Open Air Business April 2017

ISSUE 9 | April 2017 | www.openairbusiness.com
BUSINESS
&
Pods, Huts
Lodges
FUNCTION VENUES
› Start-Up Marketing
› The ‘Greenery’ Trend
GLAMPSITES
› Luxury Glamping
› Off-Grid Power
EVENTS
› Field to Festival
› Ground Protection
CASE STUDIES:
HEART OF ENGLAND • TOR VIEW SHEPHERDS HUTS • IREBY FESTIVAL

POWERING EVENTS
AROUND THE WORLD
LIGHTING & GENERATORS
morrismachinery.co.uk 0345 409 0277

ISSUE 9 | April 2017 | www.openairbusiness.com
WELCOME
Welcome
WHILE OPEN AIR hospitality is absolutely about
embracing the qualities of being out of doors, it is
true to say that the majority of customers expect a
degree of comfort. In this issue of Open Air Business
we take a look at how that can be achieved.
In the Glamping section Kate Morel whizzes round
the world to help us understand how to create all
out luxury, and has some tantalising thoughts on
the scope for uber luxury glampsites in the UK.
Mentioned as a standout glampsite, Devon-based
StarBed Hideaways has a special offer for readers who want to experience luxury
first hand – turn to pages 6-7 for more.
This issue’s glamping case study is also testament to luxury done well. Tor View
Shepherds Huts in Somerset was the first site to be awarded VisitEngland’s Gold
Award. Owner Philip Russell shares some of what makes his site so special on
pages 24-26.
Perhaps deemed more of of a necessity that a luxury, even the most back to
nature offerings will probably want to provide some means of power and light. In
this issue we go off-grid and look at how to achieve this without the help of mains
electricity.
For function venues, much of the feel of an event will be down to the structure you
decide to hold it in. We have advice on the different tented structures available,
and how to plan the logistics of a marquee event.
Wedding venue owners need to be aware of Pantone’s heads up on the 2017
colour trend ‘Greenery’. The colour specialist describes it as ‘a fresh and zesty
yellow-green shade’ - something all outdoor wedding venues should be able to
conjure with! Wedding venue consultant Kelly Chandler has some fab ideas – turn
to pages 16-17 on how to incorporate them into your offering.
PUBLISHERS
Steve Rix - steve@openairbusiness.com
Tally Wade - tally@openairbusiness.com
EDITORIAL TEAM
Tally Wade - tally@openairbusiness.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Graham Alleyne - 01892 677740
graham@openairbusiness.com
Antoinette Marley - 01892 677721
antoinette@openairbusiness.com
DESIGN
James English -
www.jamesenglishdesign.co.uk
PUBLISHED BY
Coffee Shop Media - 01580 848555
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The House on the Hill, Friezley Lane,
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Find more expert advice online:
www.openairbusiness.com
Fellow consultant Isabel Smith also runs through an important exercise, revealing
the realistic costs for marketing a start-up function venue on pages 14-15. Both
Isabel and Kelly are offering services to readers, check out the News pages for
more information.
In Events we take a look at Ireby Festival, a folk/roots event run in a tiny Cumbrian
village. Despite its size and logistical challenges, it sells out months in advance
and has a UK-wide following. Ground protection is a must for Ireby and most other
outdoor events in UK climes. Turn to pages 57-59 for advice and information from
suppliers.
NOW
LIVE
Pods, Huts
& Lodges
FUNCTION VENUES
› Start-Up Marketing
› The ‘Greenery’ Trend
GLAMPSITES
› Luxury Glamping
› Off-Grid Power
EVENTS
› Field to Festival
› Ground Protection
BUSINESS
And if you have a spare field and are looking to monetise it by holding an event,
then Field Lover might be a service you could use. Katie Tann, founder of the
online field finding service for events, has some ideas! (pages 52-54).
ISSUE 9 | APRIL 2017 | www.openairbusiness.com
CASE STUDIES:
HEART OF ENGLAND • TOR VIEW SHEPHERDS HUTS • IREBY FESTIVAL
COVER PHOTO
The Armadilla pod. Turn to pages 36-37 for more
on the iconic design and its ROI for glampsites
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 3

INSIDE
Contents ISSUE
#9 | April 2017
UP FRONT
6 News
8 Industry Talk – Facebook
fundamentals for open air
hospitality businesses
FUNCTION VENUES
10 Heart of England – an events
centre with a grand vision
14 Marketing Costs – a realistic
look at costs for start-up venue
marketing
16 Greenery Trend Alert – Kelly
Chandler offers ways your venue
can embrace it
18 Marquees – Know your
structures, with advice from
MUTA
GLAMPSITES
24 Tor View Shepherds Huts –
the first glampsite to achieve
VisitEngland’s Gold Award
28 Off-Grid Power – how to
provide light and power to offgrid
locations
32 Luxury Glamping – Kate Morel
finds what elevates an offering
to luxury status
39 Pods, Huts and Lodges – the
case for solid structures at
glampsites
EVENTS
48 Ireby Festival – a boutique folk
festival with a mass appeal
52 Field to Festival – monetising
your spare land through events
57 Ground Protection Advice
– suppliers talk about their
products
60 Trackway and Flooring –
products to keep your visitors
safe and happy
62 Spotlight
64 Classifieds
66 Periwinkle
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Your details
Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr
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Address
First Name
1) What best describes your business?
2) Which sector(s) do you operate / are you interested in?
Outdoor Accommodation, Outdoor Events, Outdoor Functions,
OTHER (please specify)
3) What best describes your job role?
4) Are you involved in the purchase of products and/or services?
Email
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5) Open Air is independently audited by the ABC. Please answer the
following question for auditing purposes. What make of car do you
drive? (you can put ‘Don’t drive’ etc.)

Let Celina turn your branding idea into a reality. Our team of design experts will work with you
to make your vision come to life. Our custom commercial grade graphic tents are ideal for
on-site advertising and will get you noticed before your competitors.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 5

The latest news from the world of outdoor hospitality
Event Production Award Winners
OVER 600 PROFESSIONALS
from the live and outdoor
events industry celebrated at
the Event Production Awards
in March. A panel of 15 judges
assessed entries and Arena
Group ended up as the biggest
winners at the ceremony, with
its company Arena Structures
collecting the Access All Areas
Editor’s Award. Dave Withey,
Arena UK & Europe sales and
marketing director, also took
home the inaugural Industry
Legend Award, recognising his
40 years working in the events
industry.
“It was such a surprise to
be honoured with this award,”
Withey said. “My thanks have
to go out to my wonderful
colleagues at Arena that I’ve
worked with over the years,
in particular Jill Mowat who
has put up with me for over
half of that time, as well as
the many peers and friends
that I have had the pleasure of
collaborating with across the
events industry.”
A Special Recognition
Award was also created for
2017, to bring attention to
the organisers behind charity
event The Flying Seagull
Project - a troupe of clowns,
magicians, circus performers
and musicians taking smiles
to those in need. Ash Perrin,
Ed Harcourt, Melody Kennett,
Neil Kennett, Faye Toner, Paul
Luxford, Iain Rayner, Jim Carey
Connell and Steve Wynne
collected the award.
Duncan Siegle, the Event
Production Awards’ event
director, commented:
“Everyone had a fantastic
evening at this year’s Event
Production Awards. We
couldn’t have asked for more
deserving winners, picked
by our esteemed and diverse
panel of judges.
“The addition of the Industry
Legend Award given to Dave
Withey, coupled with our
Special Recognition Award
to The Flying Seagull Project,
made for an incredible night of
celebrations. Congratulations
to all the winners, and roll on
2018!”
EPA 2017 WINNERS
INCLUDED:
› Best Fencing/Crowd Barrier
Company - Entertee Hire
Services Ltd
› Best Staging Supplier - Acorn
Event Structures
› Best Temporary Power
Supplier - Pearce Hire
› Best Ticketing Company -
The Ticket Factory
› Best Toilets - A1 Loo Hire
› Best Trackway Supplier - Eco
Track & Access
› Best Structure Supplier -
Ascot Structures
› Green Supplier of the Year -
Power Logistics
› Special Recognition Award -
The Flying Seagull Project
› Access All Areas Editor’s
Award - Arena Structures
READER OFFERS
GROUND PROTECTION - Ground protection
specialist Eco Track & Access is offering a 10%
discount on all orders for Open Air Business
readers. Turn to page 61 for more. 01455
553700 / www.ecotrackway.co.uk
A LUXURY STAY - Luxury glampsite StarBed
Hideaways in Devon is delighted to offer 10%
off a stay for the first 10 Open Air Business
readers that book. Featured in this issue’s
Luxury Glamping (pages 32-34), why not
check out how to deliver on the things that
elevate a glamping offering to something
really special. 01822 259062 / www.
starbedhideaways.co.uk
£500 OFF PODS - PodzRUs is offering up to
£500 off orders in April. www.podzrus.com
HANNAH DUFFY PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding Venue Business Course
KELLY CHANDLER WILL be holding a course titled ‘How to make your venue
succeed and shine in the 2017 wedding landscape,’ on 5 May at Home House,
Portman Square, London. Utilising her 13 years+ planning for discerning
couples in a range of unique and diverse venues alongside her experience
as mentor, trainer and director at industry body, the UK Alliance of Wedding
Planners, Kelly has researched and written a practical, business-focused
one-day training course aimed at wedding venues, to assist them in growing
and developing their understanding of this market.
The one day training is specifically aimed at venues exploring entry to
the wedding market and managers and their teams wanting to update their
knowledge and train new members. Course content includes: The bridal
market landscape, trends, the do’s and don't’s of marketing to couples,
putting together an irresistible wedding offering, the customer journey, and
wedding budgets. www.kellychandlerconsulting.co.uk
6 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Find Your Perfect In-House
Wedding Co-ordinator
WEDDING VENUE CONSULTANT
Isabel Smith offers a recruitment
service to help you find the perfect
in-house wedding co-ordinator for
your team.
“If you are looking to recruit a
new team member, then don’t
just look out for the strong sales
skills and fantastic organisational
abilities that are the bedrock of the
role,” says Smith. “We help a lot of
venues recruit and train their team
and passion counts for so much
more than experience in my book.
The role is so rarely 9-5 and we all
know it’s hard to give 100% when
working long hours if you don’t
love what you do. We charge a flat
fee instead of a percentage and
work really closely with venues to
find the perfect person.”
www.isabelsmithconsulting.co.uk
Glampsite Consultancy
and Workshops
KATE MOREL IS delighted to announce the launch
of her independent glamping advice and design
consultancy service for those looking for expert
guidance when setting up a new glampsite,
or owners who want to review and revamp an
existing offer.
This new venture will also include a series of
workshops on different market sectors throughout
2017 starting with two workshops in May
(Northamptonshire on 11 May and Somerset, date
TBC). Focusing on how to set up and run a small
to medium glampsite, information will include
industry developments, choosing a structure,
planning requirements, facilities, how to create
an unbeatable glamping offer, current marketing
options, and examples of expected costs and
rental fees. There will be lots of opportunities to
ask questions and discuss your own ideas and
projects.
To express your interest or for further details,
please contact info@katemorel.com or visit
www.katemorel.com
LateRooms.com Win
CONGRATULATIONS TO YORK Holiday and Cycle Stop in Holtby,
near York, named recently as the Best Countryside Hotel in Britain in
the Simply The Guest 2017 awards, run by LateRooms.com following
glowing customer reviews. Opened in 2015, the site offers guests
accommodation in a choice of either a basic pod or luxury pod with free
Wi-Fi, secure cycle storage and wash down facility from £40 per night.
“We focus on our unique selling points, with our proximity to York and
the Way of the Roses cycling route, the extra facilities for cyclists and
also with the attention we pay to the landscaping around the site,” says
Ben Smith, who runs the site with his father Trevor. “The other thing we
try really hard to do is chat to as many of our guests as we can with an
eye to continuously improving their experience and what we do. It's led
to us getting such nice reviews and so many returning guests.”
Up to £500 off orders in April
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 7

INDUSTRY TALK
Facebook
Fundamentals
When it comes to inexpensive, or even free, highly
targeted marketing to over a billion people, you
can’t beat Facebook says Gemma Went
EVER SINCE ANNOUNCING my engagement on Facebook, my newsfeed
has been filled with wedding-related ads. Venues, photographers, event
planners, florists, bridal apps (yes, those really are a thing) and more. I
won’t lie, I’ve clicked through to more than a few, and let myself dream
about my big day.
That just proves the power of Facebook. You can find your audience
and engage with them without reaching out personally, or spending a
ton of money on marketing campaigns. And to be frank, if you’re not already
on Facebook as a business, you’re missing a trick. A big, lucrative trick.
But let’s go back to basics for a moment. What is Facebook?
Facebook is the ultimate online social network. It’s an online platform primed for
sharing every kind of content, from articles and ads to live video, memes and more.
Even your nan has an account. With over a billion active users worldwide, the potential
for your business is immense.
FACEBOOK SHARES
As with every other social media channel, it’s
a good idea to put together a content plan
for Facebook. This enables you to factor in
the big picture goals of your business, as well
as planning for peak times in the industry,
and any time sensitive offers you’d like to
promote.
Planning ahead also allows you to batch
and schedule your posts in one sitting, so
that you never neglect your page, regardless
of how busy you are. Tools like Buffer,
Hootsuite and Smarterqueue are really
handy for helping with this.
I always recommend an 80/20 split of
Facebook content - that means 80 per cent
of your posts should be shared from other
sources, or helpful tips and ideas, and 20
per cent should be promoting your own
business. The idea here is that you will
promote engagement with your followers,
rather than marketing “at” them.
PERSONAL VS. PROFESSIONAL
Many still think of Facebook as a
personal social network, rather than a
business opportunity. Both schools of
thought are correct.
There should be a clear boundary
between your personal profile and
your business page. And yes, you
do need a separate business page -
without one, you can’t play around
with Facebook advertising. It can also
feel a little invasive if your customers,
or potential customers, try to add you
as a friend.
For this reason, I use my personal
cover photo to highlight that they have
arrived on my personal profile, and to
point them towards my Business Page.
To do this yourself, simply upload a
high-quality image to a free editing
tool such as Canva, and add a text
overlay.
SMART SEARCH
Facebook is a fantastic resource when
it comes to finding and learning about
your market - all through a tool called
Facebook Graph Search, accessible
through the main search bar at the top
of your screen.
Facebook Graph Search is a
semantic search engine - that means it
looks at the full context of your search
phrase, rather than the individual
words, and it can give you some real
insight into your competitors, and
your prospects.
Start by investigating your
competition. By reviewing and
analysing how your peers are
marketing and engaging with
customers you can decipher what
works and what doesn’t. Feed that
information back into your own
marketing strategy.
If you don’t know much about your
competition, use search terms such as:
› Pages liked by people who like
[insert your page name]
› Pages liked by fans of [insert page
name in your niche]
› Pages liked by [your broad target
group] who live in [your local area]
I’d also recommend you research
your target audience too - find out
what interests them, other than
planning a wedding, booking a
glamping holiday or attending an
open-air event. This data, once
compiled, can help you put together
really targeted marketing messages
that will appeal to the right people. Try
searching for:
› Posts by people who like [insert your
page name]
› Posts by people who like pages
similar to [insert your page name]
› Posts by people who live in [your
local area] who like [your page/a
competitor’s page]
8 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

INDUSTRY TALK
PAGES VS. GROUPS
There are two ways to communicate with your audience
on Facebook, one is through your business page, the other
is through groups - either your own, or ones you’ve been
invited to join. I often get asked which is better, and to that I
say… neither. And both.
Pages and groups have different purposes, different
benefits, and different possibilities - they’re simply not
interchangeable.
A Facebook page is like a personal profile for your
business, and allows your fans to follow a brand. It’s very
easy to update, you can post whatever you like (following
the Facebook guidelines of course), and you can personalise
it in line with your brand. You also have access to Facebook
Insights, so you can monitor the performance of each of
your posts, and it’s essential if you want to run ads.
However, there are a few downsides. For starters,
everything is out in the open. You can’t stop people
from seeing what you post (or what others post), and
communication (especially between fans) can be difficult to
manage. You will also have to fight the newsfeed algorithm,
which tends be tougher on page updates than group
updates. It can be difficult to grow a page organically, so you
will need to work hard at it.
A Facebook group is a place to bring people together
who are interested in a particular topic. It’s an incredibly
powerful tool to build connections, but it is definitely more
about a personal presence than a brand.
You may be reaching a narrower audience, but it will also
be a more focused one. Again, it takes some work to build a
large, engaged audience, but it’s worth it.
The pages/groups toss-up will always depend on your
intentions. Do you want to promote your business? Do
you want to establish yourself as an expert? Do you want
to cultivate a community? Do you need to run ads? Think
about all of these things and then work out which is right
for you.
FACEBOOK ADVERTISING
Facebook ads are a great equaliser.
Smaller scale businesses can
now explore paid advertising
opportunities without the need
for a big-brand marketing budget.
For a relatively low spend, you can
get in front of a wider audience of
your choice, promote your unique
offering, and encourage them onto
your mailing list.
Advertising can be a scary
prospect if you’ve never done it
before - Facebook is a fab way
to dip your toe into that pool.
Facebook also has some really handy
guidelines to help you get started.
Whether you’ve been using
Facebook as a business for a while,
or your experience is limited to the
Candy Crush variety, these simple
tricks can help raise your profile
and reach more customers (without
having to invest all your time or all
your money).
I have a free series that shares
my top hacks for each of the
social media platforms, including
Facebook. If that sounds good,
use this link to sign up gwent.co/
hacksseries and they’ll be in your
inbox quicker than a quick thing.
FACEBOOK LIVE
One of my very favourite things about Facebook is the Facebook Live function.
Streaming live video is huge in the marketing world, and is only growing
momentum. It’s a brilliant way to engage with your followers in a more intimate
way - they start seeing you as a person, as well as a business, and they have the
chance to ask questions, live.
With anything event-related, live streaming can be incredibly impactful. It
provides you with a unique opportunity to show your facilities in use, so that
your customers get a real feel for what their experience could be like.
USEFUL LINKS
Buffer – www.buffer.com
Hootsuite – www.hootsuite.com
Smarterqueue – www.smarterqueue.com
Canva - www.canva.com
Facebook advertising guidelines - www.
facebook.com/business
Social Media Hacks Series – www.gwent.co/
hacksseries
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gemma Went is a digital strategist, business mentor and Bride to Be. She’s been working in the social media world
since before Twitter even existed and has been teaching businesses how to harness the power of this online tool
ever since. She was the social media director at two London agencies, the first to create a social media strategy for
the BFI London Film Festival and the first to put fashion bloggers on the red carpet next to the press at the Global
Fashion Awards. Go here for more on Gemma: gemmawent.co.uk and, of course, Tweet her here @gemmawent
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 9

