Domapp – The Home of Domestic Appliances
Domapp is the UK’s leading supplier for caravan manufactures, with competitive prices and exact replacements available you don’t need to look far for the ideal appliance for your caravan. Our expert staff have a comprehensive knowledge of both domestic appliances and the caravan industry. Domapp was established due to the growing need for quality domestic appliances at great prices. We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and quality products. Whether you’re looking for a new microwave or full kitchen appliances suite, with our extensive industry knowledge we’ll be able to provide you with the perfect replacement. All of our stock is accompanied with manufacturer’s guarantees from reliable brands you can trust. Our distribution centre is located in East Yorkshire, allowing us to provide you with swift free deliveries to 99% of the UK. Grab a bargain and visit our website today www.domapp.co.uk
Technology adaptation in the holiday park industry
Cast your mind back to around 10-15 years ago… remember that brick we all used to carry around? People walk about with their phone in their pocket today and quickly forget what it was like to walk around with a phone in their pocket 10 years ago. They were very different times. We’re used to being digitized in so many aspects of our daily life and the introduction of smartphones and tablets has brought new technology into our homes and into our pockets. It’s second nature to us now and the holiday park sector needs to follow other industries – from hotels to retail outlets – in getting behind it. Put simply, one of the biggest challenges facing the holiday parks industry is not adopting technology. At Elite Dynamics, we’re on a mission to drive and support the digital evolution of the holiday parks industry. Those forward thinking holiday parks that are investing in technology are not just keeping up with customer expectations; they’re also stealing a march on their competitors. In the UK alone, there are around 4,000 holiday parks and the sector contributes a huge £9.3 billion in visitor spend. In today’s uncertain times when travel is impacted and the staycation bubble is a long way from bursting, people look for the reassurance and comfort of spending quality time with family, whether that’s investing in their own holiday home or staying together on a holiday park. Opportunities for the sector are plentiful…if they have the infrastructure in place and the vision to see what is possible. And what exactly is possible? Increased efficiency, reduced costs, increase in revenue stream, increase in customer and owner satisfaction – the list goes on. We haven’t to date seen any negative impact of implementing or moving toward more of a technological foundation. Gone are the days when holiday parks had to have multiple systems for bookings, finance, events, and numerous excel spreadsheets for general data, forecasting, and prospects. All of this (and more) can now be replaced with just one system and that is where we come in. EliteParks, our flagship park management solution is unique in the marketplace as it’s the only solution with a fully integrated finance system, which is written, owned, and therefore endorsed by Microsoft. There’s no better sales, operational, or finance solution in this industry today. And because we’re working with Microsoft, our holiday park customers are assured that we are always going to be at the forefront of technology. Elite Dynamics in name might still be a young business, but the people behind it have more than 100 years of combined experience in the holiday parks industry. Most of us have worked on parks so there is no one better placed to understand the challenges facing the industry, and more importantly, delivering the solutions to facilitate the improvement of everyone – whether that’s a single family-owned park looking for a requirement-satisfying solution or a large multi park, multi-revenue operation. We’ve been on that side of the fence and now we’re doing the research around the technological landscape and with people like the BH&HPA, booking agents and manufacturers, to present to holiday park owners of all sizes just what could be possible if they adapt to technology. Just remember, we shouldn’t be afraid of technology. We’re not afraid of our phones! Elite Dynamics software solutions are designed specifically for the holiday park industry and developed for single and multi-park operators alike. As well as the flagship EliteParks, standalone financial and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions – EliteFinance and EliteCRM respectively – have been designed to integrate with existing independent park management systems. The Elite Software solutions are available on premises or in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere and from any device with full functionality on laptops, PC’s, smartphones, and tablets. For more information or to arrange a demonstration of Elite Dynamics’ industry-focused solutions, visit https://www.elitedynamics.co.uk or call 0161 641 8926.
