Open Air Business August/September 2017

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GLAMPSITES workshops, especially if you are going for a custom structure, rather than an ‘off the shelf’ unit. This is the most efficient way to build and this work can go on while the other initial site work is happening. Again, the winter is a great time for this, ready for a spring installation and a summer run. Be mindful in this process of the final installation and how it will take place as you will still need to transport your build. When building platforms, board walks and creating pathways, think about your guests’ safety and the usability of the areas, do they have enough space, and have you taken care of any potential hazards? Is the site livestock proof and fit for purpose? USE OF MEDIA AND 6 MARKETING Sometimes the best way to get your site out there, especially if you need to draw some immediate money back, is to sign it up to a glamping agency. It is good to do your homework here; most agencies charge a similar commission rate but they all have slightly different target markets. Find one that suits your ideal customer, site and philosophy. Read the small print in these contracts as this will define how you can operate with guests from your agency, repeat customers and guests you have drawn in yourself. Some agencies with exclusive rights written into the contract will try and cap the number of owner bookings per year, so clarity is the key here. In the last few years sites like <strong>Air</strong>bnb have really come on; now you can book some amazing places worldwide, and if you have an exciting place to stay you can now ask a reasonable rate. Unlike the general glamping/holiday agencies, <strong>Air</strong>bnb take a commission of 5% but how does this compare to other agency occupancy and rental rates? It is now worth doing these calculations, and a bit more competition out there for the agencies can only be a good thing for owners. If you already have a farm website or social media set up then you can launch and market your new build. These can become handy tools for you to promote your own site through select pictures, experiences and offers. Whatever way you plan to market and sell your site professional photography is key. You can really undersell yourself by not capturing your site and its surroundings well, and make sure you have that number one photo up first. If you are an estate or large farm and intend to set up a glamping business on a larger scale, such as an outdoor hotel or club, then other marketing options become more viable. At this point you can ABOUT THE AUTHOR Edward Busby grew up in rural Herefordshire where he developed a passion for nature and the great outdoors. After travelling and experiencing other countries and cultures he built his first unique home on wheels, closely followed by his first yurt. This was his introduction to the world of outdoor living spaces. After gathering knowledge and experience building, he then teamed up with two like minded friends and craftsmen, and together they set up Crown and Canopy. As well as running their own retreats, the Crown and Canopy team specialises in designing and building complete glamping sites and bespoke spaces. It also provides a comprehensive consultancy and design service to farms and estates, providing feedback reports and full appraisals based on the potential of their land. www. crownandcanopy.co.uk employ a marketing firm to create your brand, website and booking engine. These firms also tend to offer long term deals on an annual or monthly basis for a fee based on target occupancy rates. They will then send customers to your website and offer high occupancy rates. The difference between these firms and an agency is that these firms charge a lump sum each month rather than a 30% share of your turnover. This, when applied to a site with 10 or more retreat spaces, can create significant savings. On a more local level, linking up with tourism-based businesses around you can be a very good way to source your own customers. Mutually beneficial relationships can be struck up with established companies that can feed you clients. This can be very positive for both parties as the addition of your accommodation can enhance and expand their client experiences and therefore increase potential for business. All in all this is a fantastic business to be involved in. People are beginning to revalue our beautiful country and nature. We are falling back in love with our countryside, and glamping and outdoor hospitality deliver this experience to people best. You can experience nature from the warmth of a bed or bath tub in all its glory. This industry is a win win for landowners and guests. The tide has turned and now the preservation of our countryside has a new value that outweighs its destruction. 40 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM
UNIQUE GLAMPING PODS & CABINS Innovative off grid pods, quick and easy setup, all terrain legs and platform, handmade in Britain ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN COMFORT HIRE OR BUY Prices start from £1,195 + VAT* or Hire from as little as £180 per week** PERFECT FOR: Glamping sites, Gardens, Sleepover dens, Music festivals, Extra accommodation, Hotels, Restaurants, Farm diversification, Birthdays, Weddings DESIGN FEATURES • Unique Landpod all terrain legs & platform • No need for costly foundations • Flat pack design, ideal for storage & transport • No planning permission needed • Fully weatherproof PVC cover or Larch clad roof • Robust & low maintenance • Need it bigger? Bespoke Landpods made to order *Terms & Conditions apply **Delivery & Installation extra Jake & Steve Watson Barlaston, Staffordshire, UK T: 07804 243 565 E: info@landpod.co.uk www.landpod.co.uk WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 41
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Page 4 and 5: The latest news from the world of o
Page 6 and 7: PRODUCT Tent meets Log Cabin! North
Page 8 and 9: INDUSTRY NEWS Glamping Show The Gla
Page 10 and 11: INDUSTRY NEWS FestOut The new kid o
Page 12 and 13: INDUSTRY NEWS The Showman’s Show
Page 14 and 15: LIVE 2017 COUNTRY HOUSE BUSINESS IN
Page 16 and 17: FUNCTION VENUES What services do yo
Page 18 and 19: FUNCTION VENUES enthusiastic. One o
Page 20 and 21: FUNCTION VENUES Going the Extra Mil
Page 22 and 23: FUNCTION VENUES An Insider’s Guid
Page 24 and 25: FUNCTION VENUES different choices (
Page 26: FUNCTION VENUES OAB Loves… Floori
Page 29 and 30: GLAMPSITES CASE STUDY Old Pine Yurt
Page 31 and 32: GLAMPSITES of the accommodation. As
Page 33 and 34: Setting up a Glamping Business? Her
Page 35 and 36: GLAMPSITES Problem Handling Kate Mo
Page 37 and 38: GLAMPSITES THE TRICKY SUBJECT OF SH
Page 39: BEFORE THE PLANNING AND 3 FUNDING P
Page 43 and 44: NB Open Air Mag_HP.indd 1 05/07/201
Page 45 and 46: www.earthcloset.co.uk Earth closet
Page 47 and 48: EVENTS GEM REDFORD PHOTOGRAPHY CASE
Page 49 and 50: EVENTS GEM REDFORD PHOTOGRAPHY medi
Page 51 and 52: EVENTS EMAIL According to the 2017
Page 53 and 54: • GigLoo showers use less gas and
Page 55 and 56: EVENTS SEATING Just because an even
Page 57 and 58: EVENTS Detail post-event as well su
Page 59 and 60: SIMPLY PUT… WE COMPLETE THE PICTU
Page 61 and 62: 27 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2017, SANDOWN PAR
Page 63 and 64: OFF GRID LIGHT AND POWER Portable P
Page 65 and 66: CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY Classified Dir
Page 67: The freshest arrival in the field.

Open Air Business August/September 2017

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