THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE NCC

PARKSSPRING 2020 BUSINESS

Lodges in lockdown Strategies to deal with the nationwide emergency

GREEN INITIATIVES SELING UP DRINK LOCAL Use less plastic Preparations for The latest trends and commit to eco marketing your in craft beers and energy business specialty gins

PLUS: PARKDEAN RESORTS • HIDDEN DISABILITIES • INDUSTRY INNOVATION • PLANNING PARKS BUSINESS Contents Page 4 News The latest industry events

Page 10 COVID-19 A practical guide for members

Page 15 Electric vehicle charging Prepare your park for the 2035 petrol and diesel ban

Page 16 Page 18 Smart electricity monitoring Green days Simple Pod – Not a caravan Awareness of energy efficiency Cutting chemicals for a healthier park Page 21 Budget announcements Points of interest for members

Page 23 Working at height General safety steps for workers

Page 24 Page 44 Autism awareness Page 28 Drink local Pod with Facilities – Probably a caravan Those with a hidden disability It’s a caravan, Jim… Stock your bar with could become loyal customers when does a pod regional specialities become a caravan? Page 26 Page 32 2020 innovation Park homes Pioneering suppliers and services as gifts NCC legl advisor Page 31 Kirstie Apps Legal update explains Park Home Stakeholder Working Group

Page 34 Holiday homes at the NEC Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show report

Page 36 Selling your caravan park Page 12 Practical guidance from Richard CONTRIBUTORS Industry Prestwich of Savills Kirstie Apps, Ian Butter, Melanie Day, interview Alicia Dunne, Richard Prestwich with Barrie Page 40 Versions of the articles on pages 23, 34, 40 and Robinson of Online training 42 previously appeared in The NCC Business. Parkdean Internet-based learning from Resorts www.nccacademy.org.uk

Published by National Caravan Council, Catherine House, Victoria Road, Aldershot GU11 1SS Tel: 01252 318251 Email: [email protected] ©National Caravan Council 2019 www.thencc.org.uk The views in this magazine are not necessarily those of the NCC Editor: Louise Wood [email protected] Tel: 07824 994690 Design & Production: Richard Charnley [email protected] Advertising: [email protected] leading & promoting the industry The NCC aims to promote, represent and protect the collective interests of its members

2 NCC BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 3 NEWS

John’s spot... PROVISIONAL NCC wins battle for Fair Motorhome Coronavirus business support DIARY DATES Tax: VED hike reversed in Budget Information about the range Business Rates Holiday 3 June of business support measures for Retail, Hospitality and When the Prime Minister NCC & CCNL Board In the recent Budget, the Chancellor said: “We have had extraordinary available to UK businesses Leisure whereby these addressed the nation on London Rishi Sunak confirmed that the rise in support from Parliamentarians – too and employees can be found sectors in England will not 23 March, he announced a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which was many to mention them all – but in at www.businesssupport. have to pay business rates for series of robust measures 20 August (trade day) imposed on new motorhomes, would particular Richard Holden MP, Sir gov.uk/coronavirus-business- the 2020-21 tax year to reduce the spread of the virus, which 21-23 August (public) be reversed from 12 March 2020. David Amess MP, Emma Hardy MP, support. involved closing parks and the majority World of Park and Leisure The NCC #fairmotorhometax Karl Turner MP and David Davis MP. The website pages help Statutory Sick Pay Rebate of other businesses. Homes campaign which despite the They realised the impact it would businesses find out how to which will allow small and Ardingly challenges of a highly turbulent have on British manufacturing, on access the support, who is medium-sized businesses to In the previous issue of The Business, Parliament in 2019 including a jobs and, potentially, on UK tourism. eligible, when the schemes reclaim Statutory Sick Pay I wrote that I had a feeling the industry 23 September general election had, by March 2020 “I would like to publicly thank Alicia open and how to apply. This paid for staff sickness absence – indeed the country – is at a crossroads. NCC/CCNL Board attracted the backing of 85 cross- Dunne and all our members who includes: due to coronavirus At that time, I had no idea that the roads London party MPs to secure this historic supported the campaign, who worked ahead were so treacherous. achievement. tirelessly in the lobby to achieve this Coronavirus Business Time to Pay scheme offering 13 to 18 October NCC Director General, John Lally, remarkable result.” Interruption Loan Scheme certain businesses and self- Coronavirus has hit us all – the tourism Motorhome and Caravan which gives access to bank employed people in financial industry, the whole of the country and Show lending and overdrafts distress, and with outstanding quite probably the greater part of the NEC, Birmingham tax liabilities, support with world. Cash Grant for Retail, their tax affairs through 5 November Hospitality and Leisure, HMRC’s Time To Pay service While residential parks can stay Caravan Holiday Home Supply through which cash grants of open, we have now seen closure of Chain Forum up to £25k per property are Coronavirus Job Retention the majority of holiday parks (with tbc available Scheme allowing UK exceptions to allow for occupants with employers with a PAYE nowhere else to go and for key workers Small Business Funding scheme to access support to or the homeless temporarily housed IMPORTANT grant providing additional continue paying part of their in holiday caravans). Manufacturer/ NOTE funding for Local employees’ salary for those supplier factory shut-downs followed. Because of COVID-19, it Authorities to support small who would have been laid off. Retail dealerships and holiday caravan is highly likely that some businesses that already distributors are closed. of these events may be pay little or no business There is also an online conducted as virtual events, Emma Hardy MP (Hull West and Hessle) David Davis MP (Haltemprice and rates because of various rate FAQ (England) section and In the PM’s words, it is a national cancelled or postponed. with NCC Director General John Lally Howden) with the NCC’s Alicia Dunne relief schemes advice on 0300 456 3565. emergency. In fact, it is a war. A war against an unknown enemy, of unknown The majority of articles in this The NCC is working on a new online COVID-19 advice hub for all length, of incalculable cost (not just in magazine were researched Cove Communities begins UK expansion sectors of the industry. Members will be emailed the links shortly. terms of money). This is certainly not and comments made before the beginning of the end and we are not the severity of coronavirus had with purchase of Bunn Leisure Ban on new petrol, even close to it being the end of become clear. the beginning. A US holiday park operator which actively researching the UK caravan diesel and hybrids As the vast majority of parks runs thousands of sites across the park sector with an eye on expansion, In these uncertain times, we want and many park-related US and Canada, has taken over West focusing on seafront properties. A ban on selling new petrol, members to know we are here to offer businesses are now closed Sussex-based Bunn Leisure. The deal, The US firm will be making diesel and hybrid cars in support and guidance. If you need or with staff working away reportedly worth £150m, is the first considerable investment in the Selsey the UK will be brought anything, please let us know – we must all from their offices, this issue of stage in creating a larger UK-based site, continuing improvements started forward to 2035 at the latest, pull together during the next few months. Parks Business is being made caravan park business. under the previous owners. The under Government plans. available electronically. Cove Communities is headed foundations of Bunn Leisure were set The change comes after Health and wellbeing are the most up by Mark Seaton, son of Robert in 1959 when Douglas Bunn bought The Caravan, Camping & experts said 2040 would be important things. Most of our people are Seaton, who was one of the founders the land from his father and created Motorhome Show attracted too late if the UK wants to working remotely but do call the NCC’s of Bourne Leisure. Cove has been the White Horse Caravan Park. a total attendance of 89,377 achieve its target of emitting dedicated member line on 01252 336097. visitors to Birmingham’s NEC. virtually zero carbon by 2050. Pictured above is the Swift Hybrid vehicles are also now NB Articles and opinions in the l Parkdean Resorts is caravan” at one of their UK puts England second Basecamp painted at the show being banned under the magazine were largely given offering tourer trade, holiday parks. in its list of the world’s by graffiti artist ‘Paris’. See the proposals. This will be subject prior to the escalation of whereby visitors can part best places to travel – holiday home area in pictures to consultation - there are a steps to stem the spread exchange their tourer for a l Lonely Planet, the travel between Bhutan and North on p36-37. Next year’s show will number of challenges for the of COVID-19. “modern and stylish static guide and advice website, Macedonia. be from 23-28 February 2021. industry (see p13).

4 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 5 NEWS

Butlin’s wins at UK Pathfinder creates ‘virtual showground’ Hull to host 2020 VisitEngland Feefo award for Hoburne Pool & Spa Awards Because of the postponement of the Ardingly and Awards for Excellence For a second consecutive year, holiday park In the recent UK Pool & Spa Stoneleigh shows, Pathfinder Homes has created operator Hoburne Holidays has been awarded awards, Butlin’s swimming a ‘virtual showground’ where visitors can see Hull has been chosen to host winners will be announced in the Feefo Trusted Service Award. This is an complex in Bognor Regis inside the company’s new Hawthorne and Belle the highest accolades in all 15 core categories; 400 local independent seal of excellence that recognises has scooped the title of Maison homes, or take a trip around the Single English tourism on Tuesday winners will also be invited to businesses for delivering exceptional Holiday Park Pool of the Year Tor. 16 June 2020. The venue – attend the Learning Expo at experiences, as rated by customers. 2019. Pathfinder’s Floating Lodge, which was should the event go ahead – the Bonus Arena. Rosie Kennar, chairman of the Hoburne The Art Deco-influenced launched last year, can be viewed by interactive will be DoubleTree by The new trade event-style Group, said: “It’s a real honour to receive the pool building, which opened in tour and, finally, visitors can meet Pathfinder’s Hilton, and a tourism Learning Expo will provide Feefo Trusted Service Award for the second spring 2019, represents a £40m Sales Executive, Steve Hoare online by video. Learning Expo will be held English tourism businesses year in a row. We’ve been working hard to water leisure investment, and See www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk/home-virtual/ at the Bonus Arena. with tools and expertise to ensure our customers receive the best service has a staff of 48. It features National finalists will be help them promote and possible, going that extra mile to provide truly a flume, 7.4m helter-skelter invited to the awards where enhance their products for memorable experiences for our holidaymakers and a wave pool with themed Gold, Silver and Bronze the modern consumer. across our parks.” music. The complex, which has a seaside theme, can hold up to 1,000 people. Devon popularity Savills has sold Allerthorpe Butlins says that it took the grows in 2019 help of 1,250 people and over Golf and Park two years to develop. Read Retreat in more at www.butlins.com/ Outdoor accommodation East Yorkshire, blog/new-pool-bognor-regis. provider Pitchup.com which has has revealed that Devon’s planning caravanning and camping permission Changing Places sites saw a 15% increase for 150 lodges and caravans. toilets would in bookings in comparison to 2018. The guide drive footfall Devon is Pitchup.com’s price was £4.5 second-best selling UK million. Last summer the destination behind Cornwall, Government consulted on with the site’s camping increasing the provision of and caravanning bookings large, well-equipped toilet The World of Park and Leisure Homes at Ardingly has been postponed to 20-23 August, bringing in more than £2.8m facilities – Changing Places with the Stoneleigh show re-scheduled to 10-13 June 2021. to the local economy. toilets – which give severely disabled people and their families the opportunity to Colliers International sells Lakeview Manor lodge park English Tourism Week Wales Tourism Week visit public places which Nick Ayrton: industry they otherwise would not be A Devon lodge park and hotel has and their growth opportunities. They English Tourism Week (ETW), The WTA, along with its loses former organiser of able to. been acquired by private equity- are relative newcomers to the sector, originally scheduled to take partners, are taking this year’s It is estimated that at least backed holiday operator, Lakeshore albeit with very experienced senior place from 18-25 April 2020 annual Wales Tourism Week HERCMA shows 250,000 people in the UK Leisure Group Ltd, in a deal brokered leadership teams.” has been postponed. ETW online - A Virtual Reality need Changing Places toilets by Colliers International. is the annual celebration Celebration of all things The funeral of Nick Ayrton took place on in order to have their toileting Lakeview Manor, near Honiton, “Most successful year yet” of English tourism. It aims Wales Tourism. 11 March, with a thanksgiving service at needs met in a safe and had been on the market for Colliers International has said that last to showcase the quality, The organisers say: “Whilst St Thomas of Canterbury Church on dignified way. However, as £1.8 million. Ben Jones, director in year was its most successful yet in range and value of English we pass through this difficult Worting Road, Basingstoke, at noon. these are larger than standard the Colliers’ Caravan Parks team, terms of deals for the Caravan Parks tourism to stakeholders, time, we want to use Wales Nick was a prominent figure within the disabled toilets, they require said: “Lakeview Manor is a fine team – both in the South West office and to highlight the vast Tourism Week 2020 to look caravan industry from the 1970s to the significant footprint and can leisure business, which is operating and nationally – and all the signs are contribution of tourism to the at how we can kick start the 1990s and was a very active member of cost i.r.o. £40k to build. successfully and offers fantastic that this trend will continue. UK economy. next season whenever that the NCC, serving on the S&S committee Ministry for Housing, scope for expansion. “It is also notable that lodge parks Visit England says English is and start communicating for many years. As Managing Director of Communities & Local “This the second time within a are successfully extending their tourism generates £106 billion with our visitors early. We Teamwork Professionals, Nick organised Government says that there is matter of months that we’ve secured appeal to customers by investing in a a year, supports 2.6 million want to encourage those who The Lawns and Beaulieu shows on behalf anecdotal evidence that their the sale of a holiday lodge park in much-improved offer with premium jobs and is a major employer have cancelled to come back of HERCMA for 11 years. He was married to presence can drive footfall. Devon to Lakeshore Leisure Group, accommodation and facilities, and by of young people. See www. and those who are looking to Marion, who sadly died in 2012 and who had There is more information on and this very much reflects the strong appealing to specialist interests such visitbritain.org/english- break out to visit us as soon as been Exhibitions Manager at the NCC. the .gov website. market for lodge parks in general as fishing breaks. tourism-week for updates. the restrictions are lifted.”

