Caravan Guard named Best Caravan Cover Provider at 2025 Insurance Choice Awards
Specialist leisure vehicle insurance provider Caravan Guard has won Best Caravan Cover Provider at the 2025 Insurance Choice Awards, based entirely on customer feedback collected by Smart Money People. This is the second consecutive year that Caravan Guard has taken the title, reinforcing its reputation for specialist expertise, excellent value, and outstanding customer service. The business was also a finalist in three other categories: Best Motorhome Insurance Provider, Customer Service Champion, and Treating Customers Fairly, and remains the highest ranked motorhome insurance provider on the Smart Money People Best motorhome insurance webpage. Its average product review rating is 4.96/5, and it has more than 9,500 reviews, with over 3,500 of those generated in the 2025 voting period. Caravan Guard Partnerships Director, Neil Menzies, said: “We’re extremely proud to be recognised once again by both our customers and the wider industry for delivering outstanding service and specialist insurance products. “Awards like the Insurance Choice Awards really matter because they’re based entirely on genuine customer feedback and from people who’ve experienced our products first-hand. “To receive thousands of votes and maintain an average rating of 4.95 out of 5 shows an exceptional level of customer satisfaction, which in turn gives our partners complete confidence in referring their customers to us. “Winning Best Caravan Cover Provider for the second year running, and during our 30th anniversary year, makes this recognition even more special. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate three decades of ‘insuring freedom’ for our customers.” Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People, “Winning Best Caravan Cover Provider for the second year running reinforces Caravan Guard’s reputation for excellence. Customer reviews regularly commend their clear communication, straightforward insurance process, and excellent value.” Caravan Guard and its sister brand Leisuredays have provided specialist caravan, motorhome and campervan insurance for 30 years serving more than 125,000 customers across the UK. To find out more about how your dealership can earn valuable insurance commission by introducing customers to our team of champions, please email development@caravanguard.co.uk. Park operators can email development@leisuredays.co.uk or visit www.leisuredays.co.uk/operators to find out more about how our team can protect your customers.
Gavin Malone, Founder of Energy Park, selected for the 2025 Meaningful Business 100
Gavin Malone of Energy Park has been named as one of this year’s Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), the annual award programme championing leaders combining profit and purpose to tackle complex social and environmental issues. Evaluated by a panel of expert judges representing organisations like Google, Mastercard, Unilever SAP, Temasek and the World Economic Forum, winners were selected from over 900 nominations, across 86 countries. These outstanding social entrepreneurs, sustainability leaders, Corporate CEOs and impact investors were scored across five key areas: equity, impact, innovation, leadership and scalability. As part of the ongoing MB100 programme, now in its 7th year, winners will gain access to investment opportunities, capacity-building resources, and pro-bono services from a range of leading organisations, including EY, Hogan Lovells, Forster Communications, Green Frontier Capital, Kenya Climate Ventures, and The Portman Estate. They also join the Meaningful Business community – a global network of social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and corporate sustainability leaders. Gavin Malone, Founder and COO of Energy Park said: “It’s an honour to be recognised among so many inspiring leaders who are using business as a force for good. “At Energy Park, we’re passionate about driving fairer, more accessible EV charging solutions for everyone, especially those living in existing apartment buildings, and this award reflects our team’s commitment to creating lasting environmental and social impact.” Commenting on the 2025 MB100, Tom Lytton-Dickie, Founder & CEO, Meaningful Business, said: “Firstly, a big congratulations to Gavin Malone, whose inspiring work at Energy Park demonstrates how combining profit and purpose can tackle complex social and environmental issues. The calibre of this year’s applications was exceptionally high, and we’re honoured to have Gavin join our global community. We are looking forward to supporting their work in the coming years, as they scale their influence and impact.” As one of the MB100 judges, Stasia Mitchell, EY Global Entrepreneurship Leader, added, “Congratulations to the MB100 Class of 2025! These inspiring leaders in social entrepreneurship, sustainability, corporate innovation and impact investing show how entrepreneurial thinking can be truly transformational. “Chosen from over 900 nominations across 86 countries, they are delivering scalable solutions to global challenges by aligning purpose with profit. It was an honour to serve as a judge and see firsthand how they are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Trex RainEscape drainage system creates valuable under-deck storage space
