Huck’s play equipment couldn’t get more spectacular!
Creating play equipment that provides play enjoyment coupled with reliable and safe materials is always Huck’s ambition. As such, they are always looking for new and exciting ways to entertain and stimulate children’s imagination. Together with one of their customers – The LeisureWay, a young team of architects from Spain – they have developed a completely new series of innovative and modern play equipment – the ‘Glasses Frame’ is one of them. YOU ARE IN FOR A PLEASANT SURPRISE! To most of us the Glasses Frame is simply a visual aid, for Huck it is their most original and diverse piece of play equipment. It is an object which we come across often in our daily lives or is something we have constantly with us. Except for the arms it is a static object. As soon as eyes are added the frame is given motion and individuality. Exactly what Huck realised with their adaptation to play equipment. The Glasses are a new double swing frame for the playground. Each is bespoke. By adding various climbing elements of Huck’s rope play such as climbing nets, rope ladders, hammocks, swings or their original Bird’s nest which is in use across the world, there is suddenly an innovative and exciting new piece of play equipment which will turn eyes! To see Huck’s full range of innovative play equipment, visit www.hucknet.co.uk Huck also offer a full design, installation and maintenance service for new and existing outdoor and indoor play areas. Their team can work with you to completely refurbish or redesign your play area or simply replace or repair worn-out netting and/or equipment. To discuss in more detail or to find out more information about Huck’s supporting design and installation services call 01308 425100 or email sarah.reynolds@hucknetting.co.uk.
Domapp – The Home of Domestic Appliances
Domapp is the UK’s leading supplier for caravan manufactures, with competitive prices and exact replacements available you don’t need to look far for the ideal appliance for your caravan. Our expert staff have a comprehensive knowledge of both domestic appliances and the caravan industry. Domapp was established due to the growing need for quality domestic appliances at great prices. We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and quality products. Whether you’re looking for a new microwave or full kitchen appliances suite, with our extensive industry knowledge we’ll be able to provide you with the perfect replacement. All of our stock is accompanied with manufacturer’s guarantees from reliable brands you can trust. Our distribution centre is located in East Yorkshire, allowing us to provide you with swift free deliveries to 99% of the UK. Grab a bargain and visit our website today www.domapp.co.uk
Digital transformation across the holiday park industry
Digital transformation. Do those two words fill you with dread? Well you’re not alone. What’s that phrase? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of thinking that way and using that very same phrase over the years. Here’s another one: “It’s too much like hard work.” Yes, running a business is hard work but what many people across our industry are beginning to realise is that digital transformation or adopting new technology can actually make it a whole lot easier. Who wouldn’t, at the click of a mouse, want to see which caravan and lodge stock was available for sale on your park or what your income forecast is for the next six months? Or which proportion of income from bookings has been ringfenced for third party booking agents when you could be investing it back into your own parks? Ok, maybe that last one is a little frightening to consider… but it’s yet another area where digital transformation can make an impact. We’ve seen first-hand how our software solutions can make a positive difference to a business’s bottom line by improving efficiencies and reducing costs. But our solutions can also support increased customer engagement and satisfaction levels, which in turn leads to increased brand loyalty. Cue a jump in direct bookings. We’re passionate about helping holiday parks and companies within the entire holiday park industry improve the way they work simply by using some of the best software solutions available on the market today. EliteParks, our flagship park management solution is unique in the marketplace as it’s the only solution with a fully integrated finance system, which is built on, accredited and powered by the most up to date Microsoft Dynamics technology. There’s no better sales, operational, or finance solution available on the market for this industry today. And because we’re a Microsoft partner, our holiday park customers are assured that we are always going to be at the very forefront of technology and innovation. One holiday park company using technology to drive their business forward is Coppergreen Developments who operate four UK leisure and holiday parks. New park management and customer relationship management (CRM) software plus a new online booking system have all recently been rolled out to drive more direct bookings and maximise growth. Sam Wall, Director of Coppergreen Developments, said: “The EliteParks software signals a complete business transformation for us. It’s a game changer. We’re growing as a business and this involves automating to keep up with customer demands and expectations, and our systems need to grow with us. We can use the software to enhance the customer experience, and utilise and maximise cross-selling and commercial opportunities – all thanks to the latest innovation in Microsoft technology available to us. It’s futureproofing our business.” Elite Dynamics software solutions are designed specifically for the holiday park industry and developed for single and multi-park operators, industry manufacturers and suppliers. As well as the flagship EliteParks and its exclusive Owners mobile app, we have also designed EliteFinance and EliteCRM. New products for Manufacturers are also due to be officially launched in autumn 2020. The Elite suite of software solutions are available on premises or in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere and from any device with full functionality on laptops, PC’s, smartphones, and tablets. For more information or to arrange a demonstration of Elite Dynamics’ industry-focused solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk or call 0161 641 8926 and let Elite Dynamics digitally transform your business.
