Issue 50

ISSUE 50 | 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com 

BUSINESS 

PODS, HUTS 

AND LODGES 

FUNCTION VENUES 

› Elopements › Child Guests 

GLAMPSITES 

› Hot Water › Zero Waste 

EVENTS 

› Hire or Buy? › Green Energy 

CASE STUDIES: 

THE DELL OF ABERNETHY • THE ROOST LUXURY GLAMPING • THE MIGHTY COE

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ISSUE 50 | 2022 | www.openairbusiness.com 

WELCOME 

DID SOMEONE say special anniversary celebration, bring 

on the street parties and fling up the bunting?! Move over 

Queen, it’s Open Air Business’s sixth year, 50th issue knees up! 

Well, metaphorically speaking, although we’ll be toasting the 

printing of this one in-house… 

I was thinking I should really be dedicating pages to a 

big industry recap, but let’s face it, you’re all in it daily and 

there’s little insight I’m likely to add and we’d be a pretty 

poor industry magazine if we hadn’t told you all about it as it 

happened. Here’s my take in a nutshell... 

In the last six years glamping’s gone bang and it’s time to hone offerings (although 

this year might be a little slow as people get the desire to travel out of their systems). 

Outdoor weddings are more popular than ever thanks to Millennials leading the 

charge on individualistic and back to nature celebrations (and yes, we’ll take that nice 

new wedding law change earlier in the year). With public facing events, it’s another 

story. While appetite is there, the industry has been hit particularly hard in the past 

two years. I can’t make any flippant remarks as people have lost livelihoods and the 

industry, skilled professionals. Cost of living is making ticket sales hard but I think 

people will prioritise getting together, even if it is a last minute decision. 

Looking forwards (and not mentioning European conflict, energy prices and other 

doom and gloom), I think we have all picked the right place to do business. The 

collective conscience seems to be moving towards outdoors, nature, sustainability, 

‘local’, celebration and togetherness – everything we champion. So, here’s to us, 

here’s to you and here’s to the next 50 issues of Open Air Business showcasing a 

booming open air hospitality movement. 

Tally Rix 

Editor / Publisher 

PUBLISHERS 

Steve Rix - steve@openairbusiness.com 

Tally Rix - tally@openairbusiness.com 

EDITOR 

Tally Rix - tally@openairbusiness.com 

ADVERTISING SALES 

Marney Whyte - 01892 677743 

marney@openairbusiness.com 

David Hobden - 01892 677741 

david@openairbusiness.com 

ADMINISTRATOR 

Kirsty Farrow – 01892 677740 

kirsty@openairbusiness.com 

DESIGN 

James English - 

www.jamesenglishdesign.co.uk 

PUBLISHED BY 

Coffee Shop Media Ltd 

www.coffeeshopmedia.com 

Milroy House, Sayers Lane, 

Tenterden, TN30 6BW 

01580 848555 

Contents ISSUE 50 – 2022 

UP FRONT 

4 News 

6 Product News 

9 Entrepreneur’s Chat 

– Charles Hooper and 

Lisa Aitken, Forest 

Garden Shovelstrode 


14 The Dell of 

Abernethy – a multifunctional 

tipi space 

in the Cairngorms 

18 Elopement Weddings 

– monetising the 

small but beautiful 

celebration 

21 Curating Creativity 

– evolving the 

traditional event 

model 

22 Family Friendly 

Events – catering for 

child guests 

25 Get to Know… the 

people behind the 

products 

27 Marquees and 

Structures – products 

in action 

GLAMPSITES 

31 The Roost Luxury 

Glamping – bespoke 

cabins in rewilded 

countryside 

36 Zero Waste – start 

your journey here 

38 Hot Water – specifying 

water heaters 



products 

47 Pods, Huts and 

Lodges – products in 

action 

EVENTS 

50 The Mighty Coe – the 

UK’s first on-snow 

festival 

54 Green Energy – 

decarbonise your 

event with these 

options 

56 Hire or Buy? – when 

hiring crowd barriers 

makes sense 



products 

60 Flooring and Ground 

Protection – products 

in action 

62 Spotlight 

63 Classifieds 

65 Behind the Scenes – 

Harry Londsale, Cube 

Management 

OPEN AIR BUSINESS IS 

NO LONGER FREE 

To start a paid subscription, please visit 

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SUBSCRIBE 

ONLINE 

PODS, HUTS 

AND LODGES 


› Elopements › Child Guests 

GLAMPSITES 

› Hot Water › Zero Waste 

EVENTS 

› Hire or Buy? › Green Energy 

CASE STUDIES: 

THE DELL OF ABERNETHY • THE ROOST LUXURY GLAMPING • THE MIGHTY COE 

COVER PHOTO 

The Anderida Cabin at Forest Garden Shovelstrode. Read 

more in Entrepreneur’s Chat with Charles Hooper and Lisa 

Aitken on pages 9-12. 

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 3 

BUSINESS

Petitioning for 56 Days 

50 Sites for Irish 

Waterways? 

WATERWAYS IRELAND is exploring the possibility 

of developing up to 50 sites at key locations across 

both Northern Ireland and the Republic that will 

provide facilities for glamping and motorhomes, 

reports the Irish Examiner: 

‘The sites would be across the navigation systems 

operated by the cross-border body, including the 

Lower Bann, the Erne System, the Shannon-Erne 

Waterway, the Royal and Grand Canals, the Barrow 

and the Shannon. 

Waterways Ireland said: “The provision of 

glamping and motorhome infrastructure along the 

inland waterways offers the potential to attract 

increased and diverse users to the waterways 

environment to experience both on-water and offwater 

recreational activities including walking and 

cycling along our greenway and blueway routes. 

“For the visitor, waterside locations are 

compelling and unique since they offer immersive 

dark sky vistas, breathtaking scenery and tranquillity 

amidst the beauty of rare flora and fauna.” 

The organisation has issued a tender for the 

feasibility study, which could cost up to €150,000. 

This will inform Waterways Ireland’s future decisions 

on investing in infrastructure to facilitate such types 

of tourists and their accommodation needs’. 

WATERWAYS IRELAND 

THE TEAM at pop-up glamping 

site Eweleaze Farm, Dorset, 

is on a mission to ask the 

government to review the 

current law surrounding 

pop-up campsites. The last 

two camping seasons have 

seen pop-up sites across the 

UK able to open for 56 days, 

creating many opportunities 

and increasing economic 

benefit for farmers up and 

down the country. The law 

has now been reverted back 

to 28 days. 

A petition has been 

formed asking the 

government to review this 

law and change it so all 

pop-up campsites can 

open for 56 days a year. 

A target 100,000 signatures is needed by 22 October in 

order for the petition to be discussed in parliament. To sign, 

visit petition.parliament.uk/petitions/615270 

EWELEAZE FARM 

Cool Camping sells to Hipcamp 

BRINGING AN Airbnb-style business model to outdoor stays, US 

platform Hipcamp has bought British brand Cool Camping. 

Cool Camping’s 25,000 listings will now appear on the Americanowned 

website in what is its first European acquisition. Hipcamp, 

which has raised tens of millions of dollars including investment from 

the musician Jay Z’s venture capital firm Marcy Venture Partners, 

already has half a million listings in the US, Canada and Australia. 

Listings on the website are free, but Hipcamp takes 15% from 

each booking. Only those in rural locations with an acre or more of 

available space can sign up and will also be eligible for Hipcamp’s 

liability insurance, which protects them for up to £1m. 

Alyssa Ravasio, who founded Hipcamp in 2013, said: “I realised 

that given how crowded our public campgrounds are, the only way 

to achieve our mission was to create new places, which we started 

doing on private land. We leverage data to understand what specific 

destinations are likely to book out months ahead, then reach out to 

landowners in that area.” 

Jonathan Knight, founder and former managing director of Cool 

Camping, said that he hadn’t been looking to sell when approached 

by Hipcamp, but was “struck by the similarities between the two 

brands. Not only the types of places we feature – small, independent 

campsites and glamping sites with something a bit special about 

them – but also our philosophies. It feels natural to combine 

everything.” 

Jonathan will stay on as Hipcamp’s UK manager. 

4 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

Half of Brits 

Welcome 

Hospitality 

Tech 

NEW RESEARCH from 

Oracle Hospitality and 

Skift suggests that over 

half (57%) of Brits are 

interested in using 

metaverse/VR to explore 

accommodation virtually 

before they book. 

Mainstream hospitality 

is listening, says the 

report, with nearly half 

(45%) of UK hoteliers 

already developing 

VR maps of their 

accommodation, or are 

planning to do so in the 

next year. 

The research also 

Get Your 

Free Tickets 

REMEMBER TO get your free tickets for 

Clear Sky's Friends at the Farm event on 

30 June to 1 July in Kent. An informal, 

friendly event where you can look round 

glamping structures and chat to industry 

suppliers. 

Bring a picnic rug and enjoy an 

informal day without a clipboard in 

sight! Oh and there's a cracking coffee 

and refreshments van too. Sign up at 

www.trybooking.co.uk/BNBN 

found high demand for 

‘unbundled’ experiences. 

UK travellers want their 

journey personalised 

even more by picking 

their exact room (36%) 

and paying for only 

the amenities they 

want (37%). 84% of UK 

the hotel executives 

surveyed agree this will 

likely be the future. 

Other findings 

showed that nearly 

three-quarters (71%) of 

travellers want to use 

their mobile device to 

manage their experience, 

e.g. checking in and out, 

paying, ordering food, 

and more. 64% of Brits 

are also comfortable 

with providers using 

data and AI to better 

tailor services and offers, 

e.g. room pricing or 

food suggestions and 

discounts. 

Rebranded Coalition 

Championing Events 

ONE INDUSTRY One Voice (OIOV), the UK 

coalition of associations and businesses created 

to champion the country’s events industry 

during the pandemic, has been expanded and 

rebranded to The Power of Events (UK). 

OIOV and The Power Of Events founder Rick 

Stainton said the newly rebranded initiative will 

provide a dynamic, formalised and appropriately 

financed structure, developed in partnership 

with the core sectors’ main associations and 10 

of the leading university event faculties across 

the UK. 

Stainton said the priorities were to deliver 

a comprehensive online communications 

hub alongside an industry research app and 

evaluation platform: “It will demonstrate the 

broad range of skillsets and career opportunities 

to attract a more diverse and inclusive talent mix, 

alongside an industry map clarifying the breadth 

and variety of these live experiences with the 

wide range of supply chain expertise needed to 

deliver them.” 

He said the website would support existing 

trade associations and organisations by 

signposting to their information, resources, 

and campaigns, while The Power of Events will 

also research and communicate the social and 

economic impact of events across the UK. 

The Power of Events consists of a taskforce 

made up of around 25 representatives from 

across the seven core event industry sectors, 

including BVEP (business), LIVE and NTIA 

(music), EIF (outdoor/festivals), and the PSA and 

PLASA (production). Visit for 

www.thepowerofevents.org more. 

MAC CABINS LIMITED 

Modular • Artisan • Contemporary 

Glamping Sites, Leisure Parks, Holiday Rentals, 

Bed & Breakfasts (B&B), Hotels & Resorts, Golf Clubs, 

Camp Sites, Holiday Retreats, AirBnB and Land/ 

Garden Owners. 

Whether you are looking to start, 

expand or diversify your own 

existing holiday rental business, 

MAC Cabins brings you the 

perfect selection of the best 

Timber Log Cabins, Glamping 

Pods, Timber Lodges and Small 

Homes Tiny Houses, collectively, 

for you to choose from. 

MAC Cabins actively supports and promotes the sustainable tourist industry. 

0800 999 1564 

maccabins.co.uk 

WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 5

PRODUCT 

Fire Cages and Tables 

SAVAGE BBQ has come a long way since it’s 

humble ‘lockdown idea’ beginnings. The family 

business of husband and wife team Eddy and 

Rachel Brown began with the now well-known 

Fire Cage – or ‘The Beast’ as they fondly call it. A 

way to fire cook without limitation. 

Designed for use indoors or outdoors, in 

restaurant kitchens, wedding venues, pub 

gardens, pop ups and, as it began, in your 

home’s outdoor space. This year already, Savage 

BBQ has added three more amazing products 

to its arsenal – The Fire Cage Pro Plus, a hybrid 

of the original cage and the Pro – perfect for 

professional kitchens, plus the Antikristo – Greek 

style slow cooking by flame – and the brand 

new Fire Table. This combination of BBQ, fire 

pit and outdoor dining table is popular within 

the hospitality industry as well as at outdoor 

venues, festivals and glamping sites. 

There is no end to the vision of Savage BBQ 

and the team loves to work with customers 

to create bespoke products just for them. 

All products are handmade to order from a 

workshop in a Nottinghamshire village. 

0115 8990323, ed@savagebbq.co.uk, 

www.savagebbq.co.uk 

Billy-Joe Double Bell 

AUTENTIC HAS launched the Billy-Joe Double Bell, a unique twin bell tent 

measuring 7.2m x 5.5m, with a height of 3.25m. The most inspiring canvas 

glamping tent in the Autentic bell tent range, it is made of 100% cotton canvas 

and features wide door openings on both sides and an insulating double roof . 

It is available in four colours (turmeric, pumpkin, desert and moss). 

With optional air cushion isolation and dividers, it can be set up in a variety 

of ways: as a family glamping tent, with two sleeping areas and a common 

living space, or as a luxury couple’s suite with lounge and dining area. 

+32 55 501 764, info@autentic.world, www.autentic.world 

New Prefabricated 

Glamping Units 

LOGSPAN HAS launched a new range of prefabricated glamping 

units. There are six different models from the M10 Glamping 

Room to the two bedroom M54 Maxi Glamping Lodge. 

All units benefit from quality, modern fixtures and fittings. 

These include a walk in shower, triple glazed PVC windows and 

doors, and plug-and-play electricity and plumbing. Optional 

extras include underfloor heating and air conditioning. 

The M24 Glamping Chalet contains a 5m2 terrace, kitchen, 

living room area and bedroom with en-suite, all in a compact area 

of 24m2. 

Logspan will be displaying the chalet this year at a number 

of national exhibitions – get in touch for details. When not at an 

exhibition the show model will be on display at the company’s 

site in Glasgow. 

01389 734572, info@logspan.com, www.logspan.com 


Event Operations and 

Staffing Services 

AS BUSINESS grows so too does the 

team at Festivall Services. While the 

name may be new to you, having 

only formed in November 2021, 

the company has been built on 

the foundations of Josh Heyburn’s 

first event business, Kent Event 

Services (2017-2021), to deliver a 

high standard of event operations 

and staffing services to clients 

nationwide. 

Josh, managing director, and 

Evan Morgan, office coordinator, 

advertised to expand the team 

recently to ensure consistency 

for their staff and clients. While 

the pair are based across Kent, 

South Yorkshire and South Wales, 

applications from across the UK 

were welcome for a remote working 

role. 

When conducting remote 

interviews, it was clear to the pair 

that there was a need for a second 

stage in-person interview. Festivall 

Services connects people, and 

how could such a connection be 

established over a video call? The 

pair took the progressive approach 

to conduct second stage interviews 

in the candidates’ home towns or 

cities, where they could present 

a brief tour before conducting a 

follow up interview in an informal 

setting. The candidates praised the 

approach, which eliminated a need 

for them to travel and put them in 

an environment in which they were 

comfortable and familiar. 

As a result of the interviews, 

Festivall Services is delighted to 

welcome Jessica Wainwright to the 

team as their new event staffing 

coordinator. 

01144 055 044, hello@festivall. 

services, www.festivall.services 

Hirer Package 

Deals From £1,583 

LIKE MANY event and hospitality suppliers, 

Rotherham-based Gala Tent is braced for a busy 

peak season as the UK returns to its first summer 

with no Covid-related restrictions in three years. 

Add the thousands of delayed weddings that will be 

taking place up and down the country to the mix, 

and it promises to be a very lucrative time of the year 

for professional and part time event planners and 

marquee hirers, who are booking up well into the 

autumn and beyond. 

With this in mind, Gala Tent has relaunched its 

exclusive hirer package deals, with prices from as little 

as £1,583 ex VAT for two size options, luxury linings, 

heating, lighting and heavy duty anchors. There are 

different packages to accommodate new and existing 

businesses, regardless of the size or type of event 

they’re catering for. 

The company has also launched an exclusive 

digital marketing service alongside sister brand Gala 

Education & Marketing, which aims to equip new and 

existing event planners with the tools they need to find 

the people that need their services, and maintain a 

solid booking calendar for years to come 

01709 242454, www.galatent.co.uk 

10% off all Stoves with Code 'OPENAIR10' 

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a welcoming and warming 9.4kW heat output. 

Fuelled by wood, the oven is ideal for any in-tent or outdoor environment and has 

several unique features to elevate guests’ outdoor escapades; a cordierite baking 

stone, ceramic viewing windows, fire-box grill rack, extendable flu, temperature 

gauge, ergonomic-hold side grills, plus fittings for an attachable water heater! The 

five-in-one appliance allows guests to fry and boil, grill, stone bake, warm and fire 

roast. 

Recognised through its success on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, the Pizza 

Oven Plus has been created to provide glamping guests with toasty nights and 

enjoyable and creative self-catering amenities – attributes certain to boost the 

reputation of your outdoor business. 

0203 319 1315, info@boutiquecamping.com, www.boutiquecamping.com 


Bespoke Hand Built Shepherds 

Huts, A-Frames and Pods 

Available in various sizes to suit your own requirements 

•The Perfect Business Opportunity • Additional Living Space 

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Part of the 

Group 


PEOPLE 

ENTREPRENEUR’S CHAT 

CHARLES HOOPER 

AND LISA AITKEN 

A chance TV encounter led to the development of an eco-tourism 

business, but this couple has faced some huge challenges 

including losing many hundreds of trees and almost half a hand… 

usband and wife Charles Hooper and Lisa 

Aitken grew up two miles from each other in 

West Sussex, but having run parallel lives in 

Paris then Sydney in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they 

finally met in London almost 20 years ago. 