FUNCTION VENUES
CASE STUDY
Heart of
England
This 160-acre estate in Warwickshire
offers a spectacular array of event options
with a twist for corporate and private clients
Shaped by the impressive vision of owner and managing director
Stephen Hammon, the Heart of England is a conference and events centre where
thinking big and outside the box is positively encouraged. Open Air Business talks
to head of marketing Ema Townsend about tennis festival themed weddings and
animatronic dinosaurs.
When did you open Heart of
England?
Stephen Hammon, owner and
founder of Heart of England, bought
the property in 2001. Prior to that,
Stephen made his living working
as a DJ and event supplier. He
decided to buy the site in order
to expand. Stephen says: “I’d had
years of experience behind me in
organising and managing events
at various locations throughout
the UK. I was inspired to create
something different, something
spectacular that no-one else was
offering. I wanted to create a truly
unique venue; where a multitude
of corporate events and private
celebrations could be expertly
organised, planned and managed by
a specialist creative team of handpicked
staff.
“Purchasing the 160 acre
Warwickshire estate in 2001, I set
“I WAS
INSPIRED
TO CREATE
SOMETHING
DIFFERENT,
SOMETHING
SPECTACULAR
THAT NO-ONE
ELSE WAS
OFFERING”
about renovating and building,
making a start on creating the
remarkable events centres I had
envisioned. I want what we do to be
the best in the UK.”
Tell us about your location and site
Heart of England is a privatelyowned
estate. We’re situated right
in the heart of England between
Meriden and Fillongley. The site is
close to motorway networks and the
Birmingham International airport
and train station.
Our site is set in 160 acres of prime
Warwickshire countryside with 60
acres of medieval woodland, 100
acres of open park space, a lake, a
purpose-built conference and events
centre, and a stunning bar and grill
restaurant – The Quicken Tree.
A favourite with some clients is
the Cedar Suite - a meeting space
that’s moveable. It can be picked
up and moved anywhere on the site
allowing for peace, tranquillity and
the space to create.
A new bridge has been recently
constructed over ‘Dinosaur Canyon’
(yes you read that correctly) - we
have a canyon of animatronic
dinosaurs leading you across the
bridge and into the new bar and
restaurant.
As well as the conferences, events,
product launches, team building,
fun days and weddings we host,
we have nestled in the grounds a
4*, 16th Century boutique country
house bed and breakfast - Old Hall
House, which featured on Channel
4’s Four in a Bed. There are also
two glamping pods and a log cabin,
built and designed by the owner.
We are currently building our very
own shepherds hut. Stephen is at
the forefront of everything we do as
a team. He is the leading creative
force and has designed and built the
site from its humble beginnings as a
country farmhouse and outbuilding
to the stunning venue it is today.
What facilities for outdoor
functions do you offer?
We have a lake and pier set in our
park, and an on-site hotel with seven
stunning double en-suite bedrooms,
including our master suite boasting
a four poster bed and double
jacuzzi. There are two glamping
pods, a log cabin and a shepherd’s
hut on the way. We have a 39x12m
10 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

opulent marquee offering beautiful
views across the lake. We also have
an abundance of other marquees
available to hire, from the traditional
pole style to the ultra-modern.
In our woodland we offer team
building, including quad trekking,
laser clay shooting and archery
amongst other things, and a new
4x4 course is being planned for this
year through 300,000 newly planted
trees.
What services do you offer?
We offer events services both
on- and off-site, and much of our
equipment is for hire. On-site we
host all manner of corporate events
including conferences, product
launches, team building and fun
days but also cater for private
functions such as weddings, parties,
proms, award ceremonies, balls etc.
We have two kitchens on-site, one
servicing our restaurant and the
other being much larger, catering for
the bigger events. Our park area has
electric and water points throughout
and we have many marquees of
varying sizes and styles available
for hire.
Describe how you researched and
sourced your marquees
We own our marquees but have
had occasions where we’ve needed
bespoke ones brought in for a
specific event. We tend to use one
company (Hoecker) for this who
have catered for all our needs over
the years.
How do you work with your
customers to make their event
unique?
Our creative events team is highly
skilled, with a wealth of experience
in designing and delivering bespoke
events tailor made to meet our
clients’ needs and budgets. Our
motto is “nothing is impossible” and
we encourage clients and staff alike
to dream big. We work very closely
with clients to ensure everything
they desire is achieved. This
approach is successfully evidenced
in the feedback and outcomes of our
events.
We’ve seen a rising trend in
customers wanting ‘out of the
ordinary’ and that’s where we
excel. We have a vast collection of
equipment that we own ourselves
and know what works well together
and this is why customers come
back year on year. For Example:
› ACE - For a tennis loving couple
wishing to get married, we created a
tennis festival themed wedding with
three marquee tournament zones,
bouncy castles, giant deckchairs and
picnic tables. We even built the bride
and groom a pair of bespoke umpire
chairs.
› FUN, FUN, FUN - Last Summer we
ran a corporate family fun day out
on our park, complete with carousel,
dodgems, zip wire, fire engine,
party bus, cricket, quadding, 4x4
driving, and ultimate wipe-out (as
seen on TV). Out on the lake we had
the pedalos and the pirate ship, so
“WE’VE SEEN A
RISING TREND
IN CUSTOMERS
WANTING
‘OUT OF THE
ORDINARY’
AND THAT’S
WHERE WE
EXCEL”
there was something for absolutely
everyone. A fantastic day was had by
all, and the customers are booking
again this year.
› CARRY ON CAMPING - We recently
had a corporate event with all
attendees wanting to do something
different and to stay on site. We halffilled
one of our event fields with
five berth bell tents and additional
toilet and shower blocks. The event
itself was an exhibition, which we
hosted in our giant marquee, and a
conference was held in our Birchley
Suite. It worked really well and the
feedback was brilliant.
How do you publicise yourself?
We have tended to advertise on
agency portals rather than in trade
publications to date. A lot of our
work comes from word of mouth
or agents; however, we have grown
so much over the years and want to
continue to grow so are now looking
at potential publication partners.
How would you describe your
‘style’ or unique selling point?
We are adaptable for both small and
large events both on- and off-site.

FUNCTION VENUES
Our team is innovative and creative,
and can work from the traditional
to the off-the-wall and quirky - we
cater for all. We constantly strive
to improve and diversify to keep
on trend with what our customers
require, investing in new equipment
often while trying to come up with
greener alternatives to petrol-fed,
motorised team building activities.
Last year, we bought a Ziesel to
add to our ‘Electric Dreams’ team
building package. It’s the first and
only one so far in the UK. A single
seat ride controlled by a single
joystick but connected over the
internet, the Ziesel has tank treads
and goes at a whopping 23mph!
This coupled with laser clay pigeon
shooting, archery and ninebots
personal transporter riding makes
for a cleaner and greener team
building experience.
What challenges have you faced?
Being sited on green belt land has
caused no end of challenges, with
multitudes of planning issues. When
Stephen bought the property, he
built the lake and a beach around it.
This was to attract school children
and we offered educational visits
to schools through the woods, with
beach visits and paddling as part of
the experience. The beach was an
instant success attracting visitors
from all over who were otherwise
unable to get to a beach or water
including many less abled children.
A rock shop was embedded in to
the sandstone banks and Heart
of England became a stunning
attraction.
A government inspector ruled
that the beach was in contravention
of green belt land and, following a
high court battle, Heart of England
was forced to close the beach. It was
deemed as a ‘honey pot’ attracting
too many visitors to the site. The
lake is still here, but constant battles
remain a challenge with local
authorities. Trying to attract tourism
and employ people appears to be
at odds with our local authorities’
rulings on the use of green belt land.
Recruitment is also a challenge,
whilst being close to all the major
road networks, the site is along a
country lane and non-drivers tend to
struggle in getting here
What are your plans for next
season?
We have planning permission to
build a new 30-bedroom hotel,
although it may not happen next
season. We are also working towards
building a ‘chapel of love’ on the
lake to offer outdoor ceremonies.
We have some very large events
booked in over the coming months
and some proposals going out for
festivals along with the ‘Reaper
Runs’ (obstacle run) so lots coming
up.
Describe your average day midseason
It’s manic! Every day is different and
covers all seasons which is what
the team loves most about Heart
of England. One day we could be
filling our conference suite with
tractors for a product launch, the
ADDRESS BOOK
MARQUEES
Hoecker - 01536 316970
www.hoeckeruk.com
FURNITURE
Besp-Oak - 02476 632148
www.besp-oak.com
WC FACILITIES
Andy Loos - 0845 671 1111
www.andyloos.co.uk
PROMOTION
Venue Directory
www.venuedirectory.com
GREEN CREDENTIALS
› Recycling all cooking oil
› Reed bed sewer system
› New green travel plan
next running a team building course
and constructing rafts down in the
park. We offer such a diverse range
of services with no two events the
same, the variety is endless.
What other outdoor hospitality
sectors do you operate in?
We operate in all areas of the
sector, offering parties, events,
festivals, obstacle races, overnight
accommodation and glamping.
We throw two large parties for
Halloween with trips down through
the woods (for the very brave). We
operate in the corporate sector too
of course, offering conferences, team
building, product launches and
corporate fun days.
What advice could you give
to someone coming into the
industry?
Don’t be afraid to diversify - change
is good and keeps everyone on their
toes.
Venue Finder
www.venuefinder.com
HG One Stop
www.hgonestop.co.uk
CVENTS - www.cvent.com/uk
INSURANCE
Newstead - 0121 410 2400
www.newstead.co.uk
DETAILS
Meriden Road, Fillongley,
Coventry, CV7 8DX
01676 543303
www.heartofengland.co.uk
› Encouraging teams towards
electric and non-motorised
team building activities, with
investment into new and
innovative kit
12 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Event Kitchens
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dontforgetthekitchen.com
Whether you need to hire temporary kitchens or stand-alone catering
equipment for use in a marquee or existing building, we can help.
Choose from our range of over 10,000 items of catering equipment and
600 temporary kitchen units to make your event kitchen amazing!
Give us a call for a chat with our events team, or visit our website for an
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Have fun planning your events this summer, but
whatever you do… Don’t forget the kitchen!
• Event kitchens
• Catering equipment
• Pop-up restaurants
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• Crockery, cutlery and glassware
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@PKLEvents
www.DontForgetTheKitchen.com

FUNCTION VENUES
Start-Up Venue
Marketing
Realistic marketing costs for start–up wedding venues with Isabel Smith
When consulting with start-ups, I often get
asked about marketing costs and how much
should be invested in the various marketing
activities. The truth is, it entirely depends on
the kind of business you are, but before you
even begin to think about marketing costs,
there are some essential steps you need
to take. This process is always the same
regardless of business, industry or sector:
› Create your offering – decide what it is
you’re selling
› Profile your target market – think in
detail about exactly who you are selling to
› Develop your brand – how do you
want your target market to perceive your
company?
› Write the marketing strategy – what will
you do to reach your target market?
Too often a lot of time is spent developing
the product and writing the marketing
strategy with the middle steps being
overlooked, which is a huge mistake. How on
earth can you expect to market effectively if
you haven’t given detailed thought to who
you are selling to?
Profile them down to the finest details;
age and geographical location simply isn’t
enough. Think about what they do for a
living and how they spend their free time.
Find out about their lifestyles, interests
and spending habits. Having a clear
understanding of them will ensure that
you are marketing in the right way and in
the right places, and not wasting precious
marketing resources. After all, a flawless PR
campaign in a national luxury bridal title is
a bit of a waste if your target market is local,
lower spend couples.
The other step which companies skip the
most is creating the brand. You must give
careful thought to your brand identity before
you start marketing. After all, your brand is
the soul and personality of your business.
It is the way people feel about it and, as
such, you want to make sure that everyone
who interacts with the company feels the
way you want them to. Most importantly,
Millennials actually care about brand. The
2016 report on the UK wedding industry
from Splendid Insights (the only wedding
specific marketing research company out
there), shows that a whopping 89 per cent
of couples believe that your portfolio is
important or very important when it comes
to their decision making. The figure jumps to
95 per cent in reference to your personality.
These being key parts of your brand, it just
shows how important it all is.
Getting it right, however, is a big job, so
to reflect that desired feeling in potential
clients you’ll want to hire a professional
branding agency to build a branding
package. The agency will work alongside
you to get an understanding of your
business and present you with mood boards
displaying a range of logo ideas, typography
styles, imagery and colour palettes from
which to base all your marketing. The costs
for branding agencies obviously vary – the
best in the business can charge upwards
of £10,000 for their services – but there are
many start-ups and mid-range agencies
(often set up by experts from those larger
agencies) offering more affordable services.
So, do take your time to shop around for the
best one for you. I recommend spending
between £1,000-£3,000 on this (more if you
are aiming for the luxury market).
OK, so now you’ve got your brand
package together, it’s all about your website.
The purpose of almost all marketing is
essentially to drive more traffic to your
website. You can be the world’s greatest
marketer, attending lots of networking
events and whipping out great PR left, right
and centre, but if your website is pants
(outdated, off brand, difficult to navigate or
missing key information), you’re going to
lose out on business.
To get those bookings flowing, your
website will need the following elements:
› A consistent brand (obviously) – You will
have already bought this from your branding
agency – images, typography and logo
should be all in line with your agreed brand
and ready to go.
› Flawless copy – Content should be well
drafted with no spelling or grammatical
errors as well as informative to the client.
Include relevant information such as
location, facilities, approximate pricing
and the flow of space. If you are dry hire,
include which suppliers you work with.
This can be a DIY project and even if you’re
not the greatest writer. Look at websites of
similar venues and what type of content
they include. Don’t plagiarise, just take
inspiration.
› Great build with intuitive navigation
– This is where you spend. Costs vary
depending on the functionality of your
website – e-commerce or live availability
calendars will be more complex to build and
the costs will reflect that. But the chances
are that a static website – one which can
exhibit your photos and display all your
well-written copy – will suffice. You may also
consider installing a blog function (blogging
is great for SEO!).
› SEO forethought – I highly recommend
reading SEO 2017 & Beyond, by Dr Andy
Williams. This book will give you enough
insight into the subject of SEO that you can
discuss your needs with your web developer
and make sure you are covering the basics.
From there, for a while at least, you can
manage all your SEO yourself, maybe
14 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
investing in some technical support
further down the line.
› Outstanding photography – This
is the other area where you just can’t
compromise and need to pay out for
a professional. You want to showcase
your amazing venue both empty/
vacant but also dressed to the nines
for a wedding (think inspiration and
aspiration). Doing this commercially,
paying all the suppliers involved their
full rates, would run to thousands
of pounds, but it is currently very
popular for wedding planners to
offer styled shoot design for free,
calling upon the suppliers from your
preferred suppliers list to help out
at low/no cost. Not only will you get
excellent images for your site, and
a chance to cement your supplier
relationships, but great quality
shoots also get picked up by the press
- meaning exposure for everyone
involved.
To get the professional website
you’re after, you should be spending
between £3,000 - £5,000.
Now you’ve built your website,
it’s time to get it out into the world.
Directory listings are a great way to
do this. Most authoritative directories
which offer links to your website will
charge a fee for you to feature so you
can find the costs racking up if you
aren’t careful, but if you research
thoroughly and focus on the ones that
fit best with your target market, it can
be really worthwhile. Treat directory
hunting like going to a casino or an
auction – have a budget in mind
and stick to it! If you find you’re not
getting referrals in six to 12 months
from the sites you chose, you can
always change them.
How about expenditure on printed
materials? Luxury venues should be
producing brochures and other take
away material that is memorable
and brand appropriate. As a farm or
a rustic barn owner, it isn’t necessary
to spend money on printed materials
when a well-designed PDF with all
the relevant information will do.
Make this downloadable from your
website and you’re good to go. It will
need to be professionally designed,
but you can always get your web
developer to create this for you as an
add on. You will, of course, need some
business cards to match your brand,
but these needn’t be expensive. The
likes of Vistaprint offer great products.
Think of it as like ordering wine in a
restaurant; pick the next one up from
the ‘house’. You’ll get quality at an
affordable price. You really needn’t
allocate more than £200 to £1,000 for
printed/PDF materials.
At this early stage in the business,
you can also start thinking about
these other marketing activities:
› Testimonials – begin collating these
from couples as they come your way.
Add the kind words to your website,
PDFs, social media content and
LinkedIn page.
› Social media – pick the social
platforms which work for you (you
don’t have to do them all) and get
social. Tweet useful industry content
and share your most impressive
photos.
› Networking – in addition to the
network you have built within your
preferred suppliers list and styled
shoot, start mingling with other local
suppliers to see how you might be
able to work together. You can do this
by simply attending local business
events and wedding showcases.
› Blogging – you either blog or you
don’t. Google loves it, so if you do it
well you can really boost your SEO.
But it may not be relevant for you,
so if you don’t have the time, don’t
bother.
You’ll be delighted to know that
the costs for these extra activities is
exactly £0. They can all be done inhouse
by your good self.
So, where does that leave us? By
my calculations, you’ve followed the
4 steps so know exactly what you are
selling, who you are selling it to, how
you want them to feel about your
business and, crucially, how best to
reach them. Put aside between £5,000
and £9,500 to put the steps in place
and you’ll soon be on the path of a
solid strategy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Isabel Smith has 10 years in the wedding industry behind her as
one of the UK’s top wedding planners and business consultant
to venues and other suppliers. Isabel’s expertise spans
marketing, sales and operations as she helps new vendors
launch as well as assisting established businesses should they
find their sales falling. www.isabelsmithconsulting.co.uk /
www.isabelsmithweddings.co.uk
Realistic marketing
start-up costs
CREATE
THE
OFFERING
No room for
compromise
here! The key
features of
your marketing
activities
must all send
a consistent
message.
Work with
a professional
branding agency.
SPLURGE
£1-3k
COLLATING
TESTIMONIALS
NETWORKING
IDENTIFY
THE TARGET
MARKET
LISTING
Go for quality not quantity
when it comes to signing
up with directories.
Look for longer-standing
websites with good SEO
authority and make sure
you get a link back to your
own site. Set a budget and
stick to it.
SAVE £500
SAVE
THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN IN-HOUSE
ON A NO/LOW COST BASIS
SOCIAL
MEDIA
BLOGGING
DEVELOP
THE BRAND
WEBSITE
IMAGERY - Your shopfront
– it must be flawless,
professional and creative
COPY - Perfect spelling and
grammar is a must but this
can be a DIY project
SEO - Read up on white-hat
techniques and manage
yourself until you can afford
to outsource
BUILD - Costs will depend on
the functionality you require.
Simple websites can be
DIY, high functioning
ones should be built
by a professional.
SPLURGE
£3-£5k
PRINTED
MATERIALS
Your business cards
and brochures should
be as luxury as your
product is, but there
is nothing wrong with
certain materials
remaining digital until
funds allow for the
high quality print-run
you need
SAVE NOW | SPLURGE LATER
£250 - £1,000
WRITE
THE
MARKETING
STRATEGY
TOTAL
£5 - £9.5k