Technology adaptation in the holiday park industry
Cast your mind back to around 10-15 years ago… remember that brick we all used to carry around? People walk about with their phone in their pocket today and quickly forget what it was like to walk around with a phone in their pocket 10 years ago. They were very different times. We’re used to being digitized in so many aspects of our daily life and the introduction of smartphones and tablets has brought new technology into our homes and into our pockets. It’s second nature to us now and the holiday park sector needs to follow other industries – from hotels to retail outlets – in getting behind it. Put simply, one of the biggest challenges facing the holiday parks industry is not adopting technology. At Elite Dynamics, we’re on a mission to drive and support the digital evolution of the holiday parks industry. Those forward thinking holiday parks that are investing in technology are not just keeping up with customer expectations; they’re also stealing a march on their competitors. In the UK alone, there are around 4,000 holiday parks and the sector contributes a huge £9.3 billion in visitor spend. In today’s uncertain times when travel is impacted and the staycation bubble is a long way from bursting, people look for the reassurance and comfort of spending quality time with family, whether that’s investing in their own holiday home or staying together on a holiday park. Opportunities for the sector are plentiful…if they have the infrastructure in place and the vision to see what is possible. And what exactly is possible? Increased efficiency, reduced costs, increase in revenue stream, increase in customer and owner satisfaction – the list goes on. We haven’t to date seen any negative impact of implementing or moving toward more of a technological foundation. Gone are the days when holiday parks had to have multiple systems for bookings, finance, events, and numerous excel spreadsheets for general data, forecasting, and prospects. All of this (and more) can now be replaced with just one system and that is where we come in. EliteParks, our flagship park management solution is unique in the marketplace as it’s the only solution with a fully integrated finance system, which is written, owned, and therefore endorsed by Microsoft. There’s no better sales, operational, or finance solution in this industry today. And because we’re working with Microsoft, our holiday park customers are assured that we are always going to be at the forefront of technology. Elite Dynamics in name might still be a young business, but the people behind it have more than 100 years of combined experience in the holiday parks industry. Most of us have worked on parks so there is no one better placed to understand the challenges facing the industry, and more importantly, delivering the solutions to facilitate the improvement of everyone – whether that’s a single family-owned park looking for a requirement-satisfying solution or a large multi park, multi-revenue operation. We’ve been on that side of the fence and now we’re doing the research around the technological landscape and with people like the BH&HPA, booking agents and manufacturers, to present to holiday park owners of all sizes just what could be possible if they adapt to technology. Just remember, we shouldn’t be afraid of technology. We’re not afraid of our phones! Elite Dynamics software solutions are designed specifically for the holiday park industry and developed for single and multi-park operators alike. As well as the flagship EliteParks, standalone financial and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions – EliteFinance and EliteCRM respectively – have been designed to integrate with existing independent park management systems. The Elite Software solutions are available on premises or in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere and from any device with full functionality on laptops, PC’s, smartphones, and tablets. For more information or to arrange a demonstration of Elite Dynamics’ industry-focused solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk or call 0161 641 8926.
