Leading holiday resort operator, Darwin Escapes, turns to Elite Dynamics for software solutions
Elite Dynamics, a leading provider of IT business solutions to the holiday home and parks’ industry, has signed up another prestigious holiday resort company taking the total number of parks they provide software solutions to ever closer to 300. Flintshire-based Darwin Escapes, one of the UK’s leading holiday park resort operators, is switching its ever expanding portfolio of award-winning holiday resorts and world-class golf courses to Elite Dynamics’ exciting suite of industry focused software solutions. With 24 holiday resorts located in stunning locations across England, Wales, and Scotland, Darwin Escapes is one of the fastest growing leisure brands in the UK employing 900 people across all sites in peak season. By migrating its holiday resort management functionality over to Elite Dynamics, Darwin Escapes will continue to enhance the holiday experiences of the tens of thousands of holidaymakers and holiday homeowners visiting its resorts every year. Jamaine Campbell, MD at Elite Dynamics, said: “Every new holiday park customer we welcome into the Elite family is special. It doesn’t matter if they’re a family-run single park operator or have multiple sites like Darwin, its always about how we can work with them to add value through our software solutions. However, on a personal level for myself and many of the Elite team, being successful in securing Darwin Escapes as a customer feels almost like a homecoming. “Twenty years ago, I designed the incarnation of what is now our flagship ‘EliteParks’ business solution for Darwin Escapes. So, in a sense it’s gone full circle now. Not to mention, there are a few of our team, including co-founder Nicola, who have all worked for Darwin at some point in their careers.” Darwin Escapes holiday bookings are all handled by Hoseasons, so it was crucial they worked with a technology provider that was able to integrate bookings and share availability at each of their 24 resorts with the self-catering accommodation specialists. Claire Lloyd, Head of Finance at Darwin Escapes, added: “We chose Elite for a number of reasons but ultimately we recognise they provide the leading UK based IT solution for the holiday park industry. EliteParks with its enhanced functionality has the flexibility to manage all of our business processes and activities in one system.” Jamaine Campbell continued: “The holiday park industry is about experiences and we are all focused on the same goal of providing the absolute best customer experience. Darwin Escapes is striving to raise the standards of the industry by creating brand new resorts in stunning locations with accommodation and facilities to rival 5-star hotels. Likewise Elite Dynamics is striving to digitally transform the industry by delivering trusted products and services to bring the holiday park industry into the 21st century. We are a great fit! “For a business that started with a team of just three when we designed EliteParks in 2015, every day we’re blown away by the impact we’re having on the holiday park industry. We are being contacted by more and more holiday parks and resorts like Darwin Escapes who want to make the transition to EliteParks from alternative park management systems and it’s exciting to see where we can take them.” For more information on Elite Dynamics or to arrange a demo of the market leading Microsoft powered software solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk.
How Do I Best Identify My Park Visitors?
There are lots of options to consider when it comes to making sure the visitors to your park or campsite are where they need to be and everything is set for them to have a great time; is the laundry for their caravan clean, are they on the right pitch, how many vehicles are permitted per booking. The list can seem endless, but there are some products that will allow you to keep everything simple and easy for you and your staff. An easy way of identifying a variety of vehicles are car window stickers – these removable, bright branding stickers make sure your staff know that the vehicle is permitted to be on site. Pitch tags are another way you can ensure any campers are where they need to be with a pass that matches with their pitch number behind them, strong, weatherproof materials are a must have for the British weather! Used vs clean laundry is easy to identify with a simple tie-around tag that goes on your laundry bags. Take the stress away from having to sort linens in to different bins, just read the tag, or opt for colour coding for long distance identification. Hang tags are a great versatile option that can be used for a welcome sign for statics or lodges with site information or to identify cars or motorhomes. If you need some advice, why not speak to the experts at Dura-ID on 01803 668 090 or email sales@dura-id.com.