FUNCTION VENUES
KATE NIELEN
ABOVE Mr and Mrs chairs by Couture Chairs, wicker heart by
Elite Hire, heart and guest chair styling by Beautiful Bows and JF
Flowers.
Greenery
Trend Alert
A heads up to savvy venues - be aware of Pantone’s
colour of 2017, says Kelly Chandler
WEDDING TRENDS CHANGE constantly
and the most successful and endlessly
popular venues keep up to date with
trends and fashions, and make smart
choices as to where to adopt and
incorporate them into their offer.
This article is about the trend for
‘Greenery’ (somewhat appropriate for
Open Air Business readers' locations
don’t you think?). Pantone named
‘Greenery’ as their colour of 2017
shortly before the start of the year.
You might say so what? – we leave
the creative part of a wedding to the
bride or her/our team of suppliers
such as florists, cake designers and
more. That’s most definitely true in
many cases, but the smart money is
on venues and their teams who work
the latest trends subtly into their own
offerings from the initial point of client
contact and beyond.
While the latest colour trend
(whether it’s ‘Greenery’ or not) may
not appeal to all, potential couples are
very style conscious and very aware of
trends – studying Pinterest is a rite of
passage for every newly engaged (or
even pre-engaged) bride.
Pantone describe greenery as ‘a
fresh and zesty yellow-green shade’,
which is not to everyone’s taste. For
some couples, greenery will only ever
make an appearance within a bouquet,
buttonhole or in a table centrepiece,
and for others it may never feature at
all. But there will be those who want to
go the whole hog and follow this trend
for 2017 and 2018 by making their
wedding spaces foliage filled and lush.
Considering that it’s sensible to use a
venue’s backdrop as a natural scene
setter, for those of you surrounded by
fields, woods and green landscapes
you really won’t need to do that much
to go ‘green’.
So how can you further adopt greenery
into your venue’s offering to show an
understanding of trend-aware clients?
› Use your natural location to its
best effect – if you put up temporary
structures, make sure you site them
to not only show their best side but
to also show your landscape in its
very best light. Don’t position them
too close to buildings if you can, look
at gaining height and vantage points
and consider the visual perspective of
KATE NIELEN
KATE NIELEN
ABOVE Styling by Beautiful Bows and JF Flowers.
BELOW Foliage styling by Simon Nickell and tableplan flag by
White Cottage Weddings.
16 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

the guest from the inside and the
outside. “Letting the outdoors is” is
a massive trend that goes beyond
the greenery trend but is so vital.
Work with your temporary structure
suppliers to come up with options
that allow for sides of marquees to
come out, doors to be open or look
at stretch tents and so on that really
bring out the best of your views
and allow guests to appreciate the
natural greenery of your location.
Don’t forget to look at clear roofs
as an option to connect to the
outdoors while keeping the warmth
in; this is particularly relevant in the
cooler months.
› Wedding florals and styling –
look at the photos your website
features and the colour palettes
of the wedding specific florals and
details these show – do you have
any close ups of foliage you can
update your website with or any
weddings with lots of foliage or
touches of green in the past that
you can bring to the fore? I know I
planned some stand out zesty lime
green weddings some years ago
which I see being commented upon
favourably in 2017 again. Couples
love to see images which inspire
them – while they will invariably
put their own spin on it, think what
you can already show that ticks this
trend box. Don’t over-do it though –
there is no need to go green entirely.
› Are you planning any upcoming
promotional events? If so, can
you style some of your areas
to showcase this trend? Can
you design your invitations to
incorporate this colour? This is
especially relevant if you are an
outdoorsy venue anyway, with
beautiful grounds, outdoor spaces
and features. Orangery-style,
light-filled locations, garden rooms,
gazebos and marquees are likely
to see more demand for dates than
they already have (and they are
some of the most popular spaces on
the market anyway).
› Showrounds – can you
incorporate some greenery into your
showround process? When you greet
your couple, can you welcome them
with lovely green leaves with their
names written on as you offer them
a glass of champagne? Can you
have a stylish tree in a key location
of your venue, holding testimonials
written from past clients on little
green/foliage inspired cards? Can
you plan some greenery inspired
edibles to give away? It’s the little
touches that really stand out. Drinks
featuring ‘botanicals’ are very on
trend this year, and in particular
up-market soft drinks. Can you offer
your couples a quirky bottled soft
drink with a soft green coloured
straw popped inside to enjoy as
they tour your spaces? Not a big cost
investment but a nice welcoming
touch that shows you’re up there in
the style stakes.
› Add-ons – are there new little
add-ons for the wedding day that
you can offer/charge out to your
couples who might be in love
with this new trend? If you have a
permanent marquee, how about
over-sized foliage-filled chandeliers?
How about large trees that can
be used as wishing trees or guest
books? How about stacked up
logs or tree stumps and trailing
greenery to create a wow cake table
alternative? There are potentially
really good opportunities to supply
products at additional cost to
couples such as trees and large
potted plants, and the good thing
with this trend is that these items
have a shelf life unlike fresh cut
flowers so you can reuse and recycle
throughout the season.
› Furnishings – I’d suggest a really
close look at your furnishings such
as chairs, tables and more. Greenery
is likely to lead to more popularity
in the wood-finish, rustic look
furniture (cross-back chairs are
huge this year) as well as anything
vintage, recycled, paired-down
and outdoorsy – do you have
suppliers on your books who can
supply and meet this demand? If
you have an existing set of chairs
which you don’t wish to change,
you may be able to work with one
of your suppliers to dress them
with green slips of fabric or foliage
trails. If you’re able to showcase a
small permanent area with some
of these items in your spaces so
much the better as you’re bringing
the possibilities to life. If that isn’t
practical, can you photograph
them and use them on your social
media or at your open days and
showcases? It’s vital to refresh and
update your excellent supplier
partners, and each new trend is a
chance to ensure you are working
with the very best teams who can
KATE NIELEN
ABOVE Floral design
by JF Flowers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Chandler is a
long-term preferred
service provider for
exclusive venues
such as Syon Park,
Highclere Castle,
Spencer House and
Stoke Park Club. Kelly’s
consulting services to
wedding venues draw
on prior experience
in international
conference and event
planning, over 13
years of business
management, and
working directly with
discerning couples
planning their
weddings in diverse
locations and forging
successful relationships
with all components of
the wedding industry.
A former director of
trade body, the Alliance
of Wedding Planners,
Kelly is a well-regarded
innovator, mentor,
trainer and industry
spokesperson on and in
the wedding business.
www. kellychandler
consulting.co.uk
adapt and modernise the products
they are offering. Make sure your
suppliers work with you to show off
the latest trends in a way fitting of
your spaces.
› Trend–aware – talk about the
fact that you are trend-aware –
even if you can’t physically make
or incorporate all of these ideas
into your offering, don’t be afraid
to comment upon the greenery
trend via industry blog posts, social
media posts and more, and share
your ideas and likes. Commenting
that you’d really like to welcome
such and such an idea into your
venue might well just mean you
attract that client to you who does
just that! And if you’re lucky you’ll
get some beautiful images you can
use to attract more of what you like.
Don’t be afraid to ask for images
post wedding – most couples are
happy to share and be flattered that
you asked. As long as all suppliers,
and especially the photographer,
are credited fairly, everyone is
usually happy.
KELLY'S
WEDDING VENUE
BUSINESS COURSE
5 May, Home House,
Portman Square,
London
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 17

FUNCTION VENUES
MUTA
TRADITIONAL MARQUEE
Traditional marquees go
under a number of names -
pole tents, soft tops (not to
be confused with big tops
or circus tents), or guyed
marquees. This style of
marquee has vertical timber
‘king poles’ running down the
centre line of the structure,
vertical ‘wall poles’ around
the perimeter, and guy ropes
that run from the top of the
wall poles to the ground,
creating tension in the roof
fabric.
They all have one thing
in common in that the main
structural element is the
cover itself. Most traditional
marquees use cotton based
fabrics as the covering, but
PVC coated polyester is
popular too. While traditional
marquees can be as wide
as 120 feet, most hirers will
switch to frame marquees for
widths above 40 or 50 feet (12
or 15 metres).
Traditional marquees are
a popular choice for private
functions and events such
as agricultural shows and
village fêtes. The combination
of the traditional look and
feel of pole tents and the
breathability of natural fibres
means that this type of tent
is still as popular as ever and
still represents a significant
slice of the market in the UK.
Over recent years, we
have seen the introduction
of American traditional and
sailcloth tents, which add an
interesting visual dimension
to this sector.
Know Your
Structure
A rundown of temporary demountable
structures for functions from MUTA, the
UK's only trade association dedicated to
marquees, tents and structures
FRAME MARQUEE
Frame marquees, where a
semi rigid frame provides the
structural stability, mostly use
synthetic fabrics as a covering
so as to avoid the problems
created by shrinkage and
expansion of natural fibres.
Frames can be of wood,
steel or aluminium tubing
or, as is the case with most
modern frames, box section
aluminium. This latter type
is often referred to as a ‘clear
span’ structure and can be
up to 50 metres wide with no
intermediate pole supports
(hence the name).
The uninterrupted internal
space of frame structures
makes them very popular for
a wide variety of events from
private functions, through
corporate hospitality to large
exhibitions.
Because they have a solid
frame this type of marquee
can accept a higher level of
accessories, such as doors,
windows, rigid side panels
and sophisticated flooring
systems. Consequently, the
move, of late, has been to an
ever-increasing standard of
finish and comfort, so much
so that many guests do not
realise that they are actually
in a marquee. This level of
sophistication, together with
their structural stability, has
encouraged the recent trend
to extend the traditional
marquee season beyond the
summer into the autumn
and, indeed, the industry now
erects marquees 12 months of
the year.
Not all frame structures are
inherently safe and there are
many ‘home made’ varieties
out there in the market place
that are neither safe nor
attractive. While standards for
structural stability do exist, it
is difficult for the authorities
to police all events,
particularly those on private
property. MUTA members are
obliged to follow the correct
standards.
GIANT STRUCTURE
(OVER 30M WIDE)
Generally defined as large span
aluminium frame or tensioned
pole tents that are in excess
of 25 metres wide. These can
be 30/40/50 metre span frame
tents, usually needing the aid
of telescopic plant or cranes
to erect and dismantle. These
are specialised structures
and only very few hirers are
competent to deliver them
safely.
MULTI-DECK STRUCTURES
Multi-deck structures can
be either double, triple or
quad level structures. The
top floor is of a standard
clear span aluminium frame
design with the lower floors
being constructed from an
integral steel upright and
horizontal beam system. As
with giant structures, these
are specialised structures
and only very few hirers are
competent to deliver them
safely.
18 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

FUNCTION VENUES
NORDIC TIPI
Giant, linkable Nordic tipis
were introduced to the UK
rental market in 2005. Their
natural timber and canvas
construction, aesthetics,
and quirky possibilities have
quickly established them as
an interesting alternative
type of structure. They are
used widely for weddings,
parties and festivals, and,
increasingly, for smaller scale
corporate events.
All manner of interesting
shapes can be created by
linking the tents in different
configurations to meet the
requirements of individual
events.
To the untrained eye, they
may appear to be simply
a “bunch of sticks and
canvas”, but there is much
more to them than that. The
need to have full structural
calculations, flame retardant
fabrics and competent build
crews is the same with these
tents, as with any other. MUTA
members are obliged to have
all three to operate.
STRETCH TENT
Funky shapes in a wide
variety of colours characterise
stretch tents, which use a
special technical fabric that
is stretchy but also provides
structural stability. The fabric
is anchored at its corners
and along its sides, and then
poles of different lengths are
pushed up to create the iconic
shapes. On some styles of
stretch tent it is possible to fit
sides to create a fully enclosed
structure to protect against
the elements.
SADDLESPAN
Some people describe a
saddlespan tent as looking
like a Pringle crisp. Made from
tensioned PVC and supported
by architectural aluminium
trussing, these unusual
looking tents can be used as
a large marquee, stage cover,
audience shelter or exhibition
venue.
They are available in
different sizes and can be
linked in a variety of ways to
create large and interesting
structures.
Safety issues are
paramount, and this type
of structure like all other
tents requires competent
installation. MUTA has
created guidance specific
to saddlespan tents which
MUTA members are obliged to
follow.
INFLATABLE TENT
Inflatable tents use air to
support the structure. They
might use air beams, tubular
construction or cellular walls;
some have a supporting metal
framework and some use a
single skin and rely on positive
pressure inside the structure.
Primarily used in the
corporate market, they are
highly customisable and
capable of being branded.
Creativity and innovation are
ingredients for success in this
market and inflatable tents
provide that in spades.
As always, safety concerns
are paramount and MUTA’s
guidance on the use of
inflatable temporary
structures is followed by
MUTA members.
Party Pointers
MUTA proves some useful pointers
on holding functions in a temporary
structure
HOW MUCH SPACE?
Too many people crammed into a small place is both
uncomfortable and unsafe. Conversely, too large a
space can make your event seem under populated. The
table (over-page) is is a simple guide to determining the
optimum size of structure required for the number of
guests. Add space for the stage, dance floor, bar, catering,
reception, cloaks, toilets etc.
Try to keep the length of the marquee or tent to no more
than three times the width to ensure maximum stability
and to avoid a ‘tunnel’ effect.
FURNITURE
Specify the number of guests and agree with the hirer the
numbers and styles of:
› Tables - round tables come in a variety of sizes and are
often thought more sociable than long tables; in reality it
is often only possible to talk to people sitting either side
of you - across a round table is too far. Long tables come
in a variety of sizes too and enable you to use benches
rather than chairs if you wish. Some tables are attractive in
their own right and can be used without table linen, whilst
others are purely functional and must be covered with a
cloth.
› Chairs and benches - chairs are available in an array of
styles and finishes, with different coloured seat pads. It
is also possible to choose decorative chair covers which
render the look of the chair itself irrelevant. More informal
or rustic events may use benches at long tables, or a
combination of benches at some tables and chairs at
others.
› Bar - if a bar is required, the simplest and cheapest
solution is to use a couple of trestle tables. All manner of
proper bars are available, though, in different sizes and
styles to fit in with your event.
FLOORS, STAGE AND DANCE FLOOR
Matting laid directly on to the ground, usually with a
membrane underneath to prevent dampness and worm
castings, is widely used as a marquee flooring, and looks
GETTY IMAGES

FUNCTION VENUES
Guide to space required, in square metres
No. of Standing Seated Seated at Seated at Banquet
Guests Theatre Style Long Tables Round Tables (8 per 5ft
(10 per 5ft round) round)
25 16 25 36 36 54
50 36 54 54 54 81
100 54 90 100 100 135
150 90 135 162 162 180
200 126 162 240 240 240
300 180 240 300 300 360
500 300 375 525 525 675
1000 525 800 1000 1000 1200
2000 1000 1500 1800 1800 2250
attractive when laid well. More
sophisticated solutions involve a
solid floor with or without carpet
or matting laid on top. Ask your
hirer about their policy for cleaning
matting - do they clean it between
every event, or just every now and
then?
Will you have a band or other
entertainment that requires a
stage? When deciding on the type of
stage, do check with entertainers if
they require a certain size of stage,
or whether they need a stage at
all – they may be able to perform at
ground level.
Regarding dance floors, think
about the number of guests
expected at the function and how
many are likely to be dancing at one
time. Use your hirer’s experience
to decide on the size of dance floor
needed. Dance floors take up space
of course, so over-specifying the
size not only increases the cost
of the dance floor itself but may
require a larger structure as well.
LIGHTING
There are a bewildering array of
lighting options available, from
simple white light to complicated
moving head lights that can create
extraordinary effects. External
lighting may be needed to light the
way to the car park for the guests,
or to highlight dramatic external
features (specimen trees, statues or
building frontages for example).
Your hirer should be able to
advise on lighting rigs suitable for
their structures, and offer different
levels from simple white light to
something more sophisticated.
POWER
A safe and sufficient power source
is essential for any event. There are
three main options:
› Running a cable or two from a
domestic 13A mains socket - fine
for events that don’t require much
power, and where the mains
sockets are not too far from the site
(long cables result in voltage drop
which can mean that equipment
will not function). A Residual
Current Device must be included in
the circuit at the mains socket.
› Wiring into a fuse board – this is
suitable for events requiring more
power where the fuse board is not
too far from the site. Wiring into
a fuse board is potentially lethal
and must only be carried out by a
properly qualified electrician.
› A generator - generators come
in a range of sizes to handle the
smallest events right up to a large
festival. ‘Super silent’ generators
are available which make little
more noise than a diesel car engine.
Generators must only be installed
by a properly qualified electrician.
HEATING
With modern heaters there is no
need to be cold inside a marquee
or tent. The trick is to have
enough heaters. Heaters other
than electrical heaters should be
‘indirect’ - they will have an exhaust
system and sit outside the tent,
blowing warm air in through flame
retardant ducting running under
the edge of the canvas or through a
specially made cut out in the wall.
Check how long the heaters can
run for on a full tank of fuel. If you
ABOUT MUTA
MUTA is the UK’s only
trade association
dedicated to
marquees, tents and
structures. Since 1919
it has been working
to improve standards
in the industry, and
its Best Practice
Guide is followed by
members, which are
also inspected against
it. www.muta.org.uk /
01379 788673
expect to exceed that time, ensure
there is spare fuel on site and
someone who knows how to refuel.
Bear in mind that if there is snow, or
a risk of snow, the marquee or tent
must be heated at all times (day
and night) to prevent a build-up of
snow on the roof.
LOGISTICS
Agree with your hirer the erecting
date(s) and date on which the
structure will be complete ready for
you to use. Ensure that someone
responsible is available at the
time the hirer arrives on site to
confirm exact positioning of the
structure. Also ensure that someone
responsible is available at the
time of completion for the formal
handover of the structure from the
hirer.
Stagger the arrival of the various
contractors to site. For example,
there is no point having the caterers
arrive to lay up the tables if the
marquee or tent is still being built.
Agree with your hirer the
dismantling date(s). Ensure that
someone responsible is available
at the time the hirer arrives for
dismantling, so that a formal ‘hand
back’ of the structure can happen.
Your hirer will usually carry out an
inventory check with you at this
time to ensure nothing is missing.
SAFETY
Check that your hirer will be
following MUTA’s Best Practice
Guide and don’t be afraid to ask
to see their safety policy, risk
assessment, method statement,
flame retardancy certificate and
structural calculations for the
structure proposed. If erecting
requires use of forklifts or other
plant, ask to see the licences of
the drivers. Be sure that your
hirer is aware of the position of
underground and overhead services
(eg drains, gas pipes, electrical
cables, irrigation systems, etc).
Ensure that furniture is laid
out allowing access to fire escape
routes and fire exits. Ask your
hirer for advice on the regulations.
Consider fire precautions, we
recommend as a minimum a water
and CO2 fire extinguisher by each
fire exit.
20 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk
Nationwide
07826 84 30 99
@TentickleUK
TentickleUK

FUNCTION VENUES | PRODUCT FOCUS
Tented Venue Spaces
A fundamental consideration for most outdoor venues, check out these tented space options
STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL,
HANDCRAFTED YURTS
Green Yurts
07823 339297
www.greenyurts.co.uk
Inspired by the magic of
festivals and designed to
incorporate their spirit,
our 42ft yurt is the perfect
solution for anyone looking
for an alternative to a
traditional marquee. Be it
a wedding, private party
or corporate function our
large yurt will make your
event stand out and be
one to remember. We are a
company that understands
the importance of luxury
and have an ethos rooted
in providing a top quality
service at outstanding value
for money. With the option
of adding additional yurts,
bell tents, stretch tents and
marquees the possibilities
are almost endless!
EVERLASTING
MEMORIES
Tentickle Stretch Tents
07826 843099
www.tentickle-stretchtents.
co.uk
Tentickle Stretch Tents
UK is proud to offer you
exciting and stylish cover
for your outdoor event. Our
stretch tents don’t compete
with their surroundings,
they serve to enhance the
beauty around them. Unite
them with buildings or let
them stand freely, create
an intimate sanctum or
a canopied wonder but
above all, give your event
the exceptional touch
that it deserves. Alfresco
affairs have never been
so appealing. Mesmerise
your guests with one of
our stunning stretch tents
and create an everlasting
memory.
FRIENDLY, FULL
SERVICE MARQUEE
HIRE
Brighton Marquees
07900 212655
www.brightonmarquees.co.uk
Whether you are planning a
wedding, party celebration or
corporate event, our friendly
team will draw on their
experience to provide you with
the perfect solution. We have
a wide range of structures
suitable for use all year round,
and our attention to client
detail is certain to make your
event a success. We have a
strong business network in the
Sussex area and are a MUTA
registered marquee company.
Contact us to arrange a
complimentary consultation
to discuss your entire event
needs, from the size and type
of structure to flooring, linings,
lighting, furnishings, floral
decoration and more!
FRAME, POLE &
PINNACLE TENTS
Celina Tent
01157 940041
www.gettent.co.uk
Celina Tent is one of the
largest tent manufacturers
for events in North America
and is expanding its
manufacturing services to
the UK. This year, Celina Tent
opened its UK distribution
centre to ensure easy
purchase and delivery of its
high quality event products.
Celina Tent Europe will
offer its established frame
and pole tents, including
its most popular Pinnacle
tents. What makes Celina
Tent Europe different from
other tent manufacturers?
Any of Celina’s tent products
can be custom printed, with
only two days of shipping
from the in-house print shop
located in the US.
22 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Beautiful Stretch Tents
For Any Occasion
WEDDINGS – PARTIES – FESTIVALS
Comprehensive selection of free style Stretch Tent
marquees for hire and sale throughout the UK.
Create an exclusive indoor/outdoor experience by
moulding our structures around the landscape.
Created in South Africa
Lightweight, waterproof and highly versatile
Can be erected on uneven ground and over garden features
01403 333135 email enquiries@tentstyle
www.tentstyle.co.uk
We Offer Premier Outdoor
Event Structure Hire to All Events
SADDLESPAN, MODULAR MATRIX TENTS AND MOBILE STAGES
Office: 01223 870935 Mobile:
07881 614134
Email: enquiries@gigtent.co.uk www.gigtent.co.uk