Maximising the potential of outdoor areas on holiday parks
We feature three popular concepts which will help to enhance your outdoor areas and allow guests to distance themselves in an appealing environment… Being outside is the cornerstone of every Great British park holiday – reconnecting with nature, enjoying the sun (sometimes!) and getting plenty of fresh air all contributes to that feeling of escapism and getting away from the daily grind, says CIPO editor Victoria Galligan. And in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown, we have been actively encouraged to spend as much time as possible outdoors as the virus is less likely to be transmitted outside. Now is the ideal time to prepare your outdoor areas for next summer’s busy season – and there are plenty of ways to do that as we’ve seen in holiday parks across the country. From colourful outdoor splash pools to stylish bars and cafes which offer terraces to relax on, there are some fantastic examples out there where outdoor space has been utilised to the maximum. And these considerable investments have all paid off, all be it unintentionally, in this post-lockdown era we find ourselves living in. PERGOLAS Outdoor seating areas become a social hub for parks during the warmer months, and thanks to the innovative outdoor heating options which are now on the market, these areas are being put to use long after the kids have gone back to school. Pergolas can provide an impressive frame for outdoor seating and entertainment areas. A pergola can also be used as a covered walkway to enhance the aesthetic of an outdoor area, or as a space of quiet contemplation within a holiday park, away from the chaos of the children’s play area. The high durability of aluminium has made it a popular choice among holiday parks installing pergolas in recent years. Nick Cowley, managing director at exterior cladding and outdoor living product Endurawood, said: “While pergolas are designed to be sturdy, it’s important that they are made from a strong material to avoid collapsing and causing injury. “Endurawood is ideal for outdoor living products including pergolas, fencing and decking, as it is made from strong, lightweight aluminium. This means it is tougher than wood and is easier to install. In addition, Endurawood is available in a variety of natural wood shades, suitable for a range of garden styles.” ROOF TERRACES A luxury development recently opened up at five-star Retallack Resort & Spa in Cornwall which maximised plot space and took advantage of the surrounding panoramic views by including roof terraces. Retallack’s stylish boutique barns were masterminded by Notting Hill-based House Nine Design – the team behind the Gara Rock Hotel interiors refurb in Devon. The team at Aria Resorts, which owns Retallack as well as luxury holiday parks in Scotland, Yorkshire, Dorset and Devon, wanted to offer guests holiday homes which oozed new world luxurious sophistication, blending architectural design and unique, bespoke interiors. Complete with burnt black larch wood and floor-to-ceiling glass frontages, and some with rooftop hot tubs, the new boutique barns at Retallack Resort & Spa provide an elevated level of holiday retreats for guest, holiday homeowners and investors alike. The interior of the two, three and four-bedroom boutique barns were designed by Notting Hill-based House Nine. Jojo Barr, founder of House Nine Design, was commissioned in 2017 to provide the interior planning and styling for Aria Resort’s hotly anticipated Gara Rock Hotel refurb near Salcombe in the South Hams. The far-flung, sprawling clifftop destination has won ongoing praise so it was only natural that the Aria team would turn to House Nine again, this time for the development of the boutique barns set in the heart of Cornwall. DECKING Decking has been a staple addition to caravan parks for some years now – not only does it allow a weather-proof, raised platform to be built around individual holiday homes, but it looks great in communal outdoor areas such as those at bars and restaurants too. Recently, decking specialist NeoTimber embarked upon a holiday park improvement project which was part of a wider renovation, to improve the outdoor areas of both private accommodation sites; as well as communal, recreational spaces. The client, Bowbrook Lodge, said its top priority was a durable outdoor flooring solution – a deck board strong enough to withstand traffic from crowds of people; but also resistant to staining in order to prolong its lifespan. A neutral colour tone was also preferable; something that wouldn’t quickly become outdated and would match the cladding of the lodges. NeoTimber spokesperson Katy Westwood said: “While the customer showed great interest in both our Classic and Deluxe samples, we were inclined to sway them towards the latter of the two for the 360 degree protection, enhancing stain and fade resistance. The project resulted in a truly fantastic install, as I’m sure you’ll agree.” Jay Davie, NeoTimber’s Sales Team Leader, worked on the Bowbrook Lodge project and said: “The client had previously been plagued by the many pitfalls that come with traditional timber and wanted to avoid decking alternatives like PVC. The client was also on the lookout for a low-maintenance, and safe solution but wanted to ensure that the aesthetics of the project remained authentic and in keeping with the wider area.” The client opted for the Deluxe Teak deck board, a premium capped composite decking range which offers resistance to weathering, with enhanced UV and stain resistance. The product was used across a number of sites and has been purchased throughout the course of a year. PICNIC BENCHES For businesses considering the longevity of outdoor furniture and its impact on the environment, recycled plastic is becoming a popular choice. Family-run business Kedel Limited uses British-sourced waste plastic to develop their eco-friendly plastic products, such as picnic benches, decking and fencing. The Bolton-based recycled plastics company uses innovative manufacturing techniques to convert CD and contact lens cases into useful materials for the building trade and into outdoor furniture. Kedel focuses on maintenance-free, waterproof and mould-resistant products which offer more longevity than
