DekBoard encourages holiday parks to take a fresh look at PVC-U’s environmental benefits
Advocating its environmentally responsible credentials, DekBoard, the British decking and balustrade manufacturer, is encouraging holiday park proprietors to consider the long-life and recyclable attributes of its outdoor space creating systems. The company designs and manufactures 100 percent recyclable PVC-U decking products, which offer a strong, highly resistant, non-slip surface to effectively surround caravan and park home exteriors and create innovative outdoor living spaces. With the carbon footprint of treated timber attracting more careful consideration – owing to associated wood import emissions and the non-recyclability of varnished and painted products – the benefits of fully recyclable PVC-U options are increasingly coming to the fore. Not only is the DekBoard decking and balustrade system a durable, low-maintenance alternative to timber decking, but the product range is manufactured with responsibly sourced materials. The warp-resistant surfaces are made using an element of recycled polymers, some of which are reground on-site in DekBoard’s Scunthorpe factory – a practice which actively reduces the unnecessary shipping of materials and enables close monitoring and minimisation of emissions and associated environmental impact. Once installed, varnish or paint products are not required to maintain DekBoard surfaces, which allows the decking to remain fully recyclable and prevents additional toxic substances from potentially seeping into the ground and ultimately entering landfill. Instead, and as part of the company’s commitment to its Recovinyl membership – a European value-chain initiative aimed at facilitating PVC-U waste collection – DekBoard collects and recycles all post-consumer products and re-uses or redistributes the waste produced at its factory. “Historically timber has been viewed as the most ecologically sound decking choice,” explains Nicola Kissaglis, Product Manager at DekBoard, “however broader information presents a view whereby the transportation of material used in wooden decking contributes significantly to its carbon footprint. “Forestresearch.gov.uk tells us that 7.9 million cubic metres of sawn wood was imported into the UK in 2017. In addition to the transport emissions, the decking needs to be treated throughout its lifetime to make it durable and weather resilient. As the paints and varnishes used have toxic components, the wood cannot subsequently be burned or recycled safely, so must be disposed of in landfill. “Of course, there are concerns around certain plastics, which makes the rise in UK wood imports unsurprising, however PVC-U used in building products is not a single-use material. PVC-U is made from salt and crude oil and is one of the most widely used long-lasting plastics in the world. When manufactured correctly and recycled responsibly, the material can be extremely sustainable, and can deliver in terms of longevity and safety. “It’s our belief that there is no need for any product manufactured by DekBoard to be taken to landfill once its current useful purpose is complete. The only place it should go is our re-grinder, ready to be made into something else.” Nicola goes on to explain that DekBoard’s manufacturing process is carried out under ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management – a standard which helps businesses improve environmental performance and impact through a more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. “The DekBoard systems are worth careful consideration; not only for recyclable reasons, but as a low maintenance, non-slip, rot resistant and splinter free surface that presents an attractive, long-lasting decking and balustrade solution.” For more information telephone 01724 848500, visit www.dekboard.co.uk or email info@dekboard.co.uk.
