Rosneath Castle Park Wins – Best Caravan Holiday Park 2024!
Rosneath Castle Park is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best Caravan Holiday Park 2024 – West Scotland” by Luxlife Magazine as part of their annual Hospitality Awards. This recognition highlights Rosneath Castle Park’s continued dedication to providing exceptional experiences for holidaymakers and residents. Nestled on the stunning shores of Gare Loch, Rosneath Castle Park has long been celebrated for its scenic beauty, top-notch facilities, and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Upon receiving the award, General Manager Richard Quibell expressed his pride in the park’s achievement: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named the best caravan park in West Scotland. This award is a tremendous honour and a true reflection of our incredible team’s dedication and hard work here at Rosneath Castle Park. Their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to our owners, residents, and holiday guests is what makes our park so special and deserving of this recognition.” This award marks a significant milestone for the team at Rosneath Castle Park, reflecting their consistent efforts to offer a high standard of service and memorable experiences. Whether welcoming long-term residents, returning owners, or first-time holiday guests, the park remains a go-to destination for those looking to explore the beauty and serenity of Scotland’s west coast. About Rosneath Castle Park Located just 45 minutes from Glasgow, Rosneath Castle Park offers the perfect blend of peaceful, scenic surroundings and modern amenities. With a variety of holiday homes and pitches for static caravans, as well as facilities that cater to families, couples, and individuals, the park continues to be a favourite spot for nature lovers and holidaymakers seeking a tranquil escape. About Luxlife Magazine Hospitality Awards The Luxlife Magazine Hospitality Awards celebrate businesses and establishments that demonstrate exceptional dedication to customer service and excellence across various sectors in the hospitality industry. Being recognized by the awards is a testament to the outstanding quality that guests can expect from the winners. For more information on Rosneath Castle Park, please visit www.rosneathcastle.co.uk
Saniflo enables effective conversion
Saniflo has played a crucial role in converting the historic Sula Lightship into a unique, high-standard accommodation facility, recently awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ distinction in the Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards’ Unique Stay of the Year category. This project demonstrates Saniflo’s effectiveness in supporting non-traditional properties where reliable waste management solutions are essential. Constructed in the 1950s, the Sula Lightship was a navigation aid in the Humber Estuary for decades before being repurposed as a museum and therapy centre. Today, the extensively refurbished vessel provides a home to owners Colin and Viv Brooks and a luxury two-bedroom apartment to their guests in the Gloucester Docks, supported by Saniflo technology. Working with Pumpmaster and Lee Sanitation, Saniflo supplied a range of macerators and pumps to manage on-board black and grey water waste, including a Sanimarin WC, explicitly designed for marine applications, and a long-standing Sanishower unit to discharge grey water waste into former freshwater tanks repurposed as storage. These systems provided the necessary capacity and durability for high-usage scenarios on the vessel. The two Saniflo units in the owner’s living quarters were replaced during the conversion following the recommendation from the Saniflo agent, Pumpmaster, for long-term economic reasons as they were both over 10 years old and had had heavy use. The Sanimarin WC was specified for the new bathroom because it provided sufficient power to pump through a range of pipes in the chain room below right along to the tanks at the vessel’s stern. The shower was plumbed into the existing Sanishower unit, installed over 15 years ago when the vessel was a therapy centre. It has worked perfectly for over 15 years with minimal maintenance and zero problems. Mr Brooks said: “Saniflo’s technology enabled us to install modern, reliable sanitation on board, ensuring long-term operational efficiency. These units have performed consistently, requiring minimal maintenance. Fully working showers and flushable WCs would not have been possible without the macerators and pumps.” The refurbishment also preserved original maritime features, making the lightship a notable asset both within the docks and as part of the UK’s maritime history. The Sula Lightship has become a valued accommodation offering within Gloucester Docks, attracting steady bookings. Saniflo’s solutions have facilitated this transition, ensuring reliable infrastructure that aligns with the demands of high-standard guest accommodation. https://www.saniflo.co.uk
Cycle challenge for Cancer Research UK.