Benefit from years of experience and a bespoke service with Plastica
Benefit from years of experience and a bespoke service with Plastica In March 2022, Plastica celebrated 50th years of trading in the swimming pool industry. The privately-owned business has built a reputation as one of Britain’s leading independent manufacturers and distributors of swimming pool products. Plastica manufactures from its 13,000 square metre factory, located on a 6-acre site in St Leonard’s in East Sussex. It is home to more than 78 loyal staff with years of experience and pride themselves in their commitment to manufacturing and exceptional customer service. Products are created using an impressive combination of state-of-the-art factory equipment and skilled staff crafting handmade parts. Their facility produces a range of products for domestic and commercial markets, including Solar, Heat Retention and Winter Debris Covers, Reels, Pool Liners, Relax Water Treatments for pools and spas and Stainless Steel and bespoke parts, such as Ladders and Handrails and in-house ABS pipework. Some if these products are sourced from different manufacturers from around the globe and many are produced in house which is generally their preference so they can control the quality. At Plastica, they know only too well the energy and money saving benefits of fitting a commercial heat retention swimming pool cover. Fit the right cover on your pool and you will see a reduction in energy bills of an average 23% per annum (figures based on actual independent live trials). Depending on the type of reel system you opt for, a payback period as short as 12 months can be expected. Hundreds of public heated swimming pools in the UK may have to restrict their services or even close their doors to the public this year due to the rising cost of heating the water. Leisure facilities are looking to cut operating costs through measures such as colder water, reduced opening hours, and limited showers. Other energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, variable speed drives, and swimming pool covers can all make a difference to costs. ‘Over 90% of a pool’s heat is lost through its water surface’ Plastica’s Managing Director, Edward Campbell-Salmon said “We have manufactured and installed thousands of commercial cover and reel systems from Olympic sized competition pools to freeform fun pools over the last 50 years. Our customers benefit from our products having unique specification advantages as standard. For example, on our commercial pool covers we provide hemmed edges, double welded seams down the length of pool covers (not the width), reinforced leading edges and stainless-steel reels. All resulting in less stress on the covers to prevent fraying, delamination and tearing, as well as a reduction in general wear and tear and ease of maintenance.” Fast and Efficient Commercial Covers The unique and durable covers almost eliminate evaporation and reduce humidity and condensation. Plastica’s reel systems are made with stainless steel to maximise strength, longevity and ease of maintenance. Plastica offer choices to accommodate any commercial pool requirement. Manual for smaller lighter pool covers and motorised systems – to reduce manual handling for poolside staff. Plastica has earned an enviable reputation for installing cover and reel systems to an agreed schedule. Vital for commercial centres that need to forewarn customers about any short pool closures. One benefit of manufacturing in-house is that it helps to keep control over production and ensures the customer reaps the rewards of a first-class product. With that in mind, let’s look at Plastica’s bestselling in-house Commercial products: 1. Motorised Reel System Fully automated cover and reel systems are increasingly popular. The benefits of fast and efficient cover operations include time savings and reduced manual handling for poolside staff. They include a safety features and ultra-quiet motors with soft start and stop electronics to prolong the life of the cover. 2. Light Motorised Reel System The Light Motorised reel system is ideal for small commercial swimming pools with a maximum 170sq.m cover. It can be used with a key switch and remote control. 3. Leading Edge The foam filled and reinforced leading edge helps the operation of heat retention covers and saves on wear and tear. It is recommended for all covers over 12m long and includes all tow ropes and reinforced reel ends. 4. Piggyback Mobile Reel System This system has proved popular with schools and local authorities. The dual tubes allow one reel system to cover a pool almost twice its width with ease. It can then be moved from the pool edge and stored when not in use. 5. Mobile Reel System This system is ideal for smaller commercial swimming pools and is like the Commercial Piggyback Reel but with one tube/axis. It is manufactured using a 127mm (5”) aluminium tube with nylon end bosses, high-grade polished stainless. 