Independent lab tests show Weedingtech’s chemical-free foam kills coronavirus in under 10 seconds
Award-winning British technology used by local authorities around the world to kill weeds and algae without chemicals could prove a vital tool in the fight against coronavirus, research has shown. The Foamstream technology, designed by Weedingtech, was originally invented as a herbicide-free way to control weeds, moss and algae in public spaces, including parks and city streets; but independent lab tests confirm it can quickly kill Covid-19 particles in under 10 seconds. The Foamstream ‘wand’ emits near-boiling hot water, blended with natural plant oils and sugars including wheat, maize, potatoes, rapeseed and coconut oil on surfaces. Independent laboratory research by BluTest, one of the United Kingdom’s leading laboratories and an internationally recognised expert in virus testing, showed that Foamstream killed 99.99% of all coronavirus particles within seconds and without recourse to chemicals that might harm the environment or the public. This makes it one of the fastest-acting treatments for killing Covid-19 particles. Leo de Montaignac, CEO at Weedingtech, said: “We began exploring other uses for the technology beyond weed control last year, including the elimination of viruses – something which is now more crucial than ever. As lockdown restrictions relax and children return to school and people enjoy public outdoor places again, it is vital they are safe. Foamstream can help by destroying coronavirus particles, preventing their transmission, and giving peace of mind to millions across the UK and many more around the world.” He added: “The applications of this are enormous. It can be used in sports stadiums, bus shelters, school playgrounds and parks. It can help make children’s play areas safe, as well as park seating, outdoor gyms, theme parks, beach front seating, station platforms and bus and tram stations.” Until now, no other outdoor sanitisation technology has met all necessary criteria to be considered a viable solution in eliminating coronavirus. Foamstream is significantly faster and easier to use than most current manual sanitisation practices, like disinfectants. Furthermore, it’s approved for organic use and non-toxic, meaning it can be used in the majority of outdoor settings. Given these breakthrough lab results, Foamstream will work with local municipalities and other landowners to help decontaminate public places so they are safer for people to use and enjoy. Dr. Sandy Primrose MBE, UK renowned microbiologist, said: “To date, deep-cleaning processes have typically involved various chemicals and presented several logistical challenges, particularly with larger spaces such as train stations, but Foamstream scales up the process and offers an infinitely more effective and safe solution.” How does it work? Coronavirus particles begin to break down when subjected to heat upwards of 56°C / 133°F and the higher the temperature the faster the kill rate. Foamstream flows from the lance at 98°C / 208°F. The heat in the hot water is trapped on the virus by a biodegradable foam blanket, stopping the heat from escaping to the atmosphere. The wet heat destroys the lipid envelope that surrounds the virus making it non-infectious. Given that Foamstream is chemical-free, there’s no need to cordon off treatment areas prior to, during, or after treatment, as the product is safe for people, animals and delicate ecosystems. In addition, it can be used on flat and vertical surfaces too, making it highly effective, versatile, and user-friendly. Foamstream systems are already in use for controlling vegetation across the world in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Miami, Munich, Barcelona, Budapest, Manchester, Dublin, London, Auckland, Hong Kong and Montevideo. Global distribution is already established (typically through Toro and John Deere distributors) on five continents, making Foamstream technology easily accessible to all. For further detail on Weedingtech and Foamstream, Please visit: https://www.weedingtech.com/why-foamstream/ You can also see more about how Foamstream works, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o1ROoBfGxY&feature=youtu.be
Specialist non-toxic antifreeze is a firm favourite with the UK’s largest holiday park operator
Parkdean Resorts is a holiday park operator with an award-winning reputation to maintain. Hydratech have been a trusted partner for caravan maintenance products for 5 years – supplying non-toxic and biodegradable antifreeze to maintain their lodges and static caravans. Thermaflow RV and Coolflow RV are advanced non-toxic fluids specially formulated for the protection of caravan central heating and wastewater systems respectively. The fully inhibited products are used across the majority of Parkdean Resorts’ 67 sites, helping to ensure the smooth running of their operations, without any interruption in service or costly damage. Hydratech’s technical expertise and customer support has also been a key factor in establishing the relationship with the very popular family holiday company. “We chose Hydratech as a preferred antifreeze supplier over 5 years ago and have continued to grow our partnership. The high standards of service, dedicated account manager and ease of ordering allows our business to easily protect the heating and wastewater systems across the business.” Amey Fairbrother – Procurement Manager, Park Dean Resorts Parkdean Resorts always strive to protect the wildlife and natural beauty of their parks. They have received a range of awards, including; David Bellamy Conservation Awards, Blue Flag and Seaside Awards. Using Hydratech products helps them meet their environmental commitments, without compromising on frost and corrosion protection of critical systems. For more information on Hydratech’s specialist non-toxic winterisation fluids visit www.hydratech.co.uk/winterisation or call 01792 586800.