Reasons to be cheerful: how the holiday park industry is bouncing back
Caravan Industry & Park Operator editor Victoria Galligan highlights three reasons why the future is now looking brighter for the holiday park industry. The coronavirus lockdown had a major impact on travel and tourism for three long months but, as lockdown eased and sites began to reopen again, bookings went “through the roof” – and so did caravan sales. The industry should be extremely proud of itself for its actions during lockdown, with many working hard to prepare for reopening and the “new normal”. Thankfully, all that hard work is starting to pay off. Fresh from my own little glamping break in Shropshire (there was a wood-fired hot tub, it was bliss!) I have seen how holiday parks are taking social distancing and cleanliness routines extremely seriously, allowing the trade to pick up where it left off without putting guests or staff at risk. Here are my insights into how things are finally beginning to look up despite disaster striking back in March… 1. Holiday parks have adapted well to new safety measures Thankfully coronavirus restrictions on outdoor areas were eased early on, and the outdoor nature of holiday parks has stood the trade in good stead. The National Caravan Council (NCC) Director General, John Lally, commented on this when the July 5 reopening date was announced by the Prime Minister, pointing out that caravan products are “socially distanced by design”. He added: “The parks industry across the UK can be safe places for people to holiday. Not only are caravans required to be 5m or 6m apart, but caravan parks are big open spaces, the ideal base for hard working families to enjoy the great outdoors.” John added that parks worked hard on safety protocols to keep staff and visitors safe. There’s a great example of how this was achieved at Love2Stay near Shrewsbury. Park manager Chris Skitt said: “As soon as parks got the green light to open, booking started going through the roof from people wanting to enjoy an escape to the countryside.” Parks had been carefully monitoring government guidelines on coronavirus safety measures and staff at Love2Stay, which is owned and operated by Salop Leisure, put their plan into action. It was such a good plan, they even named it. The Safe Stay initiative defined a new standard in caravan site cleaning standards, elevating hygiene practices from check-in to check-out. There was a thorough research assessment carried of all points of guest contact, from the front barrier to firepits, and team members were trained on how to protect themselves and guests via thorough cleaning processes. Inspections were increased, communal areas defogged daily and car cleaning and sanitising was even offered to guests. A timed session system within the pool also proved a great success when it came to monitoring the amount of people in the area at any one time. All in all, the Love2Stay team are maintaining scrupulously clean environments throughout the holiday park. “Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and team members,” said Chris. “Safe Stay built on the best practices and protocols which we developed after our shutdown in March, allowing our guests to relax and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our team members who are on the front lines of hospitality. “We are delighted to say that we have seen a really positive return to business since reopening on July 4. Of course many things have changed and thankfully, on the whole, our Safe Stay campaign has been really well received. As with everything at Love2Stay, our continual review process has seen some slight operational changes but on the whole things have remained the same since we reopened.” 2. Spending is rising again thanks to the post-lockdown staycation With three months’ worth of spending to make up for, it’s good to see that many Brits couldn’t wait to take a break. If nothing else, lockdown provided an opportunity for some people to save money. I personally couldn’t wait to holiday in the great outdoors, choosing a glamping shack in Shropshire which was booked entirely on a whim. I just felt the overwhelming urge to have a family break and catch up with friends – at a safe distance, of course. And I wasn’t alone. According to a survey carried out by Nationwide Building Society at the end of July, one in five people planned to use the money they’d saved in lockdown to treat themselves to a change of scenery after so long indoors. This was particularly prevalent amongst younger people, with 30% of those aged 16-34 planning to use money saved on a holiday compared to 14% of 45-54s and 17% of those aged 55+. Nationwide also found that those choosing to remain in the UK were likely to spend, on average, £480 on items, ranging from travel and meals to entertainment and essentials. This amount was on top of accommodation costs. The NCC also reported a huge spike in interest in tourers and motorhomes since dealerships re-opened in June. In their recent survey 70% of UK adults said they perceive a holiday caravan-based UK break as an acceptable activity post-lockdown. Motorhoming did even better, with 77%, indicating it as an appealing option. In caravan sales, Bailey of Bristol recorded the most sales ever in any one week since its dealerships re-opened on June 1. There’s a great video on the Bailey website where marketing director Simon Howard shows viewers around an empty car park and factory, saying, “That’s a result of the fantastic sales that our retail network has recorded since they reopened in June.” Auto Trader reported that in the second half of May, users on the caravan and motorhome sections of its website were up by 17% versus the same time last year. 3. This winter looks set to be the best yet I’m not talking weather wise – although I wish I could predict it so far in advance! Many holiday parks had already