6 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 7 NEWS NEWS

Haulfryn Group appoints Echo Lu as its new CEO

Haulfryn Group Ltd, which owns for Homebase and Holland & and manages a range of UK Barrett International. luxury holiday and residential Outgoing CEO Bobby parks, has appointed its new McGhee said: “With strategic CEO. Echo Lu took up the reins analysis and insight alongside of the company, which employs outstanding leadership skills, nearly 500 team members, on Echo is well placed to take the Charlie Ward, the new front of house lead at the 1 February. company forward.” Love2Stay resort at Emstrey, is relishing the new Echo moved to the USA to Mike Tye, Executive challenge of driving customer satisfaction and complete her Masters degree Chairman for Haulfryn, said: service at the luxury resort. and has a CV spanning over 20 “I would like to thank Bobby Charlie, who has worked almost exclusively years. Her experiences includes (McGhee) for his long service in the hospitality industry since she was 16, COO for Tesco China, Property and great dedication ensuring commented: “My aim is to put my stamp on the Director for Tesco UK/Ireland the Haulfryn name remains role and support general manager Chris Skitt.” and, later on, Managing Director synonymous with quality.”

Park Management Qualification NCC Training Academy has welcomed four Hoburne staff on its Park Management Qualification – see pages 40-41. Dave Absalom, Hoburne Park General Manager “I found the series of courses informative and relevant to the day-to-day running of a holiday park. There was a great mix of skills practice and tutoring; each course sends you away with reinforcement objectives that make you focus on yourself and your team’s behaviour.” Ben Dalton, Group Retail Manager “With the varied topics covered and the tools presented, it has allowed me to identify new ways of managing my teams and improving my organisation. Consequently, my productivity has increased. I would highly recommend the NCC Training Academy.” Vicky Kyte, Hoburne Naish Customer Experience Manager “Our trainer allowed us to contribute and feel at ease in areas of learning that were new and a little daunting. After the training, I felt a lot more Twenty years confident in areas that I may have shied away from in the past.” service at Salop Richard Ridley, Hoburne Devon Bay Operations Manager: Service foreman Richard Morris “I was excited to enhance my skills and gain experience to help further my (above left) has clocked up development within Hoburne. The course was relevant, and the course 20 years’ service at Salop tutor made the sessions very engaging. I like the way we were able to Leisure in Shrewsbury. complete the course in our time, using the online modules and exams.” When Richard joined, he became the fourth member of the service team, which had Football manager a four-bay workshop. Fast forward 20 years, and Richard joins the team the business now employs 14 staff and has a 15-bay at Salop Leisure workshop, where Richard and his workmates service A salesman, well known in Shropshire and the and repair both tourers and West Midlands for his football achievements motorhomes. as a player and manager, has been recruited to He is pictured receiving a Salop’s sales team. gold watch from Salop Richard Brown is their new area sales manager Leisure’s managing director for caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges. Mark Bebb.

8 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 9 ESSENTIAL GUIDANCE

Chancellor is taking further action employment law and renegotiating conditions of their specific policy by extending the scheme so that all any contractual entitlements). and to contact their providers. viable small businesses affected by Most businesses are unlikely to Covid-19, and not just those unable Closure of parks be covered, as standard business to secure regular commercial The Prime Minister announced interruption policies are dependent financing, will now be eligible. on Monday 23 March that with on damage to property and will There are some 40 accredited immediate effect everyone in the exclude pandemics. lenders able to offer the scheme, UK is ordered to stay at home to including all the major banks. stop COVID-19 from spreading. Owners and staff falling ill COVID-19 Government expects the scheme This resulted in the enforced If owners or staff contact the park to run for an initial period of six closure of caravan parks and management or reception to months. There is no limit on the campsites. Police forces now report virus symptoms while on capacity of the scheme. have the powers to enforce these the park, or in the course of their rules through fines and dispersal employment at the park, then A practical guide Job Retention Scheme (JRS) orders if people do not adhere to they should be advised to follow Guidance on the rules relating to the guidance. This followed earlier the government advice online at the JRS and furloughing has been Government advice that travelling www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. Staff published by Government. The to a second holiday home or to a should be told to leave the park NCC has provided its members with caravan park is regarded as NON- immediately if possible and self- information taken from the relevant ESSENTIAL travel. isolate at home. for members Government websites and expert sources. NB members are advised Owners self-isolating or at risk Cancellations by those with This is a rapidly evolving situation which the NCC is monitoring carefully. It is that they must take their own There are exceptions, however – bookings advice on how this applies to them, see p42-43 for details. In essence, If it is not possible to transfer a critical that members keep under constant review the advice and guidance their staff and their individual holiday caravan owners/occupants booking to a later date, then the issued by Government. The NCC is creating a members’ COVID-19 information circumstances. that do not have a permanent customer may be entitled to a full Eligibility: the scheme is open to residence in the UK can remain in or partial refund. hub, which will be available online shortly. all UK employers that had a PAYE their caravan. Parks should consider any payroll scheme for employees in Parks are advised to make reputational risk in keeping strictly Business Rates Holiday for guarantee of 80% to enable banks SME Coronavirus Business place on 28 February 2020; to qualify contact with their Local Authority to what their terms and conditions Retail, Hospitality and Leisure to make loans of up to £25m to Interruption Loan Scheme might say. In such circumstances, Businesses in the retail, hospitality firms with an annual turnover The first Coronavirus Business If it is not possible and safe for the owner to return parks need to check the terms and leisure sectors in England will of between £45m and £500m. Interruption Loan Scheme was and conditions of their bookings not have to pay business rates for Facilities backed by a guarantee announced to support small and home, then they can self-isolate in their caravan carefully, including whether there is the 2020-21 tax year. under CLBILS will be offered at medium-sized businesses with a ‘force majeure’ clause and if there Your business will be eligible if it commercial rates of interest. an annual turnover of up to £45m. the employee must have been on Site Licensing Officer/Department is, what it says. is based in England* and is in the Government expects the scheme This was so they could access loans, the payroll on any form of contract regarding such ‘resident owners’ sectors mentioned above (including to be delivered through commercial overdrafts, invoice finance and including Zero Hour Contracts and so the park is not subject to any Pitch fee refunds/credits dealerships). lenders. Lenders will still be asset finance of up to £5 million for “agency contracts. (Employees hired subsequent enforcement measures Refunds/credits are usually Businesses do not need to act expected to conduct their usual up to six years. after this date are not eligible.) by the local authority. dictated by the terms of the licence as local authorities will apply the credit risk checks, but this scheme The scheme will be delivered Anyone who was on payroll on If it is not possible and safe for agreement between the park and business rates holiday to bills. allows them to specifically support through commercial lenders, 28 February 2020 but was then the caravan owner to return home, the holiday caravan owner and will This will apply to rates bills for the business that were viable before the backed by the Government- made redundant can be rehired then they can self-isolate in their usually only apply if the licence 2020/2021 tax year (local authorities COVID-19 outbreak but are facing owned British Business Bank. The and put on the Scheme. caravan, but they must follow the agreement is terminated (either may have to reissue bills). significant cash flow difficulties that Government will provide lenders Who can apply: Any employer Government guidelines on self- by the owner or the park). Park *Some aspects of with a guarantee of can apply – and can (from end of isolation. Owners on park that management will need to consider business support are Businesses in the retail, hospitality and 80% on each loan April) use a portal to claim up to are identified as being in one of whether to offer some form of devolved. For business (subject to a per- 80% of wage costs up to a cap of the ‘at risk’ groups announced by compensation or other easement support outside of leisure sectors in England will not have to lender cap on claims) £2,500 per month for all furloughed Government should provide the to holiday caravan owners to cover England, there is pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year to give lenders employees (employees on a leave park with evidence. Parks should the period the park and its facilities separate information further confidence of absence) plus the associated record this in writing. are not available. for Scotland, Wales and in continuing to Employer National Insurance Holiday caravan owners pay a Northern Ireland. Information would make their business unviable provide finance to SMEs. The contributions and minimum Insurance contribution towards the park’s can be accessed from “ in the short term. government will also make a automatic enrolment employer Where businesses have insurance business rates, which have been www.businesssupport.gov.uk/ The new scheme is expected Business Interruption Payment to pension contributions on that cover for pandemics and waived for the current year. If this coronavirus-business-support/ to launch later in April, allowing cover the first 12 months of interest wage. Any fees, commissions and Government-ordered closure, contribution has already been paid businesses to access finance payable and any lender-levied fees, bonuses are not included. this should allow them to make by holiday caravan owners, this will Large Business Interruption products including short-term so businesses will benefit from The 80% calculated is to be a claim on their policies as long need to be refunded. Loan Scheme loans, overdrafts, invoice finance no upfront costs and lower initial based on the employee’s pre-tax as all other terms and conditions The NCC is taking legal advice on The new Coronavirus Large and asset finance. Businesses repayments. salary. Employers can choose to are met. Insurance policies differ behalf of all sectors of membership Business Interruption Loan Scheme remain responsible for repaying any In response to feedback received top to the payment to 100% but significantly, so businesses are on the issue of deposit returns/ (CLBILS) will provide a government facility they may take out. since the scheme’s launch, the are not obliged to (subject to encouraged to check the terms and refunds.

10 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 11 INDUSTRY INTERVIEW Invest for success An £80m development plan makes Parkdean Resorts ‘an exciting place to be’

Barrie Robinson is Operations This announcement followed abroad. We are fortunate in that Director at Parkdean Resorts, the company’s financial results, the accessibility of our 67 parks, one of the UK’s major holiday which saw a 5% increase in like-for- which are found on coastlines park operators. He spoke to Parks like revenues to £453.2 million last arond the UK, allows for people to Business about his job and the year and growth in all four of the go on holiday without the stress ambitious plans Parkdean Resorts company’s income streams. On- of long-distance journeys or the has for the year ahead. park revenue grew by 6%, holiday unreliability of overseas travel.” home sales increased by 4% and To coincide with the huge The first thing you notice about income from existing holiday home investments Parkdean Resorts Barrie is his energy and infectious owners was above inflation. are making, the operator is also passion for the sector. His first job investing heavily in improving its at Parkdean Resorts was running “No such thing as a typical day” on-park facilities. three parks in south west Scotland “One of the great things about Parkdean Resorts is a complex and one in Norfolk, although his park operations,” Barrie says, and diverse operation. It offers a background was not in parks but in “is that it is never the same day wide range of accommodation, pubs. He was previously Regional twice. One day, I might be dealing providing state-of-the-art caravans Manager with Greene King and was with a £150k lodge sale, making and lodges both for holidaymakers once the UK’s youngest Enterprise sure the welcoming experience and its 20,000 holiday home Inns licensee, taking control of his is brilliant. Another day, one of owners, as well as glamping, first pub in his twenties. our holidaymakers might have touring and camping pitches. just spent £300… but it is equally Recently, the company was voted Investing in the future important that they both have a Best UK Family Holiday Park at the This February, Parkdean Resorts good experience. prestigious British Travel Awards for announced its largest ever “Parkdean Resorts, like many 2019. investment of £80m to deliver UK operators, has benefitted from “It is an exciting time to be inter-generational ‘family fun and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, working for Parkdean Resorts freedom’ for its holiday homeowners and the rise of staycations, with due to the huge investment plans and holiday guests. The investment people choosing to take a holiday that are helping the company to includes a pilot ‘parks of the future’ in the UK rather than opting to go stand out amongst its competitors. initiative in four locations to create Stronger sales both in holiday state-of-the-art accommodation, ABOUT packages and holiday home park facilities and kids’ activity- BARRIE ROBINSON ownership, show that the company based entertainment, such as the is growing and maximising its Bear Grylls Survival Academy. Barrie is 39 years old, married potential,” says Barrie. “And one The investment will also see with two daughters and lives in of the keys to delivering world- over 700 new caravans and 85 new Osmotherley, North Yorkshire. class service,” he believes, “is staff luxury lodges being introduced, As well as being Ops Director at training and development.” major tech and infrastructure Parkdean Resorts, he chairs the Barrie is responsible for projects which include new pitches, Scottish Caravan and Camping overseeing all parks in the north of an enhanced retail offer and digital Forum. In his spare time, he the UK, from South Wales upwards, capacity improvements, including is a season ticket holder at and works closely with Rob Warner, £18m being spent on an industry Middlesbrough FC, Chair of Operations Director for the south, first Wi-Fi project. This involves Governors at his local primary his Regional Director team and providing wireless internet access, school and is Managing Director of then General Managers, to ensure free of charge, to over 25,000 the Cleveland Agriculture Show. each park delivers outstanding caravans and lodges. customer service to holidaymakers

12 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 13 INDUSTRY INTERVIEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING Diesel ban how can the industry prepare?

