people to get moving. The climbing equipment is low enough for children to enjoy climbing regardless of their mobility level. It also means it is at a safe height should they fall off during play. The fittings on the all-in-one equipment are of exceptionally high quality. The climbing nets are made from Huck Hercules rope (Ø 16 mm, 6-strand, with steel core). Our steel posts come with a 15-year guarantee against rust erosion. The equipment is easy to set up with a twist of the hand – no need for any large tools. The comparatively small sized frames mean you can even set up the equipment in smaller play areas. Trampolines are one of the most inclusive play items you can have in a playground.As well as being fun and an enjoyable way to exercise they are a popular form of rebound therapy providing the benefits of increased movement and improved mobility. Huck’s Rolli trampoline has been designed for wheelchair users. It has sloping edge panels to enable the surface level trampoline to be accessed safely and easily. An accompanying person can stand in direct contact with the wheelchair user if required. Huck have been designing, manufacturing and installing play parks for many years. They recently completed an inclusive playground and picnic area at West Bay in Dorset. The playground includes trampolines, slides, carousels and many other pieces of Huck playground equipment.They worked with the local Bridport Town Council to create a playground where everyone was welcome. It was greatly received by the local community and is used both by residents and holidaymakers who visit the town. Whether you are looking for complete inclusive playground equipment systems or just the components Huck can help. For information on Huck ’s range of play equipment and their supporting design and installation services call 01308 425100 or email sarah.reynolds@hucknetting.co.uk To see the whole range visit www.huck-net.co.uk
Is dog waste an issue on your land? It’s a foul subject…
Dog waste is a problem that we see on private property, public open spaces, parks, communities, beach fronts, woodland and areas of natural beauty. The irony of something that does naturally biodegrade being placed in a single use plastic bag is hugely problematic. To tackle the growing number of dog owners who fall foul of the law, TiksPac are now working with landowners and councils across the UK. A survey of these areas measured a 60% decrease in dog fouling complaints on average and a 50% decrease in in overall littering in the same areas. Supplying 5 countries, 7000 stations across landowners and 26 million 100% biodegradable and fully compostable bags a year, Tikspac is leading the fight to remove single use plastic and protect community space in a positive way. Tikspac solution not only cleans up your land, it gives a positive message to your visitors and is a huge benefit to the environment. 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. RibbyHall Holiday Park said: “While most dog walkers realise the importance of picking up after their pets, there is a small minority who are giving others a bad name. “The new stations provide free bags for those pet owners that need encouragement to use them. They have proved extremely popular in our holiday park in Blackpool in the 2 years that we have Come and visit us on Stand No H612 to find out more at the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show at the NEC on November 6th and 7th 2019 to find out more. www.tikspac.co.uk dogsolutions@tikspac.co.uk
Wales park brings medical lifeline to local community
Staff and the family owners of a mid Wales park were joined this month by local village residents for a training session in vital life-saving skills. It followed the recent installation on Warren Parc in Powys of a defibrillator, bought by the family-owned business following a series of successful fundraising events. Led by volunteers from the Welsh Hearts charity, the session showed how the new equipment could be used to save the life of a person suffering cardiac arrest.Available to holiday guests and the local community, the fully automated unit provides simple audio instructions which allow its use even by those with no medical experience. Julia Warren-Kyle, co-owner of Warren Parc, said the defibrillator could make a crucial difference, especially in summer when busier roads could delay the arrival of an ambulance. The park was helped in raising the £1000 cost of the equipment by owners of the 100 holiday caravans and lodges who attended the fetes and other special events staged over the past year: “The equipment is, of course, something which we hope will never be needed – but we are mindful of its life-saving potential, especially in a remote rural area,” said Julia, a former nurse. “Sudden cardiac arrest is a major killer in Britain, and a close-at-hand defibrillator on the park could dramatically increase a person’s life chances. “It will be available round-the-clock on the park to anybody living in or visiting the area, and will help to give everyone peace of mind,” she added. Julia is helped in the running of the park by her husband Neil, and it first started welcoming guests over 45 years ago after being established by Julia’s parents Ivan and Elizabeth. Based in the picture-postcard Dovey Valley near the market town of Machynlleth, the ten-acre park is just a short drive from some of Wales’s finest sandy beaches. The family’s care of the natural world has been praised by botanist David Bellamy who once again this year presented the park with his prestigious Conservation Award at its top gold level. Professor Bellamy made special mention of the many wild flowers and other high pollen-rich blooms which provide vital foraging for honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Helping to make Warren Parc as welcoming to wildlife as it is to human guests is groundsman Trefor Davies who first joined the park 30 years ago straight from a local school. Trefor’s dedication and hard work were celebrated at the recent medical training session with the presentation to him by the family of an Exceptional Service Award. The award is the highest honour given to outstanding park personnel by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the park industry’s professional body. Trefor lives in the nearby village of Penegoes with his wife Shelly, and is an enthusiastic volunteer with the Corris Vintage Steam Railway, Wales’s oldest narrow gauge railway. There is more information about Warren Parc on its website at www.warrenparc.co.uk
Legislation on air conditioning in sports facilities