Lisa inherited her family home in 2008 and 

they set about thinking of ways they could 

derive an income from a six acre plot of 

land including three and half acres of an old 

coppiced ash woodland. 

In 2009 Charles, a TV commercials producer 

turned landscape designer, was a participant 

in the green woodworking episode of BBC 

show ‘Mastercrafts’. “It was a life changing 

experience,” says Charles, “and green 

woodworking has since become a passion, which I have been 

teaching for the last decade. Lisa and I had similar interests in 

horticulture and Lisa developed a keen interest in permaculture 

and specifically forest gardening. We combined our knowledge 

and skills and launched Forest Garden Shovelstrode in 2010”. 

The property near East Grinstead has been in Lisa’s family for 

over 50 years and comprises a paddock where Lisa used to keep 

her pony, woodland and a small copse which is home to half 

a dozen chickens. “The question quickly became: how can we 

sustain a living from such a small piece of land?” We decided to 

teach people different ways of living more self-sufficiently through 

a variety of woodland craft course. We began by running courses 

in bee keeping, green woodworking, clay oven building, hurdle 

making, willow weaving and bronze casting. Our first yurt was 

initially used for coffee breaks, and then we turned it into overnight 

accommodation. It proved to be so popular, we soon built 

another yurt. 

“This was pre the ‘glamping revolution’ of 2010, and in 2015 we 

created a beautiful log cabin. We built the cabin ourselves from 

western red cedar. When the local planning officer was inevitably 

notified, we explained it was built by ourselves and our course 

students, and he was impressed with the level of craftsmanship. 

He advised us to apply for retrospective planning, which we did. 

We were then later able to apply for full permission to use the 

cabin as guest accommodation”. 

Charles points out that it is well worth thinking ahead when 

undergoing any planning application, and to apply for any additional 

structures and expansion plans all in one go, even if it takes many 

years to reach that stage in the actual development of the business. 


PEOPLE 

“Our first big planning application was very time consuming, and 

also hinged on us getting an EU grant to complete the works. We 

were turned down for the grant initially, but we produced a short 

film garnering local industry support, and finally won them over! 

The second retro application for the cabin was surprisingly easy, 

apart from the one annoying neighbour who objects to absolutely 

everything and sits on both the parish and district council! However 

our third application in 2017 to build three more cabins was even 

harder and much more expensive. We met every council objection, 

but then had to pay a hefty CIL (community infrastructure levy) for 

each cabin, which completely negated the impact of a second EU 

grant we had been awarded”. 

“IT WAS 

A LIFE 

CHANGING 

EXPERIENCE, 

GREEN 

WOOD 

WORKING 

HAS SINCE 

BECOME A 

PASSION” 

ASH DIEBACK 

Having secured the final part of their planning in 2018, the couple 

faced a disaster in 2019 when the Forestry Commission confirmed 

their worst fears, that the woodland was badly infected with Chalara, 

ash dieback disease. “Most of our woodland at that time was 

coppiced ash (about 85%), which had originally been grown as fuel 

for the Wealden iron industry. We had built our business within the 

woodland, and the yurt decks were cut around the trees. Thankfully 

we hadn’t opted for treehouses!” 

Over the next 15 months trees were removed, in the first phase 

by hand felling, and in the final phase with the help of a 23 tonne 

excavator with tree shears, which was much more efficient. “We had 

initially hoped we might be able to save some of the healthier looking 

trees, but the level of disease was rife and so we bit the bullet and 

went all in. The first phase was completed just in time to open for the 

first lockdown! We finally re-opened for business in summer 2020, but 

we closed down again in the autumn to complete the final phase of 

forestry and replanting”. 

It was never Lisa and Charles’ intention to add ‘woodland 

management’ to their job roles. “We haven’t had any financial 

assistance with the project and we have had to take out a very large 

loan at just the wrong time. We are now very busy managing a 

regenerating woodland! Despite my training as a landscape designer, 

I have little previous experience in designing a woodland, but it has 

been an incredible process. 

“Very soon after the trees were removed and the hazel understory 

was cut to the ground, by the spring of 2021 the dormant seedbank 

exploded in riot of colour. Many wildflowers appeared including red 

campion, ragged robin, foxgloves, bluebells, woodspurge, orchids, 

dog rose and columbine to name a few. There are many new saplings, 

and we have planted more than 1,000 mixed native and non-native 

trees. The hazel has shot up more than two metres in the first year 

with all the available light, and now instead of a closed canopy of 

magnificent ash trees, we have a horizontal view of a wall of vibrant 

greens, with big blue skies ahead as you wander through. 

“We now have a wide variety of trees to create a diverse woodland 

that is more resistant to future threats of disease and climate change. 

It has been an unexpected privilege to design, and is a legacy for 

future generations to enjoy”. 

The Forest Garden and wildlife pond was created 12 years ago in 

Lisa’s old paddock. “During its infancy it was cradled and nurtured 

by the ancient ash woodland behind it. Now with the large trees 

removed, the support roles have been reversed as the established 

forest garden looks out over an emerging woodland,” says Charles. 

“The forest garden is based around growing a wide variety of useful 

and mostly edible plants, within the seven canopy layers, from root 

zone to upper canopy. It is like three dimensional perennial vegetable 

gardening! 

“And of course, there is the wildlife that the process of opening 

up woodland glades has encouraged. The site is now teaming with 

woodpeckers, mice, owls, rabbits, deer, sparrowhawks and buzzards”. 


PEOPLE 

NOT REALLY ‘GLAMPING’ 

Being totally immersed in nature is one of the main attractions to 

guests at Forest Garden Shovelstrode. The accommodations are 

off-grid, and are comfortably and tastefully appointed with many 

handcrafted items and furniture. “There is no Wi-Fi in the woods! 

Although there is a good 4G signal for any digital nomads,” Charles 

admits. “We don’t offer hot tubs, flat screen TVs or Nespresso 

machines either! We offer ‘back to basics’ luxury camping in secluded 

and tranquil surroundings, for discerning eco tourists and green 

travellers. 

“There is a great deal of variety of accommodation in a now very 

heavily saturated market. We are clear about what we offer and 

we are very experienced in dealing with all types of enquiries. In 

managing people’s expectations, we may sometimes recommend a 

more appropriate site”. 

The yurts are shut from November to February but the cabins 

are open all year round. “The yurts are remarkably resilient,” says 

Charles. “We’ve had them up for more than 10 years continually, 

although now with many trees removed they are much more 

exposed, and when storm Eunice hit us, we were both holding a yurt 

down and having to lash it to the deck in 90mph winds!” 

Guests enjoy hot showers and flushing toilets in the converted 

old generator house. “Rather than trying to educate guests on the 

theory and proper use of composting loos, we decided to completely 

overhaul the old sewage treatment plant that was on the property. 

We found the original plans that were over 100 years old in the family 

records, and had all new components manufactured in stainless steel. 

The upgraded system now runs brilliantly and should last at least 

another 100 years!” 

The on-site café and shop sells produce made on the site including 

Forest Garden honey, homemade jams and chutneys, Charles’ 

greenwood crafts and their own apple juice. 

ON THE TELLY 

Forest Garden Shovelstrode has enjoyed some great TV exposure on 

both Made in Chelsea and Four in a Bed. “We came a resounding last,” 

says Charles. “Not surprisingly, as producers do like to put apples 

with oranges to make good TV. The competition is also very much 

based on breakfast and neither of us had poached an egg before so 

we were looking up Jamie Oliver’s ‘perfect poached egg method’ 

while trying to cook breakfast! We have had some great PR from 

the TV appearances, with 4IB being frequently repeated on various 

channels around the globe at which time our analytics go through the 

roof! It has had a very positive effect on our bookings over the years”. 

The business also does a lot of location work. “About 10% of our 

turnover comes from film, TV and photoshoots and producers seem 

to really like us. They choose our location because of the many 

photographic options that we have. However once for a fashion 

shoot the agency booked the entire site and then just photographed 

a couple of kids on a log pile and cleared off! They could do that 

anywhere, but here there are many different shots and lots of great 

props available to them, and being just 55 mins from London Victoria 

makes it an easy choice. We also have the on-site café, production 

office and facilities which is preferable to shooting out in the sticks”. 

It helps too that Charles started off his career as a film location 

manager! 

EVENTS 

The site is the perfect space for intimate boutique weddings. “We 

only host small weddings. 50-80 people works perfectly, although 

we’ve had a wedding for 120 people before. We can sleep 24 in shared 

beds, and have several additional camping pitches in woodland 

glades for bell tents etc. There’s also room in the car park for a couple 

of camper vans. 

“We have many hen weekends, and we do generally attract the 

right kind of hens who enjoy being in nature and not those who’d 

rather be on a Brighton pub crawl. However one bonkers group 

covered themselves in fluorescent sun screen war paint, and lined 

up multiple vodka shots on a fallen tree before getting dressed up 

as giant teddy bears for a game of hide and seek in the woods! They 

were spotted darting from tree to tree by guests attending one of our 

chair making courses”. 

Since Covid, the business has also been looking at the corporate 

retreat market and promoting team building and wellness days. 

“We had a couple of yoga retreats last year with one donated to 

NHS employees. We have more planned for 2022 and a women’s 

menopause retreat planned for September”. 

Build Your Own 

Shepherd Huts 

With Tithe Barn Shepherd Huts original parts. 

Call 01262 470475 or 

Visit www.shepherd-huts.com 

and click on the ‘self build’ page 


PEOPLE 

PROMOTION 

The site is promoted via its website, social media and though Canopy 

and Stars for its overnight accommodation. “Long gone are the days 

when you could create a website with some keywords and expect to 

be rewarded by Google search. Unless you pay, you’re going to end 

up on page 15, whatever you write. We advertise on various platforms 

including social media which reaches people who have expressed an 

interest in what we’re doing, rather than from a specific search. The 

whole advertising landscape has dramatically changed since my day 

and it’s hard keeping up!” 

Charles is not alone in reporting a lull in this year’s bookings. “It has 

been slow to gain traction this year. People seem to genuinely have a 

desire to travel overseas again, and there is now a huge over supply 

of people with a field and some tents, whose interest was piqued last 

year with a captive market and the 56 day rule. Add to that spiralling 

inflation and the threat of World War III and it’s understandable why 

many operators are hoping for last minute bookings. 

“This is our twelfth year and we are well established in what we do, 

and experienced at holding our nerve in difficult times. As the whole 

industry has grown exponentially in the last couple of years, it’s 

important that we crystallize our own unique offering, and accurately 

target our segment of the market. Glamping is no longer a label that 

accurately describes what we offer. We are not for everyone, and 

vice versa! Our plans to build a wood-fired sauna and complete the 

natural swimming pond will soon resume as we continue to grow and 

develop our eco-tourism business.” 

FAB TEAM 

Operations are managed by Charles, Lisa, two housekeepers, Sarah 

and Silke, and ‘Saturday lad’ Alfie (Sarah’s son). “I really look forward 

to seeing Alfie,” says Charles. “I have sustained a lot of injuries 

developing this business and leave all my big heavy jobs for him. He 

started when he was 14 and is now a strapping 6’4” 18 year old”. 

Among these injuries is a broken back, a shoulder the requires 

completely replacing and a reattached hand, an incident that 

traumatised for life an unsuspecting WWOOF’er (World Wide 

Opportunities on Organic Farms). 

“I was showing Sarah, our new WWOOFER how to use a carving axe 

and misjudged my strike. A momentary lapse in concentration. I cut 

my hand in half so it was attached by not very much at all. Lisa wasn’t 

answering her phone and when I realised this girl couldn’t drive, I 

uttered something like: ‘Great – I’m just two miles from a hospital but 

I’m going to bleed out in the woods!’ Fortunately I was rescued by 

Lisa who came running down to the woods, but poor Sarah fled that 

night while I was still in hospital and left a note saying she couldn’t 

cope!” 

The story doesn’t end there though… Following an operation 

to reattach everything, Charles snapped a tendon while doing his 

physio, underwent another operation in which the anaesthetic wore 

off and had an allergic reaction to the penicillin. Then drugged up on 

steroids and heavy duty painkillers it was his and Lisa’s wedding the 

next morning. “The only memories I have of that day are from the 

photographs!” 

Charles still has the axe, safely in its leather sheath in a cupboard. 

“It has my DNA on it and I am keeping it there so that one day I may 

be able to create a clone and hand everything over to my younger, 

more energetic self!” 

DETAILS 

Forest Garden Shovelstrode, Shovelstrode Lane 

East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3PH 

www.forestgarden.info 


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enquiries@bondfabrications.co.uk 01453 767171 www.bondfabrications.co.uk


CASE STUDY 

The Dell of Abernethy 

Events, workshops and holidays in a multi-functional tipi 

space right on the edge of a Cairngorm forest 

We talk to owner Polly 

Cameron about the 

importance of looking after 

your team and providing a 

“relaxed, natural, authentic 

experience”. 

When did you start your venue 

business and what is its history? 

My husband Ross and I came to 

the Dell 11 years ago and took over 

from my Uncle John. The Dell had 

been bought and restored by my 

grandparents in the 1960s. They 

converted the building into separate 

cottages and started one of the 

first self-catering businesses in the 

Cairngorms. 

Tell us about your location 

and site 

The Dell sits on four acres right on 

the edge of the Abernethy Forest, 

a mile from the centre of Nethy 

Bridge. We have endless woodland 

trails on the doorstep and a thriving, 

friendly community around us. 

“THE SITE IS 

SURROUNDED 

BY DECIDU- 

OUS TREES AS 

OLD AS THE 

HOUSE AS 

THEY WERE 

PLANTED BY 

THE HEAD 

FORESTER 

FOR WHOM 

THE DELL 

WAS BUILT” 

The site is surrounded by 

deciduous trees as old as the house 

as they were planted by the head 

forester for whom the Dell was built. 

The gardens are wild and abundant 

with flowers, fruit trees and our 

organic vegetable garden with hens. 

On the edge as we move towards 

the forest we have an area of tall 

granny pines which is our more 

public event space. 

What facilities for outdoor 

functions do you offer? 

In our event space we have our own 

Tentipi Stratus structure which sits 

permanently on a larch deck and 

is winterised with oak doors and 

a heating system along with the 

trademark central open fireplace. 



In the summer we pop up the sides 

and open it to the woodland where 

we swing hammocks in the trees 

and gather around our huge stone 

firepit. 

We can accommodate up to 

30 guests on site which lends 

itself perfectly to small woodland 

weddings, wellness retreats and 

workshops and we also open the 

space to the public for pizza nights 

and music events. 

What services do you offer? 

We have recently brought together 

a fantastic new team here at the 

Dell, all hospitality focussed and 

very passionate about their field. 

Between us we can look after 

the planning process, hosting 

throughout and catering. We are 

well connected with all of the 

creative industries and work closely 

with some fantastic local suppliers 

to produce small scale events that fit 

well with the relaxed vibe of the Dell. 

only host a handful of weddings 

each year as we really want to 

focus on each of them individually 

rather than churning one out each 

weekend. 

The same goes for our retreat 

market, each one has slightly 

different requisites and hopes for 

the time attendees are with us and 

we like to allow space between 

them so as not to compromise the 

planning process. 

How do you publicise yourself? 

We have an active and engaged 

social media presence along with 

some strategic accommodation 

placements, namely Kip Hideaways, 

I-escape and Airbnb, but the 

majority of interest does come 

directly through our own website. 

For our wedding content we work 

with The Wedding Collective and 

have a really supportive network 

Describe how you researched and 

sourced your structures 

For years we hired the Tentipi 

structures, generally as part of a 

configuration of three for when we 

hosted the larger scale weddings. 

They provide a beautiful internal 

space within a very structurally 

sound piece of kit so when the hire 

company was selling off old rental 

stock we jumped at the opportunity. 

How do you work with your 

customers to make their event 

unique? 

Dawn has recently joined our team 

as events manager and is very 

passionate about making each 

event have its own stamp. We


of suppliers who each shout about 

each other. 

How would you describe your 

style or unique selling point? 

I think our location is incredibly 

special and has largely influenced 

how we put everything else 

together. I think folk come to us 

looking for a relaxed, natural, 

authentic experience which is 

close to nature and produced in a 

way that’s totally in tune with the 

individual. 

What challenges have you faced 

historically? 

Cash flow has always been the 

biggest challenge here as we are 

constantly in a development phase 

of some kind; it’s very easy to tip the 

balance. We have always had to cut 

the cloth as we have it and at times 

be patient, which we can find really 

difficult! 

How did you manage through the 

pandemic? 

As with everyone in the industry 

this has been an incredibly difficult 

time to navigate, particularly as 

the events side of our business 

now forms such a large part of the 

“NEXT YEAR 

WE WANT TO 

CREATE A BIT 

MORE SPACE 

TO ALLOW 

US TO HOST 

OUR OWN 

EVENTS – 

SUPPER 

CLUBS, GIGS, 

A CRAFT 

MARKET AND 

LOTS OF 

MUSIC” 

equation. We very much scraped 

through, literally with our money 

running out right as we were able to 

take more deposits. 

We had very little financial 

support as we were deemed to 

be one self-catering unit at one 

address. But the ‘roaring 20s’ came 

after the last great plague so it does 

really feel like the level of enjoyment 

and pleasure from gathering in any 

form is so much higher and more 

valued than before, so we are just 

looking forwards. 

How large is your team – any 

special people you’d like to 

mention? 

We are a team of six. Myself and 

husband Ross look after the 

management and development of 

the business, and in November 2021 

we took on a completely new team 

which has been a very energising 

process. 

We have a series of heads of 

departments now after many 

configurations, and this seems 

to be the best way forward. Each 

individual has ownership of their 

role and we are at the final stages 

of just letting them run with it. We 

have Dawn Fraser, our resident 

events manager, Tom Kaye, resident 

caretaker, chef Lindsay Douglas and 

head of housekeeping/aesthetics/ 

gardens, Lucka Poyner. 

