New glamping pods
Two holiday parks on the coast of Wales are launching a new range of glamping accommodation, which will be available to stay in from Easter. Aber Bay Holiday Park near Aberystwyth and Sunbeach in Llwyngwril in North Wales, both of which are part of the Allens Caravans group, are idyllic on-the-beach locations and are the perfect place for family holidays. The new glamping pods are the ultimate ‘tiny homes’ getaway with flexible boutique-style living and sleeping spaces and are perfect for families looking for a mini break. The glamping pods are luxuriously stylish, modern and compact and because they have a pitched roof, this means the pods can have a cleverly designed mezzanine that features a raised bunk area, which means the pods can sleep six people comfortably. Allens Caravans is family-run and has been providing holidays for the nation since the 1950s. CEO James Allen: “With our history of providing holidays for the nation, we have seen many different styles of accommodation, and we know what families are looking for when it comes to flexible, modern spaces. “Our new glamping pods at Aber Bay and Sunbeach are the best modern, compact-style accommodation at any UK holiday park. Glamping pods have become so popular over the last decade as part of the broader glamping trend, combining outdoor living with the comfort and luxury of staying in more modern, purpose-built accommodation. “People are still feeling the pinch and are also looking for unique and eco-friendly options while still enjoying the comforts of a hotel room or a modern cabin. These new pods are becoming the go-to choice for luxury camping because of their compact design, eco-friendly features, and minimal maintenance. They appeal to families, couples and solo travellers, but also work well for multi-generational families looking to holiday together. “The inside space is so flexible with the option to have a sofa in the living space that can be pulled down to make a double bed, a double bedroom at the back and a trendy mezzanine with two single beds that are perfect for the kids to sleep in. The mezzanine is accessed by a small ladder in the main living space, which makes for an interesting addition for the kids. There is also an external entertaining space. They have a real intimate luxury lodge feel to them. ““A new generation of travellers want a more eco-conscious, unique, and Instagrammable stay. Guests want to minimize their carbon footprint while enjoying nature. We can’t wait to start welcoming our guests to experience this new accommodation, which will be the first of many new types of holiday homes that we will be introducing, so watch this space.” Situated in the sheltered and picturesque Clarach Bay with rolling hills in the background just a stone’s throw from Aberystwyth, Aber Bay Holiday Park’s beach-front location means that holidaymakers can literally step out of their accommodation and straight onto the beach. While it boasts spectacular views, the holiday park also has a beachside clubhouse, an indoor heated pool, children’s entertainment, games room, outdoor play area and a restaurant with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Accommodation options alongside the new glamping pods include cosy caravans to luxury holiday homes and lodges. Sunbeach is located on the shores of Cardigan Bay, with the Cambrian Mountains forming the backdrop, and boasts some of the most stunning views of any park in the UK. It is the perfect location to escape the stresses and strains of modern life and soak up the slower pace of life. On-site facilities include a clubhouse, bar, restaurant, café, indoor swimming pool, football and basketball court, games room, a toddler softplay and playground. And if you do need to venture off the park, the towns of Tywyn and Barmouth are just a short drive away. Allens Caravans’s other parks include the countryside escapes of Abbot’s Salford and Bredon View close to the Cotswolds. Prices for the new glamping pods lead in at £465 for seven nights. To book with Allens Caravans, go to www.allenscaravans.co.uk/
Allens Caravans to celebrate
Allens Caravans to celebrate heritage with big presence at Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show Family-run holiday and residential park company invites visitors to enjoy a trip down memory lane at NEC show One of the UK’s most established holiday and residential park companies is inviting visitors to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at Birmingham NEC (18-23 February) to take a trip down memory to showcase its history and heritage in the industry. Allens Caravans will be celebrating its heritage as a family-run business with a tree-lined avenue through the middle of its stand that will document the company’s eight decades from its early beginnings in the 1940s to the present day. Either side of memory lane will be luxury homes showcasing the variety of accommodation on offer at the coastal parks on one side and