Integrated Smart Home experts
Integrated Smart Home experts, SmartRent, have teamed up with global access specialists, TLJ Access Control to deliver a truly ‘street to sofa’ integrated solution, perfect for implementation in homes, shared accommodation or Holiday Parks. The ‘traditional’ metal key is set to become a thing of the past with the combination of SmartRent’s app based system and TLJ’s smart locks and numerical Zpad. Smart locks are electronic door locks controlled by a key card, fob, smartphone or other electronic device, in this case by a number key pad and a code, issued via the app. In the Holiday Park setting this delivers a whole new offering for Operators, giving them enhanced Estate Team efficiencies whilst also presenting guests with another level of luxury for their holiday or visit. The guest journey from arrival to entry of the unit can now be completely automated and touch free, there’s no need for physical keys to hand to visitors so no keys to lose and no more lengthy queues at reception on check in day. Guests are issued a personal key code that allows them to open their door via their mobile phone. The SmartRent system also gives them the option of being able to operate the thermostat in their unit remotely (useful for turning on the heating on the way home from a day swimming, for example), and the ability to access all the park amenities (pool, gym, entertainment area etc) from one single app. With SmartRent, the operator no longer has to send maintenance teams back to the office to sort through and collect the correct keys before accessing units – instead they can be sent the work orders and a one time code for quick access to sort out in-unit issues. Being able to monitor for leaks remotely and control thermostats in empty units not only allows operators to monitor for dripping pipes or humidity issues, turn down thermostats left on when a guest checks out and make units comfortable for the next guests’ arrival, all without visiting the unit in person. This saves Operators time and money – minor issues are detected long before they become major problems that can result in costly repairs or worse still – putting the unit out of commission for a period altogether. Adding in TLJ’s smart access control and you have a smooth, sleek process that results in as little disruption for the Park guest as possible. The integration of TLJ Access Control into the SmartRent system creates a seamless solution for Holiday Parks – saving money, increasing efficiencies and presenting the Holiday Park as a Smarter Park, no longer the Park of the future but the Park of NOW…! email sales-uk@smartrent.com
Expressions of Interest for an opportunity to lease
South Hams District Council invites expressions of interest, including offers and proposals for a lease of the Land to the East of Steamer Quay Road, Totnes (as shown edged red below) to be used as a Touring Caravan Park within the definition of part 1 of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. This site has been operated as a touring caravan site for some years and as such is well established and is popular with visitors to the area. Rarely, it is situated very close to Totnes town centre and is therefore convenient to all amenities, including many restaurants and shops. It is also adjacent to the River Dart with easy access via a public slipway.The site is laid to grass with access drive circling the main area. There are also toilets and a disabled shower facility. Interested parties are invited to submit informal proposals. After submission, parties may be invited to discuss their proposals in more detail. The terms of the lease will be subject to negotiation and interested parties should make clear their requirements as part of their proposal. Full details of the company, including financial information, relevant experience, examples of operational expertise and a list of other sites in the company’s portfolio should be included as key points. Land to the East of Steamer Quay Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5AL. On behalf of South Hams District Council Contact Details: Debra Barber Tel: 01803 861436 Email: estates@swdevon.gov.uk
JNC offers a wide range of amusement machines to suit all budgets
Celebrating their fortieth year, JNC Sales go into the season with a new-look website that continues to highlight their wide range of new and used amusement machines to suit all sites and budgets. The JNC warehouse, and now their new online catalogue, hosts thousands of machines that come site-ready following comprehensive workshop testing, supported by a dedicated aftersales team and parts warranty. 