In a remarkable show of solidarity and determination, Saniflo staff members completed a 240-mile cycling journey from London to the global headquarters of SFA Group, near the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK began on September 2nd, 2024, and took four days to complete. The cycle challenge has become an annual pilgrimage for the Saniflo team, with six successful bike rides from London to Paris completed and tens of thousands of pounds raised for Cancer Research UK. The cyclists, including retired Managing Director Tim Pestell, Louise Gibson, Scott Taylor, Nick Quartarone, and colleagues from SFA Saniflo in the Netherlands – Giel Klinkers and Alex Markus – powered through the demanding ride with grit and camaraderie. Jason Barnes followed the team in a support vehicle, ensuring equipment and supplies were available throughout the trip. This year’s challenge follows a similar ride completed by the Saniflo UK team last year, which raised £10,000 for Cancer Research UK. With cancer affecting so many lives within the Saniflo family, either directly or through loved ones, the team is once again aiming to raise at least £10,000 to contribute to the fight against this devastating disease. Speaking on behalf of the team, Saniflo UK Marketing Manager Amanda Mills said: “All of us, in one way or another, have been touched by the dreadful impact of cancer. At Saniflo, we’ve witnessed its toll on colleagues and their families. We are proud to be part of this journey to support Cancer Research UK and hope to make a meaningful contribution to their ongoing efforts to find a cure.” The team would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated so far to this year’s pot, which currently stands at almost £9000, and to those who cheered them on throughout their journey. Your support is invaluable and is helping make a difference in the battle against cancer. The Saniflo team is still welcoming donations for the cycle challenge for Cancer Research UK via https://www.saniflo.co.uk/blog/saniflo-cycles-to-paris-cancer-research-uk-fundraiser-2024-n178
Exploring the Social Value of Home Sensor Systems
Aico recently collaborated with the University of Exeter on a series of guides exploring the use of home sensor systems and how those within the housing sector can see social value from them. Sam Collier, HomeLINK’s Head of Market Intelligence, provided expertise, information and costings for the social return on investment models used throughout these guides. The Risks of Poor Housing Conditions Condensation, damp, and mould in homes can cause serious health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups. These conditions also have degrading effects on the structure of the building, leading to higher maintenance costs. Action is therefore required to reduce the risks to resident health, and address challenges such as fuel poverty within properties. However, it is important to note that some housing providers might not be aware of the challenges present. Luckily, home sensors can help tackle this challenge. The Use of Sensor Systems Identifying and reducing the risks caused by issues such as damp and mould, or poor ventilation, begins with monitoring the indoor environment. This allows housing providers and residents to detect adverse conditions, and act on the early warning provided, preventing issues from occurring. Additionally, sensors collect real-time data on a range of factors, including: This data supports landlords in the form of proactive maintenance, improving the diagnosis of poor environments, enhancing living conditions, and reducing long-term costs. Furthermore, the data provided promotes compliance to regulations like Awaab’s Law, which mandates timely action on damp and mould issues in social housing. The Social Value of Home Sensor Systems Social value is the measure of benefits of an activity, beyond the financial advantages, exploring the way that the activity positively affects people’s lives. The guides that have been published have analysed the social return on investment of home sensor systems, and how they can help landlords evaluate their properties’ environment, providing insights that support future budget allocations and funding. By utilising home sensors and creating a healthier indoor home environment, there will be a reduction in damp-related issues like asthma, which will leading to fewer health interventions and less strain on health care services. Furthermore, proactive property management and repairs reduce inequality in housing conditions across a landlord’s portfolio. By enhancing maintenance quality and operational efficiency, there will be a wider impact on healthier and more affordable social housing. Measuring social value helps housing providers align their impact with their long-term goals. By enabling better health outcomes and more efficient property maintenance, these systems support the objectives of housing providers and contribute positively to the wider community. Aico’s Connected Home Solution Aico’s HomeLINK Connected Home Solution offers a state-of-the-art platform for social landlords to monitor properties remotely, streamline processes, and gain actionable insights into challenges such as damp, mould, energy efficiency and indoor air quality. By leveraging IOT, housing providers can increase efficiency, reduce costly callouts, and ultimately improve the lives of their residents. A large community of landlords are already utilising our technology, with over 400,000 connected devices across the UK, feeding and analysing huge volumes of data and therefore dramatically increasing efficiency across the social housing sector. Learn more about Aico’s Connected Home Solution and how it can provide social value here. http://www.aico.co.uk/
Saniflo Modulo and Modulo XL