Maximising the potential of outdoor areas on holiday parks
We feature three popular concepts which will help to enhance your outdoor areas and allow guests to distance themselves in an appealing environment… Being outside is the cornerstone of every Great British park holiday – reconnecting with nature, enjoying the sun (sometimes!) and getting plenty of fresh air all contributes to that feeling of escapism and getting away from the daily grind, says CIPO editor Victoria Galligan. And in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown, we have been actively encouraged to spend as much time as possible outdoors as the virus is less likely to be transmitted outside. Now is the ideal time to prepare your outdoor areas for next summer’s busy season – and there are plenty of ways to do that as we’ve seen in holiday parks across the country. From colourful outdoor splash pools to stylish bars and cafes which offer terraces to relax on, there are some fantastic examples out there where outdoor space has been utilised to the maximum. And these considerable investments have all paid off, all be it unintentionally, in this post-lockdown era we find ourselves living in. PERGOLAS Outdoor seating areas become a social hub for parks during the warmer months, and thanks to the innovative outdoor heating options which are now on the market, these areas are being put to use long after the kids have gone back to school. Pergolas can provide an impressive frame for outdoor seating and entertainment areas. A pergola can also be used as a covered walkway to enhance the aesthetic of an outdoor area, or as a space of quiet contemplation within a holiday park, away from the chaos of the children’s play area. The high durability of aluminium has made it a popular choice among holiday parks installing pergolas in recent years. Nick Cowley, managing director at exterior cladding and outdoor living product Endurawood, said: “While pergolas are designed to be sturdy, it’s important that they are made from a strong material to avoid collapsing and causing injury. “Endurawood is ideal for outdoor living products including pergolas, fencing and decking, as it is made from strong, lightweight aluminium. This means it is tougher than wood and is easier to install. In addition, Endurawood is available in a variety of natural wood shades, suitable for a range of garden styles.” ROOF TERRACES A luxury development recently opened up at five-star Retallack Resort & Spa in Cornwall which maximised plot space and took advantage of the surrounding panoramic views by including roof terraces. Retallack’s stylish boutique barns were masterminded by Notting Hill-based House Nine Design – the team behind the Gara Rock Hotel interiors refurb in Devon. The team at Aria Resorts, which owns Retallack as well as luxury holiday parks in Scotland, Yorkshire, Dorset and Devon, wanted to offer guests holiday homes which oozed new world luxurious sophistication, blending architectural design and unique, bespoke interiors. Complete with burnt black larch wood and floor-to-ceiling glass frontages, and some with rooftop hot tubs, the new boutique barns at Retallack Resort & Spa provide an elevated level of holiday retreats for guest, holiday homeowners and investors alike. The interior of the two, three and four-bedroom boutique barns were designed by Notting Hill-based House Nine. Jojo Barr, founder of House Nine Design, was commissioned in 2017 to provide the interior planning and styling for Aria Resort’s hotly anticipated Gara Rock Hotel refurb near Salcombe in the South Hams. The far-flung, sprawling clifftop destination has won ongoing praise so it was only natural that the Aria team would turn to House Nine again, this time for the development of the boutique barns set in the heart of Cornwall. DECKING Decking has been a staple addition to caravan parks for some years now – not only does it allow a weather-proof, raised platform to be built around individual holiday homes, but it looks great in communal outdoor areas such as those at bars and restaurants too. Recently, decking specialist NeoTimber embarked upon a holiday park improvement project which was part of a wider renovation, to improve the outdoor areas of both private accommodation sites; as well as communal, recreational spaces. The client, Bowbrook Lodge, said its top priority was a durable outdoor flooring solution – a deck board strong enough to withstand traffic from crowds of people; but also resistant to staining in order to prolong its lifespan. A neutral colour tone was also preferable; something that wouldn’t quickly become outdated