Smart housekeeping saves holiday parks £30k a year
For every park operator there are key stages to generating customer satisfaction. The welcoming reception staff, the immediate availability of the unit and that unit’s spotless presentation are three of them. Get that right and (barring unforeseen disasters!) a five-star rating is on its way. Smart Housekeeping is a new service offered by Godfrey Group Facilities that delivers the latter two of those three key demands by providing high quality cleaning, exceptional hygiene and environmental standards and real time reporting of performance and progress. Maintenance issues are notified every change- over day to allow for remedial work to be quickly instigated so minimising potential delays. Health and Safety compliance issues are recorded with all records being instantly available for inspection. It could save an operators £30,000 per year! Operating in partnership with park operators, Smart Housekeeping provides a designated site manager who ensures that the work of all cleaning staff is checked before handover, that staffing levels reflect weekly operational demands and if required, the smooth transition of staff via fully compliant Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations. Pricing includes a Time-Stamped Reporting System, all cleaning staff costs including wages, pension liability, sick pay, holiday entitlement and employer’s liability insurance. All PPE, uniforms, equipment, material, radios, recruitment and training, HSE requirements and personnel management issues are also included. Having saved that substantial overhead cost, Smart Housekeeping then looks to ensure that it makes a contribution to the park operator’s own brand standing. The risks of cross contamination ruining a customer’s holiday experience are reduced by the rigorous application of colour-coded cloths. All cleaning products are safe for use with septic tanks and water consumption is reduced by the use of smart mop systems.– Of course only commercial grade cleaning equipment is used ensuring thorough cleaning, fewer breakdowns and the essential perception of overall professional service that reflects holiday parks’ own standing. Costs are transparent – ranging from £32.00 for a two-bed caravan to £129.00 for a six-bed, two-storey lodge. These charges need to be taken in the context of the potential savings from the costs of the existing cleaning provision. The operator has no capital expenditure requirement on cleaning equipment, no material costs, a much reduced HR and payroll requirement and, perhaps most importantly, they are not incurring excessive and inefficient levels of staff costs in the inevitable low-demand periods. Given the difficulties in recruiting reliable cleaning operatives, retaining good staff on an annual basis is completely understandable. However, those staffing levels are designed to meet the demands of maximum occupancy. They are wholly unnecessary and very expensive when occupancy is low. Matching staff required to occupancy levels is something that a nationally operating business such as Smart Housekeeping can cope with much more easily and the subsequent savings are passed back to the operator in the charging annual system. The average annual saving across our existing customer base has been calculated as being an astonishing £30,000 per annum. Does it work? Well the comments for two of our industry’s leading operators suggest they at least they are convinced: “Godfrey Group Smart Housekeeping has worked in partnership with Darwin Escapes consistently over the last 5 years.” Drew Campbell, Darwin Escapes “Godfrey Group are our preferred choice for Housekeeping.” Gary Molloy, Leisure Resorts Now remember we spoke of a welcoming reception on arrival. Well the following quote shows that Smart Housekeeping might be able to help there too! “They have taken so much of the repetitive, time-consuming work from my desk I feel I can really get down to improving the park’s customer offer and profile. Which is what I really want to do.” LC, Leisure Resorts For more information, please contact Godfreygrp.co.uk Photo: Godfrey Group Facilities’ Jo-Anne Stubbs (Finance Manager), Andrew Godfrey (MD) and Dave Saxon (Business Manager)
Wigwam® Holidays Working in Tandem with Cycling Business
Wigwam® Holidays is proud to announce its first glamping site in Suffolk, working in ‘tandem’ with renowned cycling business, Maglia Rosso which is set to open on 28th October 2019. Six luxury Running Water Deluxe Wigwam® Cabins are now in place at the site, which is located in a peaceful meadow next to the Maglia Rosso cycle centre and country café in the pretty village of Hawstead. Father and son business partners, Barry and Matt Denny, said: “We are delighted to launch our new glamping concept opening next month. “We’ve had a lot of preparation work for our glamping accommodation and we are very pleased as the cabins are now in place ready for the autumn season. “Our site is ideal for families and if they also have an interest in cycling, then we’re the perfect site! “However we are keen to stress that we are the perfect site for a staycation in this lovely part of Suffolk.” Wigwam® Holidays Maglia Rosso is close to the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, rich with historical connections and home to Suffolk’s only cathedral. The site is also close the beautiful villages of Lavenham, Long Melford and Clare. Nearby attractions include Kentwell Hall and Nowton Park with Newmarket and Cambridge also within easy driving distance. Maglia Rosso operates from the former Arms public house, with key focus on cycling for leisure and sport. The site has access to a variety of loops to suit all cycling abilities, along with servicing and a fleet of bikes to hire. Barry said: “For us the most important aspect of the development of the glamping accommodation is to welcome cyclists and non-cyclists alike. While we are passionate about the sport, we are also keen to attract glamping guests to this lovely part of Suffolk.”