the countryside parks on the other. The coastal parks include Aber Bay near Aberystwyth and Sunbeach in Llwyngwril, both in Wales, while the countryside escapes are Abbot’s Salford and Bredon View close to the Cotswolds, and Overstone Lakes in rural Northamptonshire. Allens Caravans began life in 1940 by Bill Allen, who launched Allens Auto selling cars in Wolverhampton, but started selling caravans too, which proved popular. Later in the 1940s Bill founded Allens Caravans and began placing caravans in the grounds of Wootton Hall, which Bill had also acquired. Bill and the family team then went on to create the first Midlands Caravan Exhibition at Wootton Hall in 1957, which became an annual event and a major part of the caravan and holiday industry in the UK. Following a trip to the US in 1960, Bill realised how popular and prestigious it was for so many Americans to live in residential caravans (Park Homes) and use leisure caravans (Caravan Holiday Homes) for weekend retreats. Following his trip, Bill Allen was convinced the same would happen in the UK and from then on, caravan sales overtook the company’s main business of car sales. Allens Caravans then went on to acquire holiday and residential parks and now has seven in total across England and Wales. The team will be out in force at this year’s show showcasing five of its holiday homes across a range of budgets. These include: Sunseeker Ashton and Willerby Rio, which can be found at the Welsh coastal parks, and the ABI Harrogate, Swift Morlaix and ABI Coworth, which are for sale at Allens Caravans’ countryside retreats. Talking about their presence at the CCM Show 2025, Allens Caravans CEO James Allen said: “We have been attending the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show for many years. It really is the industry exhibition to be at, and our presence this year will be bigger and better than ever. “We are so keen to focus on our heritage in the industry as a family-run business, to showcase how amazing our residential and holiday parks are, give visitors a taste of our incredible holiday homes and share a little insight into our plans for 2025, which includes a new residential living development at Overstone Lakes and the introduction of glamping pods for holidaymakers at our coastal parks of Aber Bay and Sunbeach in Wales. “We have just launched our new website too so the timing couldn’t be better. The future looks very bright.” allenscaravans.co.uk/ Instagram: allenscaravans Facebook: Allens Caravans Holiday & Residential Parks
Two key sales roles filled at Kinedo
The Kinedo team is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Sherwood as Area Sales Manager for the Central Region and George Barber as Area Sales Manager for the South West. The pair joined Kinedo at the end of 2024 and have undergone a comprehensive training programme. Both have now settled into their respective areas. Chris previously worked for Robert Lee Distribution and Q4 Bathrooms and has also run kitchen and bathroom showrooms for various merchants, whilst Chris was previously at Porcelanosa working on specification projects with new build developments. Both managers are tasked with building brand awareness in showrooms, merchants and installers, along with winning specification deals to accelerate growth in each area. With the launch of new products during 2024 and more to come in 2025 the new Area Sales Managers have an exceptional portfolio of products to work with. https://www.sfasaniflo.co.uk/
The World of Park and Leisure Homes Show
The World of Park and Leisure Homes Show returns to Warwickshire in June 2025, bringing the UK’s largest outdoor event dedicated to those already living or those looking to enjoy the wonderful benefits of the Park and Leisure Lifestyle. After taking advantage of free entrance and parking, visitors will then have the chance to view an enormous range of around 50 Residential Park Homes and Leisure Lodges including the latest models from leading Manufacturers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see so many homes all on display together. It’s your chance to compare models, see the latest designs and innovations, enjoy the inspirational decoration ideas, and discuss your requirements and with the experts on hand to chat about the benefits of enjoying these homes and find the best deals including many exclusive offers. The show has something for everyone and of course, it’s not just the homes themselves. It’s the wonderful locations available across the UK and beyond. It’s the extras, the fabulous range of new products and accessories. There’s Ideas for renovation and plenty of those extra touches to provide the leisure lifestyle you dreamed of. Laid out in the beautiful grounds of the NAEC Stoneleigh and designed to create a very informal, relaxed, and welcoming event for visitors to enjoy. Plus, don’t forget to visit our ‘Park Life’ sponsored ‘Catering Area’ providing delicious home cooked meals and snacks. In