and would match the cladding of the lodges. NeoTimber spokesperson Katy Westwood said: “While the customer showed great interest in both our Classic and Deluxe samples, we were inclined to sway them towards the latter of the two for the 360 degree protection, enhancing stain and fade resistance. The project resulted in a truly fantastic install, as I’m sure you’ll agree.” Jay Davie, NeoTimber’s Sales Team Leader, worked on the Bowbrook Lodge project and said: “The client had previously been plagued by the many pitfalls that come with traditional timber and wanted to avoid decking alternatives like PVC. The client was also on the lookout for a low-maintenance, and safe solution but wanted to ensure that the aesthetics of the project remained authentic and in keeping with the wider area.” The client opted for the Deluxe Teak deck board, a premium capped composite decking range which offers resistance to weathering, with enhanced UV and stain resistance. The product was used across a number of sites and has been purchased throughout the course of a year. PICNIC BENCHES For businesses considering the longevity of outdoor furniture and its impact on the environment, recycled plastic is becoming a popular choice. Family-run business Kedel Limited uses British-sourced waste plastic to develop their eco-friendly plastic products, such as picnic benches, decking and fencing. The Bolton-based recycled plastics company uses innovative manufacturing techniques to convert CD and contact lens cases into useful materials for the building trade and into outdoor furniture. Kedel focuses on maintenance-free, waterproof and mould-resistant products which offer more longevity than
Reasons to be cheerful: how the holiday park industry is bouncing back
Caravan Industry & Park Operator editor Victoria Galligan highlights three reasons why the future is now looking brighter for the holiday park industry. The coronavirus lockdown had a major impact on travel and tourism for three long months but, as lockdown eased and sites began to reopen again, bookings went “through the roof” – and so did caravan sales. The industry should be extremely proud of itself for its actions during lockdown, with many working hard to prepare for reopening and the “new normal”. Thankfully, all that hard work is starting to pay off. Fresh from my own little glamping break in Shropshire (there was a wood-fired hot tub, it was bliss!) I have seen how holiday parks are taking social distancing and cleanliness routines extremely seriously, allowing the trade to pick up where it left off without putting guests or staff at risk. Here are my insights into how things are finally beginning to look up despite disaster striking back in March… 1. Holiday parks have adapted well to new safety measures Thankfully coronavirus restrictions on outdoor areas were eased early on, and the outdoor nature of holiday parks has stood the trade in good stead. The National Caravan Council (NCC) Director General, John Lally, commented on this when the July 5 reopening date was announced by the Prime Minister, pointing out that caravan products are “socially distanced by design”. He added: “The parks industry across the UK can be safe places for people to holiday. Not only are caravans required to be 5m or 6m apart, but caravan parks are big open spaces, the ideal base for hard working families to enjoy the great outdoors.” John added that parks worked hard on safety protocols to keep staff and visitors safe. There’s a great example of how this was achieved at Love2Stay near Shrewsbury. Park manager Chris Skitt said: “As soon as parks got the green light to open, booking started going through the roof from people wanting to enjoy an escape to the countryside.” Parks had been carefully monitoring government guidelines on coronavirus safety measures and staff at Love2Stay, which is owned and operated by Salop Leisure, put their plan into action. It was such a good plan, they even named it. The Safe Stay initiative defined a new standard in caravan site cleaning standards, elevating hygiene practices from check-in to check-out. There was a thorough research assessment carried of all points of guest contact, from the front barrier to firepits, and team members were trained on how to protect themselves and guests via thorough cleaning processes. Inspections were increased, communal areas defogged daily and car cleaning and sanitising was even offered to guests. A timed session system within the pool also proved a great success when it came to monitoring the amount of people in the area at any one time. All in all, the Love2Stay team