Elfin supplies kitchen solution to floating pod concept
In March 2017, Luke Robertson and his father set out on a new project that would tap into the emerging glamping market. The idea was to manufacturer a bespoke floating pod, that would offer a unique boutique hotel experience and provide guests with everything they required in a small space, including double bed, kitchen area, wet room, outside seating, speaker system and even Wi-Fi. In April 2018, the concept became a reality with the floating pod – dubbed the ‘Flotel Room’ – opening its doors for bookings in Hartlepool Marina. Providing a suitable kitchen area was a key factor in making the 4 x 6 metre space practical, so Luke turned to experts in small kitchen ideas, Elfin Kitchens. Luke opted for a 1000mm Premium model (M-100-Ms-RK) which is supplied with an integrated fridge freezer, 20 litre combination microwave oven and grill, hotplates, sink and tap, plus two handy soft close storage drawers. Explaining his decision to specify Elfin Kitchens, Luke said: “We started off looking at adapting regular kitchen carcasses, but they simply didn’t look right in the space and we weren’t convinced they would be durable enough. So, rather than trying to adapt products to fit our needs, we set out to find a kitchenette that was specifically designed for small spaces. “After a quick online search, we came across Elfin Kitchens, who appeared to offer the perfect solution. We arranged to meet up with them at the Glamping Show to see the products first hand. We were particularly impressed with the build quality, which was a key consideration for the pod design, as we needed to ensure the kitchen could withstand constant use. “After talking through the requirements with the Elfin team, we opted for the 1000mm Premium model, which fitted the space perfectly. We didn’t have to make any alterations to the compact kitchen; we simply plugged and plumbed it in, and it was ready to go. “Overall, we’re really impressed with the Elfin Kitchen; it’s the perfect product for small areas. The next pod we have in mind to make will have a double bed and the capacity to fit five people in – so we’re sure to use Elfin Kitchens again.” The Premium range of kitchens incorporates high-quality appliances, including a refrigerator, sink and tap, plus a choice of solo or combination microwave, oven and grill. In addition, Premium models are supplied with optional soft close drawers and/or ceramic hotplate. The ‘Flotel Room’ is designed for two people and has been constructed with a base of 10mm thick plastic injected with polystyrene to make it float. To add a splash of colour to a kitchen, Elfin’s premium models are also available in a range of colours, from gloss powder-coated White and Claret, to matt powder-coated Sand and Bronze. Elfin’s compact kitchens save space and offer great flexibility, with right or left-hand versions available. In addition, the kitchens can be quickly installed on site, arriving in a single pallet which offers a ‘plug and play’ solution. For information on the entire range of kitchens and accessories, visit: www.elfinkitchens.co.uk
When space for a spa is an issue, we have the solution
Park Leisure Solutions Ltd officially launched their brand new 6 Person Hot Tub Model this month. After listening to Park owners and operators the new 202B-PKS Spa model has been specifically designed and built for those customers where space is a premium but still require a larger Hot Tub for their guests. The new model is the perfect fit, offering a smaller footprint, coupled with comfortable open seating to accommodate 6 adults. Park Leisure Solutions now have available a choice of seven premium built and fully compliant commercial Hot Tub models, ranging from the popular three person to the imposing MED-PKS eight person launched earlier this year. Managing Director, Stuart Mulchay, said “The introduction of the new 202B-PKS, 6 person model into our range now offers Park operators and owners an ideal solution when space is a problem. As the booking criteria including a Hot Tub becomes more and more popular with guests. The requests for a reduced footprint, six person, fully compliant Hot Tub have increased significantly, and resulted in the launch of this innovative new model to meet demand”. Finished in silver marble acrylic with a black cabinet plus cover and measuring only 79.5” x 79.5” x 36”. The new model seats 6 adults with ease and offers 1,108 litres capacity, fully adjustable hydrotherapy jets, park controls and inline dosing plus 5 year plumbing, 5 year surface and 2 year electrical component warranties as standard. Available to order today the 202B-PKS is specifically designed for commercial use for Holiday Parks and satisfies all the guidelines in the HSE 282 document. 202B Model in brief: Seats: 6 Person Silver marble acrylic finish Dimensions: 79.5” x 79.5” x 36” 26 fully adjustable Two-Tone stainless steel jets Water Capacity: 1,108 Litres Park Controls on/off and coded temperature control In-line Chlorine or Bromine dosing for easy maintenance Climacube water heating ready 10 year frame warranty 5 year plumbing warranty 5 year surface warranty 2 year electrical component warranty Nationwide supply and service