addition, rest areas are available for those visitors who prefer to picnic. Well behaved dogs are, of course, welcome and for those visitors wishing to stay, the venue does have onsite facilities for motor homes, camping etc. alongside its own in-house hotel (the Stoneleigh Lodge). For a great Free Day Out and a chance to meet like-minded people and make new friends, come along to ‘The World of Park & Leisure Homes Show’. Everything you need all in one place. This really is a wonderful opportunity for those new to the lifestyle to find out more and for those who have already made the move to discover all the latest ideas product and innovations to upgrade and renovate. A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER A WONDERFUL LIFESTYLE WHETHER LEISURE OR RESIDENTIAL, THIS SHOW HAS IT COVERED! Key Information – The World of Park & Leisure Homes Show 6th to 8th June 2025 – Open To ALL from 10am – 4pm daily For more information, please visit https://www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk/See you in June at the NAEC Stoneleigh showground
The Ultimate Wireless Utility Management Solution
The next generation of berth and pitch services management is here: Rolec, a global manufacturer of outdoor electrical equipment, has announced an exciting new strategic partnership with Metpow, a pioneer in wireless utility management software. This collaboration sets a benchmark for innovation in the industry. By integrating Rolec’s market-leading hardware with Metpow’s innovative LoRaWAN-enabled software, they’ve created an advanced system designed to simplify guest management and enable automated utility solutions, redefining how marinas and park site services are managed and optimised. Rolec powered by Metpow gives marina managers and holiday/caravan park operators full control over electricity and water usage, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Guests and residents can easily track and pay for their consumption via the Metpow app, ensuring transparency and convenience for all. This streamlined management not only enhances business operations but also supports environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Rolec’s robust and reliable hardware, complemented by Metpow’s advanced software capabilities, provides operators with a comprehensive solution to monitor and manage utility consumption remotely from any device. Constant connectivity without reliance on Wi-Fi or 4G ensures dependable and consistent performance even in challenging outdoor environments. The solution provides optimised utility management, transforming how energy and water consumption are monitored and controlled. Operators can set usage limits, automate billing, and receive instant alerts for potential concerns such as high consumption, ensuring swift action and uninterrupted service. The system boosts guest satisfaction by offering real-time insights, simplified payment options, and a superior user experience. Guests also benefit from a user-friendly app with virtual wallets, on-demand service controls, and multi-currency support, making it ideal for international travellers. Metpow offers live visibility into electricity and water usage, which enables guests to make more informed choices, leading to tangible reductions in consumption. Early adopters have already demonstrated a significant decrease in guest energy usage simply through increased awareness. While each individual action may seem small, collectively, these behavioural shifts contribute to a meaningful reduction in overall resource demand, helping businesses operate more seamlessly while minimising their environmental impact. Speaking on the partnership, Ed Jones, CEO & Co-Founder of Metpow, commented: “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to bring cutting-edge wireless utility management to the marine and leisure industries. By integrating Metpow’s LoRaWAN-enabled metering technology with Rolec’s trusted infrastructure, we’re empowering operators with the control and insights they need to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and future-proof their sites.” Holly Brown, Commercial Director at Rolec, added: “Sustainability drives our approach, providing intelligent solutions that help operators to reduce waste, optimise resource management, and support responsible consumption. By combining Rolec’s trusted hardware with Metpow’s formidable software solution, this advanced system gives site managers greater control over their utilities and services, improving efficiency and curbing operational costs, which is essential for the future of these industries. Together, this partnership accelerates progress, and we remain at the forefront of innovation in the field.” The integrated Rolec-Metpow solution is set to launch in March 2025, with pilot installations and operator training happening now. Further developments this year include platform enhancements and additional sustainability-focused features, such as carbon offset tracking, scheduled for future releases. https://www.rolecserv.com/