Product launch: SCH HBU1200ATE waterer
The HBU1200ATE is the newest edition to the SCH waterer range. As the name suggests, this waterer features a 1200 litre capacity polyethylene tank, which is internally baffled to safely minimise surge when braking and turning corners. The trailers single-axle road-legal steel chassis is fully galvanised, with over-run brakes, lights and a jockey wheel. Two trailer supports are fitted to the rear, to stabilise the trailer when it is unhitched from the towing vehicle. The standard model features a choice between a petrol and an electric powered pump. The 12V DC electric pump has a flow rate of 18 litres per minute, and is powered by the towing vehicles power supply. The petrol option features a reliable 2” centrifugal Honda pump, with an adjustable flow rate up to an impressive 450 litres per minute. This waterer features a short lance for tubs and beds, and a telescopic lance which can reach up to 6 meters. The telescopic lance is ideal for watering hanging baskets at a height. 6 meters of hose is supplied, and two steel stands are mounted to the side of the trailer, which can be used to transport a significant length of additional hose, if required. The main pump is offset to the side of the trailer, this leaves room for a pressure washing pump to be mounted alongside. This dual engine setup is ideal for pressure washing caravans between seasons. SCH offer a large variety of pumps, tank sizes and chassis types. Contact SCH on 01473 328272, email sales@schsupplies.co.uk, or visit their website to find out more www.schsupplies.co.uk
Arccan – 15 years as the shade & shelter specialists
We have been designing and supplying quality shade structure for the last fifteen years – we install our structures throughout the UK as well as any location in the World. We now have available forty standard pre-engineered tensile fabric structures in a number of sizes, including hypars, barrelvaults & cones – sails, walkways, entrance canopies, umbrellas (central post and cantilever), single pitch, stand-alone & lean-to, all available in a wide range of fabrics and colours with steel finishes including galvanising, polyester powder coating and epoxy painting We also supply bespoke tensile fabric structures – our design department uses the latest CAD programs to create models for customer approval, we then carry out structural analysis to ensure that they will withstand the worst possible weather conditions and by manufacturing and installing them to exacting standards most models will have a life-expectancy of over 25 years. We now supply retractable awnings, lean-to verandas, retractable pergolas & bioclimatic pergolas with rotating louvred roofs. These structures are manufactured in Italy so have great flair and quality, motorised models have Somfy actuators and all support frames are in aluminium for a long maintenance-free lifespan. New to our range are aluminium framed lean-to and stand-alone shelters with glass and polycarbonate roofs – toughened glass, self-cleaning glass, solid polycarbonate or structured polycarbonate roofs to suit all needs. Key points for the shade structure: All structures are warranted for ten years We install throughout the World We offer an aftercare, maintenance and cleaning service We can supply infra-red heating, LED lighting. Our CAD department is happy to design and engineer any component or structure to customers’ requirement Website – www.arccan.com Twitter – https://twitter.com/arccanshades LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/arccan-shade Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/arccanshades/
Johnsons helps make happy holidays with recent plant supply
Johnsons Whixley, one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries, will help people enjoy even happier holidays after supplying plants to a £1m transformation scheme at a holiday park. North-Yorkshire based Johnsons supplied more than 4,000 plants worth a total of £22,000 to the Hoburne Naish Holiday Park in Hampshire. Included in the delivery were more than 2,000 shrubs and 21 varieties of grasses. In partnership with renowned holiday park operator and developer Hoburne Limited, Johnsons provided stock including a wide variety of grasses, shrubs, hedging and herbaceous plants. Situated on the clifftop with breath-taking sea views, the site combines the very best of coastline and countryside, from sandy beaches to picnics in the nearby New Forest. The holiday park has recently undergone a significant refurbishment of its leisure and entertainment complex, with its family-friendly dining area and improved public spaces, and the design-led regions with comfortable seating options. Attractions also include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna and on-site brasserie, along with adventure golf, a multi-sports games arena and play areas for children of all ages. The park includes a new development of luxurious holiday homes, set in design-led landscaped areas and offering sea views across to the isle of Wight. In total, Hoburne has spent £6m on giving each of its seven-holiday parks in the South West a facelift. Ellie Richardson, marketingco-ordinator for Johnsons, said: “We are delighted to have contributed a substantial number of plants to help revamp the Hoburne Naish holiday park. Holidays are a very special time for people, full of relaxation, and we hope we can play our part in ensuring visitors have a happy and memorable time amid glorious surroundings.” Mark Preston, Director of Hoburne Properties added “we have been delighted by both the quality of the stock and the level of service we have received from Johnsons, and the feedback from our holidaymakers and owners regarding their first impressions of the recently developed areas has been nothing but complimentary. We look forward to working with Johnsons on some exciting projects we have lined up for this coming winter across our parks”. www.nurserymen.co.uk
Huck Nets Make Play An Adventure For All