As with all small teams, we come 

together on big housekeeping days 

or cottage renovations. We share 

meals together and regularly engage 

in ‘inspire me’ days. A big focus for 

us has been team mental health 

and development so we really strive 

to get this right for all members 

individually. We have recently 

connected up with Kelly’s Cause 

which is a mental health first aid 

trainer and we’re hosting a session 

with them along with a number of 

local independent businesses later 

in the year. 

Have you worked with any 

industry bodies or consultants? 

We engaged with a financial 

consultant pre-pandemic and it was 

massively useful to hear an outside 

perspective on our place. We will 

continue with this and have also 

sourced some personal mentors 

who are working within the industry 

which we find hugely inspirational. 



and it morphs easily from one 

thing to another now with great 

ease. It can be a retreat space for 

yoga or meditation and then a 

beautiful space for a family dinner 

gathering. It can host a small 

intimate gig of 100 or a day time 

social with pizzas flying out from 

the bar. It has also been used for 

many community focussed events 

such as our kids Wild Club and 

small team building groups. 

What are you most proud of? 

I think we feel most proud when 

we see our guests having a very 

real moment of enjoyment in their 

surroundings, whether they tell 

us or, for example, on a retreat 

when there is a shift and people 

leave with their shoulders a bit 

lower. We feel proud that we have 

created the environment for them 

to relax. 

What are your plans for next 

season? 

We have mapped out the events 

for next year and have purposefully 

reduced the number of retreats and 

weddings and placed them carefully 

within the year. This season feels 

a little over stretched as we realise 

that we have just said yes to 

everything during lockdown in the 

attempt to get back on our feet. 

Next year we want to create a bit 

more space to allow us to host our 

own events – supper clubs, gigs, a 

craft market and lots of music. We 

are also hoping to develop our onsite 

grocer which was set up through 

Covid times but now forms a really 

important part of the business. We 

make meals on site from our own 

produce and local ingredients for 

guests to pre-order to have in their 

accommodation on arrival, together 

with carefully matched wines, some 

local organic beer and other holiday 

treats. 

We are hoping to build a physical 

premises for this where we’ll have a 

coffee machine for morning coffee 

and hot cinnamon buns along with 

gifts to accelerate the shift into 

holiday mode; books, kites, bows 

and arrows, drawing books, bath 

salts and candles. 

“AS WITH ALL 

SMALL TEAMS, 

WE COME 

TOGETHER ON 

BIG HOUSE- 

KEEPING DAYS 

OR COTTAGE 

RENOVA- 

TIONS. WE 

SHARE 

MEALS 

TOGETHER 

AND REGU- 

LARLY ENGAGE 

IN ‘INSPIRE 

ME’ DAYS” 

Describe your average day 

mid-season 

There is no average day! Each day 

can be completely different, from 

huge changeover days where we 

all muck in, to setting up the tipi 

for a firelit public yoga class, to 

tending the garden, cooking up 

a storm or hosting a gig… and 

everything in between! 

We have two little boys so our 

priorities always begin from there. 

What do you enjoy about the 

business? 

I love the variety and opportunity 

surrounding us. We have an 

incredible local community on 

the doorstep and are constantly 

being approached to host really 

interesting events. Last week 

we had Charlie Gladstone host a 

workshop on ‘gentle leadership’ 

based on his incredible book Do 

Team (a must read). We had 30 

local hospitality businesses who 

we work closely with throughout 

the year in the tipi and it was 

buzzing! 

What other outdoor hospitality 

sectors do you operate in? 

The tipi has provided us with 

a real multi-functional space 

What advice could you give 

to someone coming into the 

industry? 

If you create a space that can 

be easily multi-functional, then 

dip your toe into lots of different 

events and see what feels good. 

We’re now at the point where we 

know what is a good fit for us but 

it’s taken some time. Variety is the 

spice of life! 

ADDRESS BOOK 

TIPI 

Tentipi www.tentipi.com 

LIGHTING 

Limelights www.limelights.co.uk 

DIRECTORIES 

I-escape www.i-escape.com 

Kip Hideaways 

www.kiphideaways.com 

Wedding Collective 

www.theweddingcollective.co.uk 

CONSULTANCY 

Bright Chilli www.brightchilli.com 

INSURANCE 

Allianz www.allianz.com 

DETAILS 

The Dell of Abernethy 

Dell Road 

Nethy Bridge 

Inverness-shire PH25 3DL 

01479 821643 

www.thedellofabernethy.co.uk 



OFTEN WHEN we think of 

weddings we imagine large, formal 

celebrations with extended family 

and friends gathering to witness 

the union of their loved ones and a 

fabulous party afterwards. However 

for some couples the thought of 

this can be overwhelming or might 

just not feel right. 

To alleviate stress and avoid 

their wedding becoming a 

drama, couples are increasingly 

considering the option of 

elopement. Elopement can bring 

connotations of young couples 

running away for a shotgun 

wedding at the local registry 

office, Elvis officiating a rock ‘n’ 

roll style nuptial event in Las Vegas 

or an ‘Anvil Wedding’ at Gretna 

Green. But times and weddings 

have changed and couples are 

becoming ever more mindful of 

their own wellbeing and personal 

preferences. 

Couples are investing more 

time and thought into planning a 

meaningful wedding day that is 

intimate, romantic, sustainable 

and authentic to them rather 

than a wedding simply based on 

tradition or their family and friends’ 

expectations. 

Elopement 

Weddings 

Opportunities for venues to cater for small but 

beautiful wedding celebrations 

GETTY IMAGES 

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL 

This trend for more intimate and 

personal weddings has created 

some amazing opportunities for 

venues with smaller spaces to offer 

elopement packages. Couples 

looking to elope are looking 

for something extraordinary; a 

romantic, meaningful location that 

offers privacy and intimacy. 

Elopement doesn’t have to mean 

cheap. This is still a very special 

day and couples are willing to 

invest to make their wedding day 

memorable. They are looking for 

attention to detail and want to be 

delighted for the whole day. Venues 

that can offer something unique 

and extraordinary are particularly 

attractive to eloping couples. An 

unusual space or a surprising 

place which evokes romance and 

adventure. 

PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT 

There is still plenty to think about 

when planning an elopement. Most 

of the usual elements still apply 

– what to wear, rings to buy, food 

to eat, drinks to toast, a ceremony 

and a venue. All that has changed 



is that the couples will be choosing 

for themselves rather than thinking 

of looking after their guests. Couples 

planning to elope will often still 

have significant budgets. This is 

an important day and they want it 

to be memorable. What they save 

on catering for a large crowd they 

may choose to spend on making 

their elopement an extra special 

experience just for them. 

For seasoned wedding planners, 

elopements delight us. Keeping 

a small group of guests very 

happy is far easier than managing 

the experience of a large group. 

You become more of a personal 

butler rather than a maître d’. 

Your attention will be absolutely 

focused on the couple’s needs 

without the distraction of their 

family and friends. Time becomes 

less pressured. Less guests means 

more time for degustation, time for 

a memorable experience, time for 

the photographer to capture those 

intimate moments, time with each 

other. Small weddings also mean 

no unruly partygoers at the end of 

the evening reluctant to go home to 

their beds. 

ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS 

Elopements may mean travel 

further afield. Couples will likely 

be looking for destination venues 

that can offer escapism away from 

their everyday lives, where they 

can extend their wedding into a 

minimoon. Intimate venues that 

can offer accommodation for an 

extended stay in a destination which 

offers other nearby attractions 

are popular with eloping couples. 

This also creates an opportunity 

for repeat business for venues as 

couples are more likely to revisit 

their elopement destination on 

their anniversary to remember their 

wedding day. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR VENUES 

I have spoken to venue owners who 

view elopements as less financially 

rewarding. Of course they do 

need a different pricing strategy 

to larger weddings however there 

are still financial opportunities for 

venues that can attract elopement 

weddings. 

Elopements are more likely 

to happen on weekdays and 

in low season, which are often 

times harder to sell for larger 

weddings. They are also likely to 

GETTY IMAGES 

have shorter lead times. With less 

financial pressure, less guests to 

accommodate and less to plan, 

couples can be more spontaneous. 

With less time to plan, couples 

may be looking for exciting venue 

elopement packages that offer all 

the essential elements needed for 

their wedding but perhaps with 

the flexibility to add a few of their 

own personal touches. An outdoor 

wedding ceremony followed by a 

fine dining experience in a dramatic 

setting. A photographer on hand to 

capture all those intimate moments, 

a stunning bouquet and buttonhole 

to complement the couple’s outfits, 

flowers for the dining table, live 

music for the first dance and a cake 

to cut. Work with hand-picked 

suppliers who you know and trust 

to pull out all the stops to make the 

experience extra special. 

Upsell additional adventurous 

experiences that add value to the 

elopement and revenue for you. 

A morning surf, a mountain walk, 

a river swim or a moorland horse 

ride. Animal lovers love a furry or 

feathery encounter. Foodies might 

like to watch their banquet being 

prepared by a top-class chef. Drink 

connoisseurs might enjoy a cocktail 

masterclass. On-site or nearby 

overnight accommodation for the 

happy couple is also ideal. Think a 

well-appointed honeymoon suite 

with breakfast in bed, an exceptional 

“UPSELL ADDITIONAL ADVENTUROUS 

EXPERIENCES THAT ADD VALUE TO THE 

ELOPEMENT AND REVENUE FOR YOU. A 

MORNING SURF, A MOUNTAIN WALK, A 

RIVER SWIM OR A MOORLAND 

HORSE RIDE” 

glamping experience or luxury 

transport to a local boutique hotel. 

SUSTAINABLE ELOPEMENTS 

Of course smaller means greener 

too. Less consumption of food, 

energy and materials makes for 

a much more affordable and 

sustainable wedding and something 

which educated couples are 

becoming increasingly mindful 

of when planning. Elopement 

weddings are therefore definitely 

something to be considered by all 

venue owners when planning their 

future business strategy. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Charlotte Winship has over 20 years’ experience 

transforming good wedding and events venues 

into great ones. She is an expert in helping 

venues reach their ideal customers, maximise 

sales opportunities, increase profitability, 

establish effective teams and streamline 

venue operations. 07493 350303 / charlotte@ 

charlottewinship.com / www.charlottewinship.com 


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20 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM 

ADVERT-EVENT-STRUCTURES.indd 1 27/01/2022 12:07:22


INDUSTRY COMMENT 

Business Events 

Curating 

Creativity 

Andrew White on how changing workplace culture is evolving the traditional event model 

THE WHO, what and whys of business 

events has changed and there’s little point 

in holding on to the tried and tested event 

formulas of ‘day delegate’ or ‘24-hour 

rates’. Corporates are still struggling to 

get their people back to the workplace as 

hybrid working continues and the notion 

that employees are TWaTs (Tuesdays, 

Wednesdays and Thursdays) has a whole 

new connotation. 

We are dealing with new workplace 

cultures and there are significant 

ramifications on the traditional event model: 

• The workplace is no longer recognised as 

the place where tasks and actions have 

to take place, instead the workplace is 

the hub for interaction and creativity and 

brings company cultures to life 

• Digitisation of the workplace has proved 

that some parts of the job, and some 

types of events, are just as adequately 

accomplished in a digital format 

• The pressure of working from home also 

brought employee wellbeing to the fore 

and has led to a new set of considerations 

for event planners. 

The tradition of a full day conference 

packed with speakers and content is 

diminishing as corporates look for ways to 

bring their teams together, to re-engage, to 

communicate and to prove their worth as an 

employer. As Kate Morgan’s piece points out 

‘every minute of our time is precious. If our 

bosses want it, they’ve got to use it wisely’. 

Events are being curated in an entirely 

new format away from the traditional 

confines of four walls. We are quite literally 

stepping outside, drawing air, and using 

the outdoors for inspiration because it is 

good for our mental health. Steven Bartlett, 

super nova of social media and the youngest 

Dragon on Dragons’ Den, is one of the 

headliners at Ideas Fest, a celebration of 

business disruptors, creatives and change 

makers in a field in rural Hampshire. It 

is two days of conversations, ideas and 

engagement with likeminded people which 

“THE PANDEMIC PUT AN END TO REQUIRED BIRTHDAY 

CUPCAKES, TEAM HAPPY HOURS AND FORCED ‘FUN’ 

ACTIVITIES. MANY WORKERS ARE DEEPLY RELIEVED”. 

KATE MORGAN, BBC WORKLIFE. 

could easily have been activated in a drab 

purpose-built event venue with the only 

draw being a trip on the new Elizabeth Line. 

Hotel and venue group Exclusive 

Collection is again leading the charge 

and have acknowledged changing event 

formats along with the need to consider 

their guests’ and delegates’ wellbeing. They 

understand that it’s all about the experience 

and bringing about an atmosphere that 

encourages engagement (and using time 

preciously). They have just launched a 

series of experiences to heighten delegates’ 

learning and bolster personal wellbeing. 

We all remember scenarios and situations 

for positive reasons, we rarely choose to 

remember dull walls and being talked at for 

hours! Time is precious – use it wisely. And 

in doing so see how engaged and enthused 

your delegates become; you never know you 

may even encourage them away from being 

TWaTs. 


Andrew White is 

MD of Triggerfish 

Communications, a 

specialist in helping heritage 

venues and leisure attractions 

build awareness and market share 

in the business of events. 

www.triggerfish.co.uk 



Family 

Friendly 

Events 

Stephanie Wallis asks if your venue is 

missing a trick or two when it comes 

to child guests 

NOW THAT the world of hospitality has 

opened up there is an increased focus on 

family-friendly events. Whether it be a 

wedding, corporate away day, conference, 

training day or big party, events are 

more often than not a family affair. The 

importance and value of time with the 

family, be that the immediate or extended, 

is most definitely here to stay, and post 

pandemic, venues should be reassessing 

and updating their offering to families. 

Here is a list of five things every outdoor 

(and indoor) venue should consider when it 

comes to being family friendly. Sometimes 

it’s the simplest of things that can often 

have the most impact, and to be a 

serious contender in the event 

market, you need to be allinclusive. 

1 

SOMETHING 

FOR EVERYONE 

Families come in 

all shapes and sizes, 

so make sure you have 

every age bracket covered, 

and we don’t just mean the 

children – adults are big kids too! 

Ensure there are activities for everyone 

with some for all the family together 

and some individual activities and 

spaces. 

Shared experiences create memories. 

Are your clients local, national, 

international or all three? This will have 

an impact when creating a calendar of 

public facing events (such as a seasonal 

experience) for your venue or for 

specific private events. 

2 

TAILOR-MADE ACTIVITIES 

If you’re hosting a relatively small event or just one or two families, 

a unique approach is to create something specifically for them. We 

often tailor activities to suit families based on their loves, likes or hobbies. 

When considering this option, it needs to be bespoke to each family and/ 

or family member attending, and don’t forget to consider the dynamics of 

that specific family. Really get to know your individual clients. 

Gone are the days when children can be ‘lumped’ together as one unit. 

There is an obvious difference between a baby of six months and a five 

year old, and neither does a 14 year old wish to participate in the same 

activities as an eight year old. So, within an experience created for the 

family, the specific requirements of each individual should be assessed 

and considered. 

3 

ADULTS NOT ALLOWED 

Time for the grown-ups to disappear so the younger ones can have 

some fun… When a venue has a host of supervised adventures 

and activities up its sleeve to keep children entertained (all planned and 

executed with meticulous expertise) then the adults get to enjoy their 

own leisure time. 

As parents we often feel guilty about time spent apart from our families 

so create a setting where families can be together but can also spend time 

individually. 

4 

THEMED ACTIVITIES 

Obviously there are the many seasonal 

activities which can be created for all 

year round fun. Make these bespoke to your 

venue using your grounds and the particular 

spaces available. When planning public-facing 

events, ensure that the offering is not the 

same every year, to encourage families to 

return. Look at all of the academic holiday 

dates and any other specific national and 

international dates in the calendar and plan 

for the year while allowing for change as you 

move through the seasons. The pandemic has 

definitely illustrated how we all need to have 

flexibility in our programmes! 

5 

JOIN THE CLUB 

If you open your venue 

throughout the year for nonexclusive 

events, consider setting up 

a private members’ club. As family 

members grow and mature, their 

membership can change to reflect 

this through the years and eventually 

the generations. This would ensure a 

retention of members. Again, are your 

clients local, national or international? 

Consider if you should you have a 

particular membership for each and 

how this will affect what is offered. 



Family-friendly Spaces 

You can’t beat the great outdoors, and most 

children love being outside. Not only does it 

benefit their physical health and emotional 

wellbeing but it can develop the family 

dynamic. Some children like to be super active 

while others not but this doesn’t mean there 

isn’t an activity for those less physically active 

or able, quite the opposite in fact! 

DENS 

Create some outside rooms better known 

as ‘dens’ – great for teenagers and the less 

physically adventurous – where children 

can ‘hang out’ together, play games, make a 

sandwich, watch a movie, chat or simply curl 

up with a good book and their imagination! 

WHATEVER THE WEATHER 

Create covered or part-covered areas that can 

be used all year round, whatever the weather. 

An open fire or fire pits and cosy blankets may 

be needed in the cooler months, for both day 

and night adventures. 

COOKING UP A STORM 

Cooking outside is a fun family activity and 

can be done all year round. A simple pizza 

oven, BBQ, open fire or a Kelly Kettle are all 

great for outdoor cooking and if produce is 

grown on site it gives children the opportunity 

to learn about, create and eat it! This is one 

up on the food brought home from school in 

a plastic box. It’s equally as much fun if you 

go for the classic outdoor cooking activity – 

toasting marshmallows, a must do activity for 

everyone! 

Get the experts in to assist and guide with 

each stage, from the garden to the kitchen to 

choosing the crockery, arranging the seating 

plan, designing the menus to the hosting. 

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS 

If you have wooded areas in your outdoor 

space you could create permanent structures 

such as dens and treehouses – who doesn’t 

love a treehouse? Alternatively offer den 

adventure kits, let families build their own and 

watch imaginations run wild! 