Transforming Caravan and Camping Sites
Caravan and camping sites are a cornerstone of outdoor leisure, offering a serene escape for adventurers and families alike. However, managing these sites involves unique challenges, from ensuring ground stability and preserving natural aesthetics to maintaining functional spaces that enhance visitor experiences. At HAHN Plastics, we offer innovative, sustainable products tailored to meet these needs while aligning with environmental goals. Our solutions, including ground reinforcement systems like heavy-duty Ground Grid and Hanpave and enhancement products like knee rails, boardwalks, and picnic sets, combine functionality with sustainability to elevate caravan and camping sites. Here’s how our offerings can transform these sites into environmentally friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing destinations. Ground Reinforcement: A Strong Foundation for Every Plot Caravan and camping sites experience significant wear and tear from vehicle traffic, footfall, and weather conditions. Ground reinforcement is critical for creating stable, long-lasting surfaces that minimise environmental impact. Heavy-Duty Ground Grid Our heavy-duty Ground Grid is made to provide exceptional load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for areas that experience heavy traffic, such as access roads, parking spaces, and caravan pitches. Manufactured from 100% recycled materials, the Ground Grid is eco-friendly and contributes to a sustainable future. Its robust interlocking system ensures easy installation while maintaining superior ground stability, preventing soil erosion, and reducing maintenance costs. Hanpave Permeable Paving Hanpave offers a versatile, sustainable solution for ground reinforcement. Its permeable design allows water to pass through, reducing surface water runoff and promoting natural drainage, a crucial feature for maintaining the natural beauty and functionality of camping sites. Hanpave is lightweight, easy to install, and suitable for various applications, including pathways, parking areas, and event spaces. Enhancing Spaces with Functional and Aesthetic Solutions Beyond reinforcement, the overall layout and design of a caravan or camping site significantly impact visitor satisfaction. At HAHN Plastics, we offer a range of enhancement products that combine practicality with aesthetics, ensuring that every site is functional and welcoming. Knee Rails: Dividing Spaces with Style Knee rails are an effective way to define spaces within a campsite, such as individual plots, communal areas, and pathways. Our knee rails are resistant to weathering, rot, and insects, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance. Their sleek design complements the natural surroundings while providing a clear visual boundary, enhancing both safety and organisation. Boardwalks: Connecting Nature and Comfort Boardwalks are essential for creating accessible pathways that guide visitors through the campsite while protecting sensitive areas like grasslands or wetlands. Our boardwalks are slip-resistant and weatherproof, ensuring safe and durable walkways. Their modular design allows for quick installation and easy customisation, making them ideal for any campsite layout. Picnic Sets and Outdoor Furniture Creating comfortable communal spaces is vital for enhancing the camping experience. Our range of outdoor furniture is designed with durability and sustainability in mind. These products are environmentally friendly, low maintenance, and can withstand the elements for many years. From picnic benches to sun loungers, our furniture adds a touch of practicality and comfort to any site. Sustainability at the Core of Our Innovations At HAHN Plastics, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle that drives every product we create. All our solutions are manufactured using 100% recycled materials, contributing to the circular economy and reducing waste. Our production processes utilise renewable energy, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. By choosing our products, caravan, and camping site operators can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship while enjoying long-lasting, cost-effective solutions. Reducing Maintenance and Long-Term Costs One of the standout benefits of our products is their durability and low maintenance. Traditional materials like wood or metal often require regular upkeep, which can be costly and time-consuming. In contrast, hanit is resistant to weathering, corrosion, and biological degradation, offering significant savings in maintenance and replacement costs over time. This durability ensures that campsite operators can focus more on enhancing visitor experiences than managing repairs. Adapting to the Needs of Modern Campers Today, campers expect more than just a patch of grass and a place to park their caravan. They seek