6. Supercover (5mm) Designed to roll perfectly on commercial reels, the 5mm Polyolefine closed cell foam cover has a tough woven top and bottom sheet for heat retention and strength. Available in blue or grey, it can be shaped and hemmed to your specification. 7. Premium (8mm) Heat Retention Cover Reduces costs and saves money by sealing the pool water surface to minimise heat loss through evaporation. The strong polyethylene coated woven top sheet with embossed and sealed underside is suitable for hydrotherapy pools. 8. RaeGuardTM Heat Retention Cover RaeGuard™ offers up to 90% of the insulating performance of a traditional 5mm foam, but with a significant reduction in the material cost. Featuring the unique GeoBubble™ Technology air cell design and enhanced UV stabilisation, RaeGuard™ comes with a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 6-year plus expected lifespan. 9. EXTREME Lining A cost-effective system for lining both old and
II Ultima 4×4 E-ATV Shire II Ultima 4×4 E-ATV
‘’We take a great product and simply make it better’’ The Shire Range is synonymous with electric power and the Ultima 4×4 is no exception with 4000W of power offering a quiet and a smooth ride on the most challenging terrain. Available with Dry Cell or Lithium-Ion batteries, the standard model with the dry cell batteries is capable of a range of 30miles and with the LI-I battery 100Km The Ultima 4×4 offers a top speed of 45/60Km and arrives with the large rear mounted workbox, mirrors, winch, polished chrome wheels, hand protectors and 4 additional LED Spot lights. Shire II Ultima 4×4 E-ATV Specification Sheet Specification Batteries Lead Acid battery 60V 50A Motors 1000W Front 1000W Rear differential mounted Battery Life 1000 to 3000 Cycles Brakes Hydraulic disc all 4 wheels Suspension Independent all round Charge Time 6/8 hours Lights LED Front and Rear Max Load 140Kg Range 100Km Speed 45Km Climb 25 Degrees Tyres 23 x 7 -10 Gauges Battery Level, Speedometer, Odometer Size 66” x 43” x 46” 1674L x 1092W 1168H Included Ball and hitch, Winch 3200lb, Rear carry case, grip covers, key ignition, polished rims, mirrors. Price £6999.00 plus Vat 24 months Warranty Delivery cost on application Optional Extra Lithium-Ion battery installed One 2400W Lithium Battery + 12V 60V 50Ah Lead Acid Battery £2490.00 Custom Size Trailers POA Greentouch Technologies UK Ltd Tel 01525 376916 www.off-roadelectric.com greentecgroup@outlook.com
Record numbers attend Elite Dynamics Customer Day
Almost one hundred holiday park operators heard from industry, technology, and sustainability specialists at leading software solutions provider, Elite Dynamics’ bi-annual Customer Day in Manchester. Elite Dynamics, which provides comprehensive IT business solutions to the holiday home and parks’ industry, welcomed a record number of customers to the event – sponsored by Hoseasons – at the Radisson Blu Manchester Airport Hotel. Industry attendees first heard from Elite Dynamics MD, Jamaine Campbell about how the company has been on a strong growth trajectory and has no sign of slowing down anytime soon. The technology company, which was co-founded by Jamaine in 2015 has just had its most successful year to date with revenue up over £1m on the previous 12 months. An ambitious strategy going into 2022 and beyond will see the technology specialists forge new partnerships to take the business global while maintaining their focus on sustained growth in the UK holiday park market. Jamaine excited the audience with a first-look at some of the upcoming new product developments to further enhance the functionality. One new enhancement is using the Microsoft Power Platform and Power Apps to seamlessly plug into the park management system to streamline jobs on park – anything from meter readings, safety tests, and housekeeping tasks to integrating with manufacturers and other external providers to action tasks. Will McIntee, Region Lead North America & UK at Companial, which is Elite Dynamics’ direct link with Microsoft, updated attendees with the global giant’s current focus and some words of advice to the holiday park industry: “In an age of digital disruption, there’s a need to have platforms in place that adapt and change in a realistic, timely, agile manner. Demand for e-commerce systems and platforms quadrupled in a six-month period over Covid as customers wanted platforms that could change rapidly in a rapid changing world. Technology is impacting and disrupting all of our businesses. The changes within your industry over the last three years have been kind of staggering. You cannot not evolve. You need to plan your evolution and think about your roadmap. “We all need to be thinking about how we leverage the cloud to make our lives better. If you think of the suite of business