2021 sees the introduction of some exciting new lines, which have been specifically selected by JNC to align with customer feedback and a market that needs an injection of bold, vibrant pieces without breaking the bank. Rocket Launch is a spectacular rocket-themed prize redemption piece that is the perfect size and design for children looking to win smaller prizes and sweets. With the option for three players to play at the same time, Rocket Launch is a game of timing and skill, where players must pick the right moment to help move the prizes off the rotating bed and into the payout tray, whilst the game also functions as a striking centre-piece without the need for a big space on the arcade floor. JNC have also added to their strong range of cranes, supplementing the popular Crazy Toy and Telephone Box ranges with Dream Castle, a bold five player pink crane, and Mini House, a miniature two player crane that comes available in different cabinet colours. Dream Castle is a unique five player crane that features a range of different cabinet sizes and claw options to offer operators the chance to engage with the whole family, whilst also featuring an attractive topflash and a video monitor for heightened interaction. Mini House is a top-performing mini crane that stands at just 61cm wide x 41cm deep, so is a must-have item to squeeze into those smaller spaces. The crane can offer prizes up to 8cm and comes with a range of game modes, claw power and motor speeds to allow for straight-forward set-up and configuration. Recognising their customers need for low-outgoings but high-income equipment, JNC are pleased to re-launch Martian Madness, a stunning five-player round pusher that has proven its worth as a top-performing ticket or cash-only pusher. With new cabinet artwork, improved LED lighting, and more accessible glass panels to complement its unique spinning UFO-style topflash, Martian Madness boats a small footprint at just 1.5m wide without compromising on its visual appeal and customer engagement. Dino Land and Raiders are the latest models in JNC’s successful range of min ball-shooters, a collection that has allowed operators to offer children high-value shooting-style redemption games (ticket/capsule payout) at less than £1,995 for the two player models and just £1,195 for the one player games. Giant Prize Pod Pro continues to be the top-performing redemption game available, with its success over the last 18 months built on its highly-visible giant prize in the colourful cabinet and simple gameplay. Players simply have to time the cutting of the string to release the giant prize and they win it! The latest models come with updated lighting and a desirable mercy ticket option that will keep players happy even if the big prize illudes them! In addition to their new lines, the JNC warehouse continues to house tried and trusted amusement machines, from used video games and coin pushers to sports games and kiddie rides. JNC are able to send images of all products in stock, and furthermore can send videos of the machines once they have been through the workshop process, ensuring every item is site-ready and supported with a dedicated aftersales team and individual parts warranty. To book a visit to the JNC warehouse and to see their workshop in action, or to see their full range of machines, call 0117 938 2552 or visit www.jnc-sales.co.uk
Holiday Resort Daycations Will Overtake Staycations In 2021
World of Rides, the longest established U.K. family-owned manufacturer and distributor of Children’s Rides celebrated its 50th Anniversary during 2019, and in addition to their world-beating seventy-two model range of 12v and 24v battery rides, they are also the official UK distributors for many other award-winning themed ranges of 240v static children’s rides too! They are also UK’s leading source of ready-made themed battery ride attractions for the holiday resorts industry, such as Bumper Boat and Bumper Aqua-Ball pools, Bumper Car tracks and Bumper-Ball pitches, Go-Kart tracks and Jurassic-Adventure trails, as well as Driving Schools and many others! Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the UK’s leading holiday park and holiday resort owners and operators have already been placing their orders for 2021 ever since November 2020, for pollution free battery ride attractions, knowing that however short the season turns out to be for 2021, their attractions will almost certainly still achieve pay-back plus a profit, based upon their past-experience of World of Rides attractions! The Government has already stated that it is their intention that the current lockdown will begin to be eased as quickly as possible, and the Bank of England have predicted that the public have saved around £250 billion during lockdown to spend on their leisure pursuits… which if they enjoy them, will result in them returning for even more UK daycations and holidays in future years too! With all UK holiday hotels and holiday parks announcing being almost fully booked already, and with many millions of holidaymakers still being hesitant about taking holiday accommodation this early after the pandemic, then millions of holiday visitors with millions of pounds to spend between them are going to descend on all UK holiday resorts this year, hoping to find new attractions to entertain and amuse them… more especially since the weather is also forecast to be wonderfully hot and sunny! All World of Rides attractions are brimming with CE, TUV, and UK HSE-BACTA-ADIPS safety features as well as all the latest digital sound effects, LED lighting and rugged GRP bodywork attract features… and they constantly remain high on the wish-lists of some of the leisure industries leading buyers and operators! You can view a small sample range of their rides at their website, which is also currently being updated: www.worldofrides.com Thank You! Please contact David Robinson on david@worldofrides.com
Aria Resorts – redefining the British holiday experience