well-organised, environmentally conscious sites that provide both comfort and functionality. Our products cater to these expectations by combining modern design with sustainable practices. Promoting Biodiversity Our solutions go beyond functionality to support environmental conservation. For example, integrating boardwalks in natural areas helps protect sensitive ecosystems by keeping foot traffic contained. Additionally, our recycled material products help reduce the need for resource extraction, minimising ecological disruption. Enhancing Accessibility Accessibility is an important consideration for modern campsites. Products like our boardwalks and Hanpave permeable paving provide stable, slip-resistant surfaces suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility challenges. A Case for Durability and Innovation The harsh outdoor environment demands products that can withstand extreme conditions while maintaining performance and appearance. HAHN Plastics solutions are rigorously tested to meet these challenges. From withstanding heavy loads on caravan plots to resisting wear and tear from weather exposure, our products are engineered for longevity. Real-Life Applications Many caravan and camping sites have already benefitted from our innovative solutions. For instance, sites with high footfall have seen significant improvements in ground stability and drainage after installing Hanpave. Similarly, the addition of picnic sets and knee rails has enhanced site organisation and visitor satisfaction. Partnering for a Greener Future At HAHN Plastics, we believe in partnerships that drive positive change. By collaborating with campsite operators, we aim to create spaces that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible. Whether through consulting on-site design or providing tailored solutions, our team is committed to helping operators achieve their vision while prioritising sustainability. Conclusion Transforming a caravan or camping site into a sustainable, durable, and visitor-friendly destination requires the right solutions. HAHN Plastics’ range of ground reinforcement and enhancement products offers the perfect blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. From stabilising the ground with heavy-duty Ground Grid and Hanpave to enhancing spaces with knee rails, boardwalks, and outdoor furniture, our products ensure that every site is equipped to meet the needs of modern campers. Choosing HAHN Plastics means choosing a partner committed to sustainability and innovation. Together, we
Saniflo’s Saniplus UP facilitates garden retreat by Shack Cabins
Thanks to a Saniplus UP from Saniflo, a new garden retreat in the capital has been elevated to a new level of comfort and convenience. The solution, expertly chosen by former DJ and TV presenter Sam Pinkham, owner of Shack Cabins, for one of his customers, facilitated the luxury of a fully functional WC in a stylish garden office and leisure space. The garden building, which was supplied and built by Shack Cabin, sits slightly below the level of the main house, presenting a unique challenge for traditional waste drainage. The quiet Saniplus UP macerator system provided the ideal solution, efficiently pumping waste to the main soil stack. Installed discreetly behind a demountable panel, the unit is hidden yet accessible for maintenance. This seamless integration means visitors to the space would never know it was there. The Saniplus UP, part of Saniflo’s renowned macerator range, is designed for use with a full bathroom suite. It features a powerful motor capable of pumping waste up to 5 metres vertically or 100 metres horizontally, making it ideal for projects where gravity drainage isn’t an option. Its compact design and near-silent operation make it a practical and discreet solution for challenging installations. Sam Pinkham explained why he chose the Saniplus UP: “The Saniplus UP was the perfect choice for this project. It’s incredibly easy to install and delivers reliable performance. My customer is over the moon with how it’s transformed their garden building into a versatile space with a fully functional bathroom. Without the Saniplus UP, this level of convenience wouldn’t have been possible.” Sam’s journey to founding Shack Cabins is as unique as the garden buildings he creates. Sam entertained audiences across the UK for years as a radio DJ and home & holiday programme presenter. Inspired by the buildings he had seen whilst working on TV – and seeing how garden buildings could add value to a property as either a work from home or accommodation option – he launched Shack Cabins, where he brings bespoke, high-quality garden spaces to life. The customer’s newly enhanced garden shack now serves as both an office and a relaxation area, complete with the modern convenience of a private WC thanks to the versatile and practical Saniflo solution. Saniflo’s innovative range of macerators and pumps is designed to make bathroom and kitchen installations possible anywhere in the home or garden, regardless of the existing plumbing setup. The Saniplus UP, in particular, is renowned for its robust performance and quiet operation, making it a go-to choice for challenging projects like this one. For more information on Saniflo’s products and how they can help bring your dream spaces to life, visit www.saniflo.co.uk. To learn more about Shack Cabins and their bespoke building solutions, visit www.shackcabins.comENDS