GLAMPSITES
CASE STUDY
Tor View
Shepherds
Huts
This
two-unit site pays
homage to a family
connection to shepherding
As the owner of the first glampsite in the country to be awarded VisitEngland’s
Gold Award, Philip Russell knows a thing or two about what it takes to keep visitors
happy. Open Air Business finds out more about his approach to quality and his
personal connection to shepherd’s huts.
What made you decide to
start offering glamping
accommodation?
My grandfather, Leonard Candy,
was a shepherd, and my family
home includes a grazing field.
Around 2006 I became obsessed
with the idea of opening a luxury
shepherd’s hut retreat. My first hut,
‘Len’ (named after my grandfather)
was a self-build, which was built by
myself and craftsmen on-site during
the winter of 2012. It was completed
in spring 2013 and welcomed its
first guests in May of that year.
How did you research the
business before entering it?
Because we had been running
The Old Milking Parlour holiday
accommodation for six years
prior to opening Tor View, we had
experience of managing guest
accommodation. We stayed in other
huts to see how they operated,
and also engaged the services of a
surveyor to help with planning.
Tell us about your location and
site
Tor View is located on the Mendip
Hills, near Wells, and is within easy
travelling distance of several tourist
areas including Wells, Glastonbury,
Cheddar Gorge, and Bath. Maesbury
Castle, an Iron Age fort, is within
walking distance.
The site is south facing on a hill
and enjoys views of Glastonbury
Tor, the Somerset Levels, and, on
24 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

a clear day, the Exmoor Hills and
coastline, and Rampisham Down in
Dorset.
How did you tackle getting
planning?
The actual planning permission
was not difficult, the challenge
came with getting approval from
the Highways Department. From
initially submitting plans to
obtaining permission was a period
of more than 18 months.
We obtained permission to
locate three huts on-site and, after
completing the first hut, we decided
to alter the location of the second
and third hut sites. This decision
was made so that the location of
the first hut was not compromised.
What glamping accommodation
do you offer and why did you
choose it?
We have two shepherd’s huts, Len
and Ted. Len was designed and
built by hand in-situ, whereas we
purchased Ted to our specification
then created the interior. Both
“FOR US, IT
HELPED THAT
JULIE HAD
EXPERIENCE
AS A PROFESS-
IONAL IN THE
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY,
SO WE DID
NOT HAVE
TO RELY ON
CONSULTANTS”
huts offer luxury glamping
accommodation, and the newer
hut ‘Ted’ enables guests to have a
real retreat as it is off-grid without
power points (although you can
charge your e-book reader and
gadgets through USB charging
points). Both huts have modern
comforts such as an en-suite
shower, flushing toilet, fitted
kitchen, and a luxury mattress
supplied with all the bed linen and
duvet, as well as eco wood-fired hot
tubs. ‘Ted’ also has an outside oven.
I chose shepherd’s huts because
I love the look of them and the
idea of compact living. We have
managed to fit a lot into our huts.
Describe how you researched and
sourced your units
When ‘Len’ was built, there were
only a handful of shepherd hut
manufacturers, and we visited
them all. We wanted to create an
en-suite hut, which wasn’t available
at the time, which is why we built
‘Len’ ourselves. Our hut supplier,
Blackdown Shepherd Huts, was a
relatively new company at the time,
but they helped us to self-build one
of the first 18ft huts in the country.
How do you publicise yourself?
Since opening our first hut, we have
enjoyed coverage in publications
such as Somerset Life, West Country
Life, Conde Naste Traveller, the
London Evening Standard, and The
Times. We advertise on a number
of glamping websites and have our
own website. We use social media
(Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)
to share news and images with our
followers. We also have leaflets
which are displayed in local venues.
Recently, we have begun
advertising in wedding fayre
programmes, as weddings,
honeymoons and anniversaries are
a key market for us. In fact, we have
had another engagement occur
during a stay in the past month.
How would you describe your
‘style’ or unique selling point?
We offer a real retreat from the
modern world. Our huts offer
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 25

GLAMPSITES
luxury glamping and their location
means that you can step back from
everyday life completely if you wish.
How did you choose your interior
decoration?
It was a joint effort between us – my
wife, Mandy, chose the colours and I
sourced the vintage features such as
the clocks, maps, books, and sheeprelated
items from flea markets
and auctions. We often don’t know
where the items are going to go
when we first buy them.
What challenges have you faced?
The main challenge is cash flow –
you can be cash-rich in the summer
and cash-poor in the winter.
What are your plans for next
season?
We have already doubled in size
ready for the 2017 season, and are
now planning further expansion for
2018-19. Our plans are top secret
at the moment, so you will have to
wait and see!
Describe your average day midseason
Because Tor View is not our only
business no two days are the same,
but we do our fair share of hut
changeovers and administration.
Do you enjoy the business and
why?
Managing shepherd’s huts can
be hard work, especially in the
winter! However, I enjoy seeing
guests’ reactions when they first
open the door to the huts and see
what we have created. I also enjoy
reading guests' comments after
their stays, and they obviously
enjoy the experience as we have
had many repeat bookings! It is
also pleasing to put the field to
good use and carry on a link with
my grandfather through the type of
accommodation we offer and the
names of the huts.
What other outdoor hospitality
sectors do you operate in?
The Old Milking Parlour is our twobedroom
barn conversion close to
the field with the huts. It is 4-star
and VisitEngland Gold Award rated
(www.theoldmilkingparlour.co.uk).
It operates as a separate business
and offers a different rural holiday
experience to Tor View.
What advice could you give
to someone coming into the
industry?
Stay in at least three other similar
sites. Always assume that building
a glamping spot will take longer
and cost far more than you think
(trust me on that from experience!).
You should also offer additional
services/add-ons (such as hot tubs
and outside ovens); and ensure
that repeat customers always see
ADDRESS BOOK
ACCOMMODATION
Blackdown Shepherd Huts -
01460 929774
www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk
HOT TUB
Hikki – +46 706 370 820
www.hikki.se
BBQ & PIZZA OVEN
Hikki – +46 706 370 820
www.hikki.se
BOOKING SYSTEM
Bookalet - 01234 834716
www.bookalet.co.uk
something new, even if that is just a
refurbishment.
Congratulations on your Visit
England Gold Award. How did
you prepare for the accreditation
process?
We were really pleased to have
achieved this award. As we have
held a Gold Award at The Old
Milking Parlour for almost 10 years
we knew the standard which would
be expected, and our assessment
score was just short of 100%.
DIRECTORY SITES
Quirky Accommodation
www.quirkyaccom.com
Cool Stays
www.coolstays.com
INSURANCE
NFU Mutual
www.nfumutual.co.uk
DETAILS
Thrupe Marsh Farm, Wells,
Somerset, BA5 3HB
01749 841401
www.torviewshepherdshuts.co.uk
26 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

☎
✉

GLAMPSITES
Power to
the People!
To avoid leaving your clients in the dark, Open Air Business
takes a look at off-grid power provision
GETTY IMAGES
BY THEIR VERY nature, the ideal locations
for glamping accommodation are often off
the beaten track and therefore away from
the services that most people take for
granted such as mains drainage, gas and
electricity.
Although the concept of glamping is all
about escaping from the day to day norm,
most glampers expect a certain degree of
luxury, and a feeling of home from home.
For example, many people want to be
contactable and to be able to charge their
mobile phones wherever they are. Where
these services are not easily available,
the challenge is to offer alternatives that
combine the provision of power, and thus
comfort, with the authentic glamping
experience that promotes a feeling of
getting back to nature.
Adrian Williams, managing director of
Solar Technology International, explains:
“As the glamping industry continues
to see growth, its offer of rustic charm
coupled with a sense of understated
luxury can be more fully met with the
provision of off-grid electricity to power
lighting, water pumps and so on. Wiring
up to the grid is not only an expensive
option, but also an impractical one with
the seasonal and sometimes nomadic
nature of glampsites. In addition, the
disruption of the natural landscape
undermines the ‘off-grid’ ethos of
glamping.”
According to Tim Smerdon, owner of
Mobile Solar Chargers and co-owner of
Solar Charging Can, many of those who
choose glamping as an option are city
dwellers and are therefore looking for an
experience that is rural, rustic and above
all quiet. He says: “I think phone charging
is seen as a necessity - people like to
have the option, even though they might
choose not to use it - as is lighting.”
Alicia Whymark, product manager,
Portable Power Technology, agrees
that light and power are an important
commodity to offer your glamping
customers on off-grid sites. “Customers
may want to turn off all their devices
and get right back to nature and some
may want to retain as many creature
comforts as possible, but most will reside
somewhere in the middle,” she says.
“Everyone needs light and energy, it’s just
a question of how much.”
GETTING CONNECTED
So, light and energy are considered
essential, but if you are to avoid potential
noise and disruption to the surrounding
landscape while keeping in mind those
‘green’ credentials, what are the off-grid
options?
Solar power is probably the one
that first springs to mind. The sun can
provide lots of electric power (especially
if your accommodation gets a lot of
solar exposure). However, it is unlikely
to be cost-effective to rely on solar
energy alone. Therefore, solar might be
considered part of the answer rather than
the total solution. Solar panels can be
installed on the roof of a hut or in a sunny
spot nearby. Energy collected by the
panels can then be used to power the hut
directly or to charge a battery. The success
of this option does, however, rely on the
sun exposure of your chosen plot.
If you get good news after you contact
your local weather service to check on
the average wind speed in your area,
generating electricity from residentialsized
wind turbines is another option
for off-grid energy. Knowing the average
and wind speed ranges, you can estimate
how much electricity a given system
will produce. However, you should
keep in mind that wind speeds can vary
significantly from regional averages
depending on local topography.
If you require energy on a small scale,
there are plenty of experts who can offer
28 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
LEFT The SolarMate Arena Light from
Solar Technology International can
illuminate an area of up to 200 square
metres
BELOW The NIWA Home 200 X2 from
Portable Power Technology is an all
in one modular solar system
you advice and potential cost solutions
that are both environmentally friendly
and cost-effective. You can, for example,
install a battery pack or generator - not
unlike those you might find in a caravan
or boat. These batteries work in a similar
way to a car battery; you charge them and
power is stored ready for use.
There is a wealth of options to choose
from when deciding how to light your
off-grid accommodation. This is where
you can really indulge in the hiss of a
Tilly lamp. Nowadays, of course, we can
make great use of solar lamps or battery
powered lighting. These are a great option
if you are nervous of a naked flame or you
want to avoid the smell of methylated
spirits. The choice is huge.
Portable Power Technology offers
solutions that harness the sun’s energy to
deliver power without resorting to noisy
and polluting generators, which may
detract from the glamping experience.
“A lightweight, portable system is a great
way to please all customers depending
on their energy and lighting preferences,”
says Whymark. “Portable systems
are also ideal if you have to take your
accommodation down between seasons
and are also maintenance free with no
serviceable elements,” she adds.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Solar Technology International designs,
prototypes, manufactures, markets and
distributes a wide range of brands that are
suitable for powering phones, tablets and
cameras, water pumps and mains quality
lighting for a complete off-grid power
solution.
As Williams explains, “Solar provides
an instant, clean and efficient renewable
power source that can be scaled up or
down accordingly. Small, portable lighting
and power units such as the SolarHub16
ABOVE The Solar Charging Can from Mobile Solar Chargers is a standalone solar/battery set up
which is scalable
provide an instant indoor lighting solution
via bright LED strip lighting or pendant
lighting that allows the fitting of a
lampshade, and can light an area of up to
16 square metres.
“It also provides enough power to
charge a smartphone or tablet and can
power a 12-volt fan. Larger scale outdoor
lighting solutions include the SolarMate
Arena Light that is capable of lighting an
area of up to 200 square metres; the PIR
mode allows motion activated operation
and it is the perfect solution for bringing
light to any large open space,” he adds.
Mobile Solar Chargers is a specialist
retailer of a range of portable solar
chargers, power banks and portable
power solutions. According to Smerdon,
the minimum requirement for safety and
basic needs, assuming your guests are
staying for a summer weekend or a weeklong
break, are power for hot water and
some cooking - although they are likely
to prefer a barbecue or may even choose
a local pub - as well as lighting, phone
charging, Wi-Fi and perhaps an option for
heating or cooling the air.
“For the glamping market, I would
concentrate on the ‘standalone’ options,
i.e. a generator (240-volt AC) or the Can,
a solar/battery set up, which is scalable.
A cross between the two is a hybrid
generator, which has a diesel generator to
back up the solar,” he says.
“Portable Li-Po (lithium polymer
battery) should be charged daily and
is ideal for use in bell tents. To give an
idea of Ah (capacity) a standard phone is
around 2.5Ah, so a 50Ah battery would
give 20 odd charges with no solar help.
You can position solar panels on the roof
of a hut with a bank of 12 volt batteries
on the ground, but if you are considering
power for a non-rigid structure, such as a
yurt that can’t hold solar panels, then our
Solar Charging Can would be an option.”
The portable Solar Charging Can has
been designed to be silent and to replace
generators. It provides automatic lighting,
phone charging, remote CCTV and Wi-Fi,
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 29

GLAMPSITES
and is modular and easy to store.
Portable Power Technology
offers several portable power
solutions ranging from a single
light for quick trips to the toilet
after dark all the way up to
larger scale silent, rechargeable
power solutions that provide AC
electricity for larger appliances,
all of which are ideal for the
glamping market.
“Offering your customers a
system that can be installed
easily in each individual
accommodation unit on off-grid
sites will allow them to have the
freedom to be able to charge
phones if needed, read a book
using LED light into the night or
listen to music,” says Whymark.
“We feel that one of the main
attractions of glamping is the
freedom it gives you to step out
of your day to day life and relax
in any way you want. However,
customers will still have some
level of expectation with regards
to the comfort and security that
comes from light and indeed basic
power,” she adds.
The company also stocks
the NIWA Home 200 X2, which
it describes as a complete, all
in one, safe and easy to install
modular solar system that
provides a dimmable and efficient
lighting source, phone and small
device charging facilities via USB
and a solar panel. “The system
is fully expandable by adding
more lights and power packs
that simply click into place,” says
Whymark.
GETTY IMAGES
Another option is the small,
lightweight and powerful PPT
Powerpack 300+, which consists
of an internal lithium battery
and pure sinewave inverter to
deliver AC and a battery charger.
“This product is solar ready
and can also be charged via the
mains. It is perfect for powering
lights, audio equipment, device
charging, laptops, televisions and
more,” she says.
Portable Power Technology
also offers larger off-grid silent
and solar rechargeable power
ABOVE The Powerpack
300+ from Portable
Power Technology
delivers AC and DC
power wherever you
need it
LEFT Solar Technology
International's Solar
Hub 16, a complete
lighting and power kit
in a box
systems that utilise an inverter,
battery bank and solar panels.
These have been developed to
allow more prolonged use of
power-hungry AC appliances
where required.
CONCLUSION
So, where mains power isn’t an
option, there are ways of offering
your glampers the services they
expect without great expense.
There are even solutions for
running washing machines and
hair dryers. With some systems,
the amount of power created by
renewable sources alone may
be dependent on the weather,
but even those that rely on
traditional charging methods
can be aesthetically pleasing
and, most important of all, silent.
Many of the options discussed
are scalable, giving you the
option of add-ons as and when
you need them. They can also be
moved and deployed elsewhere
and stored in the winter, and no
maintenance or technical skills
are required to run them.
USEFUL LINKS
Solar Technology International - www.solartechnology.co.uk
Mobile Solar Chargers - www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk
Portable Power Technology - www.portablepowertech.com
30 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Self contained Portable or
Static Solar Charging Station
• All components stored and moved in Drum
• 5v-12v power, WiFi, Lighting, CCTV
Call 01935 825914 or visit www.solarchargingcan.com
Fron Farm Yurts
Yurts - Wooden Yurts - Roundhouses
Unique Structures for all year Glamping & Events
Custom Made in Wales to Create your Perfect Space
Our Wooden Roundhouses and Yurts incorporate the
beauty of the traditional yurt within a solid timber structure,
which are suitable for all seasons and allow extended
rentals. We work with all budgets to produce unique
handmade spaces, which maximise business potential.
fronfarmyurts@live.com Tel: 01994 419775
www.yurtsforsaleuk.co.uk
SolarHub 16
• Instant off grid lighting & power
• Illuminates an indoor area of up to 16 sq m
• Perfect for yurts, tipis, safari tents, cabins,
eco pods...
• Simple to install & exempt from Part P of building regulations
SolarMate Arena Light
• Powerful outdoor off grid floodlight
• Simple & quick to install on scaffold pole or wall brackets
• Perfect for glampsites, festivals, arenas, sports fields
and car parks
• Motion activated PIR or via remote control
01684 774000
www.solartechnology.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 31