applications, they serve everything from marketing, HR, sales, operations, e-commerce, finance, service, and they’re all underpinned by the same platform. Power apps are so exciting as you’re able to create apps so much more quickly and effectively than ever and manage and monitor so much better than you ever used to. And they plug seamlessly into EliteParks – your corporate system of record. It’s mind blowing. I’m so excited to see the pace of change in technology and more importantly, it’s impact.” Other speakers on the day included Elite Dynamics’ sustainability partners, Play it Green, who explained how holiday park operators can give their customers the chance to offset their travel to and from their parks at the time of booking, and enhance customer communication with offers on a wide range of sustainable products to really drive the green agenda. The sustainability discussion continued with Landal GreenParks when UK Operations Manager, Ricky Dent told the audience there had been a “71 per cent rise in searches for sustainable goods over the last five years and 72 per cent of Generation Y&Z travellers want to make more sustainable travel choices.” He was also keen to stress that “technology shouldn’t replace, it should enhance the experience for guests.” He continued: “You cannot beat personal experience and interaction on a park. So if we can alleviate some of the teams’ time through technology, we’re freeing them up to enhance the customer experience. If you’re on an 8-hour shift and you spend 7 hours behind a computer, you’ve only spent an hour with a guest. But if technology can save five hours, that’s five extra hours you have to enhance a customer’s experience and make sure they have an unforgettable holiday.” For more information on Elite Dynamics or to arrange a demo of the market leading Microsoft powered software solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk.
GoApe! go Carbon Neutral…should you?
Axiom Utilities provides a broad range of services. If you want to become carbon neutral, measure your carbon footprint or have your historic energy bills audited to receive refunds from energy suppliers or get cheaper rates, we can help. Axiom Utilities appointed to provide Carbon Neutrality for Go Ape! Axiom Utilities Ltd exhibited at the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Expo 2021. It was our first “in person” event for some time and both attendance and interest in our services was excellent. We focused on two services at the show: – • Helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint and becoming Carbon Neutral. • Providing refunds from energy suppliers through auditing historic bills Go Ape visited Axioms’ stand at the expo, enquiring about Carbon Neutrality. Following the event Axiom were appointed to provide our Net Zero service. Claire Schofield, Head of People, at Go Ape advised “We selected Axiom to deliver our Carbon Neutral status following their genuine and uncluttered approach”. Go Ape now fully understand their carbon footprint including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and have annual targets to reduce their carbon footprint and a strategic plan to meet these targets. Axiom uses the PAS2060 accreditation providing long term commitment to carbon reduction with ethical and accredited offsetting. Go Ape! is an outdoor adventure company which runs tree top ropes courses at locations across the UK. The sites are in some of the UK’s most valuable and beautiful environments, ensuring their presence has the lowest possible impact. Axiom utilities provide a full range of energy, environmental and carbon management solutions ranging from carbon footprinting, energy reduction through to energy procurement. For information contact consultancy@axiomutilities.com
Popular Holiday Park Paving
Why choose resin bound paving for holiday parks? The smooth resin bound pathways create a continuous flow through a holiday park and are often used as a guide to lead visitors to the main holiday park complex. Natural colours are the most popular to keep within a parks typically rural setting, however other colours can be used to segment areas of the park such as modern greys for seating or picnic areas or bright vibrant colours in the crazy golf garden. Shapes and patterns can be incorporated also to invioragate the fun areas of the parks entertainment sections. Where can resin bound be used? Walkways Tree surrounds Pool or pond surrounds Access roads Cycle paths Creating attractive outdoor spaces using for park visitors to enjoy will make their experience pleasurable but most importantly as I reputable park you will be providing spaces that are smooth and accessible as well as being easy to maintain. Resin bound gravel cycle paths, walkways, access areas, parking bays, and wildlife areas will look neat and in addition we can blend in unsightly drain covers and unkeept tree pits to hide them without preventing access to drains or limiting trees to water, due to the pavings permeable benefit. Public area upgrades may seem modest, but they can make a world of difference to the overall look and feel of the space. SureSet can make your public outdoor spaces perfect for long leisurely days. https://www.sureset.co.uk/commercial-paving/leisure-paving/