FARM EXPERIENCE 

If you have animals, look at ways of involving 

children through interactive, educational fun 

activities. Create something which is bespoke 

to that family and offers a completely different 

experience to one they could enjoy elsewhere. 

Involve an expert in this field to make this 

experience truly interactive. 

UNDER THE STARS 

Chaperoned ‘sleepovers’ under the stars 

are always a winner – think about hiring a 

professional childcare team to provide the 

care and create the adventure. Campfires 

followed by midnight feasts and for 

older children make it more 

adventurous and test their 

skills with a whole raft of 

wonderful experiences. 

We love an outdoor children’s cinema with 

a mock-tail bar and homemade burgers, hot 

dogs or popcorn. Another firm favourite is 

stories around a bonfire with snacks and 

actors to bring the adventure to life. You can’t 

beat a silent disco too – boogieing the night 

away under the stars is great fun for all the 

family. 

ON THE BEACH 

You don’t need to go to the seaside to 

experience some beach fun; create a 

manmade beach with sand and provide 

buckets, spades, deckchairs, parasols, an icecream 

van and picnic hampers. The only thing 

you can’t control is the sunshine, but there is 

no reason you can’t move the beach indoors if 

the weather isn’t great. If you have water then 

this is another whole area for fun and games. 

TREASURE HUNT 

Bespoke, super interactive treasure hunts, 

where families follow a series of cryptic clues 

to find an item, or a fun scavenger hunt where 

they are tasked to find a range of objects, offer 

huge scope. They can be created for individual 

families or age ranges and written specifically 

for your venue and time of the year. 

Keeping children 

safe and sound 

If children are attending an event 

at your outdoor (or indoor) venue 

you need to ensure their safety. 

Unfortunately accidents can happen 

and keeping them safe and sound 

will take some careful and proper 

planning. 

Here are just few considerations to 

keep your younger guests safe: 

• Doors and gates – ensure hinges 

are covered and check the height 

of door handles (avoid head height 

to ensure the safety of little ones) 

• Tables – check the levels and be 

aware of corners. If children are 

running around they can very 

easily hurt themselves on sharp 

edges, especially if they are at their 

height 

• Floor surfaces – check the 

positioning of rugs and any 

slippery polished wooden flooring 

• Highchairs – ensure they are 

suitable for younger children. 

Booster seats work well as they 

allow the child to be seated the 

same way as an adult. Long-legged 

chairs are also an alternative for 

older children that have outgrown 

a high chair so they reach the table 

comfortably and feel part of the 

meal. 

• Are you providing the most 

appropriate cutlery and crockery 

for the different age groups and is 

it of the standard you are providing 

for the adults? 

• Make sure you have qualified 

professionals on site when offering 

certain activities – and not just 

the obvious ones such as archery, 

axe throwing, abseiling or rock 

climbing! Knowledge from being a 

parent is not enough 

• Have correct procedures in place 

in case of a problem or accident 

• Ensure adequate supervision for 

everything you are providing to 

ensure a high level of service. Keep 

adult to child ratios well above the 

legal minimum. 


Stephanie Wallis is the founder and director of Safe & Sound Events, an event 

childcare company. She and her team not only consult with venues to enable 

them to offer a higher standard of service but remove logistical issues when 

inviting children to events. This bespoke service takes away stress for both clients 

and venues to create truly wonderful experiences. 

For more information on event childcare and Safe & Sound Events, contact Stephanie 

at stephanie@safeandsoundevents.com / www.safeandsoundevents.com 


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MEET THE SUPPLIER 

Get to Know… 

Time to make some professional friendships – get to know the people behind the products! 

Charlotte Winship 

Eddy Brown 

Director, Savage BBQ 

0115 8990323 

ed@savagebbq.co.uk, 

www.savagebbq.co.uk 

What does your Company do? 

Manufacture and supply of bespoke 

BBQ products to hospitality and homes. 

What makes your company's service 

special? 

We offer a made to order, bespoke 

service. Passionate, family run business, 

living the BBQ life. 

Describe yourself in 10 words 

Family man, whose passion is being 

outdoors with family, friends, BBQ and 

beer. 

How would your co-workers describe 

you? 

Better ask them! Hopefully fair and likes 

to get stuck in. 

Craziest thing you have done 

Starting a new business in the middle of 

a pandemic! Oh, and I’ve jumped out of 

an aeroplane. 

We're in a bar – what do you order? 

A hoppy IPA. 

Favourite animal and why? 

Dogs. Herbie our vizsla/pointer cross is 

my best mate. 

Favourite current telly / film? 

Favourite film ever is True Romance. 

Gary Oldman is a genius. Can I say 

rugby highlights for favourite telly? 

Director, Charlotte Winship 

Consulting 

charlotte@charlottewinship.com 

www.charlottewinship.com 

What does your company do? 

Venue business consultancy services 

offering expert advice, guidance and 

solutions. 

What makes your company’s services 

special? 

My 20+ year career as a venue and 

events manager for some of the most 

extraordinary places on some incredible 

events has given me a unique insight. 


Ambitious, determined, enthusiastic, 

open minded control freak with a plan. 


you? 

Set her a challenge and she will deliver 

with integrity. 


Pursued a career in events! Probably 

jumping out of an aeroplane in Australia 

(with a parachute)! 

We’re in a bar – what do you order? 

Gin and tonic, plain and simple with ice 

and a slice in a straight glass. 


Horses. The most honest and 

emotionally intelligent beings. Taught 

me an early life lesson on working as a 

team and building great relationships. 

Favourite TV show? 

Derry Girls for my laughter injection, 

Better Call Saul & Start Up for giving me 

a hit of adrenaline filled suspense. 

Warwick Royden 

Director, Skylight 

Cinemas 

01872 303737, 

info@skylightcinema.co.uk, 

www.skylightcinema.co.uk 

What does your Company do? 

Hire of outdoor cinema equipment. 


special? 

Our customer service and level of 

expertise. 


Hard working, customer- led, 

passionate about what we do. 

How would your co-workers 

describe you? 

Non-stop working, fair. 

Craziest thing you have done? 

Bought a business off a bloke in a bar! 


Gin and tonic. 


Dogs because they usually have better 

manners than people. 


Lincoln Lawyer. 


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PRODUCT IN FOCUS 

Marquees & 

Structures 

Wilde Lodge, Powys 

Product: Bespoke large safari-style canvas 

marquee 

Supplier: Bond Fabrications, 01453 

767171, enquiries@bondfabrications.co.uk, 

www.bondfabrications.co.uk 

Details: Wilde Lodge is a magical location 

perched above a river in Powys and 

centred around a beautifully 

restored 19th-century lodge. 

Along with accommodation 

in the lodge itself, the 

sprawling rural site 

offers a range of unique 

and magical areas for 

entertaining and dining, 

and is an idyllic location 

for exclusive weddings or 

intimate gatherings. 

Wilde Lodge owners, Jemma 

and Kevin Willis, approached Bond to talk 

about adding a structure that would give 

them a unique space for guests at their 

stunning venue – a big white marquee 

would not work! The structure needed 

to fit into a quirky space between old 

characterful barns and blend into the 

charming surroundings. 

Bond created CAD visualisations to help 

Jemma and Kevin see how the structure 

would fit in the space. The solution was 

a bespoke safari style structure with 

traditional features yet with the structural 

integrity of a permanent installation. 

Natural wood poles and panoramic 

windows in olive green canvas gives 

it a subtle, welcoming façade that sits 

pleasantly alongside the barns. 

Bond loves a challenge and has over 30 

years’ experience, technical know-how 

and a skilled team. With CAD capabilities 

it offers a full design and manufacture 

service using robust frames and 

the quality fabrics. As a true 

British manufacturer, it 

prides itself on the quality 

of its structures, attention 

to detail and a personal 

service with ongoing 

support. 

Customer feedback: 

Jemma and Kevin said: 

“We contacted Bond and were 

immediately impressed with their 

customer service. They came out to visit 

our site and listened to our business and 

ideas. We worked with them to create a 

stunning tent that is now nestled between 

the old barn walls. We host various events 

at the lodge from small family gatherings 

to large scale weddings and every time 

someone walks into the tent, their reaction 

is always the same, ‘this is magical’. The 

tent is the best asset to grow and develop 

as a business. We are absolutely thrilled 

with it!” 

Sunnybrae Estate, 

Adelaide, Australia 

Product: Röder HTS Premium Large 

Marquee 20m x 30m with a curved roof 

Supplier: HTS TENTIQ, 01276 462600, 

salesUK@hts-tentiq.com, 

www.hts-tentiq.com 

Details: HTS TENTIQ was approached 

by the Sunnybrae Estate, just outside 

of Adelaide, Australia. The venue had 

previously hired numerous marquees 

for its attractive garden estate and 

decided to invest in one of its own. 

Sunnybrae opted for a Röder HTS 

Premium Large Marquee with fixed 

glass walling which gives the structure 

an elegant appearance. The client 

purchased both white opaque and 

transparent roof covers in order to 

maintain a comfortable temperature, 

even during the hot summer months. 

Transparent roof covers also showcase 

the striking white powder-coated 

frame. 

The 20m x 30m marquee was 

installed on a large, paved area and 

features a white curved roof with 

herringbone flooring and comfortably 

accommodates up to 480 guests. It 

stands proud amongst the other more 

traditional buildings on the estate 

and provides the perfect setting for 

weddings and events. 



Stanbrook Abbey, 

Worcestershire 

Product: Marquee acoustic linings and 

zone array highly directional speaker 

system 

Supplier: Direct Acoustic 

Solutions, 01403 820846, info@ 

directacousticsolutions.com, 

www.directacousticsolutions.com 

Details: Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is a 

former Grade II listed monastery, and 

retains many of its original features 

making it a charming setting for a 

wedding. It hosts over 100 events every 

year and its management was keen 

to install a permanent marquee in the 

grounds to cater for larger receptions. 

This was Direct Acoustic’s second 

installation for the Handpicked Hotel 

Group. The abbey’s closest neighbours 

are just 91 metres away, and to obtain 

planning permission for the marquee, a 

noise impact and feasibility assessment 

had to be submitted to the council. 

To achieve planning permission, Direct 

Acoustic’s engineers initially obtained 

underlying background levels without an 

event in operation (the lowest measured 

at Stanbrook was 25.2dB LA90). From 

there the team ascertained the level of 

acoustic mitigation required by running 

a set of propagation over distance 

calculations with music operating at 

viable volume levels. 

Direct Acoustic always starts its 

acoustic modelling at 95dB which it 

considers to be the magic number for 

a marquee wedding venue to satisfy its 

clients. Below this level, the dance floor 

starts to lack the punch needed to get 

guests up and dancing! 

“DIRECT ACOUSTIC 

ALWAYS STARTS ITS 

ACOUSTIC MODELLING AT 

95DB WHICH IT CONSIDERS 

TO BE THE MAGIC NUMBER 

FOR A MARQUEE WEDDING 

VENUE TO SATISFY ITS 

CLIENTS.” 

At this operational level through a 

standard point source speaker system it 

was predicted that the correlating level 

at the nearest receptor would be 55dBA. 

Considerably higher than the 25dB LA90 

background level the team needed to hit. 

Using real world propagation over 

distance data gathered with a zone array 

highly directional speaker system, the 

music noise level was reduced to 41dB, 

a significant improvement but still 16dB 

above the required 25dB target level. 

Fortunately Direct Acoustic’s MAL16 

acoustic lining in conjunction with the 

zone array provided suitable attenuation 

upon the overall level and across the 

frequency spectrum to ensure the 25dB 

background level was not exceeded 

when events were taking place. 

Planning permission was successfully 

granted with no appeals. The marquee 

has been operational for over three years 

now, all without complaint. 

Customer feedback: Jonathan West, 

regional property and maintenance 

manager, said: “We have worked with 

Direct Acoustic on several projects; they 

have always been very supportive and 

professional with every aspect of our 

requirements. They have always supplied 

us with a superior product that works!” 



Fairway Inn, South Yorkshire 

Product: 9m x 9m Fusion modular marquee 

Supplier: Gala Tent, 01709 242454, 

info@galatent.co.uk, www.galatent.co.uk 

Details: Fairway Inn is a multipurpose venue 

which is as at home catering for everyday patrons 

in the bar and restaurant, as it is providing 

a venue for wedding breakfasts, corporate 

functions, live music, entertainment, and 

children's soft play. With an on-site hotel, it really 

is a venue that ticks all the boxes. 

During the slow transition from full nationwide 

lockdown to outdoor catering only, there was a 

national shortage of marquees, party tents and 

pop-up gazebos. The owners of Fairway Inn hotel, 

restaurant and pub were at a loss as to how they 

were going to cover their paying customers in 

adverse weather. Gala Tent was able to not only 

source the components for, but also get a team 

together to erect a 9m x 9m modular marquee 

on site, which enabled the business owners to 

continue trading and protecting their revenues 

during uncertain times. 

Customer feedback: Owner Christian England 

said: “Gala Tent couldn't do enough to help us 

in tricky times. There was a massive shortage of 

outdoor structures, especially of good quality 

ones, which we didn't see coming. They were 

able to supply a super strong modular marquee 

with PVC covers, and also erected it on site for us, 

which was a massive help. Honestly, for outdoor 

hospitality and events, I can't recommend Gala 

Tent enough”. 

PRODUCT SNAPSHOT 

Bell Tents Inspired 

by Nature 

Autentic 

+32 55 50 17 64 

info@autentic.world 

www.autentic.world 

Autentic bell tents are crafted 

in five different sizes – from 7 

to 35 sqm – and are designed 

to help guests reconnect with 

the great outdoors. 

Made of sturdy 100% cotton 

canvas and available in five 

colours inspired by nature, 

they are designed with high 

walls and an enlarged front 

opening for increased comfort, 

views and functionality. 


Quality Glamping 

Cabins and BBQ Huts 

Beautifully Designed Holiday Accommodation 

INTRODUCING THE ECO BOX - Available as a 25m 2 , 35m 2 or 52m 2 structure, 

Smart Eco Living unique one bedroom Eco Box is superbly designed for 

glamping sites, fishing lakes, hotels and other accommodation venues 

requiring added luxury space. 

01430 644 449 / 07572 999 979 / sales@smartecoliving.co.uk 

www.smartecoliving.co.uk 

Finman 

Sleeper Cabin 

For all year round bookings, upgrade your bell tent or 

yurt to a Finman Sleeper cabin. Available in 4m, 5m and 

6m diameters. They are assembled on site so perfect 

for hard to reach locations. 

EN-SUITE AVAILABLE • OFF-GRID OR ECO OPTIONS 

BESPOKE SOLUTIONS • FULLY INSULATED AND HEATING OPTIONS 

01389 887205 info@logspan.com www.logspan.com 


GLAMPSITES 

CASE STUDY 

The Roost Luxury 

Glamping 

Two 

bespoke cabins welcoming couples 

to a rewilded piece of Gloucestershire 

With a quest to increase 

biodiversity on her land, 

Lorraine Robinson counts the 

arrival of frogspawn on her 

previously dilapidated site as 

one of her proudest moments 

in her enterprise’s development 

so far. We talk to Lorraine about 

horseshoe bats, sorting rubbish 

and doing things solo. 

What’s your back story – your life before 

glamping? 

Tourism is in my blood! I opened a holiday 

cottage in 2006 and a camping and caravan 

park in 2007. After a divorce I found myself 

with a 2.5 acre meadow, a wealth of ideas 

and a drive to do something new. 

What made you decide to start offering 

glamping accommodation? 

At the touring park we had become aware 

of a new trend called glamping in 2011 

and set about designing and building our 

own pods. By the time I was ready to start 

my new venture the glamping market 

had grown and evolved in a big way and I 

decided I wanted to create some unique, 

luxurious timber cabins to tap into the 

luxury end of glamping. 

The process was a fairly long one with 

my first planning meeting in September 

2016. I didn’t open to guests until 

December 2019. 

How did you research your business 

before entering it? 

I really enjoyed the research stage – I 

visited other glamping businesses, 

attended trade shows and spoke to some 

very knowledgeable people. 

Tell us about your location and site 

The Roost is a 2.5 acre meadow flanked 

by ancient woodland with direct access 

to many beautiful walks, including 

the Gloucestershire Way, and some 

great tracks for bike riding. I knew the 

site was just perfect for glamping. The 

development of the site had to be handled 

very sensitively due to our being located 

within an SSAC for the rare horseshoe bat. 

Strict controls are in place to control any 

night time light spill from the cabins. 

How did you tackle getting planning? 

Planning permission is usually the most 

difficult and challenging part of any 

glamping development. I first met with 

planners, who were very enthusiastic and 

supportive of my plans, in September 2016 

but, once planning was submitted, it got 

quite difficult to meet all the biodiversity 

and sustainability criteria. 

Because we are near a major European 

maternity roost for horseshoe bats, I had 

to designate half the meadow into a ‘bat 

mitigation area’. This area was where I 

originally planned to put the cabins so 

I had to re-plan the site and bring the 

cabins into a different part of the meadow. 


GLAMPSITES 

How did you finance the project? 

I was incredibly lucky to secure a 

grant from the Rural Development 

Fund. I raised the rest of my 

finance with a business bank loan 

plus all of my personal savings. 

What glamping accommodation 

do you offer? 

I had originally decided to erect 

several safari tents but quickly 

realised that, as a solo female, I 

would really struggle with winter 

storage and ongoing maintenance 

and repairs. 

After visiting the Glamping 

Show I became convinced that 


GLAMPSITES 

“I BECAME A BIT OBSESSED! I USED 

A LOCAL FEMALE CARPENTER TO 

MAKE MUCH OF THE FURNITURE 

USING LOCALLY SOURCED CEDAR AND 

RECLAIMED SCAFFOLD PLANKS” 

timber buildings would best suit 

my circumstances and allow me to 

become an ‘all year’ business. 

What occupancy levels and price 

per night do you achieve? 

The cabins have been very popular 

– we have been enjoying 95% 

occupancy levels. Our prices range 

from £139 up to £200 a night. 

How did you work out your 

brand and how do you publicise 

yourself? 

