Category Archives: Leisure

Advanced manufacturing firm set for record growth

An advanced manufacturing firm that supports the leisure industry with ride-on electric vehicles is set for record growth after a strong start to the year.

Aqualand Industries has seen orders leap 50% to 122 vehicles in the first quarter of 2024. It puts the firm on track to hit a turnover of £1m this year, and it plans to expand its team with six new engineers over the coming months.

The company recently announced the launch of a national servicing offering to help leisure destinations maintain their vehicles through the busy summer period.

Commenting on the growth, Carl Byford, general manager of Aqualand Industries, said: “We have continued to diversify our offer to support our customers in the UK and overseas. With an expanded range and a new sales team in Scandinavia, we are ideally positioned for growth and pleased to partner with some of the biggest names in the holiday park sector.

“Leisure destination operators are looking for environmentally friendly ways to enhance the visitor experience, and our electric trucks and pedal carts are proving popular thanks to the low level of investment and time required to launch them at theme parks, zoos and holiday parks across Europe.”

Aqualand Industries partners with leisure destinations to help them drive additional revenue. The company offers leasing, full purchase or a mixture of both to provide operators with the flexibility they need to introduce the range of products.

The Holmfirth-based company designs and manufactures the six-wheeled Crazi-bugz, Adventure-Trukz and the newly launched all-family activity, the Adventurer. The Company has grown a loyal customer base across Europe for its eco-friendly products.

Salop Leisure to celebrate strong Wales links on St David’s Day

Award winning Shrewsbury caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure will be promoting Wales as a holiday destination and serving up Welsh dishes to celebrate St David’s Day this year.

The Shrewsbury based company, which also has sales centres in Machynlleth and Stourport-on-Sevem, will be flying the Welsh flag, handing out daffodils and serving up Welsh food favourites in its Love Coffee café and restaurant on Friday, March 1.

Salop Leisure always celebrates St David’s Day because of the company’s important links with tourism in Mid Wales, which is at the heart of the business.

To bring a taste of Wales to the celebrations, Love Coffee will be serving up a special menu including leek and potato soup, bara brith and Welsh cakes.

St David’s Day also marks the traditional opening of the new tourism season, with caravan holiday home parks across Mid Wales welcoming back owners after a winter break.

Salop Leisure invests thousands of pounds every year promoting tourism in Mid Wales to existing owners and prospective buyers of holiday homes, touring caravans and motorhomes.

The company supplies caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges to more than 200 parks across Mid Wales and the Heart of England.

Salop Leisure’s co-managing director Dylan Roberts said: “St David’s Day is always an important date in the company’s calendar because Wales has always been at the heart of our business.

“It’s an opportunity to not only celebrate the nation’s patron saint but also to promote the beautiful landscape and many attractions that Wales has to offer visitors.”

Mr Roberts, who is also a board member of MWT Cymru, the independent organisation representing 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia, added: “Mid Wales is one of the most popular destinations in the UK with people looking to buy a caravan holiday home.

“Staycations in Mid Wales are important for people who want to escape to the seaside and into the countryside.”

Val Hawkins, chief executive of MWT Cymru, thanked Salop Leisure for continuing to promote the region as a tourist destination.

“Salop Leisure does a fantastic job to help us put the Mid Wales countryside and coast on the map in two of our key target markets, the West Midlands and North West England,” she said. “Visitor surveys highlight how important the caravan and camping sector is to the economy of Mid Wales.”

Picture caption:

Salop Leisure staff Tanya Richards and Catrin Mills don traditional Welsh costumes in preparation to celebrate St David’s Day.

New pedal car promises fun for all the family.

Aqualand Industries is launching a new four-seat pedal car that offers fun for all the family. The Adventurer has a rugged design and can be used on various surfaces, making it easy to operate in any leisure destination.

The pedal car platform is modular and will be easy to upgrade with a range of future accessories, from parasols to baskets.