Trex RainEscape transforms the space beneath an elevated deck into the perfect place for keeping holiday home essentials safe and dry while not in use. Whatever the design or size of a holiday home, functional storage space is always in high demand. For homes, caravans or lodges with an elevated deck, the innovative Trex RainEscape drainage system is the perfect way to turn what is usually dead, unusable space into a flexible area for storing everything from sports equipment to gardening supplies. Trex RainEscape is a network of troughs and downspouts installed above the joists of a deck’s substructure and below the decking boards. The system captures and diverts water away from the deck, creating a space beneath it that stays completely dry and protected from rain and snow, while also preventing moisture damage to the deck substructure. It is compatible with any type of decking material, including composite, timber or PVC, and can be installed on new decks or added to an existing deck during resurfacing before the new deck boards are fastened. Dave Kile, decking expert and owner of the company behind Trex RainEscape, said: “No matter how roomy your holiday lodge is, storage space for the things we tend to keep in a shed or garage when at home is always at a premium. “From keeping outdoor furniture dry and clean when not in use to tucking away bikes, seasonal toys, barbecue equipment or even wood for the firepit, RainEscape creates the ideal space for things you use on or around your deck, or that you want to store during the off-season. “Once it’s been installed, you can customise the space with cabinets, shelves, hooks or storage boxes, or just leave it as it is, safe in the knowledge anything kept there will stay dry and protected from the weather.” Trex RainEscape troughs and downspouts are made from durable polyethylene. Backed by a 25-year warranty, the system is straightforward to fit, with full written instructions provided and videos showing each stage of the installation process available online. Find out more about Trex RainEscape here.
HARPA conference bookings at all time high
The British Holiday and Home Parks Association – soon to be rebranded HARPA – is anticipating the busiest-ever annual conference in its 75-year history in January 2026. The association says that advance bookings are at an all-time high for the two-day event which takes place on the 21st and 22nd of the month. It will be held at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster, London and will be attended by hundreds of holiday and residential park business from across the UK. Many delegates will also be hosting visits to the conference from their constituency MPs who will be taking time out from the Houses of Parliament opposite the QEII Centre. HARPA 2026 conference ushers in new era The event will additionally see the rebranding of BH&HPA to its new identity as the Holiday and Residential Parks Association, or HARPA, as it will be known in the future. The association says that a packed agenda for the conference is now in the final stages of preparation. Guest speakers will include senior political figures plus experts from industry-related organisations and businesses, and high-profile personalities well known from across the media. Running alongside the conference will be a traditionally well-attended exhibition featuring many major suppliers of goods and services to park businesses. The association will also be marking the culmination of its year-long Parks Make Places campaign which has successfully highlighted the benefits brought by parks to their local communities. As ever, the conference will provide plenty of opportunities for members enjoy social get-togethers with colleagues both during and after each days’ business sessions. They will include a banquet on the final night when Devon’s Beverley Holidays director Claire Flower will be formally installed in the role of HARPA’s national chair. Claire will be taking over the position from West Country parks group director Ian James of Coast and Country Parks following his two-year term in office.