GLAMPSITES
STARBED HIDEAWAYS DEVON
WITH AN INCREASING spectrum of
structures, business models and price
points out there, it’s an appropriate time
to evaluate the potential for investing in
the luxury sector. One interesting point to
note is that this sector currently remains
one of the least competitive because there
are not that many truly luxury offerings in
the market. And, while it requires a larger
initial investment per unit, if a luxury offer
has been well planned and carried out, the
higher rental fees should continue to attract
good occupancy rates and reap a healthy
profit long after the initial investment is
recouped.
Some would say that the luxury side
of the market is also more ‘future proof’,
meaning that it will continue to command
high rental fees long after the boom has
bust. Let’s put it this way, I’ll be surprised to
see top quality, well run and well marketed
glamping sites in discount voucher schemes
at any point.
As a prospective owner, a few factors will
influence whether this type of glamping
has potential. Is the proposed site in the
right location? Is there an existing business
or feature, for example a special property,
hotel, gastro pub, gardens/lakes, or an
All Out
Luxury
Kate Morel explores the alluring
landscape of high-end, luxury glamping. It’s a worldwide,
growing and profitable sector of the industry, so pack
your Panamas and parasols because we’ll be stopping
off at a couple of exotic destinations along the way
outstanding, exclusive rural setting? If
not, are you confident that you can create
something so superior that it will still attract
enough guests willing to pay the high rental
fees?
HIGH DEFINITION
Our first thoughts about luxury glamping
might turn to expensive tents, stylish
furnishings and opulent baths - and whose
wouldn’t: One dictionary defines luxury as:
“a state of great comfort or elegance,
especially when involving great expense
Synonym: opulence, luxuriousness,
sumptuousness, richness, costliness,
grandness, splendour, magnificent,
lavishness”
The definition of luxury in this business,
however, seems to be rather subjective.
ADRIA
For some, it’s acceptable to describe a
nice-looking canvas tent with a proper
bed and a few accessories as ‘luxury’,
and, in comparison to a regular camping
tent I suppose it is. But as the standard of
glamping continues to rise, the time will
come when we need to take a squinty-eyed
review of what luxury glamping should
entail in terms of décor and facilities. At
least, for this article, ‘luxury’ is going to be
the same as any other self-catering rental,
the key criteria being quality, style and
taste.
High-end accommodation should
always utilise quality furnishings and
boast beautiful facilities, I don’t believe it’s
possible to get around that. While some
of us certainly have a knack of making
inexpensive look great, these ensembles will
only look good on photographs, they won’t
feel luxurious in use. Discerning guests will,
quite rightly, expect the experience to be
one of genuine quality when paying topdollar
rental fees.
STYLE COUNSEL
The style of a luxury glamping offering can
be influenced by many things, the location,
a property that it’s associated with - a
historic country house, for example. They
can also be a ‘stand-alone’ offer, where it
becomes important to get the style and
facilities right for the specified guest profile.
It’s a bigger subject than I have time to
explore here, but suffice it to say there are
hundreds of design styles and ideas out
there – and really, of all the decisions we
make, this is one of the easiest.
One of the hardest, however, is because
glamping differs from other holiday rentals
in one respect - we usually start with an
32 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
empty field. This means we create the
accommodation structure(s) from scratch;
I’m often told that people find this the most
challenging decision. To be fair, choosing the
right structure for the location/guest profile
can require some skill, especially when
we have planning permissions and other
factors to consider. Fortunately, there is a
wide range to choose from, and professional
companies are pushing boundaries with
innovative designs. Adria have brought a
super boutique mobile tent into the market,
as have Eco Living Australia, and the UK’s
leading bespoke treehouse designers, Blue
Forest, continue to trail blaze with innovative
designs. I’m also delighted to keep finding
small, craftsman-owned companies who are
willing and able to design and build bespoke
structures.
When it comes to buying the structure(s)
do choose wisely, it can be a big investment
and getting this right is crucial, not only
in terms of appealing to guests, but the
business’s long term success. Do note that
occupancy rates and rental fees as suggested
by some marketing brochures are not always
achievable, so research ideas and potential
results. Alternatively, seek objective advice
from someone in the business (it doesn’t
have to be me, just get as much sound
advice as you can). It can be difficult to put
things right with hindsight and, sadly, I’ve
seen some costly mistakes.
FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL
Last year, one of the UK seminars I presented
was ‘Inspiration from International
Glamping’, which highlighted glamping and
design features from around the world that
caught my eye as outstanding. To be honest,
I was on something of a mission because I
ADRIA
wanted to inspire more of us in the UK to
create mind blowing glamping offers akin to
the places I was finding on other continents.
Internationally, manufacturers are
responding to the demand for luxury
glamping and new, stylish structure designs
are launched every year, companies such as
InTenta, Tentickle, Adria and Eco Structures
Australia are among those leading the way.
There are many others, and it is fascinating
to see so many new concepts being created;
I can barely keep up these days.
One company totally blew me away when
I discovered them a few years ago. Luca and
his team at ‘LuxuryFrontiers’ have created
stunning designer developments in South
Africa, Italy and Spain. The company ethos
is commendable and their environmental
qualifications are impressive. They tick
all the boxes for me, and I would love to
see them create more developments in
Europe and particularly the UK. So, if you’re
ambitious and like their work we need to
talk.
Another example of exceptional
international glamping is Richard Branson’s
‘Kasbah Tamadot’ in Morocco, and ‘Mahali
Mzuri’ in Kenya, which combine stunning
locations with world class accommodation.
If you’re looking for inspiration you will
find it here, they are nothing short of
breathtaking and, naturally, appropriately
priced.
RULE BRITANNIA
It’s fair to say that we have a couple of
challenges when it comes to creating
glamping developments in the UK. Firstly,
the climate limits the rental season for
some structures, secondly, our planning
regulations are more restrictive than
elsewhere. However, these needn’t limit our
imagination when it comes to luxury and
GLAMPING HUB
Warner Springs, California
design, and whilst speaking to interested UK
landowners, I’ve recently been encouraged
to hear that more are interested in creating
something exclusive.
Outside of the USA, I have a sneaky
suspicion that the UK is one of the leading
countries in creating new glampsites each
year, but don’t let that deter you because
as I said earlier there are still profitable
opportunities to create something in the
high-end sector. The UK has more heritage,
character and elegance than you can shake a
stick at and there is no reason at all why UK
glamping can’t compete on the international
field.
UNIQUE BY DESIGN
At this level, it is 100 per cent about giving
guests an experience they can’t find
elsewhere, and facilities they’d never have
at home. Luxurious interior design schemes,
and opulent touches that guests wouldn’t
think of putting in their own homes, add to
the exclusivity. Showers and baths can never
be ‘over the top’ as far as I’m concerned –
and I love the imaginative, elegant bathroom
furnishings at Canonici Sanmarco near
Venice. In fact, grab a coffee and bask in true
Italian gorgeousness, it’s totally inspiring.
At the luxury level of glamping, we’d
be remiss to overlook the use of outside
space, and a dedicated area with generous,
comfortable garden furniture sets the scene
nicely. I’m excited to share a recent discovery
with you – a company called Rivelin who
create fantastic outdoor spaces using super
stylish furniture. They also supply the most
impressive Sheffield-made, gas powered fire
pits, and when I say impressive, I mean it. For
those of us who prefer a real crackling fire,
or an environmentally sustainable option,
then a heavy-duty, log burning fire-bowl is
in order. This is luxury glamping remember,
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 33

GLAMPSITES
LUXURYFRONTIERS
NORTH STAR CLUB, YORKSHIRE
so why not go one step further
and commission your own design
from the Firepit Company, their
hand cut fire globes add a dash of
blazing magic to starry night time
glamping. They’d make a great
centrepiece for weddings and
events too.
If you can provide the appropriate
privacy, open air showers and baths
are fun additional options, and
we all know by now that hot tubs
are perennially popular. I recently
spotted a new product, a wood
fired sauna, that might give hot
tubs some competition… ironically
it was on Naked Flame Eco Tubs’
website. Which reminds me – I try to
keep a look out for new, innovative
structures and products, but I do
have a life outside glamping you
know (no comments, thank you), so
if you’re launching an exciting new
product please let me know.
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Luxury glamping is about to lift
off in the UK, on both small and
large scales. I visited a luxury
development last week, the size of
which raised even my eyebrows.
In contrast, another was a small,
three unit, boutique set up curving
around a newly created natural
swimming pool. More often these
days I drive home inspired by the
quality and diversity of glamping
that I see being created here, it’s
such an exciting time to be in this
business.
One such glampsite has just been
launched - ‘StarBed Hideaways’
is a little gem, possessing all the
elements that raise a glamping offer
beyond the ordinary into that five
star, luxury experience. Located
in Devon, it comprises two quality
cabins on the Buckland Abbey
National Trust Estate. Designer
interiors, stylish furnishings and
roll-top baths are only part of the
package - a visiting spa, falconry
and hot air balloon rides are just
a few of the activities that can
be enjoyed by guests. Bryony
and Bertie have paid scrupulous
attention to detail and possess
a clear willingness to make their
guests’ experience unforgettable.
The website presents the
accommodation and experience
with clarity and elegance, and the
quality is evident from the moment
a potential guest lands on a page.
If you would like to experience
StarBed Hideaways for yourself,
Bryony and Bertie have kindly
created a limited, exclusive offer
to readers of Open Air Business, I
believe details can be found in the
‘News’ section (pages 6-7).
GUEST-CENTRIC
When rental fees rise above
a certain price point, guest
expectations are high, so if we are
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Morel provides
a completely
independent advice
and design service to
individuals, estates
and companies
looking to create a
successful glamping
business. She is
well qualified and
connected to provide
advice on every aspect
of creating, operating,
marketing and
upgrading glamping
accommodations or
developments. www.
katemorel.com / info@
katemorel.com
NORTH STAR CLUB, YORKSHIRE
going to offer luxury breaks, and
charge accordingly, it’s vital that
we ‘deliver’. It’s also important to
remember that when some guests
book an expensive, luxury break,
it’s for a special occasion of some
sort – a proposal, honeymoon,
anniversary or birthday - they may
even have saved up for it. As always,
the key here is to put ourselves
in our guests’ shoes and provide
what we would expect. I am sure
we would all want to relish the
experience, the exclusivity, richness
and sheer extravagance, to feel
spoiled, special and pampered.
I hope our little canter through
luxury glamping has inspired you.
If you are considering adding a
glamping development to your
land, and would like to talk through
your ideas, do get in touch. There
are so many other factors I would
have liked to cover, and have a
plethora of ideas to share, but alas,
Tally says she has other things to fit
into Open Air Business as well!
Until next time, Kate.
INSPIRATION
Canonici Sanmarco, Venice
www.glampingcanonici.com/en
Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
www.virginlimitededition.com/en/
kasbah-tamadot
LuxuryFrontiers - www.luxuryfrontiers.com
Mahail Mzuri, Kenya
www.virginlimitededition.com/en/
mahali-mzuri
StarBed Hideaways
www.starbedhideaways.co.uk
34 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

garden-oven.co.uk
or call 01256 581014
Luxury Fleeces
Luxury, creamy soft, brown sheep fleeces,
tanned in the West Country.
The perfect addition to the luxury glamping experience
Our sumptuous brown sheepskins are perfect for cosying up in the evening
by the fire pit or snuggling those toes on a frosty morning as a bedside rug.
Each one is unique.
A sumptuous treat for the more discerning glamping guest in your luxury
accommodation, used on sofas as a soft comfy throw, as a bedside rug or on
outdoor chairs and benches providing luxury and warmth on a chilly evening.
Bulk orders 5 or more £45 each+p&p
Order online at
www.leafyfieldsglamping.com or call 07842 320 981
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 35

ADVERTORIAL
Armadilla
A British made luxury pod, with an ingenious design
that elicits more than a good ROI!
NESTLING IN BEAUTIFUL countryside
south of Edinburgh is a rural business
manufacturing a pod called the Armadilla.
Seven years ago, farmer Archie Hunter and
his son Ross, a design engineer, came up with
the concept in an attempt to create a product
which was unique and special. It looks like
they have succeeded.
With over 400 Armadilla pods already in use
in the UK, Armadilla Ltd is now distributing
throughout Europe and the Middle East with
plans afoot to launch in the US.
The flagship product of the company is
the Armadilla Xtraroom Deluxe, a luxurious
accommodation pod with an en-suite
wet room. It is primarily targeted at the
fast-growing boutique glamping sector
which, like the boutique hotel genre, has
become synonymous with quirky upmarket
accommodation. Comfort, aesthetics, quality
fittings, attention to detail and advanced
technological features are fundamental.
The market for this type of accommodation
is quite discerning, but is willing to pay a
premium for a good experience. The Xtraroom
has been designed to readily provide either
two single beds or a good sized double bed.
The largest proportion of guests tend to be
Millennials (born in the ’80s and ’90s) but the
Baby Boomers are getting in on the act also –
both sectors with high disposable incomes.
EMOTIONAL IMPACT
One of the most exciting features of the
Armadilla is the shape. The design is quite
unique and has elements of the Fibonacci
Sequence and the Golden Mean incorporated
in it. These mathematical elements have been
used throughout millennia in architecture and
art, and have been found to have an intriguing
effect on peoples’ emotions.
It’s certainly true that the Armadilla creates
an emotional impact on all who see it. From
a commercial perspective, this is important.
Most bookings are based on a trawl through
the internet, and if an Armadilla image pops
up on the screen people are more inclined to
stop and look at it. They then read about its
features and when they see that it has a wet
room with flushing toilet, shower and wash
hand basin they become seriously interested.
Prospective bookers will then examine
what other ingredients are on offer and
begin looking at availability. So, what are all
these other ingredients? Location, additional
facilities (eg. hot tub), proximity of restaurant
or pub etc, but most importantly an attractive
natural environment. And the more exciting or
stunning the environment the better.
At this point it is worth examining the
concept of the ‘Experience Economy’.
Glamping, as an industry, is part of this
experience economy. We are providing an
experience for our customers that they will
(hopefully) enjoy and remember. They will
want to share their experience with their
friends and family. And they will frequently do
this during the experience using social media.
(hence it is important to provide good internet
access).
A recent survey by Eventbrite found that
three in four Millennials would prefer to spend
money on a desirable experience rather than
buying something desirable. Over 70 per cent
indicated that they would like to increase
their spending on experiences rather than
physical things in the coming year.
OCCUPANCY AND YIELD
A classic example of getting all the ingredients
right is Riverbeds (www.stayglencoe.co.uk),
a site with eight Armadilla Xtrarooms on the
west coast of Scotland near Fort William.
Owner Laurence Young had approached
Armadilla to see how he could best capitalise
on a site he had adjacent to a mountain river
cascading down from a dramatic mountain
backdrop.
To create a truly unique experience, Archie
proposed cantilevering the Armadillas over
the river, which was relatively easy due to
the integral steel frame with which they are
built. Laurence introduced hot tubs into the
equation and, from a standing start in April
2016, he has maintained superb occupancies
right through the year (winter included) with
average nightly rates far in excess of normal
glamping operations.
FULL OF FEATURES
So, what are the principal features of the
Armadilla? Crucially, it is constructed in
the UK in a factory environment which
enables it to be built to an exceptionally high
commercial standard. Cladding is Siberian
Larch, and all external fittings are marine
grade stainless steel. It is offered with a 10
year structural warranty, but is expected
36 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

REVIEWS
to comfortably go on for many decades. All
external coatings are Scandinavian with a
typical six to eight year re-coating cycle.
In fact, the longevity of the product is
one of the key environmental features –
sustainability. Coupled with its exceptionally
high environmental credentials (all materials
FSC, water based coatings, low energy
consumption, low or no VOC etc.) it will attract
environmentally conscious users. Doors and
windows are double glazed with laminated and
toughened glass.
The organic shape of the Armadilla allows
it to nestle comfortably in any environment.
Whether it’s halfway up a mountain, in amongst
trees or overlooking a sandy beach, it only
requires four padstones to sit on. The simplicity
of installation is one of the many features
commented on by purchasers. It also means
that relocation is a breeze if circumstances
change. A real benefit of the Armadilla is the
ability to start off with a few and build up
incrementally as business grows. One site has
added a new unit every year for the last six
years.
From the outset, the Armadilla Xtraroom
was designed as a commercial product. The
overriding focus is to enable commercial users
to maximise profit. As all owners know, the
time spent servicing accommodation between
guests is critical. The Xtraroom should take
no more than 15 to 20 minutes for a thorough
clean and changeover. This enables owners to
consider taking one nighters more readily thus
maximising occupancy rates.
The Xtraroom Deluxe is fitted with Climate
Control, integrated sound system, smart TV,
colour changing LED wall wash lighting and
much more. However, there are a number of
other accommodation models in the Armadilla
range which will be of interest to glampsite
owners looking for a more basic unit, including
a family unit.
But the Armadilla is not just a glamping
product. It can provide a sensibly priced
and speedy solution to a B&B, hotel or
wedding venue seeking additional high
class accommodation. In addition to the
accommodation models, Armadilla Ltd
produces a range of offices and therapy rooms
suited to the ever-expanding home working
market.
To cope with increasing enquiries from
schools, the company has introduced an
educational model used by schools for special
educational needs, nurture groups, dyslexic
and autistic children etc. In Scotland, the
company has introduced a sensory room in
conjunction with the National Autistic Society.
VAT AND CAPITAL ALLOWANCE WINS
Due to its construction, sizing and facilities the
Xtraroom models are classed as caravans and
attract the Holiday Park Caravan VAT rate of 5
per cent. This may well be of interest to owners
who are planning only a few and are going to
have turnover below the VAT threshold (and
thus the low 5 per cent VAT on the purchase is
less painful).
For the larger user, the caravan status of
the Armadilla means there is the potential to
claim 100 per cent Capital Allowances on the
full cost of the Armadilla. This is an advantage
enjoyed by licensed Holiday Caravan Park sites.
A licence can be obtained within two months
of gaining planning approval, and applications
are made to the same local authority for a
Holiday Park Licence (this does not require you
to have on your site anything other than the
Armadillas, and the conditions required are for
the most part quite sensible).
Armadilla Ltd has a knowledgeable team
that can provide any level of involvement right
up to a turnkey solution. Archie is happy to talk
through all aspects with enquirers.
There are many hundreds of
reviews from satisfied users on
the internet. Here are a few:
“Within five minutes of having
arrived I was thrilled we’d chosen
to stay in one of these fab little
self-contained units. I'd never have
believed you could fit so much into
such a compact space. They start
to feel quite big once you realise
everything that’s in them. Brilliant.
There were all the gadgets you could
want - wall mounted TV above the
bed, kettle, toaster, coffee machine,
fridge. The pods were quiet, felt
secluded and ours had a hot tub. My
6’5” partner was comfortable in the
bed, and we both slept well.” Jo
“These lodges are amazing! So
comfortable and cozy, but so
innovative with space and facilities!
Every little thing had been thought
about… and done well!” Rachie
“I loved the idea of glamping and
the quality of the accommodation
that was provided. Everything we
could possibly need for our stay was
provided. So much could fit in the
pod and it still felt there was lots of
room to ‘live’ in there. My husband
is over 6ft and the bed provided
enough room for him to sleep
comfortably.” Hannah
CONTAST
Sales - 0131 440 4515
info@armadilla.co.uk
www.armadilla.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 37

“Revitalise your connection with nature”
Discover our unique modular Pod design
38 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
Pods and
Huts Advice
Suppliers explain why pods and huts are a great
choice for glampsite accommodation
Cath Caesar, founder
Plain Huts
07903 313922
www.plainhuts.co.uk
How can shepherd’s hut accommodation
benefit a glampsite?
The shepherd’s hut is not only a muchloved
traditional icon of the countryside,
it also happens to be a very versatile
addition to a glamping site. The huts can
be used individually to accommodate
two people comfortably or combined to
cater for families or groups. With a little
imagination, however, the shepherd’s hut
can become a hardworking attraction on
your site. For instance, if kitted out with a
kitchen it could serve bacon sandwiches for
breakfast, offer a range of sandwich fillings
at lunch time, ice creams in the afternoon
etc. Off season, it could be hired by
groups wanting to organise food for a
special occasion or activity.
What is the USP of your product?
Here at Plain Huts we have lovingly
developed a slightly contemporary look
and feel to our huts. The traditional
corrugated tin roof is still there, as are
our fabulous cast iron wheels, but the
space itself is light and airy, the doors
open wide bringing the outside in and
allowing furniture and fittings to be
changed easily. Maintenance is kept to a
minimum; the powder-coated aluminium
frames need only a simple wipe over
and will not jam shut during the winter
months
How can your product be customised or
made bespoke?
Our company is called Plain Huts because
we are situated on Salisbury Plain, not
because our huts are plain. We love to do
bespoke and if you have an idea we will
happily help to realise it, whether you
want a bridal suite, an activity centre, or a
charming setting for cream teas.
What options do you have for small,
medium and large budgets?
Our smallest huts start at £9,500, but a hut
that sleeps two with an en-suite wet room
and kitchen would cost in the region of
£27,000. For those of you looking for that
extra special space, then you might like
to consider two huts joined with a raised
walkway, deck and hot tub.
Another option is to purchase a kit.
These can be bought for £3,800 and provide
a starting point for a hut up to 2.4m wide
and 4.8m long.
What is the estimated return on
investment of your product?
We believe that the best returns are to be
gained from the larger huts with an ensuite
wet room and kitchen. With estimated
bookings of 50 per cent overheads of 35 per
cent and rental of £120 per night, the initial
outlay of £27,000 would be redeemed in
just under two years.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 39