Facilitating the addition of extra facilities to homes and buildings is what Saniflo has been successfully doing for over 60 years with its range of pumps and macerators. And now the company has made it possible to create a whole bathroom in a bedroom with two all-in-one solutions. Modulo is a pod-style solution with shower and basin, whilst Modulo XL features shower, basin and wall hung WC. With a choice of profile and glass options, including white profiles with white glass, black profiles with black glass and black profiles with white glass, a new en-suite can be installed in just 2 or 3 days and no major work is required as long as there is electric and small-bore pipework to hand. As you would expect, where the waste discharge is problematic, a Saniflo pump can be specified as part of the package. Each of the Modulos features a luxe version which consists of a sliding door shower, a stylish vanity unit with basin plus a modern towel rail and a standard model with a curtain rail in the shower and a washbasin with mixer tap. Both feature a contemporary mechanical shower valve and handset. The bathroom pods can be installed in a recess or corner situation and feature a pivot door to access the facilities. In the shower area, there is a self-supporting platform in Biocryl on height-adjustable feet, with finishing plinths and opaque white glass back panels. The white honeycomb polypropylene ceiling features 2 integrated LED spotlights and the unit is finished with mirror, glass shelves, towel hook, ventilation grill, 220 V socket and a floor mat. All glass is anti-limescale for ease of cleaning after installation. Modulo and Modulo XL are ideal solutions for boutique hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses, modular buildings, and any homeowner wishing to create extra living accommodation in a basement, garage, barn or other external building and represent a new opportunity for installers to offer swift, convenient bathroom solutions to their customers. Amanda Mills, Marketing Manager, Saniflo believes the Modulo models will appeal to many sectors; “The new Modulo and Modulo XL make it easy to add a practical, yet attractive en-suite to an existing bedroom. This will be particularly appealing to many small boutique hotels, Bed & Breakfast accommodation owners who have shared bathroom facilities for guests and domestic households who require an additional bathroom. It’s also a great opportunity for manufacturers of modular buildings that require a whole bathroom solution.” https://www.saniflo.co.uk/
Stars at caravan and motorhome show
Television presenter, author, nature advocate and charity campaigner Julia Bradbury and Shropshire celebrity chef Marcus Bean are two of the stars lined up for West Midlands Caravan & Motorhome Show in Shrewsbury later this month. Bradbury, former Camping and Caravan Club president, will be teaming up with Bean to give cooking demonstrations on Saturday, October 5. They will be using equipment which can be purchased in Salop Leisure’s accessories shop from suppliers such as Cadac. Visitors to the free show, which is being hosted by award-winning caravan and motorhome dealership, Salop Leisure at Emstrey from September 28 to October 6, will be able to meet both stars. Bradbury will also be signing copies of her book, ‘Walk yourself happy’. Bean, who formerly ran Brompton Cookery School, near Shrewsbury, has also launched his own book this year, ‘The Good Chicken Cookbook’. He’s a regular chef on ITV’s ‘This Morning’. New 2025 touring caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes and luxury lodges will be promoted at the show where visitors will also be able to take advantage of great savings on remaining 2024 models. The UK’s largest free caravan and motorhome show will feature models from Swift, ABI, Atlas, Carnaby, Willerby and Coachman. More than 200 new and pre-owned models will be showcased and there will be a 10% discount on all awnings and accessories purchased at the event. New holiday home models to look out for include the ABI Coworth Deluxe, Atlas Avanti, Carnaby Lakehouse Lodge, Swift Morlaix and Willerby Malton Elite. To create extra interest for visitors, historic Swift caravans dating to the 1950s will be displayed between 2025 models to demonstrate the evolution of designs, equipment, furnishings and comfort over the years. Visitors who register for tickets at www.salopleisure.co.uk will qualify for a free ice cream served from Shropshire Ice Cream Caravan. A packed programme of family activities includes a children’s bouncy castle and fairground organ on both weekends and a fun dog competition organised by Sophie Cox will be held on Sunday, October 6 with people encouraged to enter their pets. Outdoor Revolution will be showcasing awnings on Sunday, September 29 and experts will be available from Willerby on September 30, Swift on October 1, Carnaby on October 2, Atlas and Yuasa Batteries on October 4 and Isabella awnings on October 5. Salop Leisure’s holiday park finder service will help customers to identify their ideal location, with more than 250 parks to choose from in Mid Wales and the Heart of England. Park representatives will be on hand in the Holiday Home Village throughout the show. They include Derwen Mill, Guilsfield; Foggy Bottom, Churchstoke; Gellidywyll, Llandinam; Maes yr Afon, Berriew; Hidden Valley, Guilsfield; Trederwen, Llansantffraid; Glendower, Llangynog; Ranch / Fernwood, Ellesmere; Sunnyside Farm, Shrewsbury; Salop Caravan Sites, Wigmore Lakes, Wattlesborough; Bala Caravan Park and Pen y Garth, Bala, River Meadow, Llangadfan, Meadow Springs, Trefeglwys, Palé Wood, Bala and Henstent, Llangynog, Dolgead Hall, Llanfair Caereinion, Clywedog and Red Kite Lodge Park, Llanidloes and Morris Leisure. Experts will also be available to guide first time buyers through the complete process of owning a touring caravan, motorhome, or caravan holiday home or lodge. Mike Harris, Salop Leisure’s joint managing director, said: “This annual show is a fantastic opportunity to see new 2025 caravan and motorhome models for the first time right here in Shropshire and there will be some great deals on offer on 2024 models. “It’s a great family day out and chance to check out all the smart ideas, innovations and fresh designs on display. Picture captions: Meet Julia Bradbury at the West Midlands Caravan and Motorhome Show.