The deadline of 2035 (or earlier) for the diesel and petrol vehicle ban brings with it widespread implications for parks. It also has serious implications for motorhomes and for tow cars (see The Business, spring issue p24-5).

The NCC has said publicly that it is extremely concerned that government has seemed to ‘move the goalposts’ for our industry – and its millions of customers – by bringing forward the transition to electric cars and vans. Many other organisations have pointed out the insufficient power from the national grid and the huge and owners. His enthusiasm for the to deal with certain scenarios. or 90 days. We also hold monthly requirement for fast-charging holiday parks sector is clear. “We Throughout the day, we look at GM drop-in sessions where we points en route. need to share how brilliant this their skill set and see how they take the opportunity to update on To cope with this potentially industry is as a career choice.” work as team. initiatives – positive actions like massive increase in electric vehicles During its peak operating “Then our chosen trainees will capital developments. on the road, the Chancellor said in season, Parkdean Resorts employs spend two years being immersed “In addition, we use REEVOO, his Budget speech he wanted to more than 7,000 staff across the in all aspects of the business. the independent assessment ensure that drivers are never more UK – staff that Barrie believes are They need to commit to living tool, and we are falling back in than 30 miles from an EV rapid crucial to the company’s success. anywhere in UK for three-month love with TripAdvisor (see Parks charging point. To help meet that “Parkdean Resorts values its staff periods – they could be in the Business, winter 2019) and commit target and encourage EV uptake New Ford Transit Custom PHEV (petrol/electric plug-in hybrid) campervan from enormously, and invests heavily accommodation cleaning team, to respond to every review. It is Rishi Sunak announced a £500 Wellhouse Leisure offers an emissions-free driving range of about 35 miles in training and development then in holiday sales. Some will important to take all emotion out of opportunities to try to ensure that work in central support, with the the response. in his Budget speech the Chancellor said he communities and accommodation employees are well-equipped to expectation that in just a few “It might be obvious but we have wanted to ensure that drivers are never more than providers will cope. This is critical provide the best possible service years, they will be ready to take on to get better at making people for holiday parks, who will have to and keep them motivated so they significant Head of Department stay on park longer, spending 30 miles from an EV rapid charging point deal with an influx – and outflux – reach their full potential. roles, perhaps rising to GM status in more onsite. And we need to be of customers requiring charging “What you often notice when five years. mindful of customers’ increasingly million fund to help support the (ICE) vehicles, and improved facilities. you go on to our parks is the pride Whilst supporting internal discerning tastes. roll-out of more rapid charging mileage per charge’. The NCC’s Alicia Dunne says: and passion our people have for progression into managerial roles, “I truly believe that working “‘hubs’ around the country. While much consideration “While the NCC and the industry their roles. When people truly love Parkdean Resorts also attracts in this industry is the best kept has been given to residential (at of course support moves towards what they do, it shines through management-level talent from secret. A job in park operations Leading the charge? home), fleet, around town and en a zero emissions future, there are effortlessly,” Barrie comments. “We other industries, such as gyms, for a company like Parkdean In its 2019 report Hurry up route charging, there has been less many barriers to achieving this concentrate on developing talent hotel, retail hospitality and leisure. Resorts is really exciting. Meeting and… wait, which examines the public discussion about how rural – potentially far more obstacles to improve teams and stretch their expectations of the huge number opportunities around UK electric for holiday parks than for urban individual abilities – it is important Keeping the customer satisfied of customers and delivering vehicle charge points, Deloitte says: HAVE YOUR SAY accommodation, and greater we inspire our next generation of “We have four main routes consistency, particularly in ‘How quickly EVs will become a challenges for motorhomes and management.” monitoring customer satisfaction the height of the summer, is major form of transport remains a Do you have a view on challenges tow cars than for other vehicles. The company offers a – we use net promoter score (NPS) a challenge but one we must source of debate. As a result, there such as the provision of electric We are lobbying Government to management scheme which and we have to be mindful that embrace. is no consensus about the number charging points? If so, please ensure that help will be available aims to train and upskill university prospective customers will be “Parkdean Resorts’ current of public charging points needed.’ email [email protected]. Has to theses businesses and their graduates so they can progress into viewing this. We have to keep both tag line is: Creating amazing Deloitte does, however, suggest your business already installed visitors so that these tough targets a managerial role in the future. holidaymakers and owners happy. memories. We are in constant that the rate of adoption of EVs is charging points? Parks Business is can be realised, and they are not “We choose from maybe 100 We survey owners a couple of times pursuit of being brilliant – going expected to ‘take off in the early interested in hearing your story – unduly penalised. We continue applicants and bring 30 to an a year, and new owners on their from good to great in everything to mid-2020s, thanks to cost parity email [email protected]. to work with members to find assessment centre, and get them experience at handover and at 60 we do.” with internal combustion engine solutions.”

14 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 15 LIVING WITHOUT PLASTIC

The hotel was advised by staying in our leisure lodges racingfortheoceans.com. will find a recycling note in the HELP AND Closer to home, both Moss welcome pack to try and encourage INSPIRATION Wood in Lancashire and Oakdown them to recycle to reduce the www.racingfortheoceans. Holiday Park in Devon publish amount of waste produced.” (Read com - zero plastic advisors and environmental policy on their more at www.oakdown.co.uk and strategists website. “Waste management is www.mosswood.co.uk.) closely monitored at Oakdown Several park groups are already www.travelwithoutplastic.com and we regularly review the ways phasing out plastic straws and - Travel Without Plastic runs ‘let’s that we can minimise waste by stirrers in advance of the ban which, reduce plastic’ workshops evaluating our practices and ensure along with a ban on cotton buds, https://refill.org.uk/ - how to that they are fit for purpose. We will come into force in April 2020. ‘put your tap on the map’ and Green have two recycling areas on site for (There are exemptions to ensure increase footfall by installing glass, paper, plastic and cans. that those with medical needs or water refill points “In addition to recycling posters a disability are able to continue to dotted around the park, customers access plastic straws.) 2 Minute Foundation is a charity devoted to ‘cleaning Are you communicating with staff and with up our planet two minutes customers, to get them onside and to make it as easy at a time’. Campaigns include #2minutebeachclean. days as possible for them to buy into your recycling efforts? “WHO IS DOING WHAT? Taking a ‘green’ holiday is becoming more important to more people, with l Reduce, re-use and recycle initiatives are in place businesses increasingly scrutinised over this aspect of their operations. across all Haven parks. It has ‘on the go’ recycling bins in high-footfall areas. l A number of caravan parks are among the 20,000 The UK’s tourism industry needs to encourage businesses to use easier- how much single-use plastic your locations where people can fill water bottles (see Help reduce single-use plastic. Few will to-recycle plastic packaging and business buys and at what cost. and Inspiration above right) argue with that, but the trouble is discourage plastic packaging which (Reviewing historic purchasing l Kuoni’s literature is now sent out in home- how to do that quickly, effectively… is difficult to recycle. Businesses records may be revealing.) It is compostable brochure bags. and economically. will be made responsible for the estimated up to 15% is used by In the March 2020 Budget, the Cutting chemicals government announced the key Could your park provide green recycling bags? Are Love2Stay has a Biotop outdoor swimming decisions it has taken for the design pool (below), offering ‘an all-natural swimming of the Plastic Packaging Tax. Plastic you signposting recycling points for plastic waste? experience’. Its biological self-cleansing system packaging tax will apply at a rate of means no chemicals are required to clean the water. then used to roast the next batch of coffee. As part £200 per tonne of plastic packaging cost of managing the packaging habit and can be relatively easily Instead, impurities are absorbed by water-garden of the partnership, The Eco Coffee Company will which does not contain at least 30% they place on the market when it replaced. plants and water organisms. service Hoburne’s machines, offer barista training recycled plastic. This will apply to becomes waste. This is to drive the Travel Without Plastic founder to Hoburne’s food and beverage team and supply plastic packaging which has been “use of more sustainable packaging. Jo Hendrickx suggests identifying Hoburne with re-usable travel cups, which are made manufactured in, or imported into, An average-sized hotel – and where your supply chain uses the of recycled plastic, as well as offering 100 per cent the UK. most likely a holiday park – can most single-use plastic and what compostable single-use cups. Treasury said the tax will consume half a million pieces of you can influence. It makes sense Group Retail Manager Ben Dalton (above right), complement the reformed single use plastic (SUP) every year. to look for quick wins by reviewing says: “Hoburne is committed to minimising its packaging producer responsibility Given the need to change habits, what is being given out and why, impact on the environment and where possible to regulations. These reforms will it may help to start by looking at and eliminating those items that work with eco-friendly local suppliers. aren’t needed. CONSULTATION ON Opera Liege hotel in Paris is Recycled tent material believed to be the first hotel to ban Vango and the National Trust have launched a PLASTIC PACKAGING TAX plastic. It now has bars of soap that recycled plastic This document provides more information and asks for views on areas of can wash hair, hands and body; bin camping collection the tax design, ahead of the tax start date in April 2022. The government liners are made of starch and the that includes eco- would like to hear from businesses, trade and professional bodies and coffee capsules of paper. Wicker Eco coffee and re-usable cups friendly tents and other interested parties. baskets replaced plastic laundry The Hoburne Group has developed a partnership sleeping bags. This consultation which can be found at www.gov.uk/government/ bags and key cards will be made with a Dorset-based coffee producer that offers a They are made consultations/plastic-packaging-tax-policy-design closes at 11:45pm of hazelwood. The 50-bedroom unique method of recycling coffee grounds. The from salvaged on 20 May 2020. Members with views on the subject should contact hotel estimates that these ‘green’ Eco Coffee Company collects and recycles the recycled plastic [email protected] items will cost around 20% more used coffee grounds into Biofuel. This Biofuel is bottles. than their plastic predecessors.

16 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 17 GREEN INITIATIVES Smart electricity monitoring Electricity powers our It’s clear that climate change latest technology to monitor their on environmentally-friendly “Rightly, business owners need an older appliance in a property, is continuing to have global energy usage. practice. and demand reliability when it can also be quickly identified. homes, businesses, implications. With the rise of While some consumers are The NCC has schemes to help comes to their energy supply, “Tracking the usage in real-time devices and conscious consumerism and beginning to embrace off-grid consumers gauge the energy especially in customer-facing makes it easier for park managers the worldwide growth of eco- holidays, for most energy and efficiency of a caravan holiday businesses such as the leisure to identify opportunities for (increasingly) cars. friendly tourism, it’s important for electricity is still an essential part home or a residential park industry. At Ramtech, we recognise energy efficiencies and analyse Over the past two holiday and residential parks to be of any break. Devices are needed home built by an NCC member both the importance of a greener where savings can be made. concerned about implementing the to entertain children, cars must be manufacturer. But how can park future but also the vital business The system can even be decades, the UK has charged and the all-important hot owners and managers practically case for more accurate tracking of retrofitted to existing meters to invested in greener tub must be heated. reassure consumers in the long- energy consumption in holiday and optimise energy tracking and For leisure term that they are tracking residential parks. To address this, each Smart Module records up electricity generation. businesses, there the energy efficiency of park we have developed our WiSE Smart to 30 days of data, so if there are Awareness of energy are several options properties? Module to provide sophisticated, any interruptions no data will to help them to Parks Business talked to John real-time energy tracking for parks. be lost.” efficiency and the consider the Newbury of Ramtech about how “The module can be used for not It is clear that identifying need for reducing environment. technology can help. “Technology only electricity but also water and opportunities for energy efficiency The independent has a significant role to play in gas, which are all valuable resources is only part of the journey to a our carbon Green Tourism supporting park businesses to that are consumed in high levels in greener future. It is also clear that footprint have certification reduce and optimise their energy parks. It works by listening to and saving electricity is good not only scheme consumption,” John explained. The counting the pulses from electricity, for the environment but also for a increased. supports much-heralded smart meter rollout water and gas at the meter then park’s finances. businesses is underway, albeit delayed, to wirelessly transmits this via radio to to become homes and small businesses across the WiSE base station. By tracking Find out more more the UK, reducing energy usage and the pulses, unusual activity, such as www.green-tourism.com/about-us sustainable increasing the visibility of energy an increase in water usage caused www.thencc.org.uk/our_schemes/ by advising consumption. by a leak or high energy usage from energyscheme.aspx