Hytte Blinds – Designed in Britain. Inspired By Norway.
For the people of Norway, escaping to a holiday home or HYTTE (pronounced hee-ta) is a way of life. Attention to detail and simple interior design combine to create an atmosphere perfect for relaxing. It was this philosophy that has inspired Worcestershire based Hytte Blinds to create their new, stylish range of window blinds specifically designed for holiday homes, lodges, static caravans and pods. Available in a wide variety of contemporary colours the slim profiles, robust design and innovative Click FitTM technology provide the perfect interior finish to any holiday home with double glazed windows. Purposely manufactured to fit the slim window profiles of holiday homes the new Hytte blinds can either be fitted from new or easily retro fitted, bringing a fresh feel to the interior space and require no tools, no DIY skills and no fuss. Officially launched this month and now ready to order online via the hytteblinds.com website, the moisture resistant, pleated blinds provide a thermal barrier that regulates the temperature whatever the season. Made from durable polyester the new blinds will enhance any holiday home, gently letting light in, whilst offering privacy for the occupants. Hytte Blinds, Sales Manager, Brad Hill said, “Our new Hytte Blinds range has been designed for the holiday home market and offers a stylish alternative to traditional fabric curtains. With a wide choice of colours and an easy, online made to measure, fitting guide. The innovative design and construction allows holiday homeowners to quickly and easily restyle the interior of their home and immediately benefit from the thermal properties of the blinds, cool in summer and warm in winter.” Designed and manufactured to order in the UK, once you have chosen your colour, provided your measurements and placed your order at hytteblinds.com, Hytte blinds normally take two weeks for delivery, are supplied with 12 months warranty and are moisture proof and child safe.
HBP Systems’ Till Solution Secures The Future Growth Holiday Park Operator
Lincolnshire holiday park resort, Blue Anchor Leisure, has onboarded HBP Systems and their integrated till solution, to enhance growth and customer experience. Established in 1972, Skegness-based, Blue Anchor Leisure has become a prominent figure in the holiday park industry, popular for its seaside location and host of onsite attractions.With award-winning accommodation and front-of-house staff, their customers were oblivious to struggles behind-the-scenes. Blue Anchor had grown into a 13-site business, with over 200 staff, and anywhere between 1000-30,000 people on-site, at any time. Managing this on their previous paper-based system was negatively impacting the business. Blue Anchor Leisure’s Director, Jonathan Moses, explains: “We needed to give the customers a better service, and the old system that we had just didn’t cut it.” Having multiple sites, with diverse facilities, finding a till solution to meet all their needs was problematic. “We were behind the times. We had unique problems, and we needed a solution that would embrace our unique challenges,” says Jonathan. Blue Anchor discovered Scunthorpe’s, HBP Systems, when they found a video case study online about how they had helped Lyons Holiday Park, by implementing a fully integrated till solution. Blue Anchor’s Account Manager at HBP, Richard Wellham, says: “It was key for them that we had experience with their industry.” The till solution, known as KCPOS, automates the synchronisation of data across the business’ tills, stock control and online sales, feeding it to their accounts. With 25 KCPOS tills installed, it has created a unified platform across Blue Anchor, consistently providing them with real-time data on their business and customers. Finance Manager at Blue Anchor, Nick Chapman, praises: “We can access the system at any given time to see what different outlets have processed and how much money each till has taken. They put our 13 different parks on one network, so we can report in real-time and make fasters decisions, based on accurate data.” Richard Wellham explains: “KCPOS is a perfect fit for holiday parks as it a multi-discipline solution, therefore, it can be tailored to multiple environments within one site, such as; admissions, retail and