I really wanted to offer something 

unique, luxurious and designed 

around couples. I have had some 

great, great help with publicity 

from a marketing friend. She 

designed my website and I’ve had 

lots of training on Instagram and 

other social media platforms – it 

helps me to reach my target guests 

really well. 

How would you describe your 

unique selling point? 

Sustainability and biodiversity. 

They are so important – my quest 

to enhance biodiversity on site is 

equally as important to me as the 

glamping business itself. 

How did you choose your 

interior decoration? 

I designed every element of 

the cabins myself. My source 

of inspiration was Pinterest – I 

became a bit obsessed! I used a 

local female carpenter to make 

much of the furniture using locally 

sourced cedar and reclaimed 

scaffold planks. 

What challenges have you faced? 

I faced some limited but very 

strong local objections during the 

planning process and, while the 

district council was supportive, 

• Super hygienic LDPE interior lining for quick handovers. 

• Durable and classic Thermowood 

exterior complements the glamping setting. 

• Choice of Internal or External wood fired heaters. 

• Two sizes available 4 person / 8 person. 

Snowford Hill, Southam CV47 9QE t 01926 504067 

e sales@glamptubs.com www.glamptubs.com 


GLAMPSITES 

the parish council was not. I was 

undertaking the whole process on 

my own and sometimes it seemed 

daunting and quite overwhelming. 

What are your plans for next 

season? 

I am really excited to be building 

a second, larger wildlife pond 

in the bat mitigation area plus I 

will be enhancing our outdoor 

fire pit areas. I’ve gained some 

real inspiration from Pinterest 

again and am looking forward 

to creating some seriously 

‘Instagrammable’ outside cooking 

areas. 

Describe your average day midseason 

I’m usually at my desk first thing in 

the morning sorting out overnight 

emails and bookings. I then drive 

the 10 minutes to site, stopping 

off at local suppliers if guests have 

ordered welcome packs. 

Once on site, I start checking the 

cabins. It’s always a real rush to 

clean fire pits and wood burners, 

replenish the wood and clean the 

windows. Fortunately, I have a 

great cleaning team who do the 

bulk of the actual cleaning of the 

cabins. Once they are cleaned and 

ready for the new guests it’s time 

for grounds maintenance – this is 

a never-ending cycle once spring 

has sprung. 

I then start sorting through 

the rubbish and hand sort all the 

recycling – I’m determined to 

minimise waste going into landfill. 

Then its home again for a quick 

cuppa and back in the office to 

deal with the day’s admin! 

IT FEELS 

AMAZING, 

ESPECIALLY 

WHEN I 

LOOK BACK 

AT WHAT 

WAS HERE 

BEFORE I 

CREATED 

THE ROOST 

– IT WAS 

A FIELD 

FULL OF 

PERENNIAL 

WEEDS AND 

BUILDERS’ 

RUBBISH! 

Do you enjoy the business? 

I absolutely love it! The business 

has done so well and we get such 

great guest reviews. What’s more, 

I’ve won a few industry awards 

since opening and this year have 

been named as The Best Rural 

Tourism Business in the UK. It 

feels amazing, especially when I 

look back at what was here before 

I created The Roost – it was a 

field full of perennial weeds and 

builders’ rubbish! 

What are you most proud of? 

You will think I’m a bit strange but 

it was the first spring after opening 

and the new nature pond was full of 

frogspawn – I was so delighted that 

life was returning to the site in such 

a short space of time. It was such a 

high for me! 

DETAILS 

SOAK TUB 

Essential Bathing 

www.essentialbathing.co.uk 

BOOKINGS 

Glampmanager 

www.glampmanager.com 

BRANDING & PR 

Orchard Marketing Associates 

www.orchardmarketingassociates.co.uk 

INSURANCE 

Friar Best Insurance Services 

www.friarbest.co.uk 

DETAILS 

The Roost Luxury Glamping 

Jubilee Road 

Mitcheldean 

Gloucestershire GL17 0EE 

www.theroostglamping.co.uk 


Covers arranged 

on all types of 

accommodation 

structures, site 

facilities, and loss of 

income in the event 

of an insured 

property damage 

claim. 

HOME OF THE FIRE CAGE 

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savage_bbq 

Savage BBQ 

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0115 8990323 sAvAGEbbq.CO.uk 

START SOMETHING 

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WE CREATE LONG LASTING LUXURY 

GLAMPING PARTNERSHIPS WITH 

LANDOWNERS, FARMERS AND ESTATES 

HELPING THEM TO DIVERSIFY INTO 

MICRO-TOURISM WHICH REGENERATES 

THEIR INVESTMENT IN THEIR LAND 

AS WELL AS SUPPORTING THE LOCAL 

COMMUNITY. 

WE WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS EVERY STEP OF 

THE WAY AND WILL INVEST IN YOUR JOURNEY 

AND PROVIDE YOU WITH THE TOOLS NEEDED 

FOR SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS WHICH MEANS 

THAT OUR PARTNERS: 

— Require lower start-up capital 

— Lower financial risk 

— Access expert advice on planning 

— Require less time to run their sites 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

PARTNERS@FURTHER.SPACE 

WWW.FURTHER.SPACE/PARTNERS

GLAMPSITES 

Start your journey to zero waste with advice from the European 

Commission’s ‘Take a Green Step’ programme 

GETTY IMAGES 

A MILESTONE achievement for any 

environmental plan, moving to zero 

waste will show your guests you not 

only care about the impact of your 

glampsite, but you are also acting 

on it. It will also put you in the lead 

for environmental achievements – a 

great way to stand out from your 

competition. It sounds big and it 

sounds scary, but you can do it in 

baby steps and over time, rather 

than through a big cultural shift in 

your business. 

WHAT IS ZERO WASTE? 

Zero waste is about developing 

strategies and tools to not just 

manage waste, but avoid generating 

waste in the first place as much 

as possible. The most significant 

impact will be achieved by reducing 

the amount you send to landfill, 

with the ultimate goal to have none 

left. But every single step in that 

direction has a positive impact. By 

creating a circular economy around 

resources, rather than a linear one, 

we can all benefit from improved 

environmental outcomes. 

“THE MOST 

SIGNIFICANT 

IMPACT WILL 

BE ACHIEVED 

BY REDUCING 

THE AMOUNT 

YOU SEND TO 

LANDFILL, WITH 

THE ULTIMATE 

GOAL TO HAVE 

NONE LEFT. BUT 

EVERY SINGLE 

STEP IN THAT 

DIRECTION 

HAS A POSITIVE 

IMPACT” 

DEVELOP A WASTE INVENTORY 

The best place to start is to 

develop an inventory of waste 

across all areas of your operation. 

Common areas are housekeeping, 

catering, office, maintenance 

and facilities. Most waste in guest 

accommodation is generated in 

housekeeping and catering. 

A thorough inventory will reveal 

all waste, particularly things you 

may not immediately think of, like 

the packaging on linen deliveries. 

It also makes sense to distinguish 

separately collected waste that 

will enter recycling streams and 

unsorted waste whose final fate 

will be disposal by incineration or 

landfill. 

START SMALL 

Once you have your inventory, 

you can start to look at ways you 

can reduce the amount of waste 

you create. It doesn’t need to be 

all at once – pick an area to begin 

with, like detergent packaging, 

and use your measurements for 

motivation. Your inventory will be 

your starting point for measuring 

changes to your waste – you need 

to know where you started to 

see how far you’ve come. Once 

you start seeing positive change, 

it’s easy to use the motivation 

from your success to build bigger 

successes. 

Accommodation waste 

is usually varied, similar to 

household waste, with organic 

matter, glass, paper and 

cardboard, plastics and metals 

making up the bulk. An efficient 

waste management strategy, 

developed from your inventory, 

can reduce waste by over 50%. 

Imagine… less waste means 

lower waste collection costs and 

a happier environment. Everyone 

wins! Moreover, this new focus on 

measuring your results can lead to 

better choices in purchasing. Pay 

attention to what you throw away 

– maybe you buy too much food 

and it goes off before it is eaten? 

Buying smaller amounts will also 

mean cost savings and will make 

achieving zero waste easier! 


MAINSTREAM INSPIRATION 

More and more hotels in mainstream 

hospitality of all sizes throughout 

Europe are working towards or within 

the goal of zero waste. The Conca 

Park is a 205 room hotel in Sorrento, 

Italy, which proudly advertises its zero 

waste achievement across its website. 

The management undertook a 

number of initiatives to reduce waste 

including replacing all single portion 

and disposable items, introducing 

water dispensers to reduce the use of 

bottled water and replacing a number 

of plastic items with recyclable 

or compostable materials. It has 

achieved over 80% recycled waste. 

At a smaller scale, a 14 room hotel 

and restaurant in the UK, Strattons 

Hotel, recycles or reuses 98% of waste. 

In addition to the environmental and 

social benefits, this saves the business 

more than £1,000 each year in waste 

disposal costs. 

Zero waste can seem like a 

daunting, even impossible task, so 

don’t let it discourage you. To help 

you get started on your journey, 

measuring yourself against others in 

the industry and try to achieve levels 

that the best performers are already 

reaching. The European Commission’s 

Best Environmental Management 

Practice in Tourism report (2013) 

offers a number of ‘benchmarks 

for excellence’ in relation to 

efficient waste management. These 

Benchmarks include: 

› At least 84% of waste, by weight, 

recycled 

› Unsorted waste sent for disposal 

less than 0.16kg per guest per night 

› Total waste (sorted and unsorted) 

less than 0.6kg per guest per night. 

GETTY IMAGES 

Reduce, reuse, 

sort, recycle 

Reducing waste is easiest done by not 

creating it in the first place. Some easy 

strategies include: 

› Look at replacing single serve toiletries 

and food packaging with refillable 

dispensers 

› Monitor stock levels on perishable items 

to prevent over-ordering. 

› Select suppliers who don’t use 

unnecessary packaging, or who provide 

a return service on packaging 

› Replace plastic water bottles with 

refillable glass and tap or filtered water 

› Reuse items within your business or 

forward them on for other uses 

› Use refillable glass bottles for guest 

water. 

Develop a process to sort all waste for 

collection, including paper and cardboard, 

aluminium cans, plastic packaging and 

glass bottles. Find out what other types 

of waste can be recycled in your region. If 

you have a restaurant, cooking oils may 

be recycled for producing biofuel. If food 

waste is not collected separately in your 

area, you can start composting it on site or 

find local partners who are already doing 

this and that may take your food waste 

too. 

MAKING THE CHANGE 

Looking at the end results before you get there can 

make achieving zero waste appear a much bigger 

and more unmanageable process than it needs to 

be. Undertake an inventory, discover where the 

changes can be made, and work from there. You 

don’t need to do it all at once. 

When you have your baseline waste inventory, 

make one easy change, such as replacing bottled 

water in disposable bottles by returnable bottles 

or tap water in reusable bottles. Monitor the 

changes to your waste patterns as they happen. 

Keep your staff informed and engaged with the 

process and the progress of the program. Then 

move to the next change. Perhaps replacing bins 

in accommodation with sorting bins. Then move 

to the next change… 

Before you realise it, you’ll be knocking on the 

door of achieving zero waste and all the benefits 

this brings. 


Take A Green Step is brought to you by 

the European Commission’s directorate 

general for the environment, supported by 

the European Commission’s Joint Research 

Centre. For more advice, best practise 

and case studies, visit www.ec.europa.eu/ 

environment/emas/takeagreenstep 


GLAMPSITES 

TRADE SECRETS 

Hot Water 

GETTY IMAGES 

How to specify a water heating option that works for your site 

WATER HEATERS have evolved dramatically 

in terms of technology, energy efficiency 

and cost, so it can be overwhelming when it 

comes to choosing the right water heater for 

your glampsite or holiday park. So, what are 

the water heating options? 

STORAGE WATER TANKS 

This system stores water in a tank, heated 

to a pre-determined temperature and held 

until it is used. The size of the tank decides 

how much water it can hold. The stored 

hot water is forced through a pipe at the 

top of the tank and delivered to where it is 

required. 

While storage tanks powered by natural 

gas are three to four times cheaper to run 

than those that use electricity, constantly 

heating and storing water in a tank ‘just in 

case’ demand increases will result in much 

higher energy costs than if you use tankless/ 

instantaneous gas water heaters. 

TANKLESS WATER HEATERS 

Also known as ‘instantaneous water heaters’, 

these only supply hot water on demand as 

and when needed. As they don’t require a 

tank to store hot water, they don’t produce 

the standby energy losses associated with 

“HEAT PUMPS EFFECTIVELY 

WORK LIKE A REFRIGERATOR 

IN REVERSE, MOVING THE 

HEAT FROM ONE PLACE 

TO ANOTHER INSTEAD 

OF GENERATING HEAT 

DIRECTLY” 

storage water heaters, which will reduce 

energy costs significantly. 

While an instantaneous water heating 

appliance itself can be more expensive 

to purchase they more than compensate 

for the upfront costs by maximising the 

efficiency of the system and reducing 

running costs. 

There are two types of instantaneous 

gas water heaters – non-condensing and 

condensing. Condensing heaters are more 

efficient than non-condensing appliances 

but either option will be more efficient and 

cost-effective than an electric appliance. 

As a by-product of the gas, water heaters 

produce steam which cools and condenses 

on a surface. This condensation is acidic 

and will corrode many materials. A noncondensing 

appliance will vent the steam 

directly, whereas a condensing appliance 

will recycle the extra heat generated from 

exhaust gases to increase efficiencies. 

As stated above, while condensing water 

heaters are expensive upfront, these costs 

more than balance out with long-term 

savings on the energy used. 

HEAT PUMPS 

A heat pump can be used as a stand-alone 

water heating system, or as combination 

water heating and warm air system. This is 

an energy saver choice as it uses the heat 

of the air and the ground to heat the water, 

instead of electricity. 

Heat pumps effectively work like a 

refrigerator in reverse, moving the heat from 

one place to another instead of generating 

heat directly. Heat pump water heating 

systems are more expensive to buy than 

conventional storage water heaters but, as 

with instantaneous water heaters, they have 

lower operating costs. Heat pump water 

heaters will not operate efficiently in a cold 

area as they will cool the area they are in, so 

their efficiency is dependent on them being 

installed in an area with excess heat, such as 

a boiler room. 


GLAMPSITES 

SOLAR POWERED SYSTEMS 

These systems harness the energy from 

the sun to heat water for storage in a 

cylinder, and while they can be designed 

to supply some heating as well, most solar 

hot water systems are just designed to 

supply your hot water needs. While solar 

powered systems are ideal for energy 

conservation, they are dependent on the 

weather, so as the available solar energy 

varies throughout the year in the UK, 

they may also require the installation of 

a conventional water heater to top up the 

shortfall. 

RECOMMENDED HOT WATER 

SOLUTION 

Taking all factors into account, the 

current recommended choice of water 

heater for glamping sites and caravan 

parks would be tankless/instantaneous 

gas water heaters as they offer the 

following benefits: 

› Instant hot water on demand 

› Hot water at a safe, pre-determined 

temperature 

› Endless supply 

› Reduced running costs 

› High efficiencies 

› Hydrogen-blend ready, supporting 

the UK’s de-carbonisation strategy. 

VENTILATION OF GAS APPLIANCES 

While water heater technology has 

changed in recent years, combustion water 

heaters remain the most common and 

will burn fuel, whether it is natural gas or 

propane, which releases by-products such 

as carbon monoxide. Internally mounted 

instantaneous gas water heaters will need 

to be vented to the outside atmosphere to 

avoid exposure to noxious gases created 

by the combustion process. 

Externally mounted water heaters are 

also available which are installed on an 

outside wall, so the combustion gases are 

released directly into the atmosphere. 

There is no requirement for flues to be 

fitted on externally mounted models. 

FROST PROTECTION 

As externally mounted water heaters will 

be exposed to outside temperatures, they 

are fitted with a frost protection feature 

that includes electric heating elements. So 

as long as the water heater is connected 

to the electric power supply, it will be 

protected down to temperatures as cold as 

-4°F (-20°C). 

If the water heater is not to be used for 

some time, such as out of season, and 

the power has been either switched off 

purposely, or there has been a power 

failure, the water heater will need to be 

drained of all water to prevent damage at 

temperatures below freezing. 

SIZING YOUR SYSTEM 

It is vital that the initial system sizing is 

correct by calculating peak hour demand 

for hot water which will ensure the correct 

water heater is specified to meet even the 

busiest time at your site. 

If you underestimate how much hot 

water you need to meet demand, you 

risk running out and upsetting guests. 

An undersized system is also likely to 

be overworked and may need repair or 

replacement earlier. Conversely, if you 

overestimate the capacity required to 

meet demand, your initial outlay will be 

higher as well as your ongoing energy 

costs. 

It may be best to seek advice from a Gas 

Safe Registered engineer as to the specific 

output you require to meet the demands 

of your site, so that you can then decide 

which system will best suit your demand. 

MODULAR SOLUTIONS 

Where more than one appliance is 

required to meet the demands of your 

shower block or kitchen facilities, 

modular hot water solutions guarantee 

considerable cost savings over other forms 

of hot water generation. The relatively 

compact footprint of these systems means 

they can optimise plant room space and 

safeguard accessibility for maintenance 

and servicing. 

The systems we supply at Factory 

Heaters incorporate two or three water 

heaters, with flues for internal models, to 

be mounted in a pre-fabricated cascade 

frame fitted with cable trays, pipe work 

and electrical connections – providing 

a complete turnkey solution. All that 

is needed are the final connections to 

the associated services, so downtime is 

reduced dramatically. Where plant room 

space is limited, externally mounted 

versions are available which can even be 

mounted on a suitable roof space. 

These modular systems have been 

developed to guarantee the maximum 

amount of affordable, ecologically friendly, 

safe temperature controlled hot water 

required at any one time by even the most 


GLAMPSITES 

“FOR OFF-GRID SITES, 

LPG HAS A NUMBER OF 

ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER 

ENERGY SOURCES SUCH 

AS OIL, COAL OR ELECTRIC 

HEATING SYSTEMS” 

demanding site. 