UK Landowners Could Earn £8,000 per MW with New Onshore Wind Marketplace
Significant new income streams unlocked by connecting landowners such as holiday parks with clean energy digital marketplace The UK government’s lifting of the ban on onshore wind developments is offering landowners across the country the opportunity to generate significant and sustainable income streams, supported by a digital marketplace, transforming how wind projects are initiated and delivered. The easing of planning restrictions forms part of wider government net zero and clean-energy initiatives, and comes in lock-step with the UK launch, earlier this year, of a digital platform that is accelerating the development of wind energy projects across Europe. By streamlining the entire wind energy planning and project brokering process, Caeli’s Platform for Renewables not only connects landowners and developers in a transparent and competitive process, but also provides the potential to significantly increase a landowner’s traditional leasing rates, on completed projects. “On a typical onshore wind development in the UK today, landowners would expect to receive between £5,000 to £8,000 per MW/year, depending on the site and contract,” explains Hans-Georg von Lewinski, Caeli’s head of international development. “In Germany, we have been able to double those traditional leasing rates, and UK landowners have the same unlocked potential. A wind turbine with a tip height of 140-160m could quite comfortably generate in excess of 3-5 MW, so we can see huge potential income streams,” he adds. Building on a strong track record working with landowners, land agents and developers across Germany and into Europe, Caeli is now well established in the UK as it delivers efficient, and commercially viable, wind projects. “Too many projects lose momentum because developers are forced to spend time on side issues,” continues Mr von Lewinski. “We can put projects on the fast-track, bringing speed, reach and certainty to the market. As an ‘onshore wind accelerator,’ Caeli works with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders, to identify sites for wind energy projects. This is achieved by matching project developers with pre-analysed and screened sites, through its Wind Energy Site Check. Launched in the UK in September 2025, the Wind Energy Site Check provides landowners with instant insights into a site’s potential, with the results providing information on wind conditions, grid access, planning constraints and expected turbine yield. This information can then be matched with qualified investors and developers in a transparent process that saves resources and increases project visibility. The platform brings unprecedented transparency and efficiency to one of the most crucial bottlenecks in renewable energy development, access to suitable land. “Our digital platform brings structure, speed and reliability to onshore wind development. The result of this is a stronger exposure for projects, shortening the wind development cycle and making transactions faster, more efficient and more profitable,” concludes Mr von Lewinski. Caeli also supports landowners on planning, contractual terms, community benefits and co-operative projects.
Glamping businesses invited to apply for The Secret Garden Franchise
The Secret Garden Glamping founder Derry Green is offering to sprinkle some of his magic dust on fellow glamping industry businesses. The award winning businessman, who made a success of the Secret Garden Glamping after a successful pitch on BBC show Dragon’s Den, has launched The Secret Garden Franchise, an opportunity for park owners to gain access to the winning formula for glamping success. Derry has launched The Secret Garden Franchise to provide opportunities to both existing glamping site operators and aspiring ones. Derry, who was recently re-elected as Chairman of the Glamping Industry Trade Association (GITA), said: “This is a first. What we’re trying to do by creating the franchises is to get people away from the OTA (Online Travel Agency) booking sites. “Rather than having to set up a site and then instantly give away 15 to 20% of revenue to Airbnb or Booking.com while getting no support from them, I think there’s a better way. “Right now if you don’t use OTAs there’s almost no way to get visibility. “We know how to get bookings – we turn away thousands of bookings a year. “But it’s not just that, I believe we can help the site owners with all the other things. “I know what the pitfalls are, what owners struggle with on a daily basis because I struggled with it too.” What do franchisees get? How many franchises are available? It is planned to accept up to 15 sites as franchises by the end of 2026 with continued future expansion into 2027/28. There are also ambitions to expand overseas. What does it cost? The costs will be based on the number of units on the site with Derry willing to offer franchises to both small, medium and larger operators. What criteria are there to be accepted? The types of accommodation are very flexible, from simple yurts, lodges and huts up to more quirky or unique options such as domes or bespoke tree houses. The Secret Garden Glamping is looking for a range of sites to partner with across the UK and is willing to look at any location so long as it has the feasibility to offer certain key facilities. What are the timescales? With permissions and regulations varying depending on the part of the UK it’s very hard to give set timescales, however, some existing sites could benefit from a Secret Garden makeover and rebrand within 6-8 weeks. Escaping the grind of running a business Derry believes the franchise scheme will give participants the dual benefit of boosting their revenue and