Huge increase in early bookings for 2025 holidays in Scotland
Scotland holiday park group Largo Leisure, who own six holiday parks in Scotland, have seen a record increase in early holiday bookings for 2025 suggesting the trend in recent years to book a last minute holidays is changing. Since going live with their 2025 early booking campaign on Friday (10/12), they have seen a 160% increase in early bookings compared to last year with a particular focus on people booking peak school summer holiday dates. Chair of Largo Leisure Andrew Howe gives his thoughts on why early bookings are back in fashion: “The impact of the pandemic meant people stopped booking and planning their holidays in advance because there was so much uncertainty from day to day and week to week. Where previously people would book next year’s holiday 12 months in advance, we saw a significant shift to people booking holidays last minute. “We now seem to be returning to a place where consumer confidence has been restored and they want to book early to have something to look forward to. It also enables people with their financial planning, they can spread the cost of their holiday over time, often with the option to pay in instalments. This makes it easier to manage the financial aspect of paying for a holiday. “Every holiday park wants to get ahead of the competition and secure early bookings for the year ahead and we are no different. Savvy consumers know that some of the best deals and discounts for 2025 happen in 2024 and it also ensures they get the pick of the exact dates and accommodations they prefer without the fear or missing out by the time they make a decision. “Undoubtedly the pandemic changed the way people book and plan for their holidays but we are definitely seeing a return to pre pandemic behaviours and booking habits at Largo Leisure. We are excited about the 2025 season and hope that many people who want to come and enjoy the beauty of Scotland take advantage of the early booking offers out there.” Largo Leisure launched their ‘Bonnie Breaks’ campaign to celebrate their Scottish heritage and with a lead in offer of up to 25% off 2025 holidays. More information can be found on the website: 2025 Holiday In Scotland | Largo Leisure Holidays
Saniflo Sanicom helps launch iconic bar in Canary Wharf
A Saniflo Sanicom 1 single-pump unit and a Saniflo Sanicom 2 twin-pump unit have helped transform a seemingly insurmountable design challenge into the Oasis Bar & Terrace—a groundbreaking venue redefining Canary Wharf’s hospitality landscape. The bar features a striking glass and wood construction, two bespoke staircases linking the bar with a terrace boasting a stunning open-air space and panoramic views of London’s skyline.Conventional drainage solutions were out of the question because it is directly above the London Underground infrastructure and within a strictly enforced “no dig” zone. Following a visit to the site to establish the ideal solution to the operational needs of the new bar, Saniflo’s technical team recommended two advanced Sanicom pumping systems. In the downstairs bar – the longest in Canary Wharf at 17m – a powerful Sanicom 2 has twin pumps which can handle the large volume of water but also ensures continuity of service in the event of a failure. Whilst the pumps work alternately for even wear and tear, a single pump can also assume the work of the other if one stops working. The waste pipes run from the Sanicom underneath the floor and outside to the drains within the external customer WCs. A Sanicom 1 – with a single pump – is installed in the upstairs bar, with the waste falling and ultimately being plumbed into the same pipework as the larger unit. Petr Ivanisevic is Operations Director of the Oasis Bar & Terrace and is very happy with the pumps, which have worked flawlessly since installation. He says: “Gravity drainage wasn’t an option for the bar because we are directly above the London underground and shops, so civil work was impossible. The Canary Wharf Group also has a ‘no dig’ policy in this area, so we would always need a pumped solution. The plumbers on the job had previously used Saniflo and put in a call to the technical team, which proved really useful in getting the right products for the job.” Amanda Mills, Marketing Manager at Saniflo UK, adds: “Our mission is to transform constraints into opportunities for innovation. The Oasis Bar & Terrace is a testament to how our solutions can turn ambitious designs into reality.” https://www.saniflo.co.uk