Aqualand Industries designed the car in response to customer requests and adds to the company’s range of electric vehicles for all ages. The popular Crazi-bugz and Adventure Trukz are designed for children aged four to 14 years old and can be found at leisure destinations across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Commenting on the launch, Carl Byford, general manager of Aqualand Industries, said: “As we continue to evolve and expand our range, we wanted to create a vehicle that the whole family could enjoy together. The Adventurer is a great way for four people to explore an area in comfort while having a lot of fun!”

Each vehicle has a host of safety features to keep riders safe and can be hired out with minimum supervision to reduce staffing costs.

All Aqualand Industries products are manufactured in the UK and meet rigorous safety standards. The design follows a year of exhaustive testing and is patent pending.

Aqualand Industries works in partnership with leisure destinations to help them drive additional revenue. The company offers leasing, full purchase or a mixture of both to provide operators with the flexibility they need to introduce the range of products. It also provides maintenance and service to its customers for its products.

Carl concluded: “As leisure businesses of all sizes tackle the rising cost of business, it’s important that they explore new revenue streams. The Adventurer is designed to be low cost to operate and provides a 27/7 rental opportunity that the whole family can enjoy.”

Further details for the Adventurer can be found www.aqualand-industries.com or visit stand A-108 at the IAAPA Expo in Vienna from 25 September 2023.

So you think you know Blackpool? Think again

Hannah Mooney, Sales Manager at Hampton by Hilton Blackpool says that there is more to Blackpool than people think as the town becomes increasingly recognised as a top events destination

As the Sales Manager of the Hampton by Hilton in Blackpool, partners of MeetBlackpool, the town’s conference and exhibition arm, I am thrilled to celebrate our 5-year anniversary in 2023. This milestone gives us an opportunity to showcase the transformation taking place in Blackpool and its emergence as a top conference destination. I am keen to delve into the lesser-known aspects of Blackpool, the investments fuelling its growth, and how our hotel’s expansion has contributed to the local economy while prioritising sustainability.

 

Unveiling the corporate side of Blackpool

A cultural shift has taken place in Blackpool, often associated with leisure and entertainment,  which now focuses on the town’s impressive corporate events offering. With its striking coastline, excellent transport links, and a range of modern conference facilities, Blackpool offers a unique setting that combines business with pleasure. Corporate event managers will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of venues, from historic theatres to state-of-the-art conference centres, which can cater to a variety of needs and budgets.

 

Investment in Blackpool’s future

Blackpool’s new perception as a business events destination is fuelled by significant investments across various sectors. The town’s local government, along with private investors, has been dedicated to rejuvenating Blackpool’s infrastructure, public spaces, and iconic landmarks. These improvements ensure a seamless experience for corporate guests, creating an environment that is both visually appealing and conducive to successful business interactions.

 

Hampton by Hilton’s role in economic growth

The extension of our Hampton by Hilton hotel will play a role in Blackpool’s economic growth. We are proud to have created additional jobs within the local community, as our recruitment strategy focuses on hiring talent from within the area. By providing employment opportunities to the residents of Blackpool, we contribute to the overall prosperity of the town and strengthen the sense of community.

On top of this, and crucially as the town expands its event offering, the extra bedspace we now offer has increased the appeal for corporate event managers and agencies alike.

 

Sustainability: our commitment to a greener future

At Hampton by Hilton Blackpool, we understand the importance of sustainable practices and their impact on the environment. Our hotel has implemented various measures to minimise our ecological footprint while ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of our corporate guests. From energy-efficient lighting and water conservation initiatives to waste reduction and recycling programs, we strive to be a responsible steward of the environment.

 

Collaboration and networking opportunities

Blackpool’s growth as a conference destination also offers ample opportunities for collaboration and networking. The town hosts a range of industry-specific events and trade shows, attracting professionals from various sectors. Corporate event managers can leverage these occasions to forge new partnerships, gain insights from industry experts, and establish their organisations as industry leaders.

 

Blackpool is no longer seen solely as a leisure-oriented destination; it has emerged as a hidden gem for corporate events. With investments driving its transformation, Blackpool offers a unique blend of business opportunities and stunning coastal scenery. Corporate event managers can now explore the potential of Blackpool and its vibrant conference scene, making it a top choice for their next successful event.