freeing up their time to enjoy being a site owner. He added: “A lot of people get into this as a lifestyle business but they end up getting trapped in the day-to-day operations, because you are every part of the business. “One minute you’re changing some beds, the next minute you’re fixing a toilet, then you’ve got to send some emails, do some Facebook posts and so on and so on. “The question that comes up over and over again is; how do you go on holiday? “How do you get a holiday if you’re a site owner, because you’re stuck within the business. What I quickly realized from setting up The Secret Garden is that 90% of the work is actually all the back end. “It’s all the emails and the phone calls and the booking system and the marketing and social media and the content creation. “The remaining 10% is actually the bit we all get into it for, which is the forward facing customer stuff. “That’s what I love doing, and it’s what most site owners love doing. “None of us get into owning a glamping site so we can send more emails. “So this franchise scheme is the result of me trying to find a way out of all the problem points that I’ve had over the past five years. “How can I get rid of them for either new site owners or existing site owners? “And that’s what we do, everything, and I do mean everything, up until the customer turns up at their door before them. “Airbnb will get you a booking, and then it’s your problem to speak to them and find out why they’re coming and what time they’re arriving, and do they need any extras? “All these sorts of things are down to you to resolve. “But for our franchisees, we do all that. So by the time the customer gets to your gate or your door or your bridge or whatever it might be, they’ve got everything they could possibly need.”To find out more call Derry on 07732 812409 email him directly via info@thesecretgardenglamping.uk or visit www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/franchise READ MORE https://caravanindustryandparkoperator.co.uk/news/glamping-breaks-canvas-ceiling/
Flogas Britain takes over AvantiGas cylinder business
Flogas Britain has announced its acquisition of the AvantiGas cylinder business. The deal means that cylinder customers at caravan and holiday parks who were previously served by AvantiGas will now be supported by Flogas Britain. The Leicestershire based firm said the move marked another step forward in the strengthening of its national off-grid energy network. Flogas said it was working closely with AvantiGas to ensure there was no disruption to supply so that customers continued to receive supplies as before. And it said that under the deal, a number of AvantiGas Cylinder employees were transferring to the Flogas team. “This is a significant and positive step for Flogas,” said Ivan Trevor, Managing Director at Flogas. “We’re pleased to be growing our footprint and reaching more customers, but we’re equally proud to be welcoming new colleagues into the Flogas family. “We know they’ll bring great experience and insight with them. Our focus now is on making the transition as seamless as possible for both customers and employees, while continuing to deliver safe, dependable energy.” The acquisition includes AvantiGas’ cylinder stock, customer accounts, and transportation assets related to the cylinder business. “This isn’t just about growth – it’s about reach, reliability and readiness,” added Matt Lightburn, Sales Director at Flogas. “With more assets on the ground and wider distribution coverage, we’re even better placed to serve our customers and partners across the country. “It strengthens our promise to be easy to deal with, quick to respond, and consistent in our service – every step of the way.” Customers will hear directly from Flogas over the coming days and will be given all the information they need to continue using their energy with confidence. For more information, visit www.flogas.co.uk
Sure Finance Launches Podcast
Sure Finance is launching an exciting new podcast and YouTube channel, designed to give future lodge and caravan owners a real insight into what holiday park life is all about. Each episode will be filmed onsite and include interviews with park owners and existing lodge or static caravan owners. Viewers will hear first-hand stories about why people choose lodge ownership, the lifestyle it offers, and what makes each park unique. The series will take viewers to some of the UK’s most beautiful holiday destinations, starting with Meadow Springs Country and Leisure Park in mid Wales. David Clelland, owner of Sure Finance, will be hosting interviews with lodge and park owners, beginning with Clive Bowen, the park’s Services Manager, highlighting the rolling countryside, peaceful setting, and strong sense of community that make Meadow Springs such an appealing place for holiday home ownership. Through the podcast, Sure Finance aims to showcase the wide variety of parks across the country – from coastal escapes to countryside retreats – while highlighting the everyday pleasures of owning a holiday home. From relaxing weekends with family and friends to spontaneous getaways, lodge ownership offers a sense of freedom that’s hard to match. As the UK’s leading holiday home finance specialist, Sure Finance understands that many people are unsure where to start. The podcast will not only share inspiring stories but also offer practical advice on choosing the right park, selecting a lodge or static caravan, and arranging affordable finance. By bringing together the experiences of real owners and the expertise of park operators, the series aims to make the idea of lodge ownership feel more achievable and accessible than ever. Find out more or subscribe for updates at www.sureleisurefinance.co.uk.