Calor has Biomass appeal: invested in the CLIMATE CHANGE parks that choose Calor and BioLPG next generation LEVY AMENDED biomass boilers of LNG vehicles, IN BUDGET can reduce their Calor has introduced its ‘exclusive, renewable which can offer CCL (Climate Change Levy) is a carbon footprint BioLPG – the greener, more sustainable way to heat a 20% reduction UK-wide tax on electricity, gas, while benefiting

your fleet’. This is part of its target of offering 100% in CO2 emissions LPG and solid fuels supplied to from heating renewable energy solutions by 2040. compared to businesses. and hot water at BioLPG is made from a blend of waste, residues their diesel The main rates on these reduced costs. and sustainably sourced vegetable oils. Calor says it is counterparts commodities are paid to HMRC Other benefits chemically identical to conventional LPG, so there is by energy suppliers who pass include minimal no need to upgrade heating systems or existing LPG on the costs to their non- maintenance and appliances. This means business energy customers domestic customers – it will be protection from do not need to change existing equipment, vehicles listed as a separate item on your rising energy or supply infrastructure for their fleet. Calor, which energy bill. prices. (See Parks The Green Gas Certification Scheme ensures supplies park The idea is to encourage Business winter traceability of all green gas delivered to, and used up operators such as businesses towards less 2018-19 p44.) by Calor customers and highlights the amount of Bourne Leisure, energy use and to reduce their CO2 saved. Read more at www.calor.co.uk/biolpg upholds that LPG greenhouse emissions. is the cleanest The electricity rate will be off-grid fossil fuel, lowered and the gas rate will l The moneysupermarket.com website contains advice so it offers the increase in both years, so on how to make your business more energy efficient. opportunity to that the gas rate reaches 60% Suggestions include fitting light sensors and smart meters, reduce a holiday of the electricity rate in 2021 to keeping hot water no higher than 60°C, and doing an park’s carbon 2022. energy audit. emissions

18 NCC PAEKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 19 ECONOMIC UPDATE ECONOMIC UPDATE

Budget announcements

The first Budget of the new Parliament on 11 March contained a few surprises and several items of interest to the caravan industry

Overview: GDP growth for 2019 Company tax: The corporation tax has been cut to 1.1%, down from rate of 19% will be maintained. NCC 2020 1.4% forecast in the 2019 Spring The annual rate of the structures ACHIEVEMENTS Statement. and buildings allowance will be SO FAR Note: Budget forecasts are likely to increased to 3%. The NCC was heartened to see change in the light of COVID-19. The Employment Allowance will a number of its asks from its be increased to £4,000, meaning recent manifesto addressed in Coronavirus: The Chancellor said he eligible businesses will be able to the Budget, including: will do “whatever it takes” to protect claim a greater reduction on their • VED on motorhomes reduced the economy from the impacts Secondary Class 1 NI Contributions • Improved rural connectivity of Coronavirus. A £30bn support liability. • Coastal defences and protection package was announced, including The chancellor also announced a for flood-prone zones the temporary abolition review into the long-term future of • Review of the impact of of business rates for smaller business rates, to be concluded by business rates businesses (see story p5). There are autumn. more details about COVID-19 on p24-25. Changes Floods: £120m will be made RELATING TO VEHICLES immediately to repair damage The reduction in VED on motorhomes is covered on p4. The NCC’s caused by recent floods; spending John Lally commented: “Motorhomes will now return to being taxed on flood defences will double. as vans, which is logical. This is an amazing result for us, for this vibrant manufacturing industry and for the many thousands who take Communications: A £1bn deal to motorhoming holidays – the vast majority in the UK – each year.” end poor and patchy rural mobile coverage is being agreed between Fuel duty will be frozen while tax relief on red diesel will be abolished Ministers and mobile network for most sectors. Company car tax rates are frozen between 2023 and operators. The aim is to ensure 2025; all zero-emission vehicles are exempted from the VED ‘expensive strong 4G coverage in rural areas, car supplement’ until 2025. irrespective of what network provider people use. This should particularly The Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG): This has been extended until 2022/23, benefit small businesses and ‘close with an additional £403 million investment – there are also Plug-in Van the digital divide across the country and Plug-in Motorcycle Grants. through better connectivity’.

Reform of VED: There are plans to link VED more closely with C02 Transport: There will be emissions, which could lead to higher rates of car tax for new and improvements to the A303; a new used cars. pothole fund worth £500m a year The call for evidence is open for 12 weeks, closing on Wednesday and £500m to support the rollout 3 June. Please email [email protected] for more details. of new rapid charging hubs.

20 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 21 TECHNICAL UPDATE TECHNICAL UPDATE

Working at height – new guidance The Construction Industry Advisory Council (CONIAC), a construction industry body, has produced a guide entitled ‘Safety Steps’, designed to help anyone looking to ensure safe work at height. ‘Safety Steps’ is aimed at designers, clients, managers (those who manage work at height), supervisors and operatives. It provides general (rather than task-specific) guidance and places the key messages in one place. It is free to access and use – for example, help produce training materials and rules and guidelines. Safety Steps is hosted at: accessindustryforum.org.uk/safety-steps

GENERAL SAFETY STEPS... General Safety Steps is a concise summary of the general principles of safe working at height, for easy reference. see https://accessindustryforum.org.uk/ safety-steps/ for further details

CONSIDERATIONS ENABLING CONTROL OF RISK EXAMPLES MAY INCLUDE...

Enable practical planning for safe Provide and obtain essential site-specific Consider: work at height information before the work starts • height of the work activity • duration of work frequency of work Ensure that there is a site-specific risk Assess the risks associated with the • weather conditions assessment, and safe system of work activity, the working environment and • indoor working conditions (SSoW), before work at height starts the work style • work equipment and materials required Consider any risks to those who may Consider any situations that may be/passing below the work at height increase the risk of harm Plan to ensure (as necessary): • cordoning off of the work area • protection/segregation of the public from the work area • means of evacuation and rescue • an effective permit-to-work system

22 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKSBUSINESS SPRING 2020 23 AUTISM AWARENESS

KEEP TOURISM INCLUSIVE There is a compelling business case for making tourism experiences inclusive. People with health conditions and impairments and their travelling companions spend around Hidden £12 billion on trips in England each year, but an additional £117 million could be generated from additional trips if accessibility was improved. People from this market are more likely to take longer trips and are anecdotally very loyal to places that meet their disabilities requirements. How families with hidden disabilities could become your loyal customers See www.visitbritain.org/ business-advice/make-your- business-accessible VisitBritain reports that one in Highlighting areas of calm allows autistic guests to plan ahead five people in the UK have an impairment, which may affect At all those touch points where finding it hard to communicate. offer advice before, after or during a where they choose to stay or visit. you interact with visitors, from Recognising that such sensory stay, can be a great reassurance to Improving accessibility benefits booking to facilitating properties issues can affect someone is vital, autistic people or families. all customers and does not always and entertaining guests, an so why not map out those areas of By managing this route to require a business to make major understanding of autism helps high and low stimulation? Knowing customer service – and advertising or expensive changes. Simply staff to confidently communicate that there are quiet or calmer areas it as a route to feedback – you can providing an Accessibility Guide with guests and make reasonable on site can really help individuals identify where you are doing well can help you be more inclusive for adaptions where possible. Whether to feel confident that if they are and where simple changes can be people with a wide range of visible that is in showing patience and finding things a bit too much, there made to improve their experience. and hidden impairments. clearly explaining things throughout is somewhere that they can go to It is helpful when people are This edition of Parks Business booking processes, using clear decompress and that you are a site feeding back with suggested focuses on how to be autism language when explaining that understands. changes, that this is thought about friendly and talks to Daniel Cadey, information, or managing specific By sharing this kind of it in reference to autism and the Autism Friendly Development requests relating to people’s information ahead of the visit, changes that can be made in the Manager at the National Autistic “Clear website information regularly employed by everything autism, a little bit of knowledge and autistic people can plan and future to improve the experience of Society. also allows autistic people to plan from airports and shopping centres understanding can go a long way. prepare themselves especially for autistic people and their families. “Autistic people represent a their trip in advance, reducing to cultural attractions: anywhere places where lots of lights or noise huge part of our society – around their anxiety. Small changes like that might offer an exciting – but Environment/break out areas might be unavoidable. Autism Friendly Award 1 in 100 people in the UK. They these can really make the biggest very different – change to the Autistic people can find some Through the Autism Friendly and their families want to go on difference and holiday parks and normal routine. Simple to produce environments difficult to cope Taking feedback and offering Award, the National Autistic Society holiday, just like anyone else. But the travel industry have an essential and helpful for everyone, this sort with. Lights, noise, crowds, all sorts assistance supports and promotes businesses many find crowds, noise and the role to play in opening up the of pre-visit information can be vital of stimulation can lead to them Having an easy-to-reach contact that are committed to making unpredictability of new places world for autistic people and their to autistic people and their families, receiving too much information and on hand to answer questions or positive changes and providing completely overwhelming,” Daniel families.” as well as sending an important great customer service to autistic explains. message that you want to be HIDDEN DISABILITIES AND BLUE BADGES people. The Society can offer advice “The National Autistic Society National Autistic Society helpful and welcoming. on how to make your site autism wants a society that works for top tips People with hidden disabilities, including autism and mental health friendly or review resources that autistic people and we know that Pre-visit information Staff awareness conditions, were given access to Blue Badges in 2019, removing the you are already employing. it’s often the small things that help Autistic people can find that Making sure that you and your staff barriers to travel that many face. “Holders of the Autism Friendly autistic people feel comfortable unexpected changes cause them understand a little about autism The Blue Badge scheme already means those with physical Award are shared with our when they’re away from home. a great deal of anxiety and rely on is the most important factor in disabilities can park closer to their extensive audience across the Things like resort staff finding routine and good preparation to offering an autism-friendly service. destination than other drivers. country so. This can be a great way out a bit more about autism and help cope with this. Information Our recent research has told us Those with a disability that to reach people who want to know making simple adjustments, and resources such as visual guides that staff being trained is ‘the’ may not be immediately more about autism-friendly sites in including turning down music or or videos touring your site can really thing that autistic people and their obvious can wear the the UK, and for your organisation having a quiet space available for help for an individual or family to families would find most helpful in sunflower lanyard to signify to be a part of creating society that autistic holidaymakers who feel prepare before they visit. making their experiences in public this. works for autistic people,” Daniel overwhelmed. These kind of resources are places better. concludes.

24 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 25 SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES

Performance benchmarking Smart energy metering that tool is “ready to roll” can energise your holiday park Parks Business talks to Nigel Edwards (below right) Ramtech’s Smart Module is a tracking energy consumption users can analyse and generate state-of-the-art product that can be vital to ensuring that park customer bills with a single click of and John Anderson (below left) of Plum Data connects to the WiSE Platform to costs are accurately managed and a button without visiting meters provide parks and resorts with a recouped as well as allowing for the on-site. This, the company says, can The best things in life are worth doing,” he said. “I expect Plum will powerful business information and identification of potential savings.” save parks time and money, and waiting for! When we set about help us to provide this insight. It is monitoring tool. It provides real- The Smart Module, Ramtech help generate additional income. creating the first performance not only about individual companies time alerts, data and information explains, is a radio-based system “The WiSE Platform is expanding benchmarking tool for the parks but also about ensuring the industry about security coverage, energy that requires no SIM or WIFI to into new parks and resorts in 2020, industry, we did not expect it to take as a whole has the tools necessary to usage, fire safety, equipment operate and can be retrofitted creating holiday parks and resorts four years to design the technology. thrive. We are very excited that the failure, occupancy monitoring, staff alongside existing infrastructure. of the future today.” But equally we did not appreciate just system is about to go live.” management “check-in-checkout” It enables businesses to access how much scope the software will give The service has also been and access history. data from electricity, gas and Web: https://wiseramtech.co.uk our members to understand their own commended by the second Ramtech says: “Accurately water meters in real-time, so that Call: 0115 957 8282 business and the competition. And all generation of a family business. As within a confidential and anonymised the new head took over, he looked online portal which meets the for benchmarking guidance but Gateway Chassis Solutions launches new park home stringent CMA rules for sharing data. found none. “All of us in the holiday 2020 innovation But the long wait is now over as we parks industry are facing competition chassis – in hot dip galvanised finish begin to open up the reporting pages from new and aggressive hospitality There has been to our early members. providers. It is crucial we have Gateway Chassis as much as possible against future corrosion. It is also Andrew Howe of Bridge Leisure objective data to help us perform and Solutions has created cost effective, maintenance free, tough, durable and much talk of how was one of the very first to signal his compete at the highest level,” the new the new park home sustainable. the holiday home interest in Plum. He has been one of owner commented. I-Beam chassis. Its “Gateway Chassis Solutions’ vision is to be pioneers the industry participants who have Benchmarking provides valuable development has in motion. To be the trailblazer for cutting-edge motion industry is moving helped to shape what we do. “In a insights about consumer activity been driven by technologies and fresh thinking that keeps people, onwards and changing and uncertain market, it which help to improve business its own in-house goods, businesses and industries moving safely, reliably is crucial we understand trends and decisions on a day-to-day basis and Research and and efficiently, today and tomorrow.” upwards. Paving have a handle on how we are really strategically too. This is true at times Development Centre. the way for this of apparent normality This, Gateway explains, is a “fully-engineered chassis Web: www.gateway-chassis.co.uk but equally important solution, utilising modern, efficient manufacturing Call: 01482 485170 are the pioneering when a market is techniques. It is available with a hot dip galvanised suppliers, offering a rocked unexpectedly. 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, a first in the market.” If there is one thing we The advantage is, Gateway continues, that a “hot range of innovative are learning from the dip fully galvanised chassis ensures that whatever your products and Covid-19 virus it is that position, coastal or inland, your chassis is protected we never know what is services. Parks around the corner. On Business looks at going live with Plum, our Intelligent LPG cylinder monitoring and management members will have clear some of this year’s sight of their forward Clesse UK, part of the Clesse monitored and controlled with communicators available, for a developments. booking performance Industries group, have introduced “functions at your fingertips” small monthly fee, using cloud and changes, and once CompacTi Automatic Changeover Clesse says. From May 2020, based communications and remote the benchmarking Telemetry for LPG, with IOS and the Compact800 Automatic reporting, premium users with module is activated they Android application, plus leading Changeover will be ‘telemetry ready’ larger sites can utilise the RF and will be able to see how cloud-based communication as standard to accept the CompacTi IoT systems; single users can utilise this compares with the services. Whether by fleet holiday or communicator with its standard mobile GSM connections for long broader market. residential park operators or on-site integrated Bluetooth Low Energy distance readings away from their In future editions of gas distributors, (BLE) technology. BLE is free to owned accommodation. The Business we look cylinder gas use and built-in throughout the The features of the system can forward to sharing some exchanges range. The CompacTi communicator be found by scanning of the broader insights can be remotely talks to the App from the the QR code. Plum can provide. home, or when moving around Web: www.clesse. managed park sites within 100m. co.uk/CompacTi Web: www.plumdata.org Within the range of CompacTi Call: 01905 842020 Call: 0203 405 9550