New Saniwall Pro Up Style with stylish panels
Saniflo has introduced an additional model to the Saniwall Pro Up line-up; taking the range to three core products featuring glass, tiles and now wall panels. The stunning Saniwall Pro Up Style offers a choice of two modern panels in grey concrete or Carrera marble patterns which are designed to match all bathroom colours and styles. Simple and lightweight to install, the highly durable panels not only look great, but are very practical and easy to clean. They are manufactured from a polyethylene core and two aluminium layers which creates the perfect blend of flexibility and strength. No preparation is required prior to installation and the panels are 100% waterproof. Panels offer excellent access to the frame and macerator for maintenance and servicing. The bottom panel simply slides out once the WC pan is removed and the top panel pops out once the push button flush is removed. The Saniwall Pro Up Style is a concealed unit that enables a stylish focal point in a bathroom/shower room where gravity fed plumbing is either not possible, or is too difficult or expensive. The unique frame system of the Saniwall accommodates all types of wall-hung WCs and uses Grohe cistern technology. The unit features an integral macerator pump with a dual flush system and attractive flush plate and pumps waste up to five metres vertically and 100m horizontally. Four inlets are located on the macerator for the installation of a complete shower room and adjustable feet are supplied as standard to allow variable pan heights. The unit comes with up to five- year extended warranty. https://www.saniflo.co.uk/
Motorhome and campervan insurance
Insurance specialists, Caravan Guard, were delighted to be named What Motorhome magazine’s best motorhome insurance provider AND best campervan insurance provider for 2024. The awards follow on from picking up the Warners Group magazine’s motorhome insurance provider of the year in 2023 and also winning Best motorhome insurance provider at the Insurance Choice Awards last November. The Halifax based intermediary which works with many of the UK’s motorhome dealerships has now picked up What Motorhome’s award four times in the last five years. But 2024 is the first year the magazine has named a separate campervan insurance provider of the year. The judges praised Caravan Guard’s high cover levels and low premiums when comparing its policy and prices against 11 other well-known specialist insurance providers. Caravan Guard Partnerships Director Neil Menzies said: “Naturally we’re delighted to win another award for our motorhome insurance product and it’s a real honour to pick up best campervan insurance provider too. “We do work hard to keep our cover benefits amongst the best in our market and our premiums competitive. We want motorhome and campervan dealers to refer their customers to us with confidence and we hope these latest awards will add to that.” If your dealership isn’t already working with Caravan Guard why not get in touch with its dealer relations team? Email development@caravanguard.co.uk for more information about its award-winning policies, great value premiums, excellent service and extensive cover for your customers, plus healthy levels of commission for your business. https://www.caravanguard.co.uk
Plug-N-Go – EV charging points
Plug-N-Go provide turnkey funded solutions for businesses who are looking at installing or increasing EV charging points in car parks, on a risk and cost-free basis and takes care of the following: Plug-n-Go provide fully or part funded AC & DC charging solutions for public facing carparks ensuring that the site owner generates an income from the charging points, whilst providing facilities for their working fleet, staff and the local community. We work with the client to navigate the appropriate grant funding schemes to ensure that available funding is secured and can provide ‘top up’ funding for any shortfalls to deliver the optimum solution. “Our expertise is in the business and public sector, working with Local Authorities, hotels, commercial retail spaces, health care sectors and many more. We offer a A-Z solution from site survey, designing and installing, monitoring and proactive maintenance and what’s more, we futureproof all our sites, with many power supplies pre-wired below ground. Where possible, we tap into our expertise in renewable energy and power using solar or wind energy and with thousands of registered users now using the Plug-N-Go app – we are helping the country go electric. Our charging stations appear on Google Maps or advertised through partner networks such as Zapmap and Allstar, “ explained Keith – CEO. Plug-n-Go designs solutions to provide immediate and future planned needs, with a collaborative approach to ensure that reliability and control is at the heart of the final solution. The design process incorporates the client energy strategy for the building and ensures that innovation and options are considered including energy conservation, Battery Energy Storage Systems and load management, where this is not possible, we also manage the delivery of new DNO energy connections to facilitate the installation of the charging network. Understanding the full consumer experience to EV charging is key to delivering a network that works for everyone, is reliable and supported. We do this by ensuring that the design is robust, the installation is comprehensive, and the operation of the network is proactively monitored, maintained, and supported 24/7/365 by our specialist EV team at the AA. Our experience comes from working with Government departments, local authorities, Healthcare organisations and the asset management companies to ensure your asset works for you. To find out more about bespoke solutions, across a wide range of charging equipment models, speeds and volumes, see the website below: Tel 0203 657 9672 Web https://plug-n-go.com/ Email info@plug-n-go.com