40 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

GLAMPSITES
needs, our pods are based around a
beautiful roundwood frame on to which
panels are fixed. The size and shape of
the frame will dictate the final design.
Pods can be used for glampsites,
personal reasons, farm innovations and
retreats. Add an en-suite, kitchenette,
wood burner, or bespoke furnishings to
create the right space for you.
What options do you have for small,
medium and large budgets?
Choose from the highly sought after
range including the Hex-Pod at 3.1m,
used for glamping, dining or as a
studio; and the extremely popular
Octo-Pod. Measuring an impressive
4.2m diameter, the Octo-Pod can
include a double bed, shower room
and kitchenette.
What is the estimated return on
investment of your product?
Depending upon the specifications of
the pod – whether it has en-suite, a
kitchenette, or a unique quality; and
depending on the site setting – whether
it has majestic views or great nearby
attractions, will ultimately dictate the
return on investment.
Nick Sneller, director
Classic Pod Company
07971 869058
www.classicpodcom
pany.co.uk
How can hut or pod accommodation
benefit a glampsite?
It is widely understood there are health
benefits to being outside in nature, but
not everyone is able or wants to camp
out. A study by the Institute for European
Environmental Policy has found that having
more nature in our lives can provide health
benefits like increased mental wellbeing
and allergy reductions.
The smaller pods, huts, bothies
and shielings can provide a means to
experience nature but with a little comfort.
Our hand-crafted pods are a dream escape
from the stress and strain of hectic lives
that we all lead. These ‘rooms outdoors’
create a space where you can become one
with nature while still enjoying that bit of
luxury, and can easily incorporate all our
modern-day comforts. These designs can
help revitalise people’s ability to re-engage
with nature.
What is the USP of your product?
All pods are equipped with double glazing,
can have a 12v lighting system, and are
extremely adaptable. They can be added
to upon request, either adding pods or
making them multi-roomed to suit your
requirements. The modular aspect of the
design gives a flexibility of construction
like no other. We encourage you to pursue
that creative interest - have that soundproofed
pod as a music studio, and have
extra window panels to allow light in
an art studio space, the healing pod for
practitioners, or your very own dream
pod. There is no end to the potential of
your pod, addressing your creative or
therapeutic needs.
How can your product be customised or
made bespoke?
Eco-friendly, insulated and bespoke to your
Josephine Young, partner
White Peak Shepherd Huts
01298 872752 / 07761 983312
www.whitepeakshepherdhuts.uk
How can shepherd’s hut accommodation benefit a glampsite?
As shepherd huts are hugely diverse their list of benefits is a long one. They are
suitable for siting almost anywhere, mobile, require minimal set up and provide
year-round accommodation. They are also perfect as an on– or off-grid solution
(appealing to the escalating number of eco-tourists), family friendly, romantic
(ideal for couples and weddings) and can be used as shower blocks or site offices.
Each hut is unique and designed specifically for you, and represents a long-lasting
investment.
What is the USP of your product?
I could mention the exceptional build quality or our tailored design service, or
even the marketing advice that we offer, however, what we believe really sets us
apart is our customer service. This may seem like a small detail, however those
who’ve fallen foul to poor customer service and experienced the frustration and
disappointment that comes with it will know that it can make the difference
between a good experience and a hellish one. We appreciate that our customers
are investing not only a significant amount of money with us, but also their plans
and dreams, so to ensure that their experience with us is rewarding and enjoyable
we offer the individual level of support each client needs and fulfil our promises.
How can your product be customised or made bespoke?
The beauty of our shepherd huts is that no two are ever the same as we design and
build each one to reflect our clients’ differing needs and tastes.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 41

GLAMPSITES
What options do you have
for small, medium and large
budgets?
Our huts come in a range of sizes
from the smallest at 10ft x 6ft to the
largest at 20ft x 8.37ft. Additionally,
you can opt to have your hut
delivered in its simplest form to
fit out yourself or leave it to us to
finish to the highest specification,
complete with kitchen and
bathroom, so that all you need to
do is concentrate on the bookings.
What is the estimated return on
investment of your product?
How much can be charged depends
on several factors such as location
and the quality of the facilities,
however, existing glampsite owners
are charging between £70 and
£120 a night. When charging £80
per night at 70 per cent occupancy,
a single unit grosses a return of
£20,560 per year. With our Holiday
Huts starting at £27,090, you could
be in profit as early as year two.
Please mention a glampsite that
has installed your product
Our most recent Holiday Hut went
up to the stunning Glenwhan
Gardens in Stranraer. Owner
Tess has hit the ground running,
and despite the fact it was in the
coldest, wettest month of the year,
already had guests staying in her
new hut. I have no doubt that her
venture will be a huge success.
Nick Feeney, managing director
One Night Stand Glamping
0203 7733101
www.one-nightstand.co.uk
How can pod accommodation benefit a
glampsite?
I asked my clients this and the three main
responses were: To extend their season,
get a better return on their pitch or just to
have a different offering. These are huge
benefits of glamping pods in their own
rights, but combined I think it makes it an
easy decision.
What is the USP of your product?
All pod manufacturers will tell you their
pods are the best on the market… What I
can tell you is we most definitely aim to be.
We only use the best materials for our pods
to ensure they are fit for purpose and last
the test of time. For example, all our exterior
wood is either Siberian Larch or Western
Red Cedar, which have a life expectancy of
40 years plus and require no maintenance
other than staining.
We also offer the most insulated pods
on the market, with 150mm of Kingspan or
equivalent throughout the pod.
How can your product be customised or
made bespoke?
All our clients have different needs and
requirements for their pods and while we
have our standard range and sizes, we are
also able to build to order.
What options do you have for small,
medium and large budgets?
One Night Stand researched the
marketplace and we found that site owners
were frustrated at the difficulties of securing
finance for growth. Therefore, we are the
only company that offers three ways of
getting a glamping pod. 1) Straightforward
purchase, 2) Rental, 3) Try before you buy.
All these options offer great value in their
own right with our ‘Try before you Buy’
scheme being the most popular.
What is the estimated return on
investment of your product?
This is a dangerous question, and many
manufacturers give out misleading figures
to their clients just to make a sale. The true
answer to this is it really depends on your
site facilities, location, surrounding area
and how you offer your pod. It goes without
saying if you have a strong offering then you
are more likely to get a strong return.
Please mention a glampsite that has
installed your product
Back of Beyond Touring Park in East Dorset
has just taken delivery of some glamping
pods for the first time. They are already
looking great for bookings this year and
furthermore can now offer a longer season
due to the all year-round use of the pods.
www.backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk
Will Vickery, director.
Blackdown Shepherd Huts
01460 929 774 / 07711 489717
www.blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk
How can shepherd hut accommodation benefit a
glampsite?
Shepherd huts can be used as a luxury glamping retreat
to give a real sense of intimacy and a high-end camping
experience. Blackdown Shepherd Huts are specially designed
to make the best out of the room they have to create
something really special for guests.
What is the USP of your product?
Blackdown Shepherd Huts have the drop-down wall bed,
which is unique and a great use of space. In addition, we
add in all sorts of storage solutions and surprise nooks and
crannies. We’ve also recently added a glass roof to some our
huts for those who want to stargaze. Clad in our signature
feather-edge oak cladding, or wriggly tin, our huts are made
for generations to come.
How can your product be customised or made bespoke?
We offer all types of customisation and bespoke additions.
Our Turnkey shepherd huts offer customers the opportunity
to indulge their imagination and create their own cosy
space, including all the extras like kitchens and bathrooms.
Shepherd hut customers can make their huts completely
individual to them and they can be as luxurious or as simple
as they choose.
What options do you have for small, medium and large
budgets?
As well as our bespoke huts in Turnkey, Heritage or Retreat
style, we offer self-build options, which are available in a
metal or oak chassis. We still work with customers to achieve
their dream hut, and thus we have devised a hut build which
allows customers to construct their own artisan hut, with
42 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

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
Web: whitepeakshepherdhuts.uk
Email: info@whitepeakshepherdhuts.uk
Tel: 01298 872752 | 07761 983312
Tideswell, Derbyshire
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 43

GLAMPSITES
our self-build system. Having built quite
a few huts, we’ve used our knowledge
to pre-prepare the elements which need
specialised equipment or components,
but apart from that, it’s all down to the
customer and their skills (which can be
anything from basic carpentry to fullyfledged
builder). A self-build option allows
the customer not only to save money,
but also enables them to add their own
personal touch every step of the way.
What is the estimated return on
investment of your product?
The key thing is to remember that
generally what you project is what you will
bring in. So, if you want to attract families
at certain times and couples at others, then
we advise customers to think about using
PR. We use Niche Brands, who work with
customers running glamping business to
ensure that websites, PR and adverts are
relevant to the people the business wants
to attract at the right times. We advise that
PR will be instrumental to business success
and that businesses should see things
changing and improving with a PR boost
within three to six months. Promotion of a
business is key and you need to know what
will set you apart from the competition.
The key to PR for glamping businesses is
getting your brand out there and raising
your profile, which in turn should see
an increase in awareness, enquiries and
ultimately occupancy.
Please mention a glampsite that has
installed your product
The high-end Dimpsey hut in Somerset
is one of Blackdown’s finest Turnkey
huts. Emma Warren set up her glamping
business in 2014 and has created the
Dimpsey hut as the ultimate in a high-end
glamping retreat, which is now an award
winning glamping site. Emma has designed
it to ensure that guests feel like they are in
a luxury hotel. Dimpsey is 18 feet long and
contains a double bed, seating, kitchen
area and a bathroom with shower and
flushing toilet. Dimpsey now also has a hot
tub and garden oven in the outdoor area
and Emma has created an idyllic retreat for
couples.
Philip Ternouth, sales manager
Camping Snug
01208 850376
www.campingsnug.co.uk
How can pod accommodation benefit a glampsite?
For the site owner, a fully insulated structure means all year-round
use. Our pods are low maintenance and set up ready to go. It also
means no taking down of wet tents and drying before storing. For
guests, there is no wind whip or flapping to keep them awake, no
waking with the early dawns of the long days of summer, more
privacy and security, and a guaranteed dry place should the
weather get a little damp.
What is the USP of your product
Complete self-contained glamping, low maintenance, and yearround
rental potential.
How can your product be customised or made bespoke?
The Star Pod is modular - we can build any size depending on the
customer’s specification. We have built an H-Shaped Star pod to
accommodate workers at a famous festival.
What options do you have for small, medium and large
budgets?
Our smallest Camping Snug starts at 4.2m, which can
accommodate two adults easily. For medium budgets a 6m
standard pod gives you more room. Our star pod is the largest we
supply off the shelf. We can supply larger bespoke pods - the only
limit is your imagination and size of wallet.
What is the estimated return on investment of your product?
The Star Pods will pay for themselves in one to three years,
depending on site location and length of season. Our Star Pods
have a life expectancy of 25 years plus. Each pod has a potential to
earn over £15,000 per annum.
Please mention a glampsite that has installed your product
The owner of Trecombe Lakes in Falmouth (www.trecombe-lakes.
co.uk) helped design the Star Pod. The site has steadily grown
over the years and now offers seven Star Pods in an idyllic Cornish
location. Their season gets longer and longer each year. This year
they were fully booked over the Christmas holidays, which speaks
volumes about the build quality and insulation that is used in
our Star Pod. They have been fully booked every weekend since
Christmas and are now looking forward to another busy season.
They have just taken delivery of their latest addition.
44 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Picture these on
your site...Now call us
020 3773 3101 One-nightstand.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 45

GLAMPSITES | PRODUCT FOCUS
Pods, Pods, Pods
Longer seasons, comfortable guests and great ROIs – what’s not to love?!
‘TRY BEFORE YOU
BUY’ GLAMPING
PODS
One Night Stand
020 3773 3101
www.one-nightstand.co.uk
The safest way in the
market to get into
glamping - One Night
Stand’s unique ‘Try
before you Buy’ scheme.
We are offering you the
opportunity to dip your toe
into the glamping industry
by trying our pods out. This
gives you the flexibility to
test your market and find
out which pods will work
for your business, if any.
This offer is only available
through ourselves and is
currently a limited offer,
available on a first come
first serve basis. To start
your ‘Try before you Buy’
lease, call Nick Feeney 020
3773 3101.
STAR POD
Camping Snug
O1208 850376
www.campingsnug.co.uk
The Star Pod offers 6m x
6m of comfortable selfcontained
living. It can be
fitted with a kitchenette,
shower room and two
sleeping areas for up to
four people. The pods are
fully insulated offering
the potential for yearround
rental. We use long
lasting larch cladding and
coated aluminium tiles,
guaranteed for 40 years,
for minimum maintenance.
High quality, double
glazed windows and doors
have multipoint locking
for added security. The
modular design means they
can be installed in a day
with minimal disruption
to your guests and your
business.
ECO-PODS THAT WOW
Armadilla
0131 440 4515
www.armadilla.co.uk
A family business passionate
about design, technology and
engineering. We use sustainable,
high-quality materials and
the latest manufacturing
technology to create beautiful,
functional and iconic eco-pods
that “wow”. Ethical principals
have been at the forefront of
our work and environmental
innovation for over 20 years.
MD Archie Hunter and his son
Ross built the first prototype
in 2009 and have honed the
design over the past eight
years, with over 400 Armadillas
manufactured to date. An
innovative graphic design and
tech team is supplemented
by a superb sales team who
will advise and work with
you throughout the entire
process.
NO MAINTENANCE,
INSULATED POD
moduLog
01982 553022
www.modulog.co.uk
The moduLog is a unique
glamping pod made
using home grown timber
and British sheep wool
insulation. The unique
design enables you to create
your own pods for glamping
accommodation, garden
offices, summer houses
or fishing huts. Each pod
comes ready for use with a
240v hook up or with a 12v
off grid solar system. They
are designed to be used 12
months of the year with no
maintenance and feature
oak flooring and handmade
double glazed oak windows
and doors. Design your pod
to any length or join two or
more pods together to make
larger units.
46 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

UK customer service
& support
New tent
ranges for
2017
Bedouin
Safari Tent
6
SUITABLE FOR
P E R S O N S
With the development of our own
Bedouin tent, Clear Sky has gone back
to the origin of the safari tent by
producing a tent that would have been
familiar to the ancient desert Nomads.
Using the original North African tent
as inspiration and combining this
with the modern luxury and comfort
expected today, we have successfully
brought the atmosphere of the East to
the West.
Clear Sky
Bell Tents
4
SUITABLE FOR
P E R S O N S
What sets our Bell Tents apart from
the rest is that they are all made from
heavy duty canvas, in fact the same
canvas that we use to make our Safari
Tents. That means they are completely
waterproof and built to last for 5-10
years.
Our Bell Tents now come with an
optional PVC Fly Sheet, giving extra
protection & life to the canvas.
Available in two sizes: 4m & 5m
0845 299 6484 www.safaritents.net
6 Alexander Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2AA UK

EVENTS
CASE STUDY
Ireby Festival
A strict maximum capacity and quality artists mean
this 15 year old festival in the Lake District has a
reputation for selling out early
A community event, the Ireby Festival is held in a small farming village
on the north-western edge of the Lake District National Park. Despite its
self-imposed small size, it attracts visitors from around the UK to its mix
of folk, roots and Americana music. Open Air Business talks to founder Charles Devlin.
Describe your event and how
many people it attracts?
Ireby is a small farming village
in Cumbria, with a population
of about 150. The festival is
designated a not for profit
community organisation and has
a self-imposed capacity of 650.
Music venues include St James’
Church, the village hall and the
local pub, Emily’s Black Lion. The
village square is also a popular
meeting point, as is the Women’s
Institute; the ladies here make
delicious soup and home bakes.
The local primary school is
involved and the Woodlands
Country Guest House, which hosts
music workshops. Concerts are
held in a 12th Century chancel
(the original Ireby church) situated
a mile from the village. There is
no vehicle access so visitors are
“THE LOCAL
PRIMARY
SCHOOL IS
INVOLVED
AND THE
WOODLANDS
COUNTRY
GUEST
HOUSE,
WHICH
HOSTS MUSIC
WORKSHOPS”
taken on a guided walk from the
festival site to the chancel. The
main stage is a wide span marquee
with a seating capacity of 650. The
festival attracts people from all
over the UK and has developed a
reputation for selling out early.
How does the relationship with
the landowner work?
The festival arena houses the
main stage, tents, camper vans
and a small number of caravans.
From the onset, the local farmer
has been a staunch supporter
of the festival, and three weeks
before the event he will free up
several fields for our use. These
are conveniently situated just a
few minutes’ walk from the village
square. Prior to the festival these
field are grazed by sheep and
cattle.
What is the event’s history and
what made you decide to run it?
A chat over a glass of wine at a
friend’s birthday party brought
about the idea of a festival.
At that time, I was a booking
agent for a number of folk/roots
musicians in the UK and Canada,
so programming such an event
was fairly straight forward. The
inaugural festival was held 15
years ago in Susan Gray’s garden
and sold 100 tickets. Initially, we
just used the village hall but as the
popularity of the festival grew we
were offered an alternative, more
spacious venue in the grounds of
another private dwelling in the
village, Ellenside House, where a
main stage marquee was erected
within the perimeter of a tennis
court. The festival remained here
until 2012 when it’s popularity
48 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

outgrew the available space and
required us to move to a larger
open field site.
How did you find applying for
permission to run the event?
From the onset, and to date,
we maintain a good working
relationship with Allerdale
Borough Council licensing
officers. Initially our license
was a Temporary Event Notice
restricting capacity to 499, which
had to include all the artists,
volunteers and infrastructure staff.
We applied to change this to a
premises licence, which is what we
hold now.
How have you planned the
layout of the event?
There is no flat field in or near the
village suitable for staging such an
event, however, with assistance
from the farmer and other local
businesses, we widened the
entrance gates and re-enforced the
uphill access to what is now the
festival arena. A wide span main
stage marquee sits on the flattest
and highest section of the field,
which boasts stunning panoramic
views overlooking the Caldbeck
Fells and Skiddaw, England’s
fourth highest mountain.
“SOURCING
ARTISTS FOR
THE FESTIVAL
IS MAINLY
THROUGH
MUSIC
AGENCIES OR,
OCCASIONALLY,
DIRECTLY WITH
ARTISTS”
How did you research and source
your marquees, bars and other
infrastructure?
From the onset, we chose local
suppliers and have been fortunate
to develop a sound working
relationship with some extremely
professional individuals. They
know how we operate and
understand the nature of our
voluntary community status and
the physical issues we have to
overcome to stage the event.
What entertainment do you offer
and how did you source it?
In relative terms the festival is tiny,
but from an artistic perspective if
fights well above its weight, with
previous headline artists including
Eddi Reader, Kate Rusby, Elkie
Brooks, Seth Lakeman, and Cara
Dillon. This year we have Jon
Boden (ex Bellowhead frontman)
and, from Scotland, Admiral
Fallow.
The festival employs local,
national and international
musicians, and focuses principally
on folk/roots/Americana with a
pinch of blues and jazz thrown in
for good measure. Sourcing artists
for the festival is mainly through
music agencies or, occasionally,
directly with artists.
What provisions do you make for
power, lights and sound?
Sound, light and power, staging,
portable toilets and waste
disposal is contracted from local
businesses. The main stage,
catering units and campsite
lighting is generator powered.
Other venues in the village are selfsufficient,
but do require sound
and stage lighting technicians.
How do you manage admissions
and visitor safety?
Admission is by advance ticket
purchased either by post and
cheque payment or online
through our chosen ticketing
company. Visitors have to
exchange their payment