Caravan Industry and Park Operator finds out more about Aria Resorts – a relatively new player in the holiday park industry that is going from strength to strength thanks to its luxury accommodation… Currently the fastest-growing UK holiday company, Aria Resorts has 14 locations in highly sought-after holiday destinations. Pioneering the redefinition of holiday and resort experiences, the highly lucrative staycation market is at the core of the company’s fast-growth business strategy. Taking a positively disruptive approach to the sector, all Aria’s resorts are continually benefiting from a multi-million-pound investment programme. Alongside this strong holiday offering is the continued growth into the holiday home ownership sector, with a wide mix of property options available across lifestyle and investment portfolio products. Privately owned and private equity backed, Aria has already achieved the status of the fifth largest operator in its sector. Since its inception in 2018, the team has pursued an ambitious, programme of acquisition. The organisation is owned by a leading, privately-held, alternative investment firm, Angelo Gordon. Working worldwide since 1988, the company has an impressive investment portfolio, currently worth $30 billion. Aria’s key attraction lies in the fact that, as a dedicated resort company, it is essentially a strategic ‘smorgasbord’ of options for holidaymakers and buyers of all interests and budgets. Budding buyers can pick up their own compact holiday ‘bolthole with benefits’ from as little as just £20,000 in the form of a ‘pre-loved’ static caravan. Or they can invest more than £1/2million in a luxurious ‘boutique barn.’ Mortgageable options such as extensive lodges or on-trend lake houses are available from just £129,950 with a small deposit. These cottages and lodges are nestled across sites in Cornwall, Yorkshire and the Isle of Wight. Aria Resorts can have owners’ holiday homes added to its professional, managed letting service as soon as the sale has completed, so they can start benefitting from the favourable tax regulations associated with Furnished Holiday Lets. Aria will look after everything from marketing to bookings, cleaning to maintenance. Aria Resorts’ management fee is 30% of the rental income plus a charge for linen, cleaning and VAT. Alternatively, Aria’s long lease accommodation options can be bought with an attractive investment option offering a fixed return of 7% to qualifying investors. Each long lease holiday home is sold with a 10-year ICW or NHBC guarantee, a 999-year leasehold and are mortgageable (subject to approval). When it comes to reselling, the holiday home will be valued on the open market. Yorkshire Pride Set within a private gated estate, The Bay Filey, Yorkshire is the Northern jewel in the crown in the Aria Resorts’ portfolio. Offering the best of both worlds, the New England clapperboard Meadow Lodges, priced from an extremely competitive £185,000, are set by a beautiful lake, within minutes from the stunning Filey Beach. Filey has been a ‘forever’ destination for families from all over Yorkshire, and beyond, but the available ‘bolthole’ market just had a significant upgrade with the launch of Aria’s distinctive new Nikki, Tahiti and Kontiki luxury lodges. Due to a high and immediate demand, the Kontiki lodges have now sold out but there are plenty of sister lodges available. The idyllic Isle Located just off the UK, the Isle of Wight feels a million miles from the bustle of the mainland and is surprisingly easy to access. Aria has three resorts on the island and with prices for static caravans starting from £40,995. Buyers could see immediate advantages in the ultimate UK island escape destination. Some of the properties even boast hot tubs but all guarantee attractive subletting rental fee potential. The Isle of Wight, surrounded by miles of impressive golden beaches, and with a mild climate, has a thriving tourism industry with millions flocking there annually to embrace wildlife, nature, attractions and, in ‘normal times’, an array of exciting and colourful events. Nestled between neighbouring villages Bembridge and Seaview, Aria’s St Helens Resort is a peaceful holiday retreat featuring wide luscious green spaces to roam in absolute fresh air and freedom. The wildlife of St Helen’s Duver and the unspoiled sheltered sands of Priory Bay beach, with its unique woodlands, are in close proximity. The Lakes Rookley, in contrast, is a leafy hideaway, hogging an enviable spot just down the road from the picturesque village of Godshill with its Medieval church and quaint thatched cottages. The resort itself has top family-friendly activities, entertainment throughout the school holidays, its very own pub, and impressive indoor and outdoor pools for making a splash in. The Bay, Colwell is open from February to November with its cottages and coastal beach houses. In walking distance to the Needles, where visitors can marvel at the towering rocks, wander around Yarmouth and watch boat masts swaying or stroll across to Headon Warren. Captivating Cornwall Year-on-year, Cornwall continually adds to its trophy display, proving that it is one of the ‘hottest’ UK holiday destinations. Set right in the beating heart of Cornwall, Retallack Resort is the ultimate 21st-century holiday, weekend or mini-break destination. This five-star holiday resort is a modern retreat for the making of memories, outdoorsy fun and getting away from it all. Earlier this year, Aria launched its first-in-the-UK