26 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 27 PLANNING

ideal place to store garden tools, bicycles or other belongings. Certificate of lawfulness – I note that the details refer to letting children go camping in residential caravans them during summer holidays I am indebted to Michael Rudd, barrister of Kings Chambers, for his or, if having a party, guests interpretation of a recent case concerning a certificate of lawfulness for It’s a caravan could stay in them. Nevertheless, the stationing of caravans on land for residential purposes [Breckland although they do not have a DC v SSHCLG and Plumtree Country Park Ltd (CO/1919/2019)]. conventional domestic garden The basic facts are these: A certificate of lawfulness was issued in shed appearance, they are 2006 that stated the lawful use of land was a “caravan and camping similarly constructed out of timber site, with associated amenity land”. A further certificate of lawfulness with exterior bitumen roofing felt application was submitted in 2017 which sought to confirm that the Jim… but not as shingles. They are not insulated, wording of the 2006 CLU (Certificate of Lawful Use) allowed residential and the doors and windows are caravans to be stationed on the land. The Council refused to grant a not double glazed. There is no certificate and the matter was taken to appeal. water supply, toilet or shower/bath Following a public inquiry in March 2019 the Inspector allowed the and they do not have a kitchen appeal, finding that: The use [described in the 2006 CLU] does not, as Simple Pod – Not a caravan area. There is nothing inherent a matter of fact, specify any restrictions on the type of caravans that we know it? to the pods, unlike conventional can be lawfully sited on the land. It does not, furthermore and also as caravans, to show that they were a matter of fact, limit the use of any caravan so sited to be for holiday designed for human habitation. purposes only. The 2006 LDC is clear and unambiguous on its face and At the hearing the appellants a mobile home, falling within the definition of a caravan in the CSCDA referred to the availability of pods or in the CSA, can lawfully be sited on the northern land and can be that are so designed and have lawfully occupied for human habitation, whether this be by holiday various in-built features. Such makers or permanently. pods, in those circumstances, may The Council appealed to the High Court. Their appeal has recently constitute caravans, but that is been dismissed. clearly not how the appeal pods Michael Rudd notes that, “In a very useful judgement for those were designed”. involved with park home sites the court found that there was no ambiguity in the phrase ‘caravan and camping site’, which should be 7. I acknowledge that in the pods read in a normal and ordinary way, applying common-sense, to mean there is an inflatable bed, a corner that the land can be used for caravans only, tents only or both, the shelf with a microwave on it, a type of caravan not being restricted provided it satisfies the statutory kettle and there is a wall mounted definition. The court went on to state that the use of the word “and” heater. The pods also have in the certificate allows for both caravans and tents and one is not electrical sockets. The pods can restricted, or qualified, by the other”. Pod with facilities – probably a caravan Simple Pod – not a caravan be hooked up to electricity supply The original CLU decision was not sufficiently specific and did not points sited between each pair limit the site to one type of caravan use or another. Over the years Pod with Facilities – Probably a caravan Simple Pod – Not a caravan of pods. However, whilst having many holiday sites have been found to have an unrestricted planning Planning expert, Ian Butter, explains that glamping pods are not always – in an inflatable bed, microwave, permission, allowing their use for residential caravans. This case kettle and a heater may facilitate demonstrates that even today, a poorly worded planning decision fact quite seldom – caravans, and it is all down to the statutory definition human occupation, they are (in this case a certificate of lawfulness) can still give rise to an open- not adaptions of the structure ended use. I have been uncertain over the considered as caravans and not by being transported on a motor itself. Having an electric supply is status of ‘pods’ in planning terms buildings. The Inspector concluded vehicle or trailer and any motor much the same as many garden for some time. Initially they that the pods could not be vehicle so designed or adapted, sheds and is not necessarily an design to fulfil the definition, such pods on your site, and assuming were marketed as ‘timber tents’, considered as caravans because but does not include (a) any rolling installation for human habitation. as those found in a typical caravan. they do not fulfil the criteria to be although to my mind that was they failed to satisfy the definition stock which is for the time being In other words, a basic timber considered as caravans, part of the stretching a point too far. The more of a caravan set out in the Caravan on rails forming part of a railway 9. Taking all the above in the pod which is just a shell containing defence will be whether they have appropriate position, in my view, Sites and Control of Development system , or (b) any tent”. round, as a matter of fact and no facilities, is no more designed for been in position for more than four was to consider them as caravans. Act 1960 (CSCDA). In this case the pods were pre- degree, the pods do not meet the human habitation than a garden years. However, although that may The following appeal case qualifies The appellant was therefore manufactured and delivered to site definition, in law, of a caravan as shed. Pods will be treated as help prevent removal of the pods, this approach. required to remove the four pods on the back of a lorry and craned the structure was not designed buildings for planning purposes for their use for holiday purposes may In a decision dated 10 February entirely and reinstate the land to its into position. and it has not been adapted for which full planning permission will still need planning permission, 2020, the Inspector dismissed an former level and condition. human habitation. be required. unless that use can be proven appeal and upheld an enforcement The definition of a caravan is These extracts from the appeal There are pods available that for more than 10 years. As pods notice issued by the New Forest set out in Section 29 of the 1960 decision are critical: According to this decision, a pod contain a shower, WC and a small are relatively recent evolutions, I National Park Authority against, Act and means: “Any structure “Focusing on the aspect of being cannot be considered as a caravan kitchenette. These may potentially doubt the latter will apply in most “the erection/siting of four designed or adapted for human designed or adapted for human for planning purposes unless it is be sufficient to fulfil the definition, cases. You may have to make a buildings used as camping pods”. habitation which is capable of habitation, the manufacturer specifically designed for human but the basic pod is unlikely to. retrospective planning application, Pod with Facilities – Probably a caravan The appellants’ case included being moved from one place to the advertises the camping pods as habitation; i.e. it contains the Should your local authority or you could of course just upgrade an argument that the pods be other (whether by being towed, or an original garden shed being an necessary attributes within its start enforcement action against your pods.

28 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 29 “ LEGAL UPDATE

CALM SOLUTIONS FOR CHALLENGING MARKETS Park Home Stakeholder Working Group SRP Leisure – specialist Corporate Finance for the Holiday Park market The NCC’s Alicia Dunne gives an operational and legislative update

Work of the stakeholder to the existing statutory pitch fee review form, Funding, Growth Capital, M&A and Exits group to review the reviewed the process involved in setting and reviewing Mobile Homes Act 2013 park rules and learned how LEASE was working with is drawing to a close, support from the Group to ensure that communication as the original terms of of the rights and responsibilities of home owners are Contact reference are worked improved and made more accessible. through by the Group set The park home team also updated the Group on the Gemma Cardon up in 2018. ministerial changes following the General Election, and The areas considered the timetable for the introduction of a Fit and Proper 0203 405 5510 include reviewing how Person Regime in England. the information about [email protected] the buying and selling Housing Minister process can be better Christopher Pincher, MP (Tamworth) has been accessed, understood appointed Housing Minister in place of Esther McVey, and communicated to existing and potential home MP who lost her role in the recent reshuffle. SRP Risk & Finance LLP is authorised & regulated owners, what improvements can be made to the It is understood that he is keen to support the work by the FCA statutory forms and the administration of the of the stakeholder group in relation to park homes. legislation generally. Over the next few months, the park home team Fit and proper person consultation response and at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local secondary legislation NCC_TheParks20_Spring_Plum_Data_V4.indd 1 23/03/2020 17:13 Government will collate the points discussed by The Government response to the consultation is due the Group. Once agreed, they will be presented to to be published in summer 2020. Meanwhile, the the Minister with any recommendations for further secondary legislation to introduce a fit and proper legislative change – if appropriate – hopefully by the person regime in England has been drafted and summer. is being scrutinised by Government lawyers and At the last meeting in February, the Group discussed relevant committees to ensure that it will deliver the the creation of specific check-lists as part of the appropriate outcome. It is hoped that the Statutory buying and selling process, suggested improvements Instrument will be laid in the next couple of months.

Looking after employees – changes NLW increases

Parental bereavement leave holiday pay for workers without fixed The new National Living Wage (NLW) The Parental Bereavement (Leave and hours or pay, the current reference rate starts on 1 April 2020 and applies Pay) Act was enacted in September period is 12 weeks. From April 2020, to over 25 years olds. Low-paid 2018 and will be introduced on 6 the government is increasing workers will receive a 6.2% pay rise, as April 2020. Until recently, there was the holiday pay reference period to the NLW rises to £8.72 per hour. no legal obligation for employers 52 weeks. Younger workers who receive the to provide paid time off for grieving National Minimum Wage (NMW) will parents. This now ensures parents Providing a Statement of Main Terms also see their pay boosted. There are who suffer the loss of a child can have – now extended to workers increases of between 4.6% and 6.5%, paid time off. The period of leave will From April, employees will be entitled dependant on their age, with 21-24 be two weeks, and, subject to certain to a Statement of Main Terms of year olds seeing a increase from £7.70 criteria, the employee will be entitled Employment from the first day of to £8.20 an hour. to pay during this period. their employment. Nearly three million workers are It will also be a right of a ‘worker’ set to benefit from the increases to Holiday pay for workers (as opposed to an employee) to the NLW and minimum wage rates Changes have been made to holiday receive a statement of main terms - for younger workers. See www.gov.uk/ pay calculations. When you calculate this was not previously the case. national-minimum-wage-rates