Yonda appoints Zeal to support growth plans.

Yonda, a leading performance wet suit brand, has teamed up with Zeal to support its growth plans.

The Leeds-based digital marketing agency will drive sales through an integrated digital marketing campaign, including website development, social media, email marketing, SEO, and PPC.

Yonda manufactures premium quality wetsuits and tri suits. The family-run business is based in Huddersfield and exports to the US, Canada and Europe.

Commenting on the move, Angus Greenwood, founder of Yonda Wetsuits, said: “Zeal brings a real passion for our brand and understanding of our product to the campaign. They have a clear plan to increase our revenue and the flexibility to meet our ambitious growth targets.

“Jane and the team are great to work with and are taking the time to get close to our business. It’s a partnership approach that works for us.”

 

Zeal is a full-service digital marketing agency based in Leeds. It is focused on supporting startup and scale-up brands to develop their e-commerce offerings. The team of 35 experts span everything from branding and design to SEO, PPC and programmatic advertising.

 

Jane Slimming, CEO at Zeal, said: “As an amateur triathlete, I know that Yonda’s wetsuits are a step above the competition. They are renowned for their quality and inclusivity by offering female sizing. We love their brand and are fired up to be part of their growth journey.”

Caravan Exhibition Proves British Manufacturers Back In Business

HIGH hopes for a booming 2023 are in store for North Wales as multi-million-pound international manufacturers team up with local businesses this autumn.

The North Wales Caravan Show, running from September 24th– October 9th, is set to attract crowds from far and wide right into the “beating heart of North Wales.” Located at the Grade II listed Nant Hall Hotel, Prestatyn, static caravan manufacturers such as Willerby, Swift Leisure Group, Delta, and Atlas will be exhibiting a range of brand-new holiday homes in a bid to draw in prospective tourists to the area.

The exclusive exhibition is the first of its kind post-pandemic, and event partners Lyons Holiday Parks believe its magnitude reflects the status of North Wales’s tourism sector in 2022.

Joseph Lyons Mound Jnr, who is collaborating with industry experts to organise the event, said the exhibition is also a “prime example of how the British static caravan manufacturing industry has bounced back from the effects of the pandemic.”

The 20-year-old entrepreneur said: “The North Wales Caravan Show isn’t just another trade show – it’s completely unique to the area and is all about collaboration, bringing in specialists from all sides of the industry together, and joining forces to offer those who are interested in holiday home ownership a reason to come back to the local area week after week.

“We see holiday home ownership as an investment in North Wales, which in turn raises the profile of this fantastic location and brings footfall into our high streets and business. As a fifth-generation business of almost 100 years, our family has seen just how much of staple static caravans are to the North Wales economy and we know just how much this benefits the local tourism sector.”

Lyons Holiday Parks, now the UK’s largest holiday park operators after their recent holiday park acquisitions in Barmouth and Snowdonia, reported a huge increase in static caravan sales during the pandemic and throughout 2021.

A record-breaking number of sales was reached at the Lyons Group’s flagship park in Rhyl, Lyons Robin Hood, as Brits chose making the most of what was on their doorstep over travelling abroad.

While Covid-19 related foreign travel restrictions boosted static caravan sales for the holiday giants, static caravan manufacturers were among the industries severely affected by the restrictions.

Willerby, the UK’s largest holiday home manufacturer, creates around 7,000 units annually, each with timber frames and containing around 2,500 parts.

But social distancing in factories, alongside issues with material supply chains as a result of the pandemic and Brexit, meant that static caravan production slowed dramatically in 2021 as demand only increased. A spokesperson said: “Willerby, like many manufacturers during the Covid-19 pandemic, are experiencing challenges within our supply chain. Throughout this we continue to work closely with our customers to keep them fully informed.”

The ‘staycation boom’ last summer only heightened fears among holiday park operators and static caravan dealers, with manufacturers struggling to meet demand. Parks across the UK reported lengthy waiting lists for holiday home ownership, as the major companies battled to distribute stock for those keen to buy.