The innovative range of purpose designed rope and net play equipment from Dorset-based Huck Nets is guaranteed to make every playground an adventure. It is a popular feature in many parks and playgrounds across the UK and Europe. Huck Nets world-renowned rope and netting is integrated into much of their play equipment. Being manufactured mostly of rope and timber it is ideally suited to outdoor natural play environments. Every element has been designed to allow children’s imaginations to run wild and to give free rein to their natural urge to be active. There are various climbing elements such as climbing pyramids, jungle bridges, net ramps, rope ladders and tunnels, an impressive range of individual and group swings, trampolines, hammocks and aerial runways. Each play system comes with a wide range of different structural design elements in every shape and colour that will blend harmoniously into virtually any adventure landscape. One of the best examples is their rope adventure courses. Hammocks, rope ladders and wobble swings all make use of their strong and durable rope. They also have a great selection of rope net pyramids, scramble nets and climbing ropes, as well as a selection of Bird Nest Trees. At the core of the Birds Nest Tree series is the original HUCK Bird’s Nest® – a round close-meshed basket with a base shaped to form a nest and a steel ring wound round with rope. It is the perfect edition to any outdoor playground and provides a climbing element to complement ground-based play like trampolines and swings. Their outdoor range also includes a fantastic selection of inclusive play equipment. On offer is a l range of obstacle-free play equipment such as swings with safety seats, hammocks and trampolines. The swing has large flat and upright seats to invite people to get moving.The climbing equipment is low enough for children to enjoy climbing regardless of their mobility level. Huck’s Rolli trampoline has been designed for wheelchair users. It has sloping edge panels to enable the surface level trampoline to be accessed safely and easily. An accompanying person can also stand in direct contact with the wheelchair user if required. Alongside, Huck offer a full installation and maintenance service for new and existing outdoor and indoor play areas. Their team will carry out simple repairs to netting, replace worn-out netting and/or equipment, or can work with you to completely refurbish the play area. For information on Huck ’s range of play equipment and their supporting design and installation services call 01308 425100 or email sarah.reynolds@hucknetting.co.uk.
How one small product is boosting the winter holiday park trade
A huge problem for the UK holiday industry is, let’s face it, the weather. Not only are outdoor activities more or less off-limits when Mother Nature does her worst over the winter months, but motorhomes, caravans and holiday homes are not geared up for the harsh conditions – or so it was thought. With the introduction of more modern and efficient materials – walls, outer shells etc which keep in the heat – and the introduction of heating in even the most basic of models, winter breaks are now on the cards for millions of caravan owners and those wanting to rent too. For those parks which close during the winter, the loss of revenue is now somewhat of an unnecessary evil. “But we drain down for the whole winter,” we hear you cry. Why? When you can drain down on a more regular basis with a simple and highly cost-effective bit of new technology? Floë is a brand which has got everyone talking over the past few years – it offers owners of all types of holiday units, from houseboats to lodges, the chance to drain water from the system in just four minutes. The pump takes all the water out out of the system which is liable to freeze or harbour dangerous bacteria, and cleans the boiler as it works. “It must be expensive!” you protest! Well, it’s not if you cost out the benefits over five years (the length of time the product is guaranteed for). The Floë Induratec costs £235, plus £40 if fitting is needed. So over five years, it’s an investment of just £55 a year including fitting. But if people can return whenever and as often as they like to holiday parks over the winter months, this could be paid off well and truly within the year. This opens up a whole new raft of Christmas and New Year business opportunities for holiday parks and their surrounding communities. So popular has Floë become, the US market are now looking at buying this Northern Irish invention – and company founder Jason Paul tells us: “Our trials in the US have worked well and our order there is underway. We are still growing in the UK too so we’ve been hectic recently! “The sites are really beginning to come on board and see the benefits to the customer. “Park managers are thinking about what they’ll get in return – more income for the park, happier customers and a bigger benefit for the local community.” “How can we be sure it’ll work?” you ask. There are plenty of solid online testimonials for Floë products such as: • “This product works so well that it feels like every caravan should have one as standard.” • “Hi Jason, Just to let you know I fitted the Floë 868 to my static on the weekend. It was very easy and works perfectly. It’s a brilliant product and will make my life so much easier when draining down over the winter period. Thanks for all your advice!” • “After reading about the Floe 868 and having many problems with frozen pipes over the years and at a vast expense I decided to take the plunge. Contacted Jason who answered my questions putting my mind at ease. Why didn’t I do it sooner – money well spent, so easy to fit, easy to drain down, no more paying to drain down which cost £80 a time. Don’t normally comment on products but this is brilliant, even told a few on the caravan site they’re all interested. Once again Jason thank you.” • “Fitted it today in under 30 mins, test drained down all taps and showers, and filled back up without incident, this is a fantastic piece of kit!” • “Thank you Jason for working with us and of course we will recommend the 868 to anyone looking for a drain down system. The season has been extended on our park so I’m sure there will be interest in your product.” If you’re still not convinced, get in touch with Floë who will answer your questions – before the winter kicks in!