are maintaining scrupulously clean environments throughout the holiday park. “Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and team members,” said Chris. “Safe Stay built on the best practices and protocols which we developed after our shutdown in March, allowing our guests to relax and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our team members who are on the front lines of hospitality. “We are delighted to say that we have seen a really positive return to business since reopening on July 4. Of course many things have changed and thankfully, on the whole, our Safe Stay campaign has been really well received. As with everything at Love2Stay, our continual review process has seen some slight operational changes but on the whole things have remained the same since we reopened.” 2. Spending is rising again thanks to the post-lockdown staycation With three months’ worth of spending to make up for, it’s good to see that many Brits couldn’t wait to take a break. If nothing else, lockdown provided an opportunity for some people to save money. I personally couldn’t wait to holiday in the great outdoors, choosing a glamping shack in Shropshire which was booked entirely on a whim. I just felt the overwhelming urge to have a family break and catch up with friends – at a safe distance, of course. And I wasn’t alone. According to a survey carried out by Nationwide Building Society at the end of July, one in five people planned to use the money they’d saved in lockdown to treat themselves to a change of scenery after so long indoors. This was particularly prevalent amongst younger people, with 30% of those aged 16-34 planning to use money saved on a holiday compared to 14% of 45-54s and 17% of those aged 55+. Nationwide also found that those choosing to remain in the UK were likely to spend, on average, £480 on items, ranging from travel and meals to entertainment and essentials. This amount was on top of accommodation costs. The NCC also reported a huge spike in interest in tourers and motorhomes since dealerships re-opened in June. In their recent survey 70% of UK adults said they perceive a holiday caravan-based UK break as an acceptable activity post-lockdown. Motorhoming did even better, with 77%, indicating it as an appealing option. In caravan sales, Bailey of Bristol recorded the most sales ever in any one week since its dealerships re-opened on June 1. There’s a great video on the Bailey website where marketing director Simon Howard shows viewers around an empty car park and factory, saying, “That’s a result of the fantastic sales that our retail network has recorded since they reopened in June.” Auto Trader reported that in the second half of May, users on the caravan and motorhome sections of its website were up by 17% versus the same time last year. 3. This winter looks set to be the best yet I’m not talking weather wise – although I wish I could predict it so far in advance! Many holiday parks had already
Caravan Guard crowned top motorhome insurance provider
What Motorhome magazine have named Caravan Guard its motorhome insurance provider of the Year 2020. Already the chosen insurance partner of hundreds of motorhome dealers, the magazine’s editors chose Caravan Guard as its winner for its competitive premium and extensive cover, including offering breakdown as standard. What Motorhome assessed 24 leading motorhome insurance specialists and analysed the features and benefits of their motorhome insurance policies, against the cost of their premiums. When choosing us as the winner, What Motorhome said Caravan Guard’s policy offered the second-lowest premium, plus “impressive” features and benefits. Editors highlighted that Caravan Guard was one of the only providers to offer UK breakdown as standard, as well as a £1,000 limit for replacement locks, high injury benefits of £15,000, plus legal cover and unlimited windscreen cover. “We’re extremely proud to be named What Motorhome’s insurance provider of the year for 2020,” said Caravan Guard Director Neil Menzies. “We’ve worked really hard with our underwriters, RSA, to offer market-leading insurance cover which can be tailored to meet the needs of motorhome owners. “We also reward careful motorhomers with some of the lowest premiums around, and our positive team is passionate about delivering brilliant customer service. To introduce your dealer customers to Caravan Guard’s award-winning policies, with great value premiums, excellent service and extensive cover for your customers, plus healthy levels of commission for your business, contact our friendly team: development@caravanguard.co.uk.