Despite last year’s production line fears, the static caravan manufacturing industry is going from strength to strength – and Geoff Lyons Mound Jnr, co-organiser of the North Wales Caravan Show, says the exhibition is a great way to celebrate the resilience of the industry.

He believes the way the static caravan industry bounced back from the complications of the pandemic is “an understated victory” at a time when worries were rife about the “vitality of the sector.”

He said: “So many things were affected by the pandemic – hospitality, tourism, healthcare services to name a few – and as directors of the UK’s largest holiday park operators, we really thought the holiday home industry was at a make-or-break point.

“The industry is worth £9bn in the UK alone, with three main manufacturers making 75% of the static caravans distributed in Britain, and we’re proud to be working in collaboration with these companies at the North Wales Caravan Show.

“As a demand-led industry which was seriously at risk of collapse this time two years ago, we’re nothing but impressed by how these businesses have not only survived throughout the pandemic, but who have actually continued to launch new models, rethink designs and structures, and come back bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.

“The North Wales Caravan Show is the industry’s way of saying, ‘we’re still here – and we’re here to impress.’ Guests will be welcome to browse some stunning models, chat to industry experts, engage in competitions, seek advice on things like finance packages, holiday home longevity, and decking options with the assistance of another event partner, Deckings Direct.

“It’s a chance for prospective holiday home buyers to see for themselves how a life of luxury can truly be lived in North Wales, visit the local area and its attractions, and it’s also a chance for all to see just how creative and high-reaching these British manufacturers are.”

The North Wales Caravan Show is a free event held at Nant Hall Hotel, Prestatyn Road, Prestatyn LL19 9LD from September 24th– October 9th. Find out more here: https://www.lyonsholidayparks.co.uk/the-north-wales-caravan-show/

South Wales Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Group Secures Finance Package

Family-owned business Leekes Retail & Leisure Group, which celebrates its 125th year in 2022, has agreed a new bank finance package split equally between HSBC UK and Barclays. The funding is earmarked to support growth plans across the fourth-generation family business’ divisions: Leekes Retail, the Vale Resort, Hensol Castle Distillery, and its property arm.

The group continues to invest across all areas of its operations, with short term priorities including the £12m renovation of Leekes Retail’s longest-standing department store in Llantrisant, South Wales which is currently underway.

In addition, £5m of the funding will contribute to the development of new residential homes in the grounds of the Vale Resort. The 650-acre Vale Resort contains the four-star 143-bedroom hotel, 3,000-member leisure club and spa, two championship golf courses, the Hensol Castle, a hotel, wedding, and events venue, and is the home of the Welsh rugby and football national teams, who utilise the elite sporting facilities on the site. A total of 16 luxury houses and mews cottages will be constructed in land adjacent to the listed Hensol Castle which has recently opened its newly renovated bedrooms.

 

Mike Fowler, Group Finance Director at Leekes Retail Leisure & Property Group, said: “Leekes Retail business received its first business loan from HSBC UK and banked with them for many years. We’re delighted to resume this relationship with HSBC UK who will provide our finance package alongside Barclays. We were pleased that the Relationship Directors from both banks, Simon Williams at HSBC UK and Sam Cole at Barclays, understood our needs from the start and have collectively developed a proposal to support our long-term growth strategy.”

 

Warren Lewis, Head of Corporate Banking in Wales at HSBC UK, commented: “We’re pleased to be working on the continued expansion of such an important and iconic family business. After recent success with acquisitions in both the leisure and retail sectors, we’re confident that the Leekes Retail & Leisure Group will continue to flourish in 2022 and beyond.”

 

Sam Cole, Barclays Relationship Director, added: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the Leekes Retail & Leisure Group. By really understanding the sectors in which they operate as well as their specific businesses, Barclays has been able to provide a range of innovative financial packages to support the business with its growth and diversification strategies.”

 

Last year, Leekes Retail & Leisure Group acquired full ownership of the Hensol Castle Distillery, launching its visitor attraction in October 2021, which includes gin making experiences and distillery tours. Hensol Castle has recently opened 17 luxury bedrooms with a further 6 due to open later this year, providing additional accommodation to support the increase in demand experienced across many sectors including weddings and functions. Whilst following the success of their first new small format furniture store trading under their Park Furnishers brand in Eastgate Retail Park, Bristol last year, the group opened a new Leekes furniture store in Cardiff in December 2021 which has made a promising start to trading.