Need instant “Wow” factor?
Mature shrubs for colour and impact. With decades of firsthand experience in supplying the holiday park industry, as well as expert horticultural knowledge and advice, Wykeham Mature Plants are experts in supplying instant transformations tailored to the site conditions and to the requirements of your business. Developing ongoing relationships with clients is key in helping them to grow their business and to provide their guests with an experience that they will want to revisit time and again. Supplying the trade with high quality large trees, specimen shrubs, instant hedging and screening plants for over forty five years, Wykeham Mature Plants spans over 150 acres of nursery, located in a frost pocket ten miles from Scarborough; the Yorkshire-grown stock is guaranteed to be hardy and free from imported pests and diseases. Nationwide delivery is available, and for sites located within a hundred miles or so from the nursery, site visits are available to provide consultations on your site and, if required, a professional and guaranteed expert planting service to help give your scheme the best possible start, as well as ongoing advice regarding their aftercare. Shrub planting can be used to improve your site, such as to divide or highlight different areas as an alternative to hedging, to highlight the edges of paths and trackways in high traffic areas or to mark the boundary between plots. And, of course, ornamental and flowering shrubs will add “wow” factor to your most high-profile areas and to provide an attractive space for existing guests… and to entice new ones. Once established, shrubs require far less maintenance than bedding schemes or beds of herbaceous perennials, and shrubs provide the backbone of mixed plantings to provide year-round scale and structure. You don’t have to wait years for a planting scheme to grow to provide the results you need. Wykeham Mature Plants grow a wide range of mature shrubs to provide instant impact and beauty. The experienced staff will help you to select the ideal shrubs to thrive in the conditions on your site for guaranteed results and can even help youwith the design and planning As with trees and hedging, it’s important to firstly select shrubs suitable to the conditions on your site and to the localised planting position, such as soil type, drainage, exposure to wind or salt, shade or bright sunlight, etc…. and not to forget the possibility of potential damage from rabbits. Then consider the purpose of the shrub planting to select bushes with appropriate size and growth rate, any potential issues regarding thorns or berries, and even to consider colour schemes or themes. Don’t forget to also consider seasonality: if your site is only open from April to October then there’s no need to limit yourself to only planting evergreen shrubs, if your site is likely to host specific events then you may choose more shrubs which flower at that time of year, or you may choose a planting scheme in an area where you host winter festivities which can be decorated accordingly for that – the specific demands of your site will be individual to your business but the principles remain the same. Obviously, the list of potential shrubs you could use on your site is huge. At Wykeham Mature Plants we grow an extensive range of large, specimen shrubs for instant effect, most of which are grown in 36 litre containers; for advice and guidance regarding what shrubs will best suit your needs, or to discuss a planting scheme that includes trees or instant hedging to provide immediate maturity or screening, get in touch to discuss your requirements or to book a site visit for an on-site assessment (site visits available within about 100 miles of the nursery). Wykeham Mature Plants are experts in supplying instant transformations tailored to the site conditions and to the requirements of your business. Supplying the holiday park industry with high quality large trees, specimen shrubs, instant hedging and screening plants for over forty five years, the nursery is located in a frost pocket near Scarborough; the Yorkshire-grown stock is Plant Healthy certified and is guaranteed to be hardy and free from imported pests and diseases. For further information visit www.wykehammatureplants.co.uk. Alternatively, to discuss site visits and planting services (for sites located within a hundred miles or so from the nursery) email m.howe@wykeham.co.uk .