Create a sense of reassurance and cleanliness with beautifully designed new guest bed linen & towels
The last few months have been challenging to say the least. Within the Holiday parks & leisure resorts there is now a need to build a reputation through safety, cleanliness and hygiene to help attract guests for what its anticipated to be a booming staycation market in 2020. In fact, according to Holidu, bookings for British holiday homes between July 1 and August 31 this year are already 156%* higher than in the same period last year. Savvy holiday providers are already taking stock of their perception of cleanliness to give guests a boost of confidence as business returns. Guests have good reason to want reassurances that their staycation room is clean and this includes all the home furnishings you’d expect in a guest room such as bed linen, throws, runners, towels, curtains and cushions. New, easy to care for textiles are the perfect choice that offer items that are washable at a hygienic temperature but also look great through distinctive design. Bed linen which is made from high quality naturally luxury fabrics such as linen or cotton may help provides guests with not only a better night’s sleep but that additional peace of mind. These fabrics are breathable, soft, durable and also have other benefits such as anti-bacterial properties. Obviously, the ‘classic’ style of bed linen when is usually white or cream however, many savvy UK park operators are exploring new themes, designs and colours to complement their unique surroundings (which makes sense as guests have stayed in the UK to admire their surroundings.) Using decoratively designed bed linen could be a great distinguishable selling point of booking with you above that of your competitor. Towels are another staycation commodity which guests will want reassurances for. New towels create a sense of cleanliness and guests often want these regularly as they are seen as ‘fresh’. Whether face, hand or bath towels, choose a quality 500+ GSM which will provide softness and absorption. But why not choose something a bit fancier than the standard white towel guests expect? Make a statement to your guests with vibrant, welcoming colours and explore designs that will enhance your guest’s staycation experience. Portfolio Home are one of the UKs leading home textile product suppliers. We work with holiday parks, caravan sites, hotels, holiday lets and B&Bs to bring you the biggest and best selection of trending decorative cushions, throws and bedding at fantastic wholesale prices. Shop our whole range by requesting a brochure simply visit www.portfoliohome.com or email info@portfoliohome.com
The Mayfield Group helps Dorset parks to reopen safely with their bespoke designs
The Mayfield Group, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of uPVC decking, has been busier than ever working on bespoke designs and projects to help local holiday parks adhere to social distancing guidelines. Mayfield reopened their Poole-based warehouse in June to resume manufacturing their fully-recyclable deck boards and accessories, but the company also found a new use for their uPVC. The manufacturer has been working on bespoke designs for social distancing barriers and planters to minimise contact between holiday park visitors. Starting out in 1989 on the Nuffield Industrial Estate, The Mayfield Group are known as the pioneers of static caravan decking and have been key in shaping the industry into what it is today. Mayfield supply and install their quality decking and innovative outdoor living accessories to leisure resorts around the country and currently work with over 350 holiday parks on a regular basis. Committed to helping you make the most out of your outdoor space, Mayfield’s national network of Dealers can also install Hot Tubs, Lighting, Steps, Access Ramps and much more! From the 4th of July, UK holiday parks have been allowed to reopen their facilities and welcome back visitors. But, these resorts must follow safety precautions and adhere to strict social distancing guidelines. Mayfield has been working closely with Shorefield Holidays to create bespoke barriers and planters to help enforce social distancing rules on parks. Much like their decking, the uPVC barriers and planters are fully recyclable and can be made to measure. Shorefield Holidays, who have parks in both Dorset and Hampshire, have used Mayfield’s bespoke uPVC barriers to create one-way entrances and exits for their on-site sales office areas. While the planters have been used to enforce physical distancing in their parks’ outdoor dining areas. Debbie Jarmey, Founder and Director of The Mayfield Group, said “We were asked to solve the problem of safely directing people in order to adhere to social distancing, but also to make the area inviting and welcoming. We used barriers for the sales areas and attractive planters for the social areas, which the parks gardeners then added the finishing touches. We are now working on bespoke room dividers which we have been requested by another customer, to allow them more covers in their restaurant. It’s been great working with our team, creating all these new ideas and finding solutions to problems for our clients.” To find out more about The Mayfield Group and their uPVC solutions, visit www.themayfieldgroup.co.uk where you can download their 2020 Decking Brochure or have a go at designing your own dream decking area. To register your interest in a bespoke design from The Mayfield Group, give the team a call on 01202 233959.
