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PARKS
THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE NCC
BUSINESS
SPRING 2020
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
Drink local
Page 28
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: editorial@thencc.org.uk ©National Caravan Council 2019 www.thencc.org.uk
The views in this magazine are not necessarily those of the NCC
Editor: Louise Wood louise.w@thencc.org.uk Tel: 07824 994690
Design & Production: Richard Charnley richard@charnleypublishing.co.uk Advertising: advertising@thencc.org.uk
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
help of 1,250 people and over
grows in 2019 Golf and Park
Retreat in
two years to develop. Read
East Yorkshire,
more at www.butlins.com/ Outdoor accommodation
which has
blog/new-pool-bognor-regis. provider Pitchup.com
planning
has revealed that Devon’s
permission
caravanning and camping
Changing Places sites saw a 15% increase for 150 lodges
and caravans.
in bookings in comparison
toilets would to 2018. The guide
drive footfall Devon is Pitchup.com’s price was £4.5
million.
second-best selling UK
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
able to. been acquired by private equity- are relative newcomers to the sector, originally scheduled to take partners, are taking this year’s
loses former organiser of
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
COVID-19
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
A practical guide
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
Job Retention Scheme (JRS) orders if people do not adhere to they should be advised to follow
for members
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.
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 itcommercial 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 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
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and
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 to give lenders employees (employees on a leave park with evidence. Parks should the period the park and its facilities
pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year
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-
based entertainment, such as the
BARRIE ROBINSON ownership, show that the company
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
Keeping the customer satisfied
individual abilities – it is important
we inspire our next generation of “We have four main routes
of customers and delivering
consistency, particularly in
vehicle charge points, Deloitte says:
‘How quickly EVs will become a
HAVE YOUR SAY accommodation, and greater
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 policy@thencc.org.uk. 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 editorial@thencc.org.uk. 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
Green
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
days
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
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
at a time’. Campaigns include
customers, to get them onside and to make it as easy
#2minutebeachclean.
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.
Recycled tent material
CONSULTATION ON Opera Liege hotel in Paris is
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
policy@thencc.org.uk 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:
CLIMATE CHANGE
Calor and BioLPG invested in the parks that choose
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 19ECONOMIC 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
has been cut to 1.1%, down from
Company tax: The corporation tax
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 policy@thencc.org.uk for more details.
of new rapid charging hubs.
20 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 NCC PARKS BUSINESS SPRING 2020 21TECHNICAL 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 23AUTISM AWARENESS
Hidden
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
disabilities
£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
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.
“The National Autistic Society National Autistic Society
message that you want to be
helpful and welcoming.
HIDDEN DISABILITIES AND BLUE BADGES people. The Society can offer advice
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 25You can also read