NATURAL GAS OR LPG? 

With energy prices increasing at the 

moment, gas is still a significantly cheaper 

option than electricity. To buy one unit 

of natural gas (measured in kWh) will 

currently cost around 7p/kWh, whereas 

one unit of electricity from the mains (also 

measured in kWh) will cost around 31p/ 

kWh. 

If your site is connected to the natural 

gas network, this has many advantages 

over LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) 

including much higher efficiency, cleaner 

burning and greater affordability. If 

however your site is not connected, you 

can still utilise gas rather than a more 

expensive electric option as instantaneous 

water heaters can be available to support 

an LPG supply. This would then require 

either an LPG storage tank or LPG gas 

bottles to be available which can be piped 

to the appliances. 

For off-grid sites, LPG has a number of 

advantages over other energy sources 

such as oil, coal or electric heating 

systems. For example, while LPG usually 

costs more than heating oil, it offers a 

much greater energy return due to its high 

efficiency, with reduced costs in the long 

term. LPG also produces a lot less carbon 

when burnt, helping towards a cleaner 

environment. 

GAS SAFE REGISTERED INSTALLATION 

Having sized your appliance correctly 

and made your gas water heater 

purchase, you have a legal obligation 

to have your appliances installed by a 

Gas Safe Registered engineer, so that 

the installation is in accordance with 

Which water heater? 

For a small pod, a 17L instantaneous water heater 

has proven to be popular. The external model in 

particular will save space as it can be fitted on the 

external wall of the pod. Available in LPG, off-grid 

sites have taken advantage of this water heater to 

meet all the hot water demands of smaller pods. 

For larger 

structures, or 

to feed shower 

blocks and kitchen 

facilities, a 26L or 

32L instantaneous 

gas water heater will 

be more suitable. 

They can be installed 

within the block or external versions can be mounted on 

an external wall or suitable roof space. 

Where more than one water heater is required, a 

modular solution will guarantee considerable cost 

savings over other forms of hot water generation. The 

relatively compact footprint of our systems can optimise 

plant room space and safeguard accessibility for 

maintenance and servicing. 

manufacturer’s recommendations, as well 

as in compliance of current legislation. 

Failure to comply with these requirements 

is both illegal and potentially dangerous 

and will also invalidate any warranty. 

Installations will also need an annual 

Gas Safety Certification to maintain the 

integrity of the manufacturer’s warranty 

FUTURE-PROOFED SYSTEMS 

The UK government has set a target of 

net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and 

it’s likely that hydrogen will play a major 

part in this strategy. Green hydrogen is the 

ultimate aim as this will be produced from 

renewable energy sources and produce 

the least CO2 emissions. However, it will 

be necessary to transition towards green 

energy utilising current technologies and 

it is likely that hydrogen-blend appliances 

will form a major part of this transition. 

Hydrogen-blend appliances will support 

a blend of 20% hydrogen with 80% natural 

gas. This will make use of the existing 

network to deliver greener gases, keeping 

customers warm and with a constant 

supply of hot water, while still being able 

to enjoy the flexibility of gas. 


With more than 25 years’ experience 

installing hot water systems in the 

hospitality sector, Winrow Building 

Services’ developed Factory Heaters is 

an online store offering high-efficiency 

and cost-effective hydrogen-blend water 

heaters to ensure caravan parks and 

glamping sites are future-proofed to 

support the government’s transitional 

hydrogen strategy. 

For further advice or to make use Factory 

Heaters’ installation service, get in touch 

with the team at www.factoryheaters.co.uk 


The Biggest and the Best 

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GLAMPSITES 




Mike and Michelle 

Halliwell 

Owners, Bond Fabrications 

01453 767171, 

enquiries@bondfabrications.co.uk, 



British manufacturer of luxury safari 

tents and bespoke canvas structures. 

What makes your company's 

services special? 

Family owned business championing 

traditional British design and 

manufacture... for over 30 years! 


Family centred, love the Cotswolds 

and passionate about our business. 


describe you? 

Hard working but fun and fair... we 

hope! 


We moved to the USA a week after we 

married and stayed for eight years! 


Mike: craft beer, Michelle: G&T. 


Mike: dogs (why wouldn't you love 

them?), Michelle: horses (always been 

in my life). 


Ozark... We visited the Ozarks a lot 

while living in Kansas so it feels 

familiar, apart from the mob and 

murder elements of course! 

Simon Fisher 

Business development 

manager, Further Space 

info@further.space, 

www.further.space 


Partners with landowners to make 

glamping more accessible for them. 



We work with landowners, invest 

in sites, look after advertising, 

reservations and customer service, so 

landowners can run the rest of their 

business. 


Someone completely unable to 

answer this question in 10 words! 


describe you? 

Helpful and approachable, a mine of 

useful and useless information. 


Mountaineering across the world 

including a very remote 6000m peak 

in the Andes. 

We're in a bar - what do you order? 

Gin and Fever Tree tonic. 


Our dogs... all three of them. In fact, 

any dog. 

Favourite current telly? 

Formula 1 – I’m enjoying the changes 

this season has brought about. 

Peter Brooke- 

Houghton 

Operations manager, 

FIRST BASE Ground Screws UK 

01548 859879, 

info@firstbasegroundscrews.co.uk, 

www.firstbasegroundscrews.co.uk 


We supply high quality ground screw 

foundations and project support. 

What makes your company's services 

special? 

We look after our customers! From 

garden rooms to eco-hotels, we help 

people looking to quickly install 

low-impact, high-stability screw 

foundations. 


Committed and hard-working, but 

enjoy my family time. 


you? 

Conscientious, slightly obsessive about 

the details(!), goes the extra mile. 


I have sailed across the Atlantic... twice! 


Pint of Tribute or Doom Bar 


My daughters have told me to write 

unicorns... 

Favourite film and why? 

Snatch – mainly for the one-liners. I get 

made to watch lots of Disney too... 


GLAMPSITES 

Jonathan Trelfa 

General manager, 

Glampsan – a division of 

Plastic Solutions (Aldridge) 

0800 999 6010, 

info@glampsan.com, 

www.glampsan.com 


Off-grid waste control solutions for 

glamping sites. 



Professionalism. Commitment to 

customer service. Expansive range. 


Committed. Attention to detail. 

Customer-focused. Persuasive. Not 

pushy. Relaxed. 


describe you? 

The one who's been in the toilet 

industry for 30 years. 


I once did a TV interview in German 

with a Japanese interviewer. I'm still 

not entirely sure if he knew what I was 

saying. 


A hoppy IPA. 


Tiger – majestic. 

Favourite film 

How To Train Your Dragon – quirky. 

The underdog wins. 

Adrian Beaumont 

Sales manager, 

Glamptubs 

01926 504067, 

sales@glamptubs.com, 

www.glamptubs.com 


We supply wood-fired hot tubs to the 

glamping industry. 

What makes your company's services 

special? 

We use the products on our own 

glampsite, and have over 10 years’ 

experience of using the product in a 

glamping setting. 


Farm boy passionate about 

countryside, my Labradors and 

playing guitar. 


you? 

Fun, energetic, dedicated, 

knowledgeable, loyal. 

Something nobody would know 

about you? 

I am the world's leading accidental 

George Formby impersonator – I 

ended up on one of his albums by 

mistake! 


Pint of good cider, or a nice IPA. 

Followed by a single malt. 


Labrador – loyal, gentle, fun to be 

with. 

Favourite film? 

This is Spinal Tap – my life in a 

nutshell! 

Austin Newberry 

Director, Logspan 

01389 734572, 

info@logspan.com, 

www.logspan.com 


Helping overworked individuals move 

into their perfect glamping lifestyle 

business. 


special? 

We provide unique, bespoke, quality 

structures at great prices. 


Hardworking family man who wants 

to create a lifestyle business legacy. 


you? 

The business owner who wants every 

customer to be happy. 


Ran from Fort William to Inverness 

along the Great Glen Way. 


Pint of ale. 


Rottweiler, great memories of the 

family dog. 


Formula 1: Drive to Survive. 


GLAMPSITES 




Mike Denys 

Business development 

manager, Autentic 

+32 55 50 17 64, 

info@autentic.world, 

www.autentic.world 


We create, produce and supply 

premium glamping tents. 



We added colour and ‘premiumness’ 

to glamping tents. 


I’m a young explorer, ready for some 

Autentic experiences. 


describe you? 

Enthusiastic, driven and ready to kick 

some arse :) 


I’m afraid to get fired if I tell you… 


Gin and tonic, for sure. 


A cat, don’t ask why. 

Favourite film and why? 

Avengers: Infinity War. The day I stop 

doing business development for 

Autentic, being a superhero is my next 

professional stop. 

Sue Winchester 

Partner, 

Rural Accommodations 

01524 792633, 

logcabinworld@btinternet.com, 



Authentic log cabins, shepherd huts, 

garden rooms and pods. 

What makes your company’s 


We offer a personal service with 

attention to detail. 


An outgoing, friendly, loyal, honest 

and fair person. 


describe you? 

Hardworking, attentive, organised 

with a positive attitude. 


Ridden a camel through sand dunes in 

Dubai – magic. 


Prosecco. 


Giraffe because they are so serene, 

calm and beautiful. 


Peaky Blinders – I just love it! 

Paul Doughty 

Technical sales, 

CampPlus 

07587427610, 

paul@campplus.co.uk, 

www.campplus.co.uk 


Campplus manufactures double and 

single plug and play bathroom pods. 

What makes your company’s service 

special? 

Long established with over 350 

pods already manufactured. Quality 

commercially proven bathroom pods 

at a very reasonable price. 


Too honest. Strive to be efficient. 

Laugh at own jokes. 


describe you? 

Ethical. Customer and team focussed 

(asked the last person that worked for 

me). 

Craziest thing you’ve done 

Hmm! Nothing I can think of that I 

would like to admit to at least! 


Real ale or red wine. 

Favourite animal and why 

Got to be a dog (terrier), all dogs are 

ever faithful. 


Sex Education. 


Free next working day delivery* on 

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glamping pods 

perfect for even 

the most remote locations 

free design plans 

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off-grid solutions 

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Beautiful bell tents, Touareg tents and 

Emperor tents available in 320gsm and 

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Visit us at www.thebelltentshop.co.uk 

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contact us for a free no-obligation quote 

premium quality amazing value 

www.podzrus.com 

07767733044 


GLAMPSITES 


Pods, Huts and Lodges 

Bizzyberry Lodge, South 

Lanarkshire 

Product: Log home kit 

Supplier: Scandinavian Homes, 

0845 299 6337, homes@ 

scandinavianhomes.com, 

www.scandinavianhomes.com 

Details: Bizzyberry Lodge is a luxury 

modern log cabin, complete with hot 

tub set in its own private woodland 

garden with stunning views of 

Tinto Hill, near Biggar in South 

Lanarkshire. 

Rosie and Jim have built a log 

holiday home with a contemporary 

yet cosy and welcoming vibe. They 

chose a customised version of 

the Soina log home kit from the 

Scandinavian Homes range. A key 

feature of this design is the full 

height living area with mezzanine, 

which is open to the roof inside. The 

log cabin is set in its own wooded 

grounds with a private entrance, next 

to Jim and Rosie’s farm. 

Jim built the cabin himself, 

with help from an experienced 

builder. Once the shell was up 

and watertight, Jim finished it 

off inside. His attention to detail 

really shows! Luxury features 

include a contemporary log 

burner and a hot tub. Step free 

access allows the holiday home 

to be used by all. 

The highly insulated log building 

kit came complete with double 

glazed windows, so running costs 

are low. To help minimise the 

carbon footprint, a wind turbine and 

ground source heat pump were also 

installed. 

Rosie focused on the interior 

design and furnishing, with the 

end result being a beautifully 

comfortable log cabin. Guests 

certainly love it, and have given it 

five star reviews. Available via AirBnB 

you can stay there to see just how 

beautiful a log cabin holiday home 

can be. 

Customer feedback: Owner Rosie 

Wallace said: “The log home kit was 

of excellent quality, and we would 

thoroughly recommend it. Clients 

love the cosy, well thought-out and 

personal build.” 

The Nest, Argyll and Bute 

Product: Finman Retreat with porch 

Supplier: Logspan, 01389 734572, 

info@logspan.com, www.logspan.com 

Details: Located in the grounds of Ardteatle, the 

Nest allows guests to relax, get back to nature, 

enjoy beautiful views and, at the end of the day, 

enjoy a very comfortable warm double bed and ensuite 

bathroom. 

Logspan was asked to provide a glamping 

structure that worked with the landscape, provided 

a cosy environment for guests and was a welcome 

retreat after a hard day hiking, or just relaxing! 

The building had to be constructed entirely on 

location as the site was down a single track drop 

with limited access. 

Customer feedback: Sonja, CEO, said: “We love the 

Retreat, as do our customers. The customer reviews 

are fantastic and it’s rented out all the time.” 


GLAMPSITES 

Copse House, Berkshire 

Product: Log cabin and zip-wire 

Supplier: Castles Carey, 01963 

364226, sales@castles-carey.co.uk, 

www.castles-carey.co.uk 

Details: Castles Carey created a 

log cabin for guest stays at this 

Berkshire site. The location was on 

the west-facing edge of a private 

wood and the build was orientated 

to look out over fields and benefit 

from the setting sun. Grass carts 

make use of the track off the wood 

and the team also installed a zipwire, 

enabling very speedy travel to 

the other side of the trees! 

Designed to be cosy, comfortable, 

sustainable and to blend in with 

the environment, the cabin has 

been situated in a relatively sunny 

spot. A veranda provides cover and 

shade and is a good place to leave 

boots and coats. There’s a fully 

fitted kitchen and a compost loo to 

minimise the use of water. The back 

of the cabin looks out into the wood 

and is not visible to anyone else. The 

whole cabin is fully insulated and 

raised slightly off the ground, which 

also creates a dry area for storing 

wood. Oak is used for the main 

structure and roof beams, softwood 

cladding for internal walls, cedar 

shingles for the roof tiles and ground 

screws at the base to ensure no 

damage is done to tree roots. 

A clearing on the west side of the 

wood is an ideal area for daytime 

activities, eating outside and 

evenings with the BBQ and drinks 

around the camp fire. 

Feedback: So many people have 

found the log cabin a wonderful 

surprise because from the road in 

the village it’s hard to imagine such 

a beautiful place hidden away from 

sight. 

Gumboots & Wellingtons, 

North Yorkshire 

Product: Self-build shepherd hut kit – plans, guide, cast 

iron wheels, bespoke timber roof, doors, windows and 

bespoke roof sheets 

Supplier: Tithe Barn Shepherd Huts, 01262 470475, 

info@shepherd-huts.com, www.shepherd-huts.com 

Details: Tithe Barn Shepherd Huts worked closely 

with Andrew and Lesley over several months as they 

considered the size and design of the first shepherd hut 

they would offer at their glamping site. 

The small operation based in North Yorkshire caters 

for cyclists and hikers among others and, as with many of 

Tithe Barn’s customers, the large 6m x 2.8m hut chosen 

required several bespoke items. The team at Tithe Barn 

also offered ongoing support during the build. 

Customer feedback: Andrew Beale, owner at Gumboots 

& Wellingtons, said: “I found Tithe Barn Shepherds Huts 

while researching for our glamping business. They gave 

me the confidence to self-build, as their bespoke parts 

packages and advice made anything possible! I’m a 

novice builder, so their step-by-step guide has proved 

invaluable, with photographs for each stage of the build. 

I honestly couldn't have done it without this guidance, 

and also my father-in-law who helped me build what is 

essentially a tiny house! 

“I highly recommend Tithe Barn Shepherds Huts and 

will be placing another order very soon!” 


GLAMPSITES 

Stouslie Snugs, 

Scottish Borders 

Product: Glass-fronted Munro 

glamping pods 

Supplier: Podz R Us, 07767 733044, 

sales@podzrus.com, www.podzrus.com 

Details: Stouslie Snugs Luxury Farm 

Glamping is nestled in the rolling hills of the 

beautiful Scottish Borders. Customers 

can relax and unwind in the wood-fired 

hot tub while enjoying the magnificent view 

across the Teviotdale valley and beyond. 

When owners Carly and Stewart started 

their journey to open a glamping site, Podz 

R Us was delighted to be chosen as designer 

and manufacturer. The company worked 

with Stouslie Snugs on a number of design 

revisions to create a pod that met every 

requirement. 

The new pod is called The Munro and 

features a full en-suite, kitchen, double 

bed and seating area with sofa-bed. The 

end result is stunning, glass-fronted 

glamping pods that make the 

most of Stouslie’s landscaped 

environment and incredible 

views across the rolling 

Border hills. 

Stouslie Snugs is now entering its second 

season, and has been so successful that 

Podz R Us has provided a third Munro to 

completing the luxury glamping site. 

Customer feedback: Carly Anderson, 

from Stouslie Snugs, said: “Starting up any 

glamping site is a huge investment but for 

us it was important to secure our farm’s 

future through diversification. Working with 

Andrew from Podz R Us was our pleasure and 

he helped make this journey that little bit 

easier. He was open to our ideas and always 

found a way to make them happen. The end 

result speaks for itself – a 

beautifully-crafted, 

luxurious timber 

glamping pod”. 


Cabins and Consultancy 

MAC Cabins 

0800 999 1564 

help@maccabins.co.uk 

www.maccabins.co.uk/leisure 

Whether you are looking to start, 

expand, or diversify a holiday rental 

business, MAC Cabins has created a 

comprehensive selection of timber 

log cabins, glamping pods, timber 

lodges and tiny homes to choose 

from. 

Its team can also assist in all 

the main aspects of setting up 

and running a successful holiday 

rental business including design 

and planning, accountancy and 

business planning, start-up/set 

up, tax benefits, approved finance, 

website design and hosting, online 

booking and social media. 