hospitality. Efficient customer service is vital, so KCPOS has been designed to ensure this.” Blue Anchor Leisure has recently completed filming their own KCPOS case study, in which Jonathan Moses, states: “HBP stuck to the timeframes and delivered the system that we asked for. We found the right company to work with. I wouldn’t just recommend HBP to other holiday parks. I would recommend them to any business that faces unique issues like we do.” To find out more on Blue Anchor Leisure’s journey with KCPOS watch their video case study at, www.hbpsystems.co.uk/case-studies/blue-anchor-leisure-case-study/. — About HBP Systems Ltd. HBP Systems is an award-winning provider and support specialist of EPOS solutions, business software, IT, cybersecurity and telecoms. Founded in 1991, we have been helping SMEs grow through the development, implementation and support of our tailored and scalable quality solutions. For over 25-years, our proven IT expertise and practices have helped businesses enhance their productivity and profitability. At HBP Systems, we understand that no two businesses are the same, therefore neither are their technology requirements. We will always take the time to understand our customers’ unique requirements, values and ambitions to tailor their solutions and support plans to them specifically. For more information on our award-winning services, visit https://www.hbpsystems.co.uk/. To contact HBP Systems, please call us on 01724 400 300 or email us on info@hbpsystems.co.uk.
The power of deep aeration for glamping
Lack of rainfall over long periods followed by heavy downpours on compacted grass can leave standing water, rendering large areas unusable. Glamping venues, amenity areas, sports pitches, parks and golf courses are all victims of compaction and panning. The action of foot traffic, erection and use of tents and pods, use of machines and even normal aeration can result in poor drainage, depriving grass roots of oxygen and nutrients. Terrain Aeration has been providing a long-term solution to this for over twenty-five years and has wide experience in treating glamping venues such as Warwick Castle and amenities like London’s Hyde Park after the Winter Wonderland event. One-metre deep penetration using the Terrain Aeration Terralift machine not only relieves compaction, it is also the vehicle for injecting dried seaweed. The whole process has a beneficial effect that lasts many years. It works like this. The Terralift hammers a hollow probe one metre into the soil using a JCB road breaker gun (this is because the ground is usually so compact at depth that it needs this hammer to break through). Once the probe has reached one metre depth, compressed air is released up to a maximum of 20Bar (280psi), the Terralift being the only machine using such high air pressure, which is needed to fracture and fissure the soil. On the tail end of the air blast, dried seaweed is injected which sticks to the walls of the fractures and fissures and, over time, expands and contracts with the moisture content in the soil – similar to “breathing” underground. The 1½” probe holes created by the Terralift machine are backfilled with aggregate to provide a semi permanent aeration/ventilation shaft, helping to keep the whole aeration process working. The top 1″ should be topped with the usual top dressing to encourage grass growth over the probe holes. The probe is withdrawn and the process repeated using two-metre centre spacings on a staggered grid pattern – this means that each shot interconnects with the previous ones. The Terrain Aeration process is ecologically sound, there is minimum disruption to the area treated and no mess. Which means business as usual without interruption. Terrain Aeration 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.co.uk
Bespoke Canopy Offerings From Fordingbridge
The offering for Park Owners looking to increase the opportunities for their guests is now even greater, thanks to the standard and bespoke canopy offering from Fordingbridge. The West Sussex based specialist have a long history in helping businesses expand their offering of year round shelter for dining, sports and recreation. Designing and manufacturing their canopies in-house, this has always resulted in high quality products with excellent costings. “We understand the changing landscape of the UK holiday industry and we know that while the opportunity is certainly there, both holiday makers and park-home owners are looking for facilities that will allow them to maximise use of their investment,” explains Adam Collier, the company’s leisure specialist. “Fordingbridge offers a truly consultative approach. We fully discuss your ideas and vision for the park so that we understand the direction you wish to take in the longer term. Our