North Wales leisure business unveils new products and growth plans to leave Covid in the shade

A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING leisure group has left the challenges of Covid-19 in the shade by unveiling a new range of products and plans for further growth.

UK Leisure Living, which employs 15 staff across sites in Mochdre, St Asaph and Deeside, is receiving positive feedback and sales for the latest line in its quality outdoor selection – roofed and retractable verandas.

Managing Director Gareth Jones has also secured a partnership with Swedish manufacturer Tylo, a pioneer in the production and global distribution of saunas, steam rooms and steam showers and is remodelling their showrooms to complement existing lines including hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and the swim-spa centre.

Having achieved record turnover this year following a post-pandemic boom he says diversifying their range gives UK Leisure Living Group an even more sustainable, long-term model for success.

“There has already been a real buzz and interest in the verandas because it is quite a well-priced product which is unique to this region and works perfectly alongside our current offering,” said Gareth.

“We’ve had particular interest from homeowners and people who are investing in properties because like last year they will be remaining in the UK this summer and spending more time in the garden.

“The verandas we offer are more functional, contemporary conservatories with a modern twist; there has been a lot of demand and we look forward to seeing how that develops over the coming weeks.”

UK Leisure Living can supply and deliver to any part of the UK and are also able to install the verandas, available to the trade and DIY professionals at reduced rates.

They are available to view online and at the ‘super showroom’ in Mochdre or Deeside; the latter opened earlier this year and is already proving a hit with customers in north east Wales and over the border into Cheshire, Shropshire and Wirral.

“Overall sales are up 134% on last year, and last year was our best ever,” said Gareth.

“We will continue to invest and grow wisely as there are challenges for all businesses in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and other factors, particularly a blockage and slowdown in supply from overseas.

“We are in a good place as we anticipated this could happen – notably with the hot tubs as ours come from the USA and the UK – but there will be limits for many companies in this and other sectors importing goods from Asia.

“For now, we will continue to expand and diversify with a focus on the verandas in the months ahead into autumn and winter – we anticipate interest will continue to accelerate as the wet weather draws in. Verandas offer that extra outdoor space when the typical British weather decides to strike.”

He added: “We’re very excited and have an experienced and skilled sales and service team in place to help meet the demand and ensure the business emerges from Covid-19 in a stronger position than ever before.”

The UK Leisure Living Group includes Carbon Zero, The Swim Spa Centre, The Holiday Let Advice Centre and Stop Digging! North Wales and North West.

For more information on UK Leisure Living, visit www.ukleisureliving.co.uk and follow @ukleisurelivinggroup on social media.

New showroom and recruits for hot tub company making a splash in North Wales

A BOOMING leisure company will unveil a new hot tubs showroom in the coming weeks after a strong start to the year.

Following record-breaking sales in 2020, UK Leisure Living is set to recruit staff and open a satellite base in Flintshire this April.

Managing Director Gareth Jones has taken on four employees since January and plans to add two more to oversee operations in north east Wales, as well as another apprentice in the future.

The multi award-winning group – which includes Carbon Zero, The Swim Spa Centre, The Holiday Let Advice Centre and Stop Digging! North Wales and North West – already has sites in St Asaph and Mochdre.

Gareth says the new sales centre and showroom on Deeside Industrial Estate will meet demand in the area and serve customers from Cheshire, Manchester, Wirral and beyond, when it is safe to do so.

“We have had a very busy start to 2021 and that looks set to continue into the summer season as sales are already up 100% on this time last year, which was also very busy,” said Gareth.

“People are anticipating we will all be at home in the UK rather than on holiday abroad, so they are again investing in their homes and gardens.

“Last Spring, we experienced a huge rise in sales because of the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, but like most industries we were not ready for what lay ahead – it was completely unchartered territory.

“This time we are completely prepared, we have UK and USA hot tubs in stock and hundreds more on order that come in every two weeks.”