Bespoke 'A' Frame Lodges 

Rural Accommodations 

01524 792633 

logcabinworld@btinternet.com 


Bespoke A-frame lodges can be designed and manufactured 

to your individual requirements. Lodges are available in 

various sizes and come fully insulated, painted and decorated 

throughout in a colour of your choice, all ready to furnish. 

With 240v electrics and consumer unit installed, simply 

connect the power to an easy hook up point. 

Our lodges are built to the highest standard and are perfect 

for that glamping business opportunity to bring in an extra 

income throughout the year. Contact us for further details. 


EVENTS 

CASE STUDY 

The Mighty Coe 

An on-snow ski and snowboarding festival for 

backcountry exploration fans 

Held at the Glencoe 

Mountain Resort, The 

Mighty Coe’s format was 

a UK first. We talk to 

organiser Neil Dalgleish 

(experienced mountain 

bike festival organiser 

from Hillside Outside) and 

production partner Jamie 

Fallen (Event Production 

Group) about creating a 

start-up event in the snow. 

50 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM

EVENTS 

Describe your event and how 

many people it attracts? 

Neil: The Mighty Coe is the UK’s 

first on-snow ski and snowboard 

festival. It offers participants the 

opportunity to try new kit, see 

next year’s gear and learn new 

skills. It has a focus on backcountry 

exploration, which took off during 

lockdown, giving people an insight 

into what’s involved to make the 

most of Scotland’s amazing winter 

mountains. 

The venue limits are around 1,000 

per day, plus 250 on film/party 

night. 

Explain a bit about your venue 

Neil: Glencoe Mountain Resort is 

Scotland’s oldest ski centre (1954). 

I am a part time resident in Glencoe 

and have loved the whole area for 

a long time. The ski area has the 

most exciting lift-served terrain in 

Scotland. 

What made you decide to run the 

festival? 

Neil: This was the first year. We had 

the idea while on backcountry ski 

mission during lockdown. We at 

Hillside Outside already run one of 

the UK’s biggest mountain bike and 

cycling festivals, and realised there 

was nothing similar for snowsports. 

We did some research and realised 

there was enthusiasm in the 

industry and among the public for 

something like this. 

How does the relationship work 

with the venue you hold the 

event at? 

Neil: This event was always going 

to have to be a partnership as its 

success is totally dependent on the 

co-operation of the venue, for use of 

its facilities and operational staff. 

Jamie: Working with the Glencoe 

Mountain team had to be hugely 

collaborative; we had no idea how 

snow over winter would change the 

natural shape and layout of the site 

and they very much did! There was 

no way we could get the required 

level of equipment to the top of 

the mountain if we didn't work 

together. 

How is your relationship with the 

local authority and community? 

Neil: The local authority signed off 

safety and licencing permissions 

etc. and we had a series of 

meetings with its events group 

“THERE WAS 

NO WAY WE 

COULD GET 

THE REQUIRED 

LEVEL OF 

EQUIPMENT 

TO THE TOP OF 

THE MOUNTAIN 

IF WE DIDN'T 

WORK 

TOGETHER” 

and safety advisory group. The 

local community is largely tourismcentric 

and we provided a welcome 

visitor and publicity boost in the 

winter season. 

What entertainment did you 

offer? 

Neil: We offered films, DJs and an 

afterparty. We sourced everything 

through snow industry partners and 

our own contacts. 

Jamie: The in-house DJ looked after 

the entertainment for the weekend 

but we had to ensure that we could 

handle all of the possible technical 

requirements while still packing 

extremely light. 

How did you publicise the event? 

Neil: Mostly through social media – 

it’s a fairly specialist market for this 

event. Authenticity is everything as 

we’re marketing to and providing 

an event for a tribe who love their 

particular sport, its values and style. 

Did you make any money? 

Neil: Year one – no profit expected 

nor delivered! But it worked very 

well; we’ve learned a great deal 

about venue choice, programming 

and partnerships. Next year will be a 

little different, but it should also be 

bigger and more profitable. 

How did you plan the layout and 

what structures did you use? 

Jamie: We began by meeting on 

the mountain last autumn to plan 

a site layout and to see what was 

physically possible to build in such 

a remote location. 

We planned the site with what 

we all agreed was the best guess 

at how deep the snow would be. 


EVENTS 

Ironically, the more snow we had 

the more space would be available 

(once it was shaped and groomed). 

We used in-house rental assets to 

create a stage as a focal point and a 

bar/merch structure was also used 

as the base of operations. We clad 

the front of the bar structure with 

scrap cladding sourced locally to 

Glencoe to reduce transport. The 

cladding has since been recycled 

by community groups based near 

our HQ. 

Lastly, we used recycled printed 

air mesh to brand a pyramid 

structure, which made for a great 

Instagram moment over the 

weekend. 

How did you work with creatives 

to make these spaces work? 

Jamie: We worked with Hillside 

Agency to design the branding for 

the pyramid and the DJ stage. All 

the branding can either be recycled 

or re-wrapped for a future event, 

nothing needs to go to landfill. 

“WE TIED 

THREE PA 

SYSTEMS 

TOGETHER 

SO WE HAD 

SITE WIDE 

CONTROL 

FROM A 

CENTRAL 

POINT BUT 

COULD ALSO 

RUN THEM 

AS SEPARATE 

SYSTEMS 

WHEN 

REQUIRED” 

How did you manage the festival 

infrastructure? 

Jamie: We knew anything that went 

up the mountain would need to be 

small enough to go on the chairlift 

if the snow prevented vehicles 

making it to the top, therefore 

nothing went that wasn't absolutely 

required. We made use of battery 

equipment which we could charge 

overnight at the main festival site 

and used ground anchors to secure 

structures where we might usually 

use water or concrete. 

We worked with sponsors 

Salomon and The North Face to 

ensure we made provision for the 

structures they brought. 

What provisions did you make for 

power, lights and sound? 

Jamie: We wanted to avoid the 

environmental impact of using 

generators so worked with Glencoe 

Mountain Resort to have a three 

phase power supply installed close 

to the main site. Being able to easily 

bury cables in the snow was a great 

alternative to cable ramp. 

We tied three PA systems 

together so we had site wide control 

from a central point but could also 

run them as separate systems when 

required. 

How did you manage admissions? 

Jamie: Admission was included in 

the price of a lift pass so we could 

run a totally open layout with no 

restrictions on accessing the main 

festival area. 

Tell us about any logistical 

challenges 

Jamie: The access road to the top 

of the main chairlift was slightly 

more challenging than we had 

experienced before winter. We had 

two 4x4s on standby to tow trailers 

loaded with vendors’ equipment 

and tow out any stuck vehicles. 

Being split over multiple sites on 

the mountain meant we could 

pack for each site individually then 

use smaller vehicles to deliver the 

equipment directly.

EVENTS 

ADDRESS BOOK 

Any special team members you'd 

like to mention? 

Jamie: I'd love to mention Ross who 

built all the cladding for the bar 

onsite, as well as being our medical 

cover for the build and break. 

What are the plans for next year? 

Neil: To build on this year and find 

ways to make the event more 

commercial – the social side is 

probably most important for this. 

We’ll also obviously make sure the 

venue is prepped and ready for any 

changes we make. 

Jamie: We would love to help 

Hillside Outside build on the 

success of the last event. The 

style of The Mighty Coe has huge 

potential! 

ORGANISER 

Hillside Outside 

www.hillsideoutside.com 

PRODUCTION 

Event Production Group 

jamie@eventpg.co.uk 

BRANDING 

Hillside Agency 

www.hillside.agency 

DETAILS 

The Mighty Coe 

Glencoe Mountain Resort 

Glencoe 

Argyll PH49 4HZ 

www.themightycoe.com 

Create a Greener Event 

Branded Reusable Cups | Plates | Bowls 

• Sales • Serviced • Rental Solutions 

01278 238 390 info@green-goblet.com www.green-goblet.com 


EVENTS 

Green Energy 

Myth Buster 

Common questions about greener energy management at 

events, with answers from Powerful Thinking 

Are biofuels bad for the environment 

Q Biofuels, especially palm oil and 

jatropha, are often cultivated on 

deforested land, displacing agriculture and 

indigenous people. The emissions from 

cutting down the original forest can exceed 

the emissions saved by displacing the use 

of a fossil fuel. It’s a complex issue and one 

of trade-offs, but 100% waste vegetable oil 

(WVO) or 100% domestic biodiesel such as 

oilseed rape are widely considered to be 

‘green’ fuels. 

WVO is used cooking oil which has 

been prepared for use in generators and 

it is generally sourced locally. Using it for 

power keeps it out of the waste stream 

(including sewers where it can cause 

blockages) and has far less associated 

emissions when compared to diesel. As 

a rule of thumb, biofuels are preferable 

to fossil fuels, especially when sourced 

locally. 

Isn’t renewable power unreliable? 

Q No. Most newer systems have battery 

back-ups storing energy and continue to 

produce power in overcast conditions. 

Many providers come with a reserve in 

place. Some also say that as there are no 

moving parts it is actually more reliable. 

However, it should be noted that there 

is more of a need to work out power 

requirements in advance and in detail 

to match supply and demand. 

Do renewable solutions cost more? 

Q Sometimes they do, but sometimes 

they don’t, just like any other power 

company decision. In many cases where 

a large amount of power is required 

(for example above 45kVA), there may 

not be a viable solution or costs may be 

prohibitive. But for smaller requirements, 

you may be able to reduce the amount 

you need to power in the first place by 

working efficiently, and use cost-effective 

renewable solutions. 

Feedback from festivals suggests that 

it is often forgotten that there are no fuel 

bills post-event for solar and wind systems. 

There are many examples at small to 

medium scale events of renewable and 

hybrid approaches which can deliver 

cost savings. Savings will be dictated 

by circumstance, so it is very important 

to maximise planning and explore all 

available options. 

Isn’t it the case that we always need 

Q a margin of error in the capacity of 

generators for the unexpected? 

Yes, but the Powerful Thinking research 

this summer suggests that current margins 

are often excessive. 

Can you power entire events on 

Q renewable and low carbon solutions? 

There are many examples of small to 

medium festivals (under a capacity of 

20,000 people) being entirely powered by 

renewable and WVO solutions. Examples 

include Croissant Neuf, London Green 

Fair, Shambala, The Green Gathering 

and Sunrise Celebration. Renewable 

technologies are generally considered 

not yet capable of wholly powering larger 

events and stages for very large audiences 

but a hybrid approach is still both easy and 

widely in use. 

Does festoon lighting need to remain 

Q on during the day to manage loads on 

generators? 

Only if those generators are also supplying 

other requirements, or if a load needs to be 

maintained on the generator. If a generator 

is dedicated to festoon lighting it can be 

switched off. Some companies now have 

automatic sensors which switch off site 

lighting, festoon runs and tower lights 

when daylight emerges. 

Do amps and stage lights need to 

Q remain on overnight? 

Some companies say this is necessary 

in order to keep equipment warm and 

avoid condensation, but others say 

their equipment does not require this. 

It can depend on the equipment. Either 

way, it’s worth considering a secondary 

power source so a main generator can be 

switched off. 

FACTS & FIGURES 

CARBON EMISSIONS BY POWER TYPE 

› 100% mineral diesel - 2.676 kg CO2e per litre 

› LPG - 1.5 kg CO2e per litre 

› Mains electricity (UK average) - 0.412 kg 

CO2e per kWh 

› Mains electricity (EU average) - 0.350 kg CO2 

per kWh 

› WVO biodiesel - 0.019 kg CO2e per litre 

› Wind and solar - Zero-rated 


EVENTS 

CASE STUDIES 

SOLAR PV AT BOOM FESTIVAL 

Boom Festival (Portugal, capacity 33,333) 

is powered by a mix of off-grid photovoltaic 

panels, diesel generators and a 100kW 

waste vegetable oil (WVO) generator. The 

festival site, known as Boomland, is home to 

around 12 long-term residents and the onsite 

renewable technology is a permanent feature 

in the community. The residents spend the 

months between festivals living entirely on 

renewables, and creating an energy surplus 

for the next festival. Boom uses 40kWh of 

solar energy, which is produced onsite, and 

is in the process of transitioning from diesel 

to even more off-grid photovoltaic energy. 

Their largest photovoltaic array comprises of 

18 panels, all following the tilt of the sun and 

producing 13kW per hour per day. 

BOOM FESTIVAL 

HYBRID POWER AT 

SECRET GARDEN 

PARTY 

Secret Garden 

Party (UK, capacity 

30,000) saved 3,826 

hours of diesel 

generator runtime 

by using hybrid 

systems – which 

was around 50% of 

the total runtime. 

This use of hybrid 

technology reduced diesel dependency by 10,285 litres. On top of that, the 

new system saved Secret Garden Party £7,713, and reduced overall carbon 

emissions for the festival by a staggering 24 tonnes. 

BIODIESEL AT LATITUDE, LEEDS AND READING FESTIVALS 

Festival Republic’s (Event Promoter/Producer of 19 UK/EU Festivals) 

sustainability policy includes using waste vegetable oil (WVO) biodiesel to 

power some of the generators 

at Latitude, Reading and Leeds 

festivals. 

This commitment continues 

despite there being a limited 

supply of WVO biodiesel in parts 

of the country, unpredictable 

price fluctuations, and a higher 

cost for sustainable biodiesel in 

comparison to regular diesel. 

They now aim for biofuel to 

make up 15% of the total fuel 

burned onsite, in line with the 

Julie’s Bicycle benchmark, and 

are investigating efficiency 

measures to reduce the amount 

of fuel they use in the first 

instance. 

SECRET GARDEN PARTY 

FESTIVAL REPUBLIC 

PEDAL POWER BY REACTION 

SOUND SYSTEM 

Reaction Sound System (RSS) uses audience 

participation to power small to medium-sized 

stages with specially designed bike generators. 

The audience can see how much power the 

pedalled bikes have created through responsive 

meters that show the energy available in the 

storage system. The energy from six cyclists can 

provide quality sound for audiences of up to 

2,000, in tents as long as 60 meters. With three 

adults pedalling hard the speakers can provide 

enough good quality sound to cater for around 

200 people. 


Powerful Thinking supports smarter practice and 

innovation in energy management for the outdoor 

events and music industry. It publishes guidance, 

tools, provides news and advice, and connects people 

and companies with good ideas and each other. 

If there is anything you don’t understand or if you 

have any other questions, visit www.powerful-thinking. 

org.uk 

Join over 100 other events in signing up to Vision: 

2025 – a shared vision for a sustainable outdoor events 

industry. Sign the pledge and download the latest 

Show Must Go On report at www.vision2025.org.uk 

REACTION SOUND SYSTEM 


EVENTS 

GETTY IMAGES 

Hire or Buy? 

SafeSite Facilities’ Greig McGarva on when hiring crowd barriers makes sense 

AFTER SEVERAL uncertain summers of 

cancelled, postponed and scaled-back 

events, this year’s alfresco events scene 

looks set to be a great one. For many event 

management companies, income has 

unsurprisingly been negatively impacted, 

so you’ll likely be looking at this year as 

a chance to recoup and make up for lost 

revenue. 

One thing that can carry significant cost – 

but has always been a vital requirement – is 

the need for physical security at events, to 

manage and guide crowd behaviour, stop 

over-crowding and keep people safe. So, 

with budgets more front of mind than ever, 

but security and visitor safety being critical 

areas you can’t scrimp on, is now the time 

to reconsider your event security buying 

pattern? If you’ve previously always bought 

temporary event fencing, hoarding panels 

and crowd control barriers with long term 

reuse value in mind, could changing this 

habit bring not just event safety but also 

cashflow benefits? 

AVAILABLE CAPITAL BUDGET 

Buying site safety, such as temporary 

fencing and barriers, has its benefits – 

such as lower overall lifetime cost due to 

reuse opportunities. But, for smaller event 

management companies and those wanting 

to limit the funds they have tied up in assets, 

so too does hiring this kind of equipment. 

When you buy, there is an upfront cost 

which can be quite large, depending on 

what’s required. If you have capital to play 

with, great. But, if your budget is insufficient 

for this level of investment, hiring is a great 

option as it carries a lower initial cost, 

spread out in regular instalments for the 

duration of the hire – which tends to be quite 

short for events. This means a smaller, more 

manageable impact on your cashflow. And, 

you’re not responsible for the maintenance 

of the equipment, so you don’t have to 

factor in ongoing costs when the equipment 

is not in use. 

Ask your chosen lease company about 

their rental terms. Usually, fencing and 

barriers are subject to a minimum hire 

period – 14 days, for example. But, as events 

can often be for just one day or over a 

weekend, your lease company may instead 

offer equipment hire at a set charge, rather 

than sticking to the minimum hire period, 

which may bring savings. 

Yes, in the long run hiring may be more 

expensive, so if you’re a large events 

company with a busy calendar of events 

which require the same security measures, 

then buying may be the best route for you. 

But there are other aspects you should 

consider alongside the money – such as 

convenience and flexibility – which provide 

other non-monetary benefits. 

CONVENIENCE IS KING 

Event planning is known for being one of the 

most stressful jobs. With so many elements 

to consider, a well-organised event might 

look seamless on the surface, but that’s 

down to weeks, months, sometimes years of 

planning. 

Working with a reliable site safety 

company offering equipment hire can 


EVENTS 

eradicate a great deal of stress and work for 

event managers, in a really key area. The 

required equipment will be delivered on the 

agreed day, installed by experts and then 

removed from site after the event. Simple. 

Should your requirements change – 

maybe you need to increase the number 

of crowd control barriers last minute, or 

upgrade/downgrade the barriers, or your 

event is cancelled due to a situation outside 

of your control (a global pandemic, perhaps) 

– a reliable supplier should be flexible and 

accommodate your needs, with zero hassle. 

No need for you to hold different stock 

for different uses, or be left with a storage 

facility full of unrequired equipment. 

STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS 

On the topic of storage, if you’re a large, 

national events company, you 

may have a storage facility to 

house any purchased equipment, 

a fleet of vehicles to transport 

it to the required locations, and 

an in-house team to manage the 

installation. But, this is unlikely if 

you’re a smaller company. Hiring 

equipment removes this need 

entirely, with all logistics and onsite 

installation taken care of by your 

supplier. 