EVENTS
voucher for a wristband which
allows entry to music venues.
Professional security personnel
are employed in addition to
approximately 55 volunteer
stewards deployed over the two
festival days. One month before
the festival the local authority
and police require us to submit a
management plan which covers all
aspects of visitor safety, vulnerable
adult and child safety and first aid
provision.
What ground protection do you
use for cars and footfall?
Access to the main arena and
campsite has to be re-enforced
with 8x4 rubber matting hired
from a neighbouring festival.
Generally, the fields drain well and
fast, which is probably a bonus for
living in a hilly area.
How do you publicise the event?
In national magazines, social
media and through our website.
Our local county newspaper,
The Cumberland News, is very
supportive too. We also place
leaflets in the tourist visitor centre
in Keswick.
What challenges have you faced?
Living in the Lake District,
inevitably brings its own localised
weather issues which requires us
to hope for the best and plan for
the worst. Ensuring problem-free
access on and off the main site and
adjacent car parking field is our
principal challenge.
What are your plans for next
year?
This year’s festival sold out at the
beginning of March. We will have a
debrief meeting at the end of May
where a decision will be made on
the next festival.
ADDRESS BOOK
MARQUEES & FLOORING
Lock Hart Leisure - 01946
725222
www.lockhartleisure.com
LIGHTING & POWER
SVL Hire - 01228 562110
www.svlhire.co.uk
BAR & CATERING
Bean on the Scene -
07856 057755
www.facebook.com/
beanonthescene
Big Pizza Pies - 07847 807739
www.bigpizzapies.com
What advice could you give
to someone coming into the
outdoor event industry?
No matter where you are, always
prepare for the worst weather
possible. Stick to your budget
and make sure all partners work
in harmony - in our case that
means artists, the paying public,
infrastructure staff, volunteers
and, above all, the local residents.
Red Raddish Catering
07917 005000
www.redradishcatering.co.uk
Yates Brewery
01983 867878
www.yates-brewery.co.uk
TOILETS
Leet Loos – 01697 343399
(Cumbria)
TICKETING
Gigantic
www.gigantic.com
VISITOR MANAGEMENT
Pro-Tect UK - 0843 289
1875 / www.pro-tect.co.uk
(Cumbria)
INSURANCE
La Playa Insurance
020 3865 0149
www.laplayainsurance.com
DETAILS
26-27 May 2017
Ireby, Wigton, Cumbria
www.irebyfestival.co.uk
50 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

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event organisers, function venue owners and
private clients, comprising a full front bar in any
size or shape, full back bar and connector bar
The new Industry standard portable
bar to the leisure industry
• Ultimate style
• Flat packs in minutes into flight cases
• Set up in minutes with no tools
• Mains power distribution on all main
sections - RCD protected
• Creates an efficient, safe working environment and
increases beverage sales
• Hire in extra stock for one off events or hire out your
stock to other Zipbar owners
Call now or email for itemised quotations 01752 787422
www.zipbar.co.uk

EVENTS
Field to
Festival
Make monetising your spare field a reality with these tips
from Katie Tann, founder of Field Lover - an online portal
matching field owners with ‘field seekers’
people. If you are hiring in external services,
such as a marquee company, fireworks
display team, temporary power provider
or catering company, then each individual
supplier should undertake their own risk
assessment for their activity and provide the
event organiser with a copy or a certificate
of compliance with the relevant safety
regulations.
WE LIVE IN A ‘sharing economy’ world
with an increasing number of online
marketplaces at our disposal for renting out
our surplus assets. The sharing economy
is a real trend and one that is growing,
creating new markets out of things that we
wouldn’t have previously considered to be
monetisable.
Field Lover aims to fill a gap in the microland
rental market assisting landowners to
advertise and rent their land to field seekers,
who are primarily looking for short-term
land rental for a variety of activities. From
a simple day rental for the local church fête
or amateur dramatics performance, to a
sporting event such as Tough Mudder, popup
open air cinema or local music festival
- the list is ever growing. Outdoor events are
fast gaining popularity, can be profitable
and provide a valuable contribution to the
community and local area.
As the landowner, you choose whether
you rent your land to a third party who
organises an event or whether you organise
and run an event yourself. When hiring
your land to a third party you have a duty
of care to those assisting you and to people
attending the event to ensure the site
is risk assessed, hazards clearly marked
and adequate signage is in place. Any
activities related to the event itself are the
responsibility of the event organiser, who
has ultimate responsibility to carry out a
more detailed risk assessment.
It is good practice, regardless of your
event size, to undertake a risk assessment
to identify the risks versus actions required
for the prevention of accidents during
your event. Once your event is assessed
you can assign actions to the relevant
WHERE TO START
First and foremost it is worth spending time
carrying out some sound market research.
Ask yourself questions such as, “What type
of event?” and “Is it best suited to my site?”
Consider your land from an outdoor event
viewpoint – think about:
› gradient
› boundaries (walls, fences or hedges)
› natural hazards (rocks, lakes, rivers or
streams)
› do any of the features of the land hinder
the event requirements?
› is the site within easy access from a main
road?
› is there sufficient space for traffic and
suppliers to navigate the site and park?
› how does the land cope after rainfall; will
parking areas need stabilising and are
you able to provide assistance if cars get
stuck?
52 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
› what are the existing amenities - consider
water supply, power, outbuildings etc.
We have a wide range of fields listed on
Field Lover and large numbers of ‘field
seekers’ searching for land for a variety of
uses. As we head into summer and longer
evenings, land for outdoor events is in
high demand. When deciding whether to
hire your land for a public event it is worth
considering your type of event using the
‘low to high risk approach’.
A low risk event defines small scale
events that require a lower capital
investment, shorter planning period (+3
months) and generally have less than 1,000
attendees, such as:
› car boot sales
› charity fundraisers such as fêtes and dog
shows
› local food festivals or farmers markets
› theatrical performances
Medium risk applies to events which
require a larger investment and a longer
planning period (+6 months), these could
include:
› country shows
› car rallies
› sporting events, such as obstacle course
races and local horse shows
› local music festivals
SHUTTERSTOCK
High risk events will have large attendee
numbers and complex infrastructure
such as staging, large scale amenities
and parking, or they may have a high-risk
element to them such as a firework display.
Initial investment is high and the planning
period would be +12 months. They might
include large music festivals.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Before planning any event, you need to ask
some important questions:
1) Who are my anticipated audience?
Family-focused events tend to be lower
risk than events aimed at young adults.
Consider requirements for visitors such as
the elderly or disabled - is the site suitable?
2) Where will visitors be travelling from?
Will your event attract visitors from further
afield? Consider what the impact of
increased footfall and traffic to the local
area during the event period might be.
3) Is my site big enough?
A small-scale event is usually considered
less than 1,000 attendees. For anything
larger it is well worth seeking help from
an event planner who has the knowledge,
skills, contacts and experience in planning
and organising larger scale events.
4) What is the timing of my event?
Events held during the daytime are lower
risk than those which run into the evening.
You’ll need to ensure adequate lighting
can be provided to assist visitors with
navigating the site after dark.
Next on your list is your Event Plan. Your
event should be well planned from the
outset, here you identify who is responsible
for each area, the tasks leading up to the
day, your list of actions and timeline to
ensure everything is covered before, during
and after the event, such as the clear up.
As a general rule, a low risk event will
require less planning, resources, licensing
and insurances than a higher risk event;
plan your timeline accordingly.
LICENCES AND NOTICES
Identify early on which licences you need
to apply for and what notices need to be
issued. Once this has been done, draft a
timeline to ensure you have all applications
SHUTTERSTOCK
agreed and licences in place well before the
event day.
Your first point of call is your local
authority, this is the local authority where
your event will take place. Give details
of your event and they can advise on the
appropriate time scales for planning, who to
contact and any licence or other applications
that are required. Expect to give at least six
months’ advance notice for a large event
with more than 1,000 people attending, or
where public safety is a concern.
Don’t be put off by the thought of too
much red tape. It’s pretty straightforward
and can be helped by following simple
checklists, and breaking areas down into
a step by step approach can ensure the
process is painless. Planning an event can
be a lot of fun, very rewarding and profitable
for both the landowner and event organiser.
Careful planning and organisation ensures
your event is successful and safe.
For smaller, lower risk events allow a
minimum of three months for consultation
with all services that may be affected -
such as police, local authorities, fire and
rescue, ambulance service, emergency
planning department, event safety team and
Highways, as well as to notify all properties,
residences and businesses that may be
affected by your event.
Below are some other licences you may
need. As part of your enquiries and licence
submissions you may need to provide maps,
site or route plans.
Advance Notice – One month before your
event you or your organiser must post a
public advance notice stating the event
details and effect of the event – make sure
to describe any alternative route(s) available
to traffic.
› Temporary Event Notice (TEN) - Under the
Licensing Act 2003, some events may require
a licence or a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).
Apply to your local authority where your
event is being held, or online.
› Entertainment Licence – It’s worth noting
that it can take up to three months from
application for an Entertainment Licence.
› Film - If you plan to show a film publicly
you will need a Single Title Screening
Licence (STSL), obtainable online from BFI,
Filmbank and MPLC.
› Food and Drink - Will you be providing
food or alcoholic drinks, and if so is a license
or hygiene certificate required? It can take
up to six months for an application for a
Temporary Alcohol Licence, so ensure you
submit as early as possible.
› Fireworks, Chinese Lanterns or a
Bonfire - It can take up to one month for an
application for a firework display outside of
the bonfire night and New Year periods. This
must be submitted to the fire and rescue
service.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 53

EVENTS
SHUTTERSTOCK
SHUTTERSTOCK
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
Whether you are hiring your land to
a third party or organising the event
yourself, you’ll need to investigate
what insurance is required. Speak to an
insurance broker who can help you with
identifying the necessary cover for your
event.
› Public liability insurance
Organisers can be held legally liable for
costs or damages relating to any injury
or incident occurring during the event
period, so it is strongly advised you take
out a public liability insurance policy.
In the event of any injury or damage to
property you must write down full details
of the incident and you should report to
your insurers without delay.
Events which involve activities such as
bouncy castles, fireworks and sporting
events pose a higher risk than a local
food festival, fête or car boot sale.
If you are hiring in external suppliers
you should check that they have their
own public liability insurance and
they comply with the policy terms and
conditions. Ask for a copy of their policy.
As the landowner, consider whether
you include a clause in your hire contract
requiring for public liability insurance
to be held by anyone wishing to hold an
event on your property.
› Employer’s liability insurance
If you are recruiting anyone to help you
with your event you will need employer’s
liability insurance.
FURTHER THOUGHTS
Further questions you should ask yourself in
defining your Event Plan include:
› Fire - Do you have effective control
measures in place and adequate provision for
warning and assisting escape?
› Public order and traffic management - How
will you manage traffic, are cones or crowd
control barriers required, are the entrances
and exits on your site fit for purpose,
controlled and signed and do they cater for
disabled people?
› How will you manage lost children and lost
property?
› Roads and public transport - Are any local
roads affected, do you need to close or put
signs on a road, does the event impact on a
bus route?
› Health, safety and first aid - What are your
first aid facilities and emergency procedures?
Are you in agreement with the relevant
services, such as - Police, Fire and Rescue
and Ambulance Service? Consider the first
aid provisions available to you, such as the
Red Cross, St John Ambulance or, for smaller
events, first aid training.
› Manpower - Do you need external suppliers
or to recruit volunteers to fulfil the various
services and tasks required for your event?
› Site amenities - Do you need a water supply,
how many toilets, are rubbish bins required?
› Water safety - Is the event in or near water
such as a lake or river? Events near to or
involving water are considered higher risk
than those on dry land.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katie Tann is the co-founder of Field Lover, a UK-based platform assisting
landowners to advertise and rent their land to field seekers looking for short
to medium-term land rental for a variety of activities. Katie is an outdoor
enthusiast with a keen interest in the sharing economy market.
The idea for Field Lover was born from a love of the outdoors and the
challenges both she and co-founder Adrian Griffith had encountered in finding
outdoor space for a variety of uses. Demand for land rental is high with the
Field Lover community expanding on a daily basis. www.fieldlover.com
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
For further help and advice we’ve put
together a number of resources, along
with some simple checklists to help
you navigate your way around land
rental, risk assessments and event
planning.
› We are regularly updating our library
which you can find in our ‘Field Kit for
Field Owners’ www.fieldlover.com/
home/fieldkitforfieldowners or follow
our blog for regular articles and insights
into land hire and event management.
› If you are a landowner looking to
rent your land then join the Field Lover
community; it is free to list -
www.fieldlover.com/ive-got-a-field
› If you are interested in organising
a festival, the Association of Festival
Organisers is a good place to start, with
membership options, member benefits
and discounts, and a useful supplier
directory www.festivalorganisers.org
› For insurance take a look at Hiscox
who provide custom built outdoor
event insurance - www.event-assured.
com/outdoor-events
› Temporary Events Notice (TEN)
applications - www.gov.uk/temporaryevents-notice
› Guidance for an Entertainment
Licence - www.gov.uk/guidance/
entertainment-licensing-changesunder-the-live-music-act
› For guidance on event safety -
www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/index.
htm
› The Purple Guide is a great resource
aimed at music events but has useful
information for any event. It’s £25 for an
annual subscription and is a worthwhile
investment - www.thepurpleguide.co.uk
54 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 55

The organiser of Event Production Show and publisher
of Access All Areas is delighted to bring you the...
27 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2017
This new two day show is aimed at the full array of outdoor events. Bringing
together suppliers, venues and organisers of events across the music,
sport, cultural and public spectrums, the show will allow suppliers to show
off their full capacity using both the indoor and outdoor space of Sandown
Park, allowing organisers to be inspired for their next events.
This is a must attend new show for all professionals in the outdoor
events market, with great accessibility to the south west of London.
For more information on exhibiting at the show
please contact Jason Jacob on 020 8481 1122
or jjacob@mashmedia.net
More information on how to attend as a visitor will
be announced soon.
If you’re in outdoor events - you’re in
the Festival & Outdoor Events Show
festivalandoutdoorshow.co.uk
@festoutshow

EVENTS
Ground
Protection
Advice
Prevent damage to land, vehicles and
visitors with solutions from three
suppliers of ground protection
products
Dan Devenish, head of
global sales
Ground-Guards
0113 267 6000
www.ground-guards.co.uk
What advice can you give an event
organiser on ground protection?
Never trust the British weather! We’ve
seen rain and mud completely ruin
‘unprotected’ events in the past, with
wheels getting stuck in the mud and
people slipping and sliding all over the
place.
You want people to remember your
event for all the right reasons, and so
the inclusion of ground protection in a
marketing budget is a must.
Watch out for ‘hidden’ costs – aluminium
boards for example are extremely heavy
and require expensive lifting equipment
to lay them. Make sure your supplier
is upfront about costs and clear about
application. Ground-Guards offer free
consultation to ensure the appropriate mat
and tread pattern is selected for a specific
job.
What is the USP of your product?
Ground-Guards’ high quality ground
protection mats are made from 100%
recycled plastic. Our mats are lightweight
and very easy to handle, which means that
two workers can comfortably lift the mats
without the need to hire any specialist
or expensive lifting equipment. This
represents a great cost saving for any event
organiser.
As well as being light, our mats are also
incredibly strong. They won’t break under
pressure, making them suitable to hold all
vehicle types and heavy equipment. Our
MultiTrack mat is so strong in fact, that we
guarantee it unbreakable by vehicles up to
120 tonnes.
We believe that no other ground
protection solutions are as strong, light,
portable and easy to install as the Ground-
Guards’ range.
What options do you have for small,
medium and large budgets?
With Ground-Guards, a little budget can
go a long way, so whether the requirement
is for a temporary car park, roadway,
wheelchair access, stage area, footpath or
more, there is a solution for every event.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 57

EVENTS
All our mats are competitively priced
and provide a fantastic return on
investment. We offer flexible options
and great customer service. Mats can
either be purchased or hired depending
on need: our consultation team will
provide free expert advice on which mat
is best suited for a client’s need.
Where has your product been used?
Longleat Safari Park approached us
last winter as they wanted to turn grass
fields into a 6,000 sqm overflow car
park, to cater for thousands of extra
visitors who would come to see their
annual Winter Festival of Lights event.
Safety was of course the paramount
concern so we recommended our high
traction MultiTrack mats to ensure zero
slips, trips and accidents.
A total of 2,000 MultiTrack mats were
laid to create a safe, functional and
aesthetically-pleasing car park with
enough space to park an additional 300
vehicles.
Graham Crisp, director
GT Trax
01487 823344
www.gttrax.co.uk
What advice can you give an event
organiser on ground protection?
Throughout the past 12 years we
have seen a significant growth in the
use of plastic trackway and ground
protection for outside events. Most
event organisers are fully tuned in to
their requirements, however, some
don’t realise that we offer a pre event
site inspection. These visits can often
help to resolve any issues before our
teams arrive on site.
What is the USP of your product?
GT Trax is a rental company supplying
a range of plastic trackway, ground
protection and temporary flooring
to the events market. The company
was formed in 2005 and remains
independently owned and managed.
The move from traditional metal
trackway to recycled plastic has
taken off over the past few years. We
believe that we have been one of
the pioneers in this change. Our new
Power Tracks 40 temporary roadway
system, launched in 2015, has all
the attributes of metal trackway
but with the advantage of being
environmentally sustainable, as it’s
made from recycled (and probably
more importantly - recyclable)
plastic. Also, using plastic trackway
can help to reduce an organisers
security costs, as plastic has no
discernible resale value, whereas
metal is a valuable commodity.
Outside events can generate
a lot of mud! Recognising the
ecological impact of the volumes
of water which were required to
clean our panels, we developed, in
collaboration with a local supplier
of cleaning equipment, a bespoke
automatic ground plate cleaning
machine, which operates using
recycled rainwater.
What options do you have for
small, medium and large budgets?
We have a range of trackway, ground
58 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS
protection and temporary flooring
all ideally suited for use at outside
events. We will supply most types
of outside event that require our
products no matter how large
or small. There are no minimum
quantities or other stipulations - we
will put in exactly the same effort to
ensure that an event organiser has
the right type of equipment.
Where has your product been
used?
In 2016 we supplied both our Power
Tracks 20 and Power Tracks 40
trackway systems to the popular
Green Man festival based in Powys.
The organiser deployed the lighter
duty Power Tracks 20 for safely
guiding cars and vans onto site and
the heavy duty Power Tracks 40
for bringing in articulated trucks.
We were humbled when two of the
festival organisers made a visit to
our stand at the 2016 Showman’s
Show to thank us personally for our
services and for supplying the exact
products to suit their requirements.
Dan Brown, group sales
manager
Grassform Group
07818 040529
www.grassform.co.uk
What advice can you give an event
organiser on ground protection?
Always prepare for the worst weather! We
have had several of our event organisers
be hopeful of sunshine and try to cut back
on trackway, then the event has come to
a halt the moment the rain has started.
Rain causes some events to have major
problems getting deliveries in and around
the site safely and has even caused some
of them to be cancelled.
What is the USP of your product?
Our trackway has a unique chevron grip
surface, which provides incredible grip
and traction and also dispels mud from
vehicles as they drive over it, keeping
them safer while on-site. It is virtually
indestructible and can take over 100
tonnes in weight on a single 3m wide
roadway. It is made from 100% recycled
materials and is environmentally friendly.
It is approved for use on SSSI sites so will
not disturb the habitats of local species
living there. Is it very quick to deploy and
take up and causes no lasting damage to
the ground it’s been on. It is also made
from a none valuable material, so is not a
theft risk and does not require additional
security or insurances in place to cover it.
What options do you have for small,
medium and large budgets?
Our Euromats are a lightweight trackway
system for small budgets and can be laid
by hand using a two man lift. They are still
very robust and can be walked on or driven
on and will take up to 25 tonnes in weight.
For larger budgets we recommend our
machine laid Tuff Trak - this is more robust
and will not move around once laid as each
piece weighs over 290kg.
Please mention an event that has used
your product and how it performed
We are currently working with UK Live who
do all the “Let’s Rock” events along with
Penne Festival and Lockdown Festival. Our
Trackway is used for pad areas to allow
heavy cranes to build stages. It is also
used for walkways and other roadways.
The system performed excellently and
did everything the client had hoped for,
kept everything moving on-site and most
importantly kept all the vehicles safe. Since
using this the client has now signed up to
a multi year deal to work with us on every
event.
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 59

EVENTS | PRODUCT FOCUS
Ground Protection & Flooring
Products to protect your ground, and visitors alike
HIGH PERFORMANCE
GROUND MATS
Ground-Guards
0113 267 6000
www.ground-guards.co.uk
Don’t let bad weather ruin your
event! Rain can easily turn the
ground into a mud bath, causing
vehicles to get stuck and
creating dangerous slippery
conditions for visitors. Protect
the ground you’re using, and
keep your visitors, vehicles and
equipment safe with Ground-
Guards’ fantastic range of
ground protection solutions.
We have a range of quality,
high performance ground
mats to create temporary car
parks, roadways, stage areas,
walkways, wheelchair access,
site entrances and more. Our
mats are strong, lightweight,
easy-to-join and have multiple
tread patterns. They are made
from high strength, 100%
recycled plastic.
SITE SAVER TRACTION
MAT SYSTEM
Eco Track & Access
01455 553700
www.ecotrackway.co.uk
Keep your event site open for
business whatever the weather
with the new Eco Traction
system from multi-award
winning Eco Track & Access.
Renowned for its versatile range
of lightweight, portable access
systems, Eco Gridmat and Eco
Terra-Tech – perfect for walkway,
roadway, hard-standing for
parking and ground protection
– the new Eco Traction system
can match the performance of
metal systems whilst ensuring
minimal ground damage and
rapid site recovery. Available
in two sizes (up to 80 or 120
tonnes, static loading) the mats
are easy to handle and use an
unbreakable joining system to
create unbroken trackway of the
desired length.
Hire Temporary
Roadways and Ground Protection
FULL NATIONWIDE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL SERVICE
Power Tracks 20
60 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM
Power Tracks 40
GT Trax Ltd, High Tree Farm, New Road,
Warboys, Cambs . PE28 2SS.
Tel 01487 823344 info@gttrax.co.uk
www.gttrax.co.uk Twitter @GTTrax
PORTABLE DANCE
FLOORS, BARS & STAGING
Portable Floormaker
01332 814080
www.portablefloormaker.co.uk
Portable Floormaker is a UK
based manufacturer of the
well known ‘LOK’ range of
portable dance floors, bars
and staging such as Florlok®,
Publok®, Wedlok®, Nightlok®,
Starlok®, Outlok®, Weblok®
and the all new Multilok®
indoor/outdoor floor. It
is also the UK distributor
for the IKADAN range of
sectional, durable flooring.
The company strap line is
“supplying the best... to
the best” and the company
philosophy is that we will
not compromise on quality
of materials to achieve sales
of our product unlike some
of our competitors.
Call us, email us or find us
on Facebook to discover
how we can help your
business.