He added: “The Deeside site is something we had been looking at for a while; we are getting more and more customers from north east Wales and from across the border who will now be able to come and see us in person, when restrictions are eased, and it is safe to do so.

“We believe it’s important to visit a showroom if you are in the market for a hot tub as they are all different and it’s important to appreciate the design and quality before making a purchase.

“Importantly, we will be supporting the economy in Flintshire by creating new jobs, investing in the facility and looking to expand and grow there in the years ahead.”

The business also expanded its Mochdre showroom to 6,000 sq ft in early 2020 – featuring an innovative swim spa facility – and was listed in the top five businesses in North Wales and 21st in Wales at the Fast Growth 50 Awards.

“We have worked very hard behind the scenes and are investing to meet future growth,” said Gareth.

“We have the biggest service team in the region but for me it’s not just about selling hot tubs, anyone or any website can do that.

“I am investing in the core skills of my staff because I believe if you sell a product you need the resources to fix them if there is ever an issue.

“Lots of hot tub companies have sprung up over the last 12 months but not many – if any – of them have in-house engineers to repair and maintain, which is crucial to the holiday market.

“We do a phenomenal amount of work in the holiday sector with most of the major players and hundreds of independent holiday cottages. Service and support are key in ensuring the hot tubs are in perfect working order for their guests.”

He added: “We are looking forward to an exciting period for UK Leisure Living as the group grows across the broad range of services it offers. We hope the extra sales from the Deeside showroom will help create further local jobs in the future.”

For more information on UK Leisure Living, visit www.ukleisureliving.co.uk and follow @ukleisurelivinggroup on social media.

OLPRO launches new 2021 range of products with eco-friendly tree-planting initiative

OLPRO has launched pre-orders for its new 2021 range of major outdoor leisure products, along with a pledge to plant one tree for each OLPRO product sold.

In celebration of the company’s 10 year anniversary as a business, OLPRO’s all-new range of products will be available in 2021 and includes the very latest in innovative tents, awnings and camping accessories. This includes; the Odyssey – OLPRO’s largest inflatable 8 person tent; the Gemini – a 4 person vis-a-vis tent; the Ranger – backpacking tent; the Pod – a kitchen tent; the Hive – campervan awning and the Lunar campervan awning.

The tree-planting guarantee that OLPRO has launched in partnership with UK-based, Ecologi, is expected to lead to the planting of thousands of trees within the first year. It also forms a significant step in OLPRO’s ambition to become a carbon-neutral company that benefits the environment that its customers love so much.

Following a record-breaking Summer, OLPRO has seen a 101% increase in orders year on year, as well as a 79% increase in the number of visitors to its website. There has also been an increased demand for camping products internationally and, during the year so far, OLPRO has already sold its products to a total of 22 different countries.

Daniel Walton, Founder of OLPRO, said: “The entire OLPRO team is really excited to be launching our new product range for 2021. With OLPRO now available in more countries than ever before, we look forward to seeing more customers around the world enjoy the products that our team have been perfecting in product development for the last 2 years.

“Demand for camping equipment and camping holidays in general has been unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before, and we know that many campsites are already well-booked even for the summer of 2021. At OLPRO, we’ve nearly doubled the amount of staff we employ in customer services, just to keep up with this increased demand. So we know that our customers will be able to book in their next big holiday with the added excitement of being able to enjoy a new world class OLPRO product and the world class service that goes with it.”

Elliot Coad, Managing Director of Ecologi, said: “We’re excited to be helping OLPRO make a significant impact on the climate emergency. At Ecologi we strive to make climate action as simple as possible and we are always excited to see how our customers implement our ideas. We look forward to planting thousands of trees together with the OLPRO team.”

Camping has become one of the most popular choices for staycations, as holiday-goers opt for the safety of being able to enjoy fresh air and still maintain social distancing. Campsites have ensured there is a good amount of distance between pitches, and have worked to improve cleaning measures to ensure all campers are safe.

To pre-order OLPRO’s new range of products and for more information on their newly launched tree-planting scheme, visit their website: www.olproshop.com