products are designed to last for decades, so it’s important it will fit with your long term plans. If you would like us to visit your site, we will happily do so, so as to provide you with a proposal fully designed around you.” While the firms’ approach is a more tailored experience with regards to customer service, Fordingbridge also offer a range of standardised products in their canopy offering. “As we have been trading for so long, over 50 years in fact, we have built a solid portfolio of past projects. We are able to provide costings for both regular shapes and the weird and wonderful!” Adam explains. “Our design team is in-house, as are our engineers. This means we can quickly translate your ideas into a functional canopy to protect your guests.” The innovation and design capabilities are apparent throughout the firm, having developed their own roofing specifically for their products. Opal 60 was custom developed to provide a canopy roof material which remains 100% waterproof and reduces harmful UV. The uniqueness of the Fordingbridge offering is that the material still allows a generous amount of natural light to pass through, hence reducing the claustrophobic sensation of competitor fabric products. “Opal 60 is a fantastic product,” he comments. “It provides rain protection when necessary and gives opportunity for protection from the suns UV without casting a shadow over the site. The protection is there, but so is the light, and that is just as important. Our work covers so many different sectors, including healthcare and education and the level of detail in a canopy specification really means these factors can’t be overlooked. The days of shade sails are waning, not only due to the lack of rain protection but also the lack of proper UV shelter. The Fordingbridge offering is broad. With products ranging from timber canopies adjacent to buildings for increased seated dining, to full MUGA coverings to allow promotion of your parks’ sports facilities throughout the year, Fordingbridge have the skills and experience necessary to translate your requirements into a practical, long lasting and aesthetic enhancement to your facility. Able to add value to your site through innovative techniques and more than five decades experience, a Fordingbridge canopy is an investment that is sure to enhance your guest experience from the outset.
Kingston Park and Leisure Homes
Hull based Kingston Park and Leisure Homes have revealed their brand-new model, The Palazzo, at the Stoneleigh World of Park and Leisure Homes show. Taking a modern approach, the Kingston team took onboard feedback gained at the Ardingly show, and have created a stunning contemporary luxury lodge. The idea for The Palazzowas hatched after conversations the Kingston team had at the Ardingly show. Taking on feedback from those looking for something more modern, the team started scouring the internet and design magazines for ideas. “We took inspiration from all sorts of places; warehouse conversions, trendy bars and coffee houses and leading-edge architecture projects” said Kris Robinson, Commercial Director of Kingston Park and Leisure Homes” “We wanted to use contemporary features and finishes to really bring something that’s completely different to our current range. We want to show customers that we have the ability to create the full spectrum of lodges from traditional log cabins to cutting edge lodges like The Palazzo” It’s really refreshing to see a company taking on customer feedback and implementing it in such a quick time. Kris continued “Like every Kingston lodge, The Palazzo is built by skilled craftsman in our factory in Hull. Customers also get our unrivalled levels of service and our unique late delivery cash back giving you peace of mind on your investment with us. Every lodge purchase for a park owner or retail customer is a personal journey and we do our upmost to make it as enjoyable and exciting as it should be.” The Palazzois the first model in the UK to use external cladding by Therrawood. With a unique cladding and modern styling, The Palazzois a welcome departure from Kingston Park and Leisure Homes more traditional range but they’re all the better for it. As with all Kingston’s range, the quality is second to none and the unique service they provide, including late delivery cashback, really set the brand apart from the competition. Listening to clients and customers can only be a good thing for potential buyers out there and it should signal to everyone out there that Kingston Park and Leisure Homes are becoming a serious player in the luxury lodge market. If you like what you see you can call Kingston Park and Leisure Homes on 01482 835835 or visit their website, www.kingstonplh.com, to see the full range of stunning lodges and park homes.