30 NCC BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC BUSINESS SPRING 2020 31 LEGAL GUIDANCE

Residential park homes (on a park owner has 21 days in which station the home on the park and residential park in England) to apply for a refusal order if there to live there as their main or only The Mobile Homes Act 1983 (as are grounds to do so, which are residence) will move in. amended) and the Mobile Homes very similar to those grounds for Sometimes home owners/ (Selling and Gifting) Regulations objecting to a sale of the home. residents (or members of 2013 (the Regulations) specifies the For gifts under a new agreement, their family) consider that the procedure for gifting a residential the home owner should provide entitlement to gift the home can park home. the evidence to the park owner that help them plan for the future. One A home owner is entitled to the proposed recipient is a family example would be if the home Kirstie says gift their mobile home and assign member. owner or the family are considering their agreement under the Mobile As with sales of park homes, that it might be necessary for [email protected] Homes Act to a proven family completed schedule 4 and the home owner to go into a care member, during their lifetime. The schedule 5 forms should follow home at a later date and they are gifting provisions do not apply in all cases. This means that the concerned about whether the sale when a home owner/resident park owner must receive the of the proceeds of the mobile home passes away. In such instances section 3 of the Mobile Homes An owner may gift their mobile home and assign Act applies which describes what Gifts of holiday caravans happens to the home and to the their agreement to a family member. No monetary agreement when the resident consideration is involved otherwise it is not a gift. passes. If a home owner wants to gift and residential park homes their mobile home and assign form of assignment and notice will be able to to pay for their care. their agreement, they may do so of assignment, which completes If anyone (family member of “ the home owner/resident, or the – but only to a family member. No the gifting process to the family The NCC’s legal advisor, Kirstie Apps, points out factors to be mindful of monetary consideration is involved member, regardless of whether the home owner/resident themselves) otherwise it cannot be a gift, and agreement was old or new. approaches the park owner about Private sales of holiday caravans the deceased’s Will (assuming one There is a risk to the business the selling provisions are likely to There is the expectation that if a what they want to achieve through and residential park homes is a was left) and the Grant of Probate. if the park owner buys back the apply. The procedure for gifting home is gifted to a family member the gifting provisions, they should regular occurrence. However, gifts Park owners may be presented with caravan from Executors, who is slightly different depending and the agreement assigned be advised to seek independent of holiday caravans and residential what the relatives say is the last Will do not have proven title to the on whether the Mobile Homes to them, that the home owner/ legal advice. This is because a gift park homes are less common. but no Grant. caravan, or enters into a new Act agreement is new or old. This resident who gifted the home will of the home and assignment of the It is worth reviewing the The Will may well name the licence agreement with the family means whether the owner/ resident move out so the family member agreement to a family member is procedure for both and people who have approached the members. It’s possible that a gifting was in occupation of the can move in. The Mobile Homes Act not going to achieve the objective – highlighting some practical park owner as the Executors and later, valid Will may have been home before 26 May 2013 (old or 2013 which introduced the changes to sell the home to realise funds to considerations. beneficiaries of the caravan, but made, which will have revoked the not a new agreement) or moved in to the law refers to the ‘new pay for the original home owners’ the park owner is told that it is not earlier Will. In this case, the lawful after this date (new agreement). occupier’. Certainly, there is the care unless the ‘new occupier’ Holiday caravans necessary to obtain the Grant and Executors and beneficiaries under For gifts where there is an old expectation that the new occupier moves into the home. Most holiday caravan licence that they will not be doing so. the second Will (who may well be agreement, the home owner must (or the person now entitled to There is no entitlement to give agreements will contain provisions The most likely reason is because different to those named in the notify the park owner who they part of the home and there is no about the caravan owner’s right to the value of the deceased’s estate earlier Will) could challenge the buy intend to gift the home to using entitlement to sub-let either. give (or gift) their caravan during is low, and because of the back or the new licence agreement. the schedule 3 form under the their lifetime or in their Will to expense of this process. In such This could place the park owner in a Regulations (notice of proposed This article provides general a proven family member, who circumstances can or should the difficult position – and they will not gift) and provide evidence advice only. can apply to keep the caravan on park owner proceed without sight have the defence open to them that that the proposed the park for the balance of the of the Grant? they relied on the Grant of Probate. recipient of the gift agreement period left to run. The Grant of Probate gives As with all legal issues, it is for the of the mobile home The most common situation authority to the Executors under park owner, after taking legal advice is a family member will be when a caravan owner the Will to deal with the estate to weigh up the risks. Risks in this (which is defined by the has passed away. In these and to distribute any assets in case include the potential financial Mobile Homes Act). The circumstances, it may be that accordance with the deceased’s liability and the time which will the park owner is approached by relatives of the owner of the When a caravan owner has passed away the next of kin caravan who say that they have inherited it and would like the may ask the park owner to buy it from them. Or, they park owner to buy it from them. may ask that a new licence agreement be entered into, Alternatively, they may ask that a new licence agreement be entered into with them, so that wishes. From the park owner’s be taken up in dealing with this they can use it. “point of view, this is the document sort of dispute. This will inform the If this happens, the park owner which says that the Executors have decision of whether to proceed in should ask to see a certified copy of title (ownership) of the caravan. the absence of a Grant of Probate.

32 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 33 EXHIBITIONS

2 Holiday homes at the NEC show Five halls of exhibitors, a dedicated holiday home area, celebrity 1 appearances and feature activities attracted nearly 90,000 visitors to 3 4 Birmingham’s NEC.

1 Manufacturers exhibiting their latest caravan holiday home and lodge models included ABI (UK) Ltd, Allens Caravans, Atlas Leisure Homes, Carnaby Caravans, Pathfinder, Pemberton, Regal Holiday Homes, Prestige Homeseeker and Swift.

2 The Holiday Park Experience area was laid out in Hall 4, where there was a friendly Holiday Parks Trade Lounge in which invited guests could relax. Also attracting visitors into the hall was the Glamping Village and Climbing Wall.

3 Commenting on the show, Jenny Summers, NCC Events Marketing Director said: “We were delighted with the visitor numbers and the quality of the show 5 6 experience, created by our exhibitors in 2020. There were a lot of families in evidence.”

4 Bushcraft Workshops, courtesy of Away Resorts, pulled in the crowds. 5 The Top Dog Arena in Hall 5 is always popular and offered a varied programme of events throughout the show’s six days. 6 With cycling a popular holiday makers’ pursuit, there was a new Electric In Motion area, with a variety of ride-ons for visitors to try. Also new was an 7 8 9 Adventure Golf area.

7 The Freedom to Go Live Theatre served up a variety of experts and celebrities. Shane Richie and Matt Allwright opened the show. There were also live cooking demonstrations and prize giveaways.

8 Willerby showed off its ‘most contemporary lodge’, the new Mapleton, featuring open plan lounge with media wall. 9 Omar exhibited its Accent park home, which has a new interior design scheme for 2020.

34 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 35 MARKET ANALYSIS

When Savills undertake the analysis of sales negotiated by you will achieve the best price. confidential sale of parks, we use Savills over the four years to 2020 There is nothing more upsetting non-disclosure agreements to indicates that average values have than seeing a client take a mitigate the chances of the sale either been sustained or increased. reduced price because of personal being divulged beyond those Static holiday parks, in particular, circumstances, which has led parties involved in the sale. We have achieved on average an to the business failing or a park also carry out full due diligence at increase in value of circa £5,000 per being marketed in an economic an early stage to prevent the sale pitch between January 2015 and downturn. faltering. December 2018. The maximum Selling your value achieved by a static holiday Don’t ‘wind down’ Market value park sale by Savills between 2017 The relief from park owners It is important for you to and 2019 was £47,400 per pitch, a who have made the decision understand the price range that new high for the sector compared to sell is often palpable and the your property may achieve on to £17,000 per pitch for touring temptation is to start winding the market. In my experience, parks. down some business activities, everyone has an opinion on this Residential parks continue to be such as camping, in order to reduce workload. caravan park Alternatively, there is often a Multiples of caravan parks currently range between desire to become heavily involved seven and 15 times FMOP with the sales process causing them to lose focus on day-to-day business activities. This is why it – whether they are qualified or the front runner in terms of price, is important to use an agent that not! The best advice is to only take with the average undeveloped can carry the burden of selling, so business “price guidance from agents who pitch value reaching £53,000 in that owners can concentrate their regularly sell parks in your locality. 2019, with maximum prices in south efforts on the ongoing business. Once you have a guide price, you east England reaching in excess of Buyers will not hesitate to reduce Practical guidance based on 16 years experience by Richard Prestwich of Savills will be able to seek advice from a £100,000. the price of their offer if the specialist tax consultant regarding business takes a downward turn or Capital Gains Tax liability, thus Timing is underperforming. After nearly achieve the optimum price, both Pitfalls of selling off market helping you to predict the net cost. In order to achieve a good price, it 16 years in the the business and property will It has become common for parks The Market Value (MV) of your is best practice to go to the market Conclusion business and need to be well presented, so that to be approached by private property, providing it is a going when you want to sell, not when Business owners have had to 400 properties any buyer and their professional individuals looking to buy. This is concern, is often calculated by you need to sell. Ideally this would learn to be resilient due to recent later, the advisors can understand what is particularly appealing to both the multiplying the Fair Maintainable be when the business is at its peak, uncertainty. Yet despite this, the process of being offered and put forward their purchaser and vendor, due to the Operating Profit (FMOP) by the showing at least three years of parks industry has continued to selling caravan best offer. lack of disruption that marketing applied multiple. The multiple is strong trading figures. Forward thrive and park owners’ ability parks is almost One of the key advantages of a business has on the day-to-day calculated based on the perceived planning is also essential for good to adapt to emerging trends has unrecognisable taking early advice is the ability to operations. risk to the sustainability of the timing, in order to avoid downward led to recent success. from that of 2004, when I first iron out any problem areas that For the buyer, this is also a business. For example, if the risk is economic trends if possible. Of course we face new started. With this in mind, whether could possibly halt a sale or cause tempting proposition as they do deemed to be greater, for instance Having the flexibility of being challenges in the face of Covid-19, it is a touring caravan, a static a buyer to renegotiate the price. not need to compete with other with camping, the revenue can advised when to place your however the market will return to holiday lodge or residential park, Some of the most common issues I interested parties. However, the change due to the weather, this property on the market will ensure normality, hopefully in the not-so- here are some recommendations come across are: downside is that the majority of would fall into a higher risk distant future, so there is when selling your company. • Land incorrectly registered these sales fall through due to lack category, thus providing a currently no reason to delay • Problems relating to services, of preparation from the vendor, low multiple. preparations to sell your park. Take early advice If it is a very sustainable LEISURE The key is to take advice The process of selling a park has You should take specialist advice two to five years business, such as a residential HOLIDAY & HOME from specialists about changed considerably within the park, the risk category would PARK UPDATE 2020 when best to launch your last 10 years. To stay up to date before you intend to sell your park be much lower providing a property to market in order with the latest legislation and higher multiple. Multiples of to maximise potential. market trends, it is worth taking and in particular, a lack of leading to unforeseen issues or lack caravan parks in the current Tel: 01244 702 053 professional advice at an early discharge permits for private of funds from the purchaser. economic climate regularly Email: RPrestwich@savills. stage. Ideally you should take treatment and septic tanks Once this approach has failed range between seven and 15 com specialist advice two to five years •“ Issues relating to titles, including the unfortunate side effect is that times FMOP. Web: www.savills.co.uk before you intend to sell. restrictive covenants and it becomes common knowledge The market demand for A buyer will require legal and disputed boundaries that the park was available to buy parks of all types and sizes Leisure Holiday & Home Park financial due diligence in order to • Incorrect Site Licence and any underlying issues resulting is strong, there are plenty of Update 2020 contains a number fully understand the business that • Lack of planning permission for in the sale falling through then buyers looking, but with a of features on market trends, is on offer – and any hidden and all units on the park, or condition creates a negative stigma, thus lack of parks on the market sale advice and vital industry unexplained oddities will, without precedence not satisfied preventing the park being sold at a since 2017, premium prices statistics. It is available from doubt, put buyers off. In order to • Accounts not presented correctly. premium price. have been achieved. An Savills

36 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 37 TOURISM INDUSTRY DATA Top UK travel trends Vital statistics Make sure you are signed up for the NCC’s monthly market brief by contacting for the years ahead [email protected]

Health and wellbeing; unique experiences; solo travellers; more personalisation MAT to February 2019 765 Despatches to UK BS 3632 from Earlier this year, the British Tourism & Travel Show more in their health and wellbeing.” She saw spa park home asked some of its trade visitors what trends will shape breaks growing in length and a trend towards travel 3,182 manufacturers holiday parks – BS 3632 from travel itineraries in the seasons to come. (NB: the with small groups of friends (three to five people). caravan question was posed before the Coronavirus outbreak.) holiday home BS EN 1647 plus Their responses were varied – some expected Staycations and spending on the rise manufacturers confidence to return following the General Election, Jen Dubasov, head of business development — BS 3632 and predicted that domestic travel should see some Hotels at Travelzoo reported that members expected 17,128 growth. to spend more on their trip, which bodes well for local BS EN 1647 from caravan holiday Lucy Osborne, UK & Ireland Holidays Manager experiences and food and beverage. One in five said home manufacturers MAT to February 2020 at Shearings believed that the desire for authentic they are more likely to holiday in the UK this year rather 637 and unique experiences will continue to grow in the than head to Europe. BS 3632 from park home domestic market, with even the ‘mature’ market Solo holidays/travel is definitely a growing market manufacturers segment seeking the opportunity to do something a with some in the travel industry reporting that there little different. Some saw a movement towards greater are often more single travellers than couples now – 3,336 personalisation. especially as customers get to a certain age… February M.A.T. BS 3632 from caravan Sarah Hill, senior product manager at SpaBreaks. Read more at www.tourismshow.co.uk/blog/uk- TOTAL holiday home 15,634 com commented: “People are really looking to invest travel-trends-2020/ manufacturers BS EN 1647 from DESPATCHES TO caravan holiday UK HOLIDAY home manufacturers PARKS PRIORITISING WELLNESS ABTA, the travel Association, recently released research 2019...... 21,075 that revealed people are increasingly incorporating wellness into their holiday. Now one in three people 2020...... 19,607 BS 3632 despatches prioritise wellness on holiday, with more than two million Figures are taken from monthly people planning to take their wellness trip in the next 12 forms submitted by member to UK residential parks months (this relates to both overseas and domestic trips.) companies to the NCC Holidaymakers who plan to do wellness activities may 225 spend over four hours a day doing them. This includes yoga, Pilates, meditation, spa and holistic treatments or 200 nature hikes; they plan to spend more time away from February M.A.T. 175 tech too. BS 3632 Whilst holidaymakers are keen to avoid too much PARK HOME 150 time spent on their devices, the popularity of wearable technology, which many people use to track their health DESPATCHES TO 125 and fitness activity, shows no sign of slowing down. Twelve UK RESIDENTIAL per cent of people take an exercise tracker, such as a Fitbit, PARKS 100 away with them. 75 The main reason why people are planning to take part 2019...... 1,753 in wellness activities is to relax and unwind (60%), with 2020...... 1,729 50 young holidaymakers being the most likely to prioritise Figures are taken from monthly 25 mental wellbeing (46% vs 35% average). forms submitted by member This is a trend unlikely to decline in the immediate companies to the NCC future – more people than ever are seeking ways to All well and good 0 alleviate stress and boost wellbeing. By 2022 it’s predicted See Parks Business Spring 2019 (pages 8 March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb that 1.2 billion wellness trips will be taken each year to 11) for details of wellness and holistic globally. holidays being offered by holiday parks. 2018-19 n 2019-20 Read more at: www.abta.com NCC Vital Statistics are kindly sponsored by