Bridge Leisure announce reopening dates following Government announcement
Bridge Leisure, who own nine holiday parks across the country, have confirmed they will be reopening their parks to holidaymakers following months of closure due to COVID-19. Trevella in Newquay, Seaview near Polperrro, Hengar Manor in Bodmin, Hedley Wood near Bude, Ashbourne Heights in Derbyshire, Sand le Mere near Hull and Bowland Fell in the Yorksire Dales will all welcome their first holidaymakers on the 10th July after getting the green light from Government today (23/6). The two parks in Scotland, Silver Sands and Turnberry hope to reopen on the 17th July. The parks are allowing holiday home owners to return from the 4th July in England and the 15th July in Scotland, giving the park time to bring their teams back, train them in any new procedures, get the accommodation deep cleaned and make sure the parks are safe and ready to welcome holiday guests a few days later. Initially the parks won’t be able to open their shared touring facilities as they are still considered too high risk. Only those with their own toilet and wash facilities will be able to book touring pitches on the parks until the situation is reviewed. To ensure their parks are as safe as possible, Bridge Leisure have been talking to travel risk experts from the Travel Risk Incident Prevention Group (TRIP) about the steps they are taking to make their parks ready for owners and holidaymakers when they return. Lloyd Figgins, Chairman of the TRIP Group and Travel Risk Expert has been invited to stay at one of the parks to experience the ‘new normal’ and assess the safety precautions which have been put in place. He will then feedback any areas of concern or improvement to Bridge Leisure before they welcome their first holidaymakers to their parks. CEO of Bridge Leisure, Andrew Howe said: “This is the news we have all been waiting for. Opening in July will enable us to maximise the remainder of the busy summer season and more importantly, give people an opportunity to get away from the four walls of their own homes. “We are working hard behind the scenes to meet all the new guidance on safety from the Government and we are also working with the TRIP Group to offer us some independent advice. The safety of our teams, owners and holidaymakers will always be the most important thing to us and we want to ensure we do everything possible to make our parks safe. “We have always talked about our holiday parks being a home away from home and that’s why they provide such a good option for people who are nervous about going on holiday again. By design, our self-catering units are socially distance friendly and we are surrounded by the great outdoors, we expect to be busy as we are already experiencing high demand.”
