Open Air Business January 2017

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ACCOMMODATION gates right up to sophisticated entry and camera systems - and everything in between. Controlling vehicular access is an effective way to secure a site, and this means gate security of some sort, which can be quite sophisticated. Number plate recognition cameras and automated gates only allow cars to access if they are registered to enter on that date at that time. They will even send a message to let you know that a particular guest is approaching your reception, depending on the style of gate, and could also add an element of exclusivity. If that seems a bit OTT for your glamping site, there are of course security cameras and motion detector systems - not taking in the badger run, obviously! Depending on the level of security you want, some of these systems will send messages to your chosen number if anything suspicious is noticed, giving you the chance to check things out. Security was one of the main issues we had to consider during my work in Ecuador earlier this year. However, the solutions were less technical, including attractive but effective fencing and 24 hour guards. At the other end of the scale, if your site offers a farm experience, there is always the ‘retro’ option – geese. I hear that llamas are pretty good too! It’s important to get the right balance. Obviously the chosen security system needs to provide the necessary safety and deterrent, but it also needs to be discreet and not make guests feel overlooked. We’re selling back-to-nature holidays and blatant high security features are detrimental to that. In a lot of ways, glamping and security aren’t happy bedfellows! However, there are many companies offering varying levels of security products, and every site is different so it’s difficult for me to suggest specifics here. A chat with a local, well established, reputable company would be my first port of call. INSURANCE In most businesses, theft can impact on trade far beyond the GETTY IMAGES ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kate Morel represents Quality Unearthed, one of the few dedicated glamping holiday agencies in the UK. Known as the ‘Glamping Guru’ she has spent years working closely with landowner and tourism organisations, visiting locations and providing consultancy advice and support. This, along with her previous experience in sales and marketing, property restoration, design and hospitality, gives her a unique set of skills and perspective on setting up a glamping business. 01348 830922 / www. qualityunearthed. co.uk value of the stolen goods, and in holiday lets, usually while an insurance claim is being assessed, we have to take care of imminent guests. Cancelling holidays upsets guests and damages reputations, in addition to the loss of income. Even if you’ve insured against ‘business interruption’ this situation can create a bad relationship with customers and cause cash flow problems, especially if you have to reimburse guests before your claim is paid – assuming it is paid. Having spoken to a lot of people and been asked about insurance many times, it seems the common understanding is that glamping represents something of a ‘grey area’ in the holiday accommodation sector. I can understand why. Even though some structures are temporary and made of canvas they do not add up to a campsite, and although some are furnished as well as (if not better) than some holiday cottages, they’re not a ‘property’. Every glamping site I’ve visited is unique; it’s what makes glamping so exciting and fun, but I can see how this might create problems for insurance companies that don’t know the ‘product’ or industry. This ‘grey area’ assumption doesn’t have to be the case if you find a reputable insurance company that knows the industry and takes an interest in your business. There are insurance companies that understand glamping and want to make sure each site gets the right and appropriate level of cover. One company I know of offers basic cover with add-ons depending on your site requirements. This seems a logical approach to glamping site insurance. So if your insurance company isn’t asking you the right questions and working with you to give you the best cover for your particular set up, shop around. Finally, while being sensible about security, let’s keep it in perspective, remain optimistic and hope that most of us only encounter one ‘theft’, like the Portuguese glampsite owner who noticed one day that a tree rope swing had disappeared. It turned out it hadn’t completely vanished into the ether, but had been reincarnated as a tether for a neighbour’s goat! 38 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM
• Smart Metering • Test & Inspection • Lighting • Supply Only • Full Installation Caravan Park Electrical Services Limited Vale Industrial Estate, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 5HE T 01790 753153 F 01790 752559 W www.cpes.co.uk E sales@cpes.co.uk Further reductions for multiple orders The moduLog is a modular pod designed to suit your needs and your budget. .Fully insulated .Anti-vermin mesh .Oak joinery & floors .Low Maintenance .Home-grown timber .U.K. made .Placed anywhere .Off Grid .Multiple designs for multiple uses. .Ideal for woodlands Glamping in style. www.modulog.co.uk Tel: 01982 553022 / 07843322175 info@modulog.co.uk WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 39
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