luxury and mortgageable two, three and four bedroomed boutique barns set within the lush, green, lake-filled landscape, with a range of compelling earn-back options and packages. A lead-in investment price of £235,000 for a two bedroomed model including a furniture and fittings pack offers significant value for money for this level of luxury and hot-spot location. Also in Cornwall, Newquay Bay Resort is a typically British, family seaside holiday location in a lush green valley, close to the Blue-Flag-flying Porth beach. A coastal stroll from famous Watergate Bay, the resort also boasts excellent amenities such as a sauna and beauty salon, an epic twenty-metre swimming pool and a bar and eatery. A two-bedroomed, pre-owned static caravan at Newquay Bay Resort will set buyers back as little as £19,995 and there are a number of new options
How insurance specialists have been supporting parks during lockdown
When the Prime Minister announced that everyone must stay at home on March 23rd, within days, thousands of holiday parks closed their gates and sent owners home. The industry was dealing with unprecedented challenges and the Leisuredays insurance team quickly switched to crisis management mode. Holiday home owners still needed insurance cover (as per park rules) even though they couldn’t use their property – in fact Leisuredays stats show that 90% of claims would occur regardless of whether a unit was occupied or not, often due to storms or floods. Their contact centre function moved into their Advisers’ homes and with significant and rapid investment in a new phone system and IT infrastructure, Leisuredays were able to continue to service their customers seven days a week and until 8 pm on weekdays, as well as online via their 24 secure quote and buy system. “It was a challenge to relocate more than 100 members of our team to home, but our IT team and disaster plan worked extremely well,” said Gareth Walker, Head of Leisuredays. Working through lockdown Leisuredays did see policy growth slow in April and May, but with home working for their Business Development Managers the norm, they were able to use digital platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and even Whats App video calls to replace their usual face-to-face meetings. Gareth said communication was key and they kept their park partners up-to-date with insurance news on how they were supporting their business and their customers via regular email bulletins. Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 were added to their website to cover common queries. Plus, a new online claim reporting form and renewals web portal that enabled customers to report any non-urgent claims as well as renew and pay for their insurance policies instantly with a few clicks, proved to be a great success. Putting parks first The Leisuredays Business Development Managers are safe to travel to those parks that want to see them but recognise that many don’t want their customer insurance partner knocking on the door right now, and with smooth processes for introducing their customers to Leisuredays insurance, it’s just “business as usual”. “We’re able to renew and review our park insurance arrangements over the phone or via a video call as we appreciate operators and managers are so busy with sales, holiday bookings and keeping parks Covid-Secure,” said Gareth. Strong relationships built up with parks over the years put the Leisuredays team in good stead during lockdown. “As much as we’ve missed sitting down with our parks for a catch up, we look forward to celebrating the staycation success with them very soon,” said Gareth. Life after lockdown The Leisuredays Team has experienced high call volumes and enquiries since parks re-opened and together with their sister company Caravan Guard, they’re celebrating breaking through the 100,000 customers mark. Insurance claims have started to rise too as customers return to their units following lockdown, with a particular increase in damage caused by vermin – up 300 % compared to last year – as well as panel damage and flooding claims from March. The company’s passion for delivering brilliant customer experiences has not faltered during the pandemic, Leisuredays has achieved a 5/5 rating for service on review website Trustpilot and an “Excellent” trust score. Plus, they’ve been shortlisted for two UK Insurance Broker Awards. What’s more, despite disruption the business has maintained world class 90+ customer satisfaction (CSAT), scores as measured by its post call survey. “We’ve worked through this challenging period; improvements have made us stronger and an even better insurance choice for parks,” added Gareth. Holiday parks can also check for updates on policy renewals and cancellations via the Leisuredays Live system; refer customers to Leisuredays using a simple online webform and even order bespoke point of sale brochures and posters. “Our hassle-free, no admin insurance model is perfect for parks during this busy period as customers can set up their insurance cover by phone, seven days a week, or via our online quote and buy system at any time of the day or night. Our time saving approach to customer insurance is now more beneficial than ever for parks.” To speak to Leisuredays about your customer insurance arrangement email development@leisuredays.co.uk, call 01422 396 772, or visit www.leisuredays.co.uk/parkoperator.