Why holiday parks are the lowest risk holiday option this year
As lockdown restrictions ease across the country, the race is on to book a summer holiday or mini break, and with uncertainly and concerns about safety impacting consumer confidence, UK holiday parks are being held up as one of the lowest risk holiday option according to a leading independent travel risk expert. Lloyd Figgins, Chairman of the Travel Risk & Incident Prevention (TRIP) Group explains why holiday parks are such a low risk option in the current climate: “Booking a caravan or cabin at a holiday park has so many advantages which allow tourists to enjoy a holiday, while being able to comply with the government’s COVID-19 recommendations. For a start, social distancing can be maintained as each unit has its own plot, allowing you and your family to avoid coming into contact with those outside your bubble. As opposed to hotels, you won’t have to do the two metre shuffle as you walk down a corridor to get to your room. “With everything included within the four walls of your holiday park rental your holiday can be exactly as safe as being at home. There’s also the advantage that many holiday parks are situated in stunning locations, allowing you to get outside and enjoy the countryside or nearby beach, while still being able to maintain social distancing.” UK holiday park operator Bridge Leisure, who own nine holiday parks across the country have been talking to the TRIP Group about the steps they are taking to make their parks as safe as possible for owners and holidaymakers when they return. Andrew Howe, CEO of Bridge Leisure said: “Safety is paramount, and no one wants to do anything to put anyone at risk. We have been working hard behind the scenes with our sector’s trade associations to ensure owners and holiday makers can enjoy our parks knowing we have put measures in place to keep them safe. The TRIP Group are critical partners to us and believe that the very nature of holiday parks and the steps we have taken make them a safe and low risk option for those wanting to get away. “We have always talked about our holiday parks being a home away from home and that’s why they provide such a good option for people who are nervous about going on holiday again. We are ready to welcome people back to our parks as soon as we get the go ahead from Government, but people will need to be prepared that some things will have changed since they last stayed at a holiday park.” “We will be offering a contact free check in procedure, we can offer takeaway services, our park shops can open replicating all the safety precautions you will see in your local supermarkets and we have various options for table service and app ordering in our bars and restaurants when it is safe to open them again. The important thing is that the self-contained accommodation on a holiday park provides a safe place for family and friends to reunite once again and explore the fantastic locations surrounding the parks. It really is the same as being at home but with a different view out of the window.” With a boom expected for UK holidays in the coming weeks, Figgins warns that there is still some way to go before consumer confidence will return: He added: “Confidence among travellers is already at an all-time low, with many experts predicting that travel will not get back to pre-COVID figures until a vaccine is found. If a vaccine is found. Remember that no vaccine has ever been developed for SARS or MERS, which are also Coronaviruses, so we perhaps need to start looking at ways to live with COVID-19, rather than wait for a cure. “Holiday parks offer tourists the opportunity for a low-risk, high-reward break. I would have no hesitation in choosing a vacation at a holiday park and I think it offers the best option for those looking to get away safely and having that change of scenery we all need and deserve as lockdown measures are eased. The sooner they are open the better.” Bridge Leisure was launched in 2008 as a company providing management support for holiday parks. Today, Bridge Leisure Parks owns nine holiday parks across the UK, in Cornwall, Devon, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Moray and Ayrshire. In 2014 the company was named one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses in the annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100, and in 2019 Bridge Leisure appeared in the Sunday Times list of the top 100 companies for the third year running.
Say ‘Pasta la Vista’ to Plastic and Paper Straws: Stroodles, The Pasta Straws
A pasta straw company, Stroodles, has launched to provide an environmentally friendly solution to the single-use plastic crisis and rise of greenwashing from the paper straw industry. In comparison to soggy paper and plastic straws, Stroodles are an improvement as they provide greater durability, are flavourless, vegan, 100% biodegradable and are edible raw or cooked after use. A core principle for Stroodles is their ‘drink-easy’ ethos, meaning drinkers don’t have to change behaviour or compromise on drinking experience to do good for the environment. Speaking about the inception of his pasta straws, Chief Stroodle and Founder, Maxim Gelmann, says: “While we’re a very logical and effortless solution to the plastic problem, Stroodles is not just a straw company. Our driving goal is to become a vehicle for change and we hope that Stroodles can act as an enabler, subtly inspiring people to question how they consume everyday items. We hope these incremental changes will lead to a ripple effect and create a greater shift in behaviour, one Stroodle at a time.” Stroodles caters to both, the on-trade and Direct Consumers (so-called ‘Stroodlers’) As of End of June 2020, Stroodles is changing their retail offering. 20cm Stroodles will then be available to purchase online and in-store at an RRP of £2.99 for a pack of 40 + delivery. The concept of conscious consumerism also extends to Stroodles’ business model and operation. A share of each sale is donated to local charities. For the hospitality industry, Stroodles are also available in bulk orders of 775 per pack. Stroodles are available online at www.stroodles.co.uk and multiple resellers and at Amazon in UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