38 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 39 MEMBER INFORMATION Don’t let stress New members affect your staff The following companies have been accepted into full NCC membership SUPPLIER Tel: 07939 947 288 and delivered a wide range of Bell Trailers Ltd Email: [email protected] timber and steel framed factory- Work related stress is defined as a harmful reaction that people have to undue Finedon Sidings, Wellingborough, www.ferrogas.co.uk manufactured buildings, from pressure and demands at work. In the UK, work-related stress accounts for Northamptonshire NN9 5NY Ferro is a metal offices to operating theatres and Contact: Gez Donnelly fabrication and lodges to living accommodation. over half of all working days lost to ill health. Tel: 01536 210361 manufacturing They manufacture residential park Email: gezdonnelly@bellchassis. company that homes, lodges and holiday homes The law requires employers to Relationships start conversations, you can also co.uk designs and markets to relevant British Standards and tackle work-related stress, and while Organisations should promote contact the NCC Benevolent Fund www.bellchassis.co.uk its own range of products for building regulations. not responsible for diagnosing or positive behaviours at work and (The Fund) for further support and The company has been leisure activity vehicles (LAVs), treating stress, it is essential they employees should not be not advice for individuals. manufacturing quality commercial vehicles and related SERVICE assess the risk of work-related subjected to workplace bullying, chassis to the mobile applications. The company offers Distribution Finance Capital Ltd stress. The HSE Management harassment or unacceptable The Fund is the industry charity, home sector since in-house design, prototype, 2nd Floor, 12 Groveland Court, Standards identifies six key areas as behaviour. it supports people working past 1970. Their bases are manufacturing and finishing, as London EC4M 9EH causing work related stress: or present in any sector of the designed to support well as sales and marketing. Contact: Stephen Brown Role industry. It recently launched a mobile homes and caravans, Tel: 020 3937 6390 Demands Employees should have a clear new helpline support service, that using high-quality steel. They MANUFACTURER Email: [email protected] Employees should feel able to cope understanding of their role can help both employees and cut, assemble and weld to meet Kingston Modular Systems Ltd www.dfcapital.co.uk with the demands of their job and and responsibilities within the managers when dealing with a customers’ exact specifications, 45B Stockholm Road, Kingston DF Capital their abilities match the job role. organisation. difficult situation. The helpline is before applying a towbar for Upon Hull, East Yorks HU7 0XW is a free to use for both employers and mobility and paint finish to Contact: Kristian Robinson specialist Control Change employees, and can be accessed protect. The company says their Tel: 01482 835 835 finance company that builds Employees should be consulted Employees should be provided with 24 hours a day, seven days a week, chassis are “used by some of the Email: [email protected] relationships with manufacturers about the way their work is timely and accurate information 365 days a year. To find out more UK’s best-known mobile home www.kingstonmodular.com and provides working capital organised and undertaken, and when undergoing change and are about the service or to sign your builders, and the craftsmanship Kingston Modular Systems solutions up and down their have regular opportunities for aware of any probable impact to organisation up, contact, Melanie and attention to detail means is committed to providing supply chain. In order to help discussion with their manager their job. Best practice suggests Day, Benevolent Fund Manager at they’re built to last”. customers with the building businesses drive their growth, DFC about their work. that, when appropriate, employees [email protected] to suit their needs and budget. structures its products to allow are encouraged to talk to someone Ferro (Midlands) Ltd With over 150 years’ them to match their cash cycle Support that can help them further, such For more information on Unit 15, Ollerton Business Park, experience in the to the lending team. This in turn Employees should expect support as their GP or – if you have one – managing stress in the workplace, Childs Ercall, Market Drayton, modular, leisure allows customers to release the from their manager and resources your occupational health team. including identifying risks, and to Shropshire TF9 2EJ industries, the team working capital tied up in their should be in place to help line The HSE talking toolkit has a obtain a copy of the toolkit, visit Contact: Malcolm Evans has developed day-to-day operations. mangers support their teams. wealth of information on how to www.hse.gov.uk

• Caravan holiday home sales “The NCC Park Management to-day role. Sallyann Adams, Head Online training • Health and safety Qualification has successfully of Training, explains: “These courses • Acts and licences addressed an industry-wide can transform your approach to With colleges and academies online and face-to-face learning. gap in developing the technical managing people and business, Everyone agrees that closed, online learning has really It provides employees with As an example, the module on acts and soft skills of holiday park and inspire those around you to life in the post COVID-19 come into its own. The NCC practical and academic skills to and licences includes information management.” follow your lead. The programme Training Academy (NCC TA) offers a become a successful holiday park on the General Data Protection Emma Findlay, Head of People upskills delegates in core areas, world will never be the range of web-based courses across manager. The qualification can be Regulations, alcohol licensing, Development, Parkdean Resorts empowering them to drive business same; one thing that is the various sectors of the industry. personalised, allowing participants Bribery Act, entertainment performance, boost profits, or to Programmes are interactive, to choose modules, based on licensing, environmental policies, Leadership deliver service enhancement.” unlikely to change is that engaging and relevant and – with personal or employer requirements. Gaming Licence, equality, diversity As part of the PMQ, or as a stand- it is better to be better internet access – accessible 24/7. There are six categories in which and inclusion and the critically alone qualification, there are also For the full range of courses, participants must successfully important Consumer Rights Act. Leadership and Management visit www.nccadacemy.org.uk qualified. Learn to be (or be a better) achieve all elements, namely: All courses are CPD Certified or courses, which are run as a webinar or call 01252 796090. All courses park manager • Leadership and management endorsed by Awarding Bodies and group, or as 1:1 live tutorials. are available for funding with NCC TA’s Park Management • Residential misuse the cost can be spread. A minimum These use industry-specific Department of Works & Pensions - Qualification (PMQ) is a high- • Caravan holiday home ownership • of 12 months is suggested for case studies to ensure learning apply via your local JobCentre (you level degree that combines • Code of Practice completion. outcomes are relevant to your day- do not need to be unemployed).

40 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 41 COVID-19: BREXIT

be extended, if needed. This does not affect the anyone’s obligation CLG update for residential or to pay the pitch fee – whether they “The UK has are occupying a residential park home (under a rental agreement) holiday parks and COVID-19 or a residential pitch (under a MHA now left the EU” agreement) or a holiday caravan pitch. If owners are struggling to Parks were instructed that the 1.5 million people who It will also apply to the pay, in the spirit of maintaining There is now a transition period should prepare now and subscribe have been asked to fully self-isolate possession of a holiday caravan positive relationships, CLG is until the end of 2020 while the to email updates – follow the links to close for commercial because of clinical vulnerability pitch, whether or not the caravan encouraging park owners to work UK and EU negotiate the future at https://www.gov.uk/transition- use, while possession have support. itself is being occupied for with the occupier affected to find a of UK-EU relations. So says the check. residential or for holiday purposes. practical solution for payment. .gov website. It confirms that There is an online questionnaire claims are frozen; health Residential There are additional support the current rules on trade, travel, to help. Email updates will be sent and safety repairs can occupiers The intention is that no one in social measures in place for occupiers and business for the UK and EU out so businesses can be notified of all types and businesses affected by the will continue to apply during the about any changes that might still be undertaken. of caravan or private accommodation will be pandemic. Park owners are still transition period. New rules will affect you as “new rules may be (whether they forced from where they are living as required to ensure parks meet then take effect on 1 January decided”. The Ministry of Housing are entitled the required standard and urgent, 2021. The NCC will keep members There will be new rules for Communities and Local to live there a result of COVID-19 essential health and safety repairs informed of progress when living, working, travelling, moving Government (CLG) in England has or not): should be made. the Government releases more caravans and motorhomes and provided an update for residential Government has put“ a freeze on Government has published a Where repairs are not urgent, information. doing business in the UK and EU and holiday parks in the context all claims for possession which summary and guidance for park owners and occupiers can It suggests that businesses from 1 January 2021. of the coronavirus (COVID-19) includes possession of land and landlords, tenant and local agree that these can be done later. outbreak. buildings or parts of buildings in authorities on gov.uk. The court Local Authorities are expected There will be new rules for living, working, travelling and England and Wales. The intention will suspend all ongoing and new to take a pragmatic, risk-based doing business in the UK and EU from 1 January 2021 For both park homes and holiday is that no one in social or private claims for possession. No case will approach to enforcement. parks in England: where a park accommodation will be forced from be able to progress to eviction The Government guidance operator has any vulnerable or self- where they are living as a result during the suspension. (This is set relating to closure of caravan isolating people without support of COVID-19. The freeze will apply out in a new practice direction for parks and other accommodation Import control on EU goods networks that may be experiencing to all occupiers of park homes on all claims for possession the Civil providers can be found at https:// after 31 December problems with food supply, park residential pitches in England and Procedure Rules Part 55.) www.gov.uk/guidance/covid- “ owners should contact their local Wales, whether under a Mobile Suspension of all claims for 19-advice-for-accommodation- On 10 February, the Government confirmed plans to introduce import authority for further advice. Homes Act agreement or under a possession (from 27 March) will providers – these pages are controls on EU goods at the border after the transition period ends on Work is underway to ensure form of rental agreement. initially last for 90 days, but may regularly updated. 31 December 2020. “We are leaving the EU’s customs union and single market, taking back control of our borders, and beginning to strike trade deals around the world.” THE 70-POINT However, trade associations rejection of the inclusion of part- In a speech, Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, have pointed out that this will not time workers (on which these confirmed all UK exports and imports will be treated equally. This SYSTEM solve the skills shortage issue in, for industries rely) is also of concern. will mean traders in the EU and GB will have to submit customs In February, the Home Office example, tourism and hospitality Staff waiting tables, for declarations and be liable to goods’ checks. released the UK’s Points-Based industries, where the average example, would not be covered He also confirmed that the policy easements put in place for a Immigration System Policy full-time wage is i.r.o. £23,000. The as ‘Skilled Workers’, a move which potential no-deal exit will not be reintroduced as businesses have Statement, with the aim of some commentators have said time to prepare, saying “the UK will be outside the single market