Holgates opens new luxury Lodge Park
Family-run Lancashire holiday park company, Holgates, has announced the opening of their latest holiday park – The Cove – directly overlooking the Morecambe Bay coastline in Silverdale. The Cove is an exclusive luxury lodge ownership park with spacious pitches to house a select 25 holiday lodges from some of the top UK manufacturers. All designed to make the most of the spectacular seafront setting, the lodges have floor to ceiling windows, stylish modern furnishings and facilities, and all come with bespoke sundecks selected to complement the location and its resplendent Morecambe Bay sunsets. The eighth park in the Holgates family group, The Cove will be their first lodge-exclusive park in Lancashire and Cumbria. Owner Michael Holgate has completely redeveloped the site, which sits in 20 acres of parkland directly opposite their original and flagship Silverdale park. More than 3,000 trees have been planted to create an on-park woodland nature trail as well as offering additional privacy to owners. Michael said: “The Cove has been a long time in planning so its rewarding to see it come to fruition and to hear how well its been received by our existing holiday home owners looking to upgrade. We had even sold a lodge on the front row before the cement had dried! “We’re proud that our parks are known for their quality, but we’ve really taken it to a whole new level with The Cove. The craftsmanship and specification of the lodges is some of the highest I have come across in nearly 40 years of being involved in the industry. Combine that with the picturesque and tranquil surroundings and The Cove becomes a unique and unrivalled development. It’s the idyllic coastal escape.” One of the British lodge manufacturers Holgates have selected for The Cove is Northamptonshire based Prestige Homeseeker Park & Leisure Homes who are supplying the Hampton, the Burleigh, the Glass House, the Strand, the Foresters, and the Casa Di Lusso models. Silvano Geranio, Founder Director said: “When we’re designing our luxury lodges, we’re always thinking about where we want them to be sited. So, to have some of our top of the range models securing pride of place on the front row of Holgates’ prestigious new Cove development makes us incredibly proud. You couldn’t ask for a better location – the floor to ceiling bifold doors soak up the unrivalled views of Morecambe Bay – so we’re not surprised that some of them have already been snapped up. “Providing value for money for customers is everything these days, so the location of these lodges, combined with the ocean inspired colours, natural materials and high quality finish offers a truly unique getaway, which will stand the test of time. “We’re delighted to have formed this relationship with Holgates. Like Prestige, they are a trusted family company, and with their support, we can continue to support UK manufacturing and secure jobs.” The Cove is open all year round and all lodges come with bespoke decking, parking for two cars, piped gas supply, and superfast Wi-Fi. Owners will also have full complimentary use of the 5-star leisure facilities at Holgates Silverdale Park. Two and three bedroomed luxury lodges are available and prices start from £160,000. Open weekends will be taking place at The Cove on 21st March, 13th June, and 19th September. So far, around 20 per cent of lodges have already been sold. For more information on The Cove, visit https://www.holgates.co.uk/the-cove or call 01524 701508.