Using the facilities at a gym or leisure centre will inevitably lead to sweat, whether through a workout or after a trip to the sauna. In order to avoid overheating, a well-maintained air conditioning unit can help during a rigorous exercise regime in order to improve performance. But what is the optimum temperature for your leisure facility? What legislation is in place to keep clients’ workouts at the optimal temperature? We explore the matter, as well as looking into the risks poor temperature control can pose to gym-goers. Duty of care In regards to the Health and Safety Executive, there are currently no established regulations that target gym or leisure centre temperatures specifically, although the generic health and safety legislation covers the vast majority of other safety requirements at the gym. So despite there being no fixed regulations which apply specifically to indoor leisure spaces, we can base an estimate upon the minimum workplace temperature requirements as an estimate to establish how we can achieve the optimum temperature for these environments. The Approved Code of Practice recommends 16°C as the base level for a workplace, with work requiring “rigorous physical effort” at 13°C. Again, this isn’t a legal requirement, but it gives an idea of what an optimum temperature is for comfortably engaging in physical activity. Take a look at these guidelines on optimum temperatures provided by Sport England, tailored to fitness and exercise spaces: • Fitness Gym – 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 64°F) in the summer, with “comfort cooling” as needed. • Studios – 18°C (64°F), with a slight summer rise acceptable. Risks of high temperatures in the gym When your gym is too hot, you are likely to have worked up a sweat before you even get going on your session. Plus, it’s a risky activity; dehydration and heat stroke are notable risks of working out in an overheated gym. But even just sweating too much can be a problem. We Be Fit notes that while over-sweating can cause gym-goers to notice an extra pound of weight loss at the end of their workout, the weight lost is fluids from sweating and will be negated with a drink. The article suggests that working out in an overheated gym for a long period can result in a 50% less effective workout! All that sweating for nothing. Risks of low temperatures in the gym While it’s unlikely that your gym will be too cold, this does happen sometimes and it is just as problematic as sweltering away in a poorly ventilated gym. My Inner Go produced some conclusions regarding the pros and cons of working out in a cold environment and found that chilly temperatures brought with it a higher risk of injury. This is because muscles tend to seize up in the cold (which is why warming up before physical activity is so important). The website offered a great analogy for cold muscles: consider them like Play-Doh! When Play-Doh gets cold, it goes stiff and doesn’t stretch, it just snaps. But warm Play-Doh is stretchy and flexible. How to keep gym and leisure centre temperatures perfectly regulated To maintain a gym’s temperature, the function of each room and the nature of the activity being carried out should be considered. Investing in an efficient, responsive air conditioning system will help regulate a comfortable temperature within the building. Working out in the most suitable environment will help you to get more out of each session, so keep customers feeling comfortable by monitoring your air conditioning unit and adjust it as necessary. If the gym starts to get a reputation for being freezing cold or too stuffy, gym goers will quickly turn to other establishments. MKM Acquires Leading HVAC Oceanair
WPL wins holiday park wastewater contract
Wastewater treatment specialist WPL has won a contract to provide onsite wastewater treatment at a holiday park in Cornwall. The underground installation at Juliots Well in North Cornwall will replace the existing septic tank and includes a WPL HiPAF (high performance aerated filter) modular treatment plant. Civil engineering specialist Aqua-Tech Consultancy made the initial contact with WPL and together the parties arranged a client visit to see a similar installation at Home Farm Holiday Centre in Somerset. The new 1,230 population equivalent system will process up to 181m3 wastewater per day without impeding on the site’s sweeping views of the Cornish landscape. WPL’s technical director, Andrew Baird, said, “WPL has a strong track record in providing wastewater treatment for sensitive locations where integration with the landscape and the expectations of visitors are top priorities. “We are very pleased with this contract win, which will meet the needs of this stunning site now and into the future as visitor numbers increase. We are already working in close collaboration with the client and consultant to understand the specific needs of Juliots Well and deliver the best value whole-life cost.” Design considerations include ensuring that the stringent Environment Agency effluent discharge permit for biological oxygen demand, suspended solids and ammonia is met. The system will also accommodate variations in load as visitor numbers rise in the peak season and fall in the winter months. Juliots Well Holiday Park is a rural retreat set in 33 acres of countryside near Camelford and is owned by South West Holiday Parks, part of the Worldteam Limited group. Installation of the full treatment system is taking place at the end of the 2019 holiday season. WPL will supply three biological treatment tanks and two final settlement tanks along with a flow measurement chamber with monitoring equipment. A global system for mobile communications (GSM) will be incorporated into a special control panel covering blowers, sludge pumps and a high-level alarm. An extra-large kiosk will house the controls and will feature a flashing alarm beacon. World team Limited’s managing director Josh Donald said, “We are passionate about providing our visitors with a first-class experience, while ensuring that we minimise our impact on the landscape and the environment. “The opportunity to see a similar WPL treatment system in operation has been very helpful in visualising the project. I look forward to seeing the new system in place and serving our customers as we grow.” www.wplinternational.com
High quality Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms offered from Aico.
Aico, an Ei Company, is the market leader in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection, pioneering new technologies and offering high quality Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms. All alarms have been designed, developed and manufactured at the Ei Electronics factory in Shannon, Ireland. Alarms meet UK and European standards and offer a wide range of sensor types to guarantee every home is protected. Each alarm is tested multiple times before leaving the factory ensuring quality in all of our alarms They recently supported Gas Safety Week, as part of their ongoing commitment to raising awareness of gas safety and Carbon Monoxide throughout the UK. While Carbon Monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel burning appliances, incidents and deaths can also occur in caravans. Faulty gas cookers, boilers, fires or petrol-powered generators can be a source of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide has been linked to deaths where people have moved gas and charcoal barbecues into tents and other enclosed spaces. When caravanning or camping, these enclosed spaces can cause Carbon Monoxide to build up to levels that can kill very quickly. Protect yourself by taking a Carbon Monoxide alarm with you. Aico has several educational materials available such as a pocket-sized guide to Carbon Monoxide Awareness and three short animated infographics.These can be found on their website. www.aico.co.uk/technical-support/guides-publications Tel: 01691 664100 Website: www.aico.co.uk Email: enquiries@aico.co.uk