High quality Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms offered from Aico.
Aico, an Ei Company, is the market leader in domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection, pioneering new technologies and offering high quality Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms. All alarms have been designed, developed and manufactured at the Ei Electronics factory in Shannon, Ireland. Alarms meet UK and European standards and offer a wide range of sensor types to guarantee every home is protected. Each alarm is tested multiple times before leaving the factory ensuring quality in all of our alarms They recently supported Gas Safety Week, as part of their ongoing commitment to raising awareness of gas safety and Carbon Monoxide throughout the UK. While Carbon Monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel burning appliances, incidents and deaths can also occur in caravans. Faulty gas cookers, boilers, fires or petrol-powered generators can be a source of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide has been linked to deaths where people have moved gas and charcoal barbecues into tents and other enclosed spaces. When caravanning or camping, these enclosed spaces can cause Carbon Monoxide to build up to levels that can kill very quickly. Protect yourself by taking a Carbon Monoxide alarm with you. Aico has several educational materials available such as a pocket-sized guide to Carbon Monoxide Awareness and three short animated infographics.These can be found on their website. www.aico.co.uk/technical-support/guides-publications Tel: 01691 664100 Website: www.aico.co.uk Email: enquiries@aico.co.uk
Oderase reveals that a damp smell is the biggest turn off for caravan owners
When asked which caravan smell was the worst, 37 per cent stated that a damp and musty smell was the least pleasant, closely followed by the body odour of their fellow caravaners (28 per cent). Other smells causing distress include: Sweaty feet (14 per cent) Wet Dog (10 per cent) Farm smells (9 per cent) Cooking smells (2 per cent) The proximity of the toilet facilities to the living areas in close-quarters can also be a concern for mobile or static caravans and holiday homes. The survey* was conducted by national data firm PanelBase, which polled more than 1500 people from across the UK for Cambridge-based Aqdot, the company behind Oderase Oderase Open Plan Living Spray and Oderase Bathroom Spray are new fragrance-free air fresheners, endorsed by Allergy UK. Oderase is different from other air fresheners because it is so effective at erasing bad odours that it does not need to contain any masking fragrances that can smell really strong and overpowering in close-quarters, and could potentially cause allergies. Oderase Open Plan Living Spray is effective in the air and on fabrics. It’s ideal for removing lingering cooking smells, sweaty body smells, and of course those unpleasant damp and musty smells. The technology used in Oderase is patented. The bad odour molecules in the air are quickly attracted to the Oderase odour eliminator, which in turn captures the bad odours and erases them from the air. Mark Wrighton, Marketing Leader at said: “Caravan holidays are a beloved part of British holiday culture and millions of families create wonderful memories every year. However, when a group of people are together in such close quarters for an extended period of time, it’s not long before smells can start to become an issue. Oderase Bathroom Spray and Oderase Open-Plan Spray offer a great solution for these enclosed spaces as they remove the unpleasant smells without masking them with heavy fragrances which is important in a small area, both from a comfort and health perspective. The small pump action sprays should be an integral part of every caravanners survival pack!” www.oderase.co.uk
Mature Planting – Call In The Experts For Instant Results
Mature planting provides instant impact and maturity to key areas, shelter to exposed areas and, perhaps most useful of all, privacy and security to give both you and your customers peace of mind. Wykeham Mature Plants are experts in supplying instant transformations tailored to the site conditions and to the requirements of your business. Supplying the trade with high quality large trees, specimen shrubs, instant hedging and screening plants for over forty years, 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. For further information contact one of the experienced horticulturalists at enquiries@wykeham.co.uk tel 01723 862406 OR see www.wykehammatureplants.co.uk