Couple return to village where they married to buy caravan park
A COUPLE who married in the village where they met as children have returned to North Wales after more than 25 years to buy a popular caravan site. Mike and Christine Parry have acquired Graeanfryn Caravan and Camping Park in Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd. Aerospace Sales Director Mike, and Christine, a former nurse, were living in Shropshire and looking for holiday homes on the Llyn Peninsula when they noticed the business and adjoining five bedroom-property were for sale. They took the plunge and with the help of St Asaph-based FFP Solutions in partnership with Harold Smith Chartered Accountants – which has offices in Criccieth and St Asaph – are looking forward to a bright future. “We currently have 40 pitches and the park is around five acres,” said Christine, who grew up in Nottinghamshire. “It’s a wonderful part of the world and very close to our hearts so we want to fulfil the site’s potential and attract visitors from across the UK. “There are so many amazing landmarks and attractions nearby, the community is warm and welcoming, and the scenery is incredible. We are thrilled to be here and can’t wait to get started.” Mike and Christine were based in Shrewsbury with daughters Kate and Lucy when they decided to “take the leap” and make their “dream move”. Mike grew up in Aberdaron and Christine would visit the resort with her family as a child. They later fell in love and married in the village, and always wanted to come back one day and spend the rest of their lives on the coast of north west Wales. With Mike working in Wolverhampton and Christine still working as a diabetes nurse in Shropshire just months ago, they had not imagined it would happen so quickly, but are delighted it did. “Buying a caravan park was not on our radar but it was such a great opportunity we couldn’t pass it up,” she said. “When we came to visit and saw the wonderful views and the infrastructure – and of course there was our close affinity with the area – we were in no doubt this is where we wanted to be. “And we’ll be sharing the park with alpacas, Shetland ponies, ducks, chickens and other wonderful animals that are now part of the family.” Mike added: “This has always been home for me, and we both wanted to eventually return and lay down roots after so many years away. “We’ve had so much support from people in the village, and our family and friends, and are looking forward to many happy years here.” Richard Pape, a Director at FFP Solutions, helped to broker the deal and secure funding to acquire Graeanfryn Farm. He said: “We have a close partnership with Harold Smith Chartered Accountants and together we were pleased to be able to help Mike and Christine achieve their dream and buy this site. “Morfa Nefyn is one of the most stunning parts of the country, and their story is so heartening that it was meant to be. We wish them every success for the future.” Tomos Griffith from Harold Smith Chartered Accountants added: “This is another example of us working in tandem to achieve a positive result. The site has so much potential and will be a major asset to the local tourism industry.” For more information, visit www.graeanfryn.co.uk and the Facebook page www.facebook.com/GraeanfrynTouringPark or email graeanfryntouringpark@outlook.com.
Waterside Holiday Park to upgrade its collection of Signature homes
The Waterside Holiday Group is set to unveil new accommodation for 2020 at its Waterside Holiday Park and Spa as part of a wider investment plan. The group has announced a £750,000 investment to enhance its Signature collection of holiday homes at the Weymouth-based holiday park and this is all part of a broader 2020 investment for the brand which also includes allocating £115,000 in sustainable technologies. With a stylish interior, the well-appointed two and three-bed Signature holiday homes will include a large veranda, a modern fitted kitchen with a full-size fridge freezer, dishwasher and coffee machine and will also feature a central dining area. Every Signature holiday home will include a 42-inch smart television, televisions in each bedroom and an en-suite shower room leading from the master bedroom. Holiday makers will also have the option to upgrade to a Signature holiday home with a private hot tub and all Signature booking will enjoy an early check-in of 1pm. Allen Main, general manager at the Waterside Holiday Group, says: “We are pleased to announce this investment in accommodation ahead of the 2020 season. Work is well underway to bring changes to our 15 Signature holiday homes, and the addition of hot tubs is due to an increase in demand we witnessed this year for hot tub holidays – a 55 per cent increase compared to 2018, and we’re looking forward to hearing how our holidaymakers receive the improvements we are making.” The £115,000 investment in sustainable technologies will see 380 solar panels installed across the roofs of the Waterside Holiday Park and Spa’s leisure complex and reception as well as street lighting replaced with 40-watt long-lasting LED corn lamps at the Group’s Waterside Holiday Park and Spa and Chesil Vista Holiday Park which overlooks Chesil beach in Weymouth. In addition, solar-powered street-lights will be introduced at both of these parks. A 22kW electric car charging point will also be made available at the Chesil Vista Holiday Park. Allen adds: “Benefiting from the staycation boom of recent years, we are responding by making continuous investments during the winter season to provide not only the type of high-quality accommodation and experiences which families seek but to also be at the forefront of making sure our holiday parks are environmentally-friendly for current and future generations to enjoy.” The Waterside Holiday Park and Spa opens for the 2020 season from March 13th to November 2nd. To book a Signature holiday please telephone 01305 833103 or visit www.watersideholidaygroup.co.uk/our-holiday-parks/waterside/accommodation/signature/