Gym Gear Lands Contract with Welsh Holiday Park Operator
A fitness solution provider has been awarded the contract to install a new gym at a holiday village in Aberystwyth. Preston-based Gym Gear has landed a contract worth £30,000, to provide Vale Holiday Parks, with a new state-of-the-art gym at Clarach Beach Holiday Village, in Aberystwyth. Gym Gear offers high quality commercial gym equipment at affordable prices, with clients including Stay City Group, LinkedIn, IKEA, G4S and NHS. The company’s services include facility layout and gym designs, financing options, and marketing and technical support. Transforming an unused space into a 72 square metre gym, the new offering, will provide the holiday village’s clients with a range of workout options suitable for all ages and abilities. David Bulcock, Gym Gear Director, said: “We have seen an increase in demand for gyms from holiday park operators since the onset of the pandemic. People are invested in their own fitness and wellbeing now more than ever, and for many, being able to work out on holiday really is an added benefit. “We were delighted to win the contract with Vale Holiday Parks, to design and install the gym at Clarach Beach Holiday Village, and we are looking forward to hearing the positive response to the new gym, from the holiday villages guests, this summer.” Vale Holiday Park Director Thomas Scarrott, and the team at Gym Gear, designed a gym with something for everyone. Thomas Scarrott said: “I understand that the needs of our guests are varied, when it comes to fitness and wellbeing, so I wanted to create a gym with a range of equipment for all to use. Our new gym offers a range of cardio and strength machines, and HIIT cardio gym equipment, which is a great option for holiday makers, as they can enjoy a full gym session in just 30 minutes. “I am delighted with our new gym, and the team and I are looking forward to opening the doors to our guests very soon. The service, and the quality of the products provided by Gym Gear has been fantastic, and we are hoping to open a new gym every year in each of our holiday parks, for all of our guests to enjoy.” The gym at Calrach Beach Holiday Village will be available for guests to use from this summer. To find out more about Calrach Holiday Village visit https://www.clarachbay.com/ To find out more about Gym Gear visit https://www.gymgear.com/
Hydratech launch Safeguard antifreeze range for caravans and motorhomes
Hydratech winterisation fluids are used by holiday park operators of all sizes throughout the UK. Their non-toxic, fully inhibited antifreeze solutions are trusted by service engineers and maintenance teams to ensure the smooth running of their operations, avoiding costly frost damage and unplanned maintenance. Safeguard, Hydratech’s new non-toxic antifreeze range has been especially formulated to provide superior winter protection for caravan, motorhome and marine craft wastewater and hydronic heating systems. Giving peace of mind during winter storage, the Safeguard Wastewater product protects toilets and water systems, including tanks, fittings, valves, pumps and drinking water systems. Offering freeze protection down to -46°C and burst protection down to -73°C, the antifreeze formulation is safe for aluminium, copper, brass and standard system plastics. Suitable for winterising hydronic heating systems in static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and marine craft, Safeguard Heating antifreeze delivers comprehensive protection against freezing and corrosion. Providing protection down to -40°C, Safeguard Heating’s long-life high temperature rated formulation contains synergistic corrosion inhibitors, that exceed ASTM D1384 standards. The product also contains broad-spectrum biological inhibitors and polyacrylates to prevent scale precipitation. Safe for associated system metals and plastics, Safeguard Heating will not damage standard rubber, hose or gasket materials. As well as being non-toxic, the Safeguard range is readily biodegradable (90% over ten days) and will not remain in the environment or bio-accumulate, making it safer for the application and local environment. Safeguard is available to buy direct from Hydratech in unit sizes from 1000L to 4L. Great emphasis is placed on 24-7 technical support before, during and after the sales process, complimented by an ‘always in time’ approach to stockholding and logistics. Call Hydratech on 01792 586800 or email: sales@hydratech.co.uk