The UK’s Points transforming the way in which all -Based Immigration System will ‘decimate’ the tourism and outside the customs union, so we will have to be ready for Introduction 3

migrants come to the UK to work, -Based Immigration System and hospitality the customs procedures and regulatory checks that will inevitably The UK’s Points 6 12 The UK’s Points -Based Immigration System

and of attracting ‘Skilled Workers’ The United Kingdom (UK) exited the European Union (EU) on 31 sector in follow. Skilled workers January 2020. This policy statement sets out how we will fulfil our Annex A: Migrant Journey from January commitment to the British public and take back control of our 6. The points-based system will provide simple, effective and flexible arrangements for skilled workers from around the world to come to the UK through an employer-led 2021 Skilled workers can enter the borders. system. All applicants, both EU and non-EU citizens, will need to demonstrate that certain parts “The EU has said it will enforce checks on our goods entering the they have a job offer from an approved sponsor, that the job offer is at the required We are ending free movement and will introduce an Immigration Bill to bring in a firm and skill level, and that they speak English. In addition to this, if the applicant earns more fair points-based system that will attract the high-skilled workers we need to contribute to than the minimum salary threshold then the individual would be eligible to make an our economy, our communities and our public services. We intend to create a high wage, application. However, if they earn less than the required minimum salary threshold, UK if they secure a job that will high-skill, high productivity economy. but no less than £20,480, they mayto the still job. be In able effect, to comeapplicants if they will can be demonstrate able to ‘trade’ that of the UK. Eurozone. We will likewise enforce our own rules for goods entering they have a job offer in a specific shortage occupation, as designated by the MAC, or in their field. Points We will deliver a system that works in the interests of the whole of the UK and prioritises that they have a PhD relevant or the ‘going rate’ Tradeable Step the skills a person has to offer, not where they come from. characteristics such as their specific job offer and qualifications against a salary20 lower Journey Stage than the minimum salary No 1 pay over £25,600 per annum. For too long, distorted by European free movement rights, the immigration system has 20 Planning to come Migrant Actions Fears the UK.” No been failing to meet the needs of the British people. Failing to deliver benefits across the Characteristics 10 EU citizens and non-visa nationals will not require a visa to UK and failing the highly-skilled migrants from around the world who want to come to the No enter the country when visiting. All migrants looking to enter UK and make a contribution to our economy and society. Offer of job by approved sponsor 0 the UK for other reasons (such as work or study) will need Yes Job at appropriate skill level to apply for permission in advance. Those who come to the Our approach will change all of this. We are implementing a new system that will transform 10 (For specific occupations, e.g. Yes UK as a visitor will need to leave the country before making remain that Business can prepare for border controls by making sure they have the way in which all migrants come to the UK to work, study, visit or join their family. It will Speaks English at required level– £23,039 2 20 Getting permission an application to another route. The UK's Points-Basedalso revolutionise the operation of the UK border, tighten security and deliver a better Yes customer experience for those coming to the UK. Salary of £20,480 (minimum)– £25,599 20 For those who need a visa, migrants will make their Yes Salary of £23,040 application online. Most EU citizens will complete their From 1 January 2021, EU and non-EU citizens will be treated equally 10 application online, while non-EU citizens will continue to go engineering, a job worth £20,480 Yes businesses an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, Immigration System Salary of £25,600 or above overall levels of migration and give top priority to those with the highest skills and the 20 to Visa Application Centres (VACs) to enrol their greatest talents: scientists, engineers, academics and other highly-skilled workers. Yes 3 biometrics. Job in a shortage occupation (as designated by the MAC) Crossing the UK Importantly we remain committed to protecting individuals from exploitation by criminal border Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, traffickers and unscrupulous employers. 1 per annum would suffice, as long Policy Statement . We will reduce Education qualification: PhD in subject relevant to the job Singapore, South Korea and the USA, who possess simply cannot and also by looking into how they want to make declarations such as We will replace free movement with the UK’s Points Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to biometric passports, will continue to be able to use e-gates highly skilled workers, skilled workers, students and a range of other specialist work routes the job to pass through the UK border either as a visitor or with including routes for global leaders and innovators. prior permission. We will also unilaterally allow EU citizens to continue to use e-gates, but we will keep this policy -Based System to cater for the most under review. Others will need to see a Border Force as the applicant held a PhD in We will not introduce a general low-skilled or temporary work route. We need to shift the A total of 70 points is required to be eligible to apply; some characteristics4 are find enough using a customs agent. focus of our economy away from a reliance on cheap labour from Europe and instead tradable. Living in the UK officer. concentrate on investment in technology and automation. Employers will need to adjust. EU citizens will use the online checking service to demonstrate their immigration status and their rights and 7. For example, a university researcher in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, entitlements, where permitted, when accessing work and and mathematics) subject wishing to come to the UK on a salary of £22,000, (which is the relevant area.) As well as the services in the UK. For many EU citizens, their status will British nationals HMRC has extended the deadline for businesses to apply for below the general minimum salary threshold), may still be able to enter the UK if they automatically be available when seeking to access benefits 1 have a relevant PhD in a STEM subject. Likewise, a nurse wishing to come to the UK In most cases, references throughout this paper to citizens of the European Union also relate to citizens or the NHS. Non-EU citizens will continue to use their on a salary of £22,000 would still be able to enter the UK on the basis that the of the European Economic Area and Switzerland. 5 physical documentation. individual would be working in a shortage occupation, provided it continuesLeaving to be the UK salary level, they will gain points designated in shortage by the MAC. Leaving the UK after leave has expired, or not leaving at all with certain customs support funding to 31 January 2021 – money remains available.

when required to, will impact a migrant’s immigration status 8. The MAC will be commissioned to produce a shortage occupation list covering all jobs and will affect future interactions with UK immigration. encompassed by the skilled worker route and to keep the list under regular review. Allocating extra points for occupations that the MAC determines to be in shortage in for having a job sponsor, speaking the UK will provide immediate temporary relief for shortage areas, making it easier to skills – for recruit migrants. However, we expect employers to take other measures to address

The EU has said it will enforce checks on our goods English, or taking a job in an example foreign area where there are specified February 2020 languages – in entering the Eurozone. We will likewise enforce our shortages. CP 220 the UK. own rules for goods entering the UK. 42 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRINGF 2020 “ NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 43 FOOD AND DRINK

Coming to a bar near you… In its predictions for this year’s trends drinks distributor Bibendum mentions:

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING For wine, spirits and beer, 87% of consumers are concerned about packaging - with the majority believing responsibility lies with producers.

CRAFT COFFEE FUSIONS Coffee cocktails aren’t news, but as coffee cements its place in the ‘craft’ movement, its influence on beer, spirits and RTDs (ready-to drinks) will Drink continue to evolve. HARD SELTZERS Spirits, typically low calorie, low sugar and with an ABV of 4-6%, hard seltzers have been a huge success in the US, (sales +210%). local This grain-based drink is aimed at younger drinkers looking Northmoor gin is made by the award-winning Exmoor Distillery, set up in Parks Business goes in search of the small and beautiful… for ‘healthier’ options. They are 2018 – see www.exmoordistillery.co.uk ‘sure to be a success when they While larger park operators can Independent Brewers) produced genuine craft beer and to them hit the UK in 2020’. GIN gin! take advantage of greater buying its British Craft Beer Report. In that means beer from relatively, Famously, when Sam Galsworthy of Sipsmith applied for a distilling power, smaller businesses can it, SIBA said its members are small independent producers.” THINK PINK licence to make gin in 2009, he was informed that no-one had done make a virtue of providing more ‘proud to be independent and Expanding your independent Pink Prosecco will hit the such a thing in London for nearly 200 years. How things can change in local, carefully-sourced and are ready to provide the nation’s craft beer offering could drive market in 2020 - sales of a decade! unique offerings – not just in their drinkers with high-quality business, as a quarter of Prosecco continue to see HMRC figures show the number of distilleries registered in the UK in food menu, but also in drinks. interesting beers’. consumers would be more likely to double-digit growth in the On 2019 shot up by around 80 last year, bringing the total number to over This not only cuts the drinks’ One of the biggest challenges visit a restaurant which has a good Trade (+28%); 1 in 4 consumers 440. England now boasts 228 distilleries and Scotland has increased its carbon footprint, but it has never for these smaller brewers, SIBA craft beer selection, and 16% would regularly ‘drink pink’, rosé cider number by 26, taking their total up to 186 distilleries. been easier, facilitated by the says, is access to market – getting switch where they do their grocery and pink gin (see below) will still For centuries Scotland dominated with Scotch Whisky, but it is exponential rise of independent their beers into the hands of the shopping based on how good the be huge in 2020. the gin boom that has helped the total number of UK distilleries to brewers and small distilleries. people who want to drink them. selection of craft beers is. expand. UK gin sales were worth over £2.6bn last year and this so- “Beer drinkers increasingly want Find a local brewery: See www.bibendum-wine.co.uk/ called “ginaissance” means gin sales in the UK have hit an all-time The rise of craft beer www.siba.co.uk/regions/ where media/3597/2020-trends-report. high. This in turn has helped to fund new forays into spirit making, Beer remains the nation’s favourite there is a list of members by pdf such as English and Welsh whisky and rums. drink, with a whopping 8.5 billion region. Aside from traditional juniper-infused London dry gin, there are gins pints sold last year. IPAs, stouts, Find an award-winning beer: with many regional characteristics – not to mention flavours such as lagers and bitters all contributed; CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Among the key take-aways toasted marshmallow gin, parma violet gin, cherry bakewell gin, and this compares to 1.2 billion pints of runs the prestigious Champion from the SIBA report mentioned yes even a Unicorn Tears gin (complete with edible silver flakes). The cider, according to HM Revenue Beer of Britain competitions. It above is that consumers believe lavender fields of Kent created a lavender gin (although it is Yorkshire and Customs figures. has helped put many UK brewers genuine craft beer should come that made the lavender-flavoured winner at the 2018 Gin Awards). While nearly 90% of the beer into the national spotlight. The from a small independent brewery. Some gins even change colour on contact with tonic, and UK sales consumed is still dominated 2019 winner was Surrey Hills’ Shere Younger drinkers are drinking less of flavoured and coloured gins grew by 751% last year, according to the by four global mega breweries, Drop https://camra.org.uk/beer/ – but drinking better quality beer WSTA. So, there is definitely a rising demand – and it is not just on the there are now around 2,000 awards/champion-beer-of-britain/. – and consumers will increasingly spirit side, but the choice of flavoured tonics has risen with it. small independent breweries, the Research the market: see https:// choose beers from breweries they In Scotland, whisky is an integral part of the tourist trade offering. highest number since the 1930s. camra.org.uk/beer-festivals- share ethical values with. With the number of distilleries in England having risen ten-fold in They can be found in every corner events/our-events/ for a list of beer They predict that demand will ten years, there must be many opportunities for a local-focused, gin- of the country. festivals. A good day out for the continue to rise for craft lager and soaked offering to keep spirits up. Cheers! In 2019, SIBA (the Society of Procurement Manager? for no/low-alcohol products.

44 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 45 “ REGIONAL NEWS Country file

Scotland airs concerns about informal camping

The Scottish Government called a meeting, chaired by Judith Young, on informal (‘wild’) camping. A number of stakeholders attended, including consumer Clubs, the NCC, representatives of hire companies and many Scottish regions. While there was a wide variety of views, there was general agreement that informal camping is an issue for concern. There is an immediate need for education of the consumer Scotland Outlook 2030 was launched on 4 and the creation of guidance. March 2020. The strategy document has been Park operators saw it as unfair that parks have a set of developed through widespread collaboration stringent rules whereas, for example, car parks do not have with the industry and its stated vision is that to abide by the same rules. There were safety concerns “we will be the world leader in 21st century – particularly in relation to separation distances, as often tourism”. campervans are parked side by side, risking spread of fire. Its mission is that: “Together we will grow the It was pointed out that informal campers may not want the value and positively enhance the benefits of regimentation of a park or may be unable to find a pitch. They tourism across Scotland by delivering the very bring tourism to areas that need it; it is difficult to, say, stop

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam best for our visitors, our businesses, our people, them parking in car parks when they are spending money in our communities and our environment.” local shops and restaurants. Read more at https://scottishtourismalliance. If you have a view, please email [email protected] co.uk/scotland-outlook-2030-download/

Minimum price SCCF meets in Glasgow for alcohol in Wales The Scottish Caravan and The SCCF, of which the Camping Forum (SCCF) NCC is the current Chair, A new law has come into force setting a convened during the intended to conduct a ‘How’s minimum price for alcohol in Wales. This Glasgow show, albeit for a Business’ survey across the means alcohol can’t be sold or supplied very brief meeting, due to the region’s parks later this year. for less than 50p a unit. High-strength, wider discussions on wild/ However, this decision is likely low-cost products like white cider will be freedom camping, with a to be reviewed in light of the significantly more expensive. broader audience (see above). effects of coronavirus. The policy, introduced through the Welsh Government’s Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018, aims to reduce Ulster and immigration points system hazardous and harmful levels of drinking. Northern Ireland’s hospitality be allowed to work in the UK industry will be destroyed under the new proposals. by the Home Office’s (See pages 42-43 for details.) Commenting on the skills Glasgow show attracts crowds proposed skills criteria and salary threshold for overseas criteria Neill said: “Employees Some 26,000 visitors event to date. workers, according to with soft skills (i.e. ‘unskilled’) attended the Scottish On show were Hospitality Ulster. are a vital element of the Caravan, Motorhome touring caravans, Colin Neill, Hospitality Northern Ireland hospitality & Holiday Home motorhomes and a Ulster’s CEO, said the move and tourism offer, however, Show’s at the SEC, number of holiday will ‘simply decimate’ the they have been ignored.” Glasgow – the busiest homes. hospitality sector. The NI hospitality industry Those classified as has over 30,000 vacancies to l Regular updates on coronavirus for the ‘unskilled’ and those earning fill by 2024 and needs 2,000 Northern Ireland tourism industry will be posted below £25,600 will no longer chefs say industry experts. at https://tourismni.com/

46 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS WINTER 2019 47