10%
OFF YOUR
FIRST ORDER
Quote: Open Air Business
Don’t get stuck
in the mud!
Ground Mats
■ Heavy duty roadway or walkway
■ Instant ground protection
■ Portable and easy to use
■ Available for hire or sale
nationwide
tel: 01455 553700 • sales@ecotrackway.co.uk • www.ecotrackway.co.uk
ETA_OpenAirBus_HP_(132x185)_03_17.indd 1 05/04/2017 09:02
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 61

ADVERTISING FEATURE
Spot light
A roundup of products for the outdoor hospitality industry
ALL-IN-ONE SOLAR
RECHARGEABLE SOLUTION
Portable Power Technology
01474 761051
www.portablepowertech.com
Perfect for all off-grid
locations! Our PPT
Powerpack 300+ can power
lights, charge small devices,
TV’s, laptops or even a fridge!
Developed exclusively by
PPT using our extensive
knowledge in off grid power,
the Powerpack 300+ is an
all-in-one solar rechargeable
solution.
This safe, lightweight system
comprises of a powerful
lithium battery, an integrated
300w pure sinewave inverter
and battery charger.
PPT offer a wide range of offgrid
power options including
the fantastic NIWA solar
lighting range. If you want
to discuss any of our power
solutions- please call us.
EVENT KITCHENS AND CATERING
EQUIPMENT
PKL Group
01242 663000 | www.pkl.co.uk
PKL Group is the UK’s leading
supplier of modular commercial
kitchens. With 27 years in the
industry, we have hundreds of
temporary kitchens and 10,000
items of catering equipment
available to hire. We work on
around 500 events each year,
including festivals, sporting
events and pop-up restaurants in
all sorts of weird and wonderful
places!
From stand-alone catering
equipment for use in marquees
or existing buildings, to complete
modular kitchens and coldrooms,
we supply events of all sizes. We
are CDM Regulations compliant
and offer a complete turnkey
service, from design and project
management to installation and
24-hour technical support.
SAFETY KETTLE FOR
GLAMPSITES
Ghillie Kettle Company
01527 66217
www.ghillie-kettle.co.uk
The Ghillie Kettle has
produced camping kettles
for centuries and still
manufactures them in the
traditional way. We do
however have one unique
feature - all of our kettles
come complete with whistles.
This adds to their safety
as you know exactly when
the kettle reaches boiling
point. The kettle can be used
in harsh, wet and windy
conditions. It’s simple to use
and doesn’t require gas or
any other artificial fuels -
just use twigs, fir cones, dry
leaves and/or newspaper.
It is also the only camping
kettle on the market that has
a whistle, and is a perfect
solution for glampsites.
WI-FI ANYWHERE!
noba Event Intelligence
020 3440 4610
www.noba.co.uk
noba is one of the longest
running event specific IT
companies in the industry.
Specialising in event Wi-Fi
and internet anywhere, noba
is the go-to connectivity
company for brands, festivals,
production companies and
agencies. Working in the UK
and globally, we have delivered
internet and Wi-Fi services to
virtually every conceivable
location; from boats, trains,
abandoned warehouses, fields,
cathedrals, palaces and more
conventional venues - we’ve yet
to be defeated by a technology
challenge! We can deliver
services at very short notice,
sometimes less than 24 hours!
From one to over 1,000 users,
get in touch today to discuss
your requirements.
62 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

ADD ‘WOW’ WITH LIGHTING
BALLOONS
Airstar
02033 016 339
www.airstar-light.com
Airstar, the inventor of and a
world leader in lighting balloons,
wanted to innovate a balloon
that is ideal for any live event,
including broadcasted events such
as fashion shows, sport events,
festivals and television shows. It
launched the new Crystal Dynamic
White 300W LED, the first balloon
of its kind that is completely flicker
free, dimmable, DMX controllable
and allows you to control the
colour temperature (3,000-6,500°
Kelvin) of the light diffused. Perfect
for decorating event spaces inside
and out, it adds to the versatility
of Airstar balloons, giving you
enhanced control of your lighting.
You can also customise the balloon
by branding it with vinyls.
TREEHOUSE GLAMPING FOR ALL
Cheeky Monkey Treehouses
01403 732 452
www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
Our team has over 15 years’
combined experience in
designing and building
treehouses of all shapes and
sizes. From simple elevated
cabins to a complex maze
of rope bridges and tree
top hideaways. Whether
it is a single structure as a
luxury escape for two, or
a field of individually built
family glamping pods. We
provide a personal treehouse
consultation service with
you at your proposed
treehouse site, where ideas
can be gathered, shared
and implemented. Handdrawn,
illustrated and
three-dimensional drawings
are then created to suit your
needs and those of your
desired end user.
AIRSTREAM
ACCOMMODATION
Airstream Facilities
07775 802 611
www.airstreamfacilities.com
Airstream Facilities
supply luxury Airstream
accommodation to the
boutique camping market at
festivals, corporate events,
weddings and to the TV/film
industry. Each Airstream
has been lovingly restored
and fitted out to the highest
possible standard. Popular
with couples, families or
friends, with a choice of
double or single beds, they
sleep between 2-5 people.
Take your pick from our
fleet of 37 luxury Airstreams.
All Airstreams come with
a fully equipped kitchen,
bathroom, central heating,
air-con, TV/DVD, hi-fi system
and plenty of space to hang
out.
SHOWER COLUMN THAT
REDUCES TAX BILLS
Horne Engineering
01505 321455
www.horne.co.uk
Did you know that the stylish
Duŝo shower column from
Horne Engineering can also
reduce your tax bill? If you
buy an asset that qualifies
for First Year Allowances, you
can deduct the full cost from
your profits before tax. The
Duŝo is named on the ECA
Water Technology List as it is
water and energy efficient. A
flow rate of 8 L/min optimally
balances the need to conserve
pre-heated water but still
provide an effective shower.
The auto shut-off prevents
water wastage and the 60
second duration per paddle
actuation also improves
your customer experience.
Narrated animation at https://
youtu.be/ZjrYa6Mreik
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 63

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
A4 - Full Page Ad.indd 1 04/04/2016 17:17
A4 - Full Page Ad.indd 1 04/04/2016 17:17
Classified Directory
Sewage Treatment Systems
For all residential, commercial
and industrial applications
mobile cookery theatre
demonstration kitchens for hire
01462 43 44 45
www.onstagekitchens.com
08450 945 603 • info@theseptictankstore.co.uk
www.theseptictankstore.co.uk
Providing luxury bell tents available
for both hire & purchase
info@boutiquecamping.com
Providing
Providing
luxury bell
luxury
tents perfect
bell tents
for:
perfect for:
• Camping • Camping
+44(0)203
• Outdoor
394 2986
• Outdoor summer play summer roomsplay rooms
boutiquecamping.com
• Garden • lounge Garden areas lounge areas
• Festivals • Festivals
info@boutiquecamping.com
info@boutiquecamping.com • Weddings
• Weddings
and much
and
more!
much more!
+44(0)203 394 2986
+44(0)203 394 2986
boutiquecamping.com Available for both hire & purchase.
boutiquecamping.com Available for both hire & purchase.
LEADING LIGHT
AND POWER
FOR THE EVENTS
INDUSTRY
0345 409 0280
the Ultimate solution for
restraining temporary structures
the Ultimate solution for
restraining temporary structures
www.classicpodcompany.co.uk
T: 07971 869058
0800 122 3304 www.anchorbloc.co.uk
0800 122 3304 www.anchorbloc.co.uk
ü Hire or buy your Anchor Blocs outright
ü Take advantage of our 'Anchor Managment'
programme - great if you have multiple events at
different locations.
ü Hire
Full
or
logistics
buy your
and
Anchor
storage
Blocs
facilities
outright
are available
ü Take
Payment
advantage
by credit
of our
card
'Anchor
for convenience
Managment'
ü
programme
Emergency telephone
- great if you
service
have
for
multiple
24/7 support
events at
different locations.
ü Full logistics and storage facilities are available
ü Payment by credit card for convenience
InPartyTentsCo.
ü Emergency telephone service for 24/7 support
HIRING ALL OVER KENT & SUSSEX, NO VAT
AND FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 30 MILE RADIUS
O7917 457 820 | inpartytentsco@aol.com
STYLISH & UNIQUE MARQUEES
FOR WEDDINGS & PARTIES
ü 1000kg, 500kg, 330kg and 250kg options
ü Perfect for securing marquees, inflatables and any
other fabric temporaty structures.
CDM 2015 compliant Lloyd British Testing Certifed
ü 1000kg,
in accordance
500kg,
with
330kg
BS5975:2008.
and 250kg options
ü Perfect
Custom
for
options
securing
avalible.
marquees, inflatables and any
other
Huge
fabric
Range
temporaty
of accesories,
structures.
From branded covers to
ü CDM
specially
2015
adapted
compliant
all
Lloyd
teraine
British
pallet
Testing
trucks.
Certifed
in accordance with BS5975:2008.
ü Custom options avalible.
ü Huge Range of accesories, From branded covers to
specially adapted all teraine pallet trucks.
64 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
Festival
Trackway
traditional tepees with a
modern twist...
Retailer of single pole canvas tepees with fly
screens & windows in 3,4,5 and 6m diameter
tent hire in the north east
www.northernstartepees.co.uk
Luxury Toilet Trailers, Event Loos,
Themed Toilets, Shower Units &
Accommodation Hire
Multi award-winning trackway
& safety flooring solutions
01455 553700
sales@ecotrackway.co.uk
Ec
Track
& Access Ltd
incorporating
UmTech
Epic Group
01256 384 134
www.site-equip.co.uk
event@site-equip.co.uk
Your own private bathroom
right next to your tent or caravan
Tel. 0031 186 769 054 ❤ info@campplus.co.uk
www.campplus.co.uk
Simply the Best Events own and operate over 350
different attractions in house for Corporate Fun Days
and It’s A Knockout events throughout the UK.
Speak to one of our Event Managers
on 0800 019 3908
www.simplythebestevents.co.uk
Ensure your guests have the best!!
• Luxurious eco-friendly modular vacuum toilet facilities
• Bespoke and stylish
• Ideal for all prestigious corporate and private outdoor events
• Covering the UK
Ensure your guests have the best!!
• Luxurious eco-friendly modular vacuum toilet facilities
Tel: • Bespoke 0345 and 459 stylish 0589
• Ideal for www.classicalloocompany.com
all prestigious corporate and private outdoor events
enquiries@classicalloocompany.com
• Covering the UK
Tel: 0345 459 0589
www.classicalloocompany.com
enquiries@classicalloocompany.com
BRAND NEW POP UP
Erection and dismantling included
in the price. Excellent for garden
parties, birthdays, markets,
weddings and other events
Tel: 01789 267000
Email: info@sketts.co.uk
www.popuphire.co.uk
COOLING & HEATING SOLUTIONS
Ensure your guests have the best!!
COOLING • Luxurious eco-friendly & HEATING modular vacuum SOLUTIONS
toilet facilities
temperature • Bespoke control and stylish
specialists
• Ideal for all prestigious corporate and private outdoor events
• Covering hirethe UK
sales hire
Tel: 0345 459 0589
portable sales units
www.classicalloocompany.com
temporary portable systems
enquiries@classicalloocompany.com units
temporary systems
sales@candhs.co.uk – coolingandheatingsolutions.com – 01590 681 434
Marlwood House, Silver Street, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 6DG, UK
sales@candhs.co.uk – coolingandheatingsolutions.com – 01590 681 434
Marlwood House, Silver Street, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 6DG, UK
sales@candhs.co.uk
coolingandheatingsolutions.com
01590 681 434
TIMBER INTENT
Tensile structures:
facilities, camp, glamp & event
Architecture:
design & planning application
01297 444416 timberintent.co.uk
WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 65

PERIWINKLE
The battle of the wedding fairs leads to trouble for Periwinkle’s chums
MONDAY
Twistleton-Penge dropped by. He is so full
of entrepreneurial va-va-voom following
his discussion with Fields of Gold - our
consultancy - that I reckon he might burst.
He says he has been inspired by business
advice from me and the boys on getting his
ancestral pile, Squirrelton Hall, to generate
much needed coins of the realm. Upshot?
Wedding Fair on Wednesday. Twistleton-
Penge’s daughter, Daphne, is the event
manager. Daphne is broad of thigh and
dowdier than Tubby’s niece, Freda the
Frump, who was expelled from her convent
school for being too straight-laced.
TUESDAY
Only Tuesday and by golly is this turning
out to be a busy week! Tubby popped in for
breakfast. Said that if the Twistleton-Penge’s
could have a wedding fair so could he (you
can’t keep anything secret for long around
here). He’s going to promote rustic weddings
in the woods round at his place on exactly
the same day. Tubby has organised
a mini-bus of hairdressers,
photographers and caterers to set up
stalls in the woods for prospective buyers.
Mark my words, it’ll end in tears.
The postmistress informs me that Daphne
Twistleton-Penge has dug out her riding
boots from the stables with the intention of
greeting all visitors on horseback on the day
at the main gate.
Tubby has placed adverts in the local
press for a number of al fresco wedding
styles: Posh names like the ‘Rusticana’, the
‘Raggle-Taggle Gypsy’, and the ‘Pastoral’.
But he has gone over the score with the
branding at the bargain basement end of
the market: The ‘Redneck’, the ‘Hillbilly’ and
the ‘Shotgun’. Seems, to me anyway, they all
come down to the same thing really - getting
married in the woods.
The weather man predicts a dry day
tomorrow with highs of 15-17 degrees.
WEDNESDAY
An unexpected phone call from Ms Meadow
Flowers, regarding arrangements for
Woodstock II, meant I could attend neither
Tubby’s nor Twistleton-Penge’s events.
Note to self: Get updates from both parties
tomorrow.
THURSDAY
Police combing Tubby’s woods since
daybreak looking for three missing couples.
Not surprising really - the forest on Tubby’s
estate is so vast that no one would be
surprised if the descendants of Robin
Hood and his Merry Men were discovered
in there somewhere, still splitting the
green wood and whacking each other with
quarterstaffs.
Good news: While combing the woods
for the missing couples police saved a bit of
overtime by simultaneously combing the
woods for Daphne Twistleton-Penge whose
horse got squirrelly when the first guests’
car backfired and bolted in the direction of
Tubby’s spread.
Bad news: The ink on the wrist stamp
used by Tubby’s officials as a pass for
visitors turned out to be indelible.
Solicitors’ have been calling Tubby all day
to warn of pending law suits from young
couples who will have to spend the rest
of their lives with ‘Tubby’s Forest Frolic’
emblazoned on the back of their hands.
A gaggle of local veterinary surgeons
has been bussed in to dislodge deer ticks
off Tubby’s guests’ legs. Tubby is warned
that the solicitors threatening litigation for
the indelible ink intend to join forces with
the solicitors threatening to sue over the
potential for their clients to develop Lyme’s
disease, in a class action likely to quadruple
Tubby’s liability.
FRIDAY
Tubby’s accountant discovered today that
the VISA terminals Tubby rented to take
deposits for venue bookings worked only
sporadically in the woods. This resulted in
transfers being either part financed only,
not financed at all, or even double charged.
Tubby also told me that iPads intended
to allow PayPal payments couldn’t find a
signal and some guests ended up sitting
in their cars in the car park playing Angry
Birds. Which was handy really since it
turned out the weatherman lied and a
thunderstorm of biblical proportions
washed out what remained of the day.
Good news: A police search party
found all three couples, soaking wet and
huddled together to the leeward side of
a fallen tree, crying. Bad news: Two of
the business cards Tubby collected in a
networking frenzy turned out to have been
from drug dealers. A third came from
a Ms Whiplash. The inspector wanted
to know how long these had been
in Tubby’s possession - were they
given to him on the day? Or had he
had these in his wallet long before
that, for personal consumption?
There’s still no sign of Daphne,
though her horse came home on its own
yesterday.
SATURDAY
Given the ineffectiveness of the VISA
terminals, the surprise weather bomb
and the fact that over 50 per cent of
visitors never left the car park, Tubby’s
accountant estimates profits for the day
ranging from a possible loss of £50,000 to a
profit of 86 pence. It’ll take a year to square
the books, Tubby says.
Good news: According to Twistleton-
Penge’s butler, a postcard from Ms Daphne
Penge reached Squirrelton Hall this
morning postmarked ‘Gretna Green’. Turns
out the horse had not bolted at all. Rather
she rode all night to reach Gretna where
she met her secret lover, Cecil, a man far
more Albert Steptoe than Heathcliff. Her
elopement was a bit of a shock to the old
war horse himself, but as he confessed on
the phone, “It’s one less mouth to feed in
these troubling post-Brexit times.”
SUNDAY
Tubby still helping police with their
inquiries.
66 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

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COUNTRY HOUSE
BUSINESS INNOVATION 2017
INNOVATION 2017
The event for farmers, land owners and rural business
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