THE OUTLOOK FOR EQUIPMENT 

SUPPLY IN 2022 

This year sees the full return of event 

season after Covid, and it has affected stock 

availability on core products – event barriers, 

crowd barriers and temporary fencing. It 

is important to pre-book and confirm in 

advance to avoid disappointment. 

As a business we get a few last-minute 

calls from desperate clients who have been 

let down, and the most common reason is 

stock. We have seen steel shortages creating 

longer lead times on the raw materials 

since the pandemic, and this means we 

must forward plan three to four months 

in advance and manage our stock levels 

to meet and predict the demand of our 

equipment; it can be a challenge to get the 

balance right. 

We generally work on a lead time of one 

to two weeks from order confirmation, 

although longer lead times are preferred 

as it allows us to manage our stock levels 

and avoid any disappointment for required 

delivery dates. For larger events, we work on 

long lead times for procurement, usually two 

to three months in advance. 

WHEN BUYING MAKE SENSE 

› Excess capital to invest 

› Events calendar allows multiple 

uses of the equipment 

› Access to storage space and 

transport 

› Inhouse installation team 

› Budget to maintain/service 

equipment 

› A plan to responsibly dispose of 

retired equipment. 

MORE INFORMATION 

If you’re still on the fence about the best 

approach for you, the SafeSite Facilities 

team is happy to share their expertise. Get 

in touch or visit www.safesitefacilities.co.uk 

for more information. 


EVENTS 




Paula Hopkinson 

Steve Luscombe 

Managing director, 

DCRS 

0800 043 2688, 

sales@dcrs.co.uk, 



Hire, sales and service of two way 

radio, body cams and applications. 



Impartial advice and competitive 

prices with an excellent after sales 

service. 


Dedicated, professional, caring 

business and family man. 


describe you? 

One of us! 

Something no one knows about you 

My favourite food is chick peas. 


Pint of lager. 


My dog Jasper – if you met him you’d 

know why! 


Brassic always puts a smile on my 

face! 

Sustainability manager, 

Green Goblet 

01278 238390, 

info@green-goblet.com, 

www.green-goblet.com 


Suppliers of reusable cups and 

tableware. 



We have made it our mission to help 

eradicate single-use plastic cups and 

takeaway packaging at festivals and 

events across the UK. 


Adventurous, no fear, loves life, 

glass always full (with beer!), driven, 

passionate. 


describe you? 

Fun loving, empathetic, kind, full of life, 

energetic, fearless, loyal. 


Having five daughters – never a dull 

moment but love it! 


A pint of lager or two half lagers if I have 

a dress on – in a reusable cup of course! 


An eagle because they are the symbol of 

beauty, bravery, courage, honour, pride, 

determination and grace. 


SAS Who Dares Wins – it's about having 

the courage and audacity to take risks 

and believing in yourself. 

Clem (Steve 

Clements) 

Manging director, We are CORE UK 

0845 299 6499, 

sales@core-barandeventhire.com, 

www.core-barandeventhire.com 

In 10 words – what does your 

company do? 

Outdoor multi-level structures, bar 

rental services and much more. 



We have a range of related services that 

solve a number of client needs from 

outdoor structures to bar rental services 

to signage and display graphics. 


Humble, honest, hard-working and 

good-humoured. 


describe you? 

I dread to think! Hopefully ‘a nice guy to 

work for’. 


Starting a business was pretty crazy but 

hey, you only live once right? 


I have a taste for cocktails so on a warm 

day it has to be a mojito. 


My cat Frank. He thinks he’s a dog and 

he loves me to bits. 

Favourite film? 

Memento or Deadpool are two films I 

could watch a thousand times. Classics. 


First Class Cleaning 

for Your Event 

Site Cleaning | Recycling 

Toilet Hire & Servicing 

Compostable Food Packaging 

01443 844492 

07841 120411 

info@eventclean.co.uk 

www.eventclean.co.uk 

Innovative products 

for Temporary Structure installations 

• Structure Support and Levelling 

• Modular Steps & Ramps 

• Balustrades 

• Cassette Floors 

• Bespoke Engineering 

+44 121 526 6060 

info@regenteng.com 

www.floorstak.com 


EVENTS 


Flooring & Ground 

Protection 

Private Party, Hampshire 

PRODUCT 

SNAPSHOT 

Product: FloorStak tailored cassette floor 

system plus structure support 

and levelling equipment 

Supplier: FloorStak, 07841 069627, 

alan@regenteng.com, 


Details: Joseph Benjamin Marquees 

(www.josephbenjaminmarquees.co.uk) 

near Aylesbury recently completed the 

first installation of its beautiful brand new 

Sperry pole tent for a private party event in 

Hampshire. Because of the steep slope of 

the chosen site, it was decided that cassette 

flooring would be installed and would need 

to be levelled using the FloorStak system. 

The radiused ends of the 14m x 32m tent 

were accommodated by two special floor 

sections, purpose-made for use with this 

type of pole tent. While erecting the tent on 

a rectangular floor would have been quite 

possible (and it’s commonly done this way), 

the company decided to entrust FloorStak 

with the manufacture of the special 

“tailored” end units which follow the shape 

of the tent and eliminated the risk of water 

ingress from exposed corners of the floor. 

The resulting installation, which also 

incorporated a lower level seating area 

for viewing the entertainment stage, 

looked very professional. The design and 

production concept behind the FloorStak 

cassette floor system help to make it highly 

configurable and therefore versatile. It 

is proving invaluable to event installers, 

and is also now being used in military and 

emergency aid applications worldwide. 

Customer feedback: Joe Goode, director 

of Joseph Benjamin Marquees, said that 

the levelling system, flooring, and pole tent 

were all erected from scratch in the first two 

days of the build, which he felt was quite 

remarkable since much of the equipment 

used was completely new to his team. 

Market Leading Matting 

Marquee Floors 

01787 372988 

info@marqueefloors.co.uk 

www.marqueefloors.co.uk 

Marquee Floors is a market leader 

in high quality matting and flooring 

for the marquee and glamping 

industries. Its DandyDura product 

has a long-standing reputation as 

the UK’s bestselling polypropylene 

matting for the marquee, tent 

and tipi hire sectors. Very easy 

to maintain, extremely durable, 

fully reversible, lightweight and 

weatherproof, it is also very 

aesthetically pleasing for all sorts of 

events. 

With a range of colours, 

DandyDura is available as a fully 

bespoke purchase with all shapes 

and sizes considered. Bound edges 

and eyelets are also available on 

request. 


EVENTS 

Underneath the Stars Festival, 

South Yorkshire 

Product: 100-340 Tufftrack panels 

Supplier: All Weather Access, 01371 700510, 

info@all-weatheraccess.co.uk, 

www.all-weatheraccess.co.uk 

Details: For the past four years, All Weather Access 

has supplied Underneath the Stars Festival with 

trackway. 

The quirky annual festival celebrating music, arts 

and culture always promises a fantastic weekend for 

visitors. Unfortunately, due to a rainy week in 2019, 

the area the festival is held in suffered tremendous 

ground damage, causing many logistical problems. 

As the festival relied on a one-way access route 

throughout the grounds, organisers were in 

desperate need of a temporary roadway to ensure 

that vehicles were not getting stuck in the mud! 

After a site visit, it was established that the event 

would need a heavy form of ground protection, 

known as Tufftrak. This heavy-duty ground 

protection is not only a strong durable product, with 

a loading capacity of 150 tonnes per square meter, 

but is also designed for temporary roadways and 

working areas, ideal for heavy plant and machinery. 

The 100 panels of Tufftrak were then installed by All 

Weather Access’s expert team. 

The panels would turn out to be key in allowing 

all vehicles to successfully flow through the track, 

ensuring the roadway system worked properly with 

no stuck vehicles. Not only did this solve the festival 

organiser’s problem, but the client loved the service 

so much the team has been invited back each year, 

and this year is supplying 340 panels. 


Event Infrastructure Foundations 


01548 859879 

info@firstbasegroundscrews.co.uk 

www.firstbasegroundscrews.co.uk 

How can you create a secure foundation 

for your modular building, staging/ 

decking, cabin or pod without the time, 

cost and disruption of using concrete? 

Simple: use ground screws! 

Modern, high load-bearing ground 

screws can be installed using electric or 

hydraulic drivers in minutes, providing 

an instantly-loadable, more sustainable 

foundation without vibration and 

upheaval to soil and root structure. 

And if your buildings ever needs to be 

moved, the screw piles can simply be 

unscrewed and re-used! 


provides a friendly, professional service 

from advice, initial site assessment 

and geotechnical testing to tailoring a 

package to suit each customer’s needs, 

working in conjunction with their 

trusted installation partners nationwide. 

The range includes fixed-flange 

screws for all soil types and slopes, plus 

the latest PRO-V extendable models for 

poor ground conditions. The G3 Series 

and RIM models are designed for posts 

and poles – perfect for awnings, sail 

shades, tents and fences. 


Spot light 

A roundup of products for the outdoor hospitality industry 

ALL YOU NEED FOR OUTDOOR 

CINEMA 

Skylight Cinema 

01872 303737 

info@skylightcinema.co.uk 

www.skylightcinema.co.uk 

As one of the leading providers of 

outdoor cinema, Skylight supplied 

equipment for over 250 events last 

year alone. Providing everything 

needed to put on a hassle free 

outdoor cinema event, turnkey 

packages include: a 10m wide 

inflatable screen, a powerful 10K 

projector, Bluetooth speakers 

for each vehicle (saving a lot of 

time and money!), a projectionist 

and technician, and support and 

advice. The price for a mid-week 

event is £1,495, and £1,895 at 

weekends. 

You organise the event and sell 

the tickets, then Skylight turns up 

with the screen, projector, sound 

system and technician to operate 

everything. 

BRING THE BEAUTY OF 

NATURE INSIDE 

Scandinavian Homes 

0845 299 6337 

homes@scandinavianhomes.com 

www.scandinavianhomes.com 

A Scandinavian Homes log 

cabin gives you top quality 

accommodation for your guests, 

suitable for use year round – 

whatever the weather! Cool in 

summer and warm in winter, a log 

holiday home brings the beauty of 

nature inside. Easily customised, 

our wide range of models can be 

designed specifically to suit your 

target market. Log buildings are 

great for other uses too, such as 

cafes and event spaces. Contact 

us today to discuss your holiday 

lodge, mobile home, or other log 

building plans. 

PERFO GROUND REINFORCEMENT 

SYSTEM 

S2T Group 

01992 522797 

www.perfo.co.uk 

S2T Group’s PERFO range of ground 

protection products comprises 

a system of interlocking, selfanchoring 

permeable plastic 

tiles which are embedded into an 

existing surface, eg. a mature grass 

area or prepared base consisting of 

a layer of crushed stone chippings, 

depending on the application. 

A number of light to heavy duty 

solutions are available to suit 

varied ground conditions, traffic 

profiles and loading requirements. 

Unlike other geogrid systems, 

PERFO tiles are usually installed 

without the need for excavation, 

being compacted directly into the 

existing surface using rollers or 

compactor plates. Installation is 

therefore rapid and planning issues 

less problematic. 

BESPOKE OFF-GRID CABIN 

Wild Hart 

07971 869058 

info@wild-hart.co.uk 

www.wild-hart.co.uk 

This pre-fabricated, modular off-grid 

cabin is the latest creation by Wild 

Hart. Working collaboratively with 

the client to realise their vision, 

Nick Sneller and his team created a 

double storey cabin with a locally 

and sustainably sourced larch 

sub frame. 

The pre-fabricated, modular 

structure was transported to the 

remote site by tractor and ground 

screws drilled into the bank formed 

an easy foundation system. 

A solar system powers the electrics, 

a borehole provides water and a 

septic tank handles waste. The cabin 

adheres to building control and is a 

very efficient eco build with many 

unique handcrafted features. 


Classified Directory 

TWO-WAY RADIO 

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Call FREE: 

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sales@dcrs.co.uk 


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Classified Directory 

Innovative products 

for Temporary Structure installations 

• Structure Support and Levelling 

• Modular Steps & Ramps 

• Balustrades 

• Cassette Floors 

• Bespoke Engineering 

+44 121 526 6060 

info@regenteng.com 


NorthStar Leisure 

The Wood Fired Hot Tub Specialists 

NORTHSTARLEISURE.COM 

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Advert - small.indd 1 16/04/2021 16:04:43 


PEOPLE 

Behind the Scenes with… 

Harry 

Lonsdale 

Cube Management’s project coordinator gives an 

insight into building the Formula E TV compound in 

four days in iconic Monaco 

MY CURRENT role is project coordinator and 

I have been working at Cube Management 

for seven months. I love the variety of my 

job from running sport events like our 

cycling sportive brand MadHare to sport 

infrastructure projects and bespoke builds. 

I studied sport business management at the 

University of Worcester for four years which 

I thoroughly enjoyed and feel very fortunate 

to have joined Cube where I can apply my 

studies in this great environment. With 

projects such as the Commonwealth Games 

and the Rugby League World Cup to come, 

we have a very exciting year ahead! 

MONACO’S E-PRIX 

The Monaco Grand Prix circuit is legendary: 

over 3km of winding street racing around 

the waterfront and the famous Casino 

Square, taking in the Grand Hotel hairpin, 

the Monaco tunnel and the harbourfront 

chicane. Cube had already worked with 

Formula E, the increasingly popular 

electric car series that has sustainability 

values at its core, to deliver the entire race 

accommodation infrastructure at London’s 

Excel last summer. This year, in addition, we 

were engaged to provide an even bigger two 

storey temporary structure at the E-Prix in 

Monaco to house the main TV compound, 

plus various ancillary buildings. 

Cube’s Continest units are ideal for this 

type of project where access is challenging 

and space is at a premium. They fold down 

and stack for transport, taking up just a 

fifth of the space of traditional fixed framed 

buildings, meaning that all 65 units could be 

transported on just nine lorries – including 

all the air conditioning units and staging for 

the walkways and staircases. Fewer lorries 

equal reduced transport emissions: the 

saving from transporting foldable buildings 

for this project amounted to 24 lorries each 

way. This translates to a whopping 620,884kg 

of carbon emissions saved, more than the 

equivalent of a long-haul plane chartered to 

the USA. 

PREPARATION AND PLANNING 

For us, the pre-work on this project was key. 

We knew that if we could prepare all the units 

in our warehouse the week before, we could 

keep to the tight timeline on site. All the units 

had aircon holes cut and walls removed to 

join some together to accommodate the 

requirements of the TV control compound. 

We gave each unit a number and each truck a 

number so logistically we could be sure what 

arrived on site when we got there. 

Plant hire is always a tricky one when 

working overseas; fortunately, we were able 

to source a local company in Nice, France, 

that could deliver on site first thing when 

we arrived. In hindsight maybe having plant 

delivered the day before would have been a 

good idea. 

I co-ordinated our project team on site, 

which consisted of six people. Four crew 

drove there in two vans which took two days 


PEOPLE 

but having the vans on site was critical as 

it meant we could take all our tools with 

us and go out to get parts if needed, plus 

escort the trucks to site, which turned 

out to be vital due to Monaco’s very tight 

streets. 

DAY ONE – ADAPTING OUR PLANS 

We arrived on site at 8am to mark out 

the area and meet our site contact from 

Formula E. We created a schedule of works 

to keep on top of the project and luckily 

were given access to site from 8am to 9pm 

every day. 

The first day we had to smooth out the 

inevitable logistical curveballs that no 

amount of planning can eliminate. The first 

issue we came across was with the hired 

forklift which came with a flat battery. 

Then four of the trucks all arrived at once 

rather than at the planned two-hour 

intervals, creating difficulties with waiting 

and access. Little things like this can be 

really off-putting but my role is all about 

adapting plans when we need to. 

Once the units were offloaded, we 

worked in two teams, one putting the 

units up and the other moving them 

into position, which enabled us to work 

efficiently. At the end of the first day, we 

had 17 units in place and had started to 

build the stairs and walk-way. 

GETTING AHEAD, DAYS TWO TO FOUR 

Days two and three were a lot easier due to 

having all the plant and units on site. We 

were lucky to be the first people on site but 

at the end of day three more contractors 

were arriving to install different things. 

Ensuring we were the only contractor on 

site for at least the first day of the build was 

great as we could have our units placed in 

a holding area. Once the first 20 units were 

“THE ATMOSPHERE IN 

MONACO DURING RACE 

WEEK WAS INCREDIBLE. 

THE WATERFRONT WITH 

ITS GLAMOROUS YACHTS 

AND THE NARROW, 

WINDING STREETS DOTTED 

WITH ICONIC BUILDINGS 

MAKE FOR A STUNNING 

BACKDROP” 

up, we started to fit them with aircon units. 

We were able to have all 65 units in place 

by 10am on day four, which was ahead of 

schedule. This then allowed us to check all 

the stairs and walkway with safety tape. 

By day four the team was tired as we had 

worked three back-to-back 13-hour days, 

but we felt a great sense of achievement 

finishing the installation. We were happy 

to sign off the project at 3pm on day four 

of the install with Formula E and the TV 

company arriving the next day. 

I think the biggest learn for us on this 

project was making sure plant hire and 

transport is sorted well in advance. 

POLE POSITION: WATCHING THE E-PRIX 

We kept a team member out there for the 

whole of race week to tackle any issues 

and to check the units each morning. This 

happy task fell to me for the majority of 

this period. The most taxing work I had to 

undertake was moving our tensile barriers 

to different positions according to each 

day’s requirements. The rest of the time I 

was free to watch the action. 

The atmosphere in Monaco during race 

week was incredible. The waterfront with 

its glamorous yachts and the narrow, 

winding streets dotted with iconic 

buildings make for a stunning backdrop. 

It was a real thrill to mingle amongst the 

crowds at the sides of the racetrack and 

see the electric cars close up as they sped 

past. 

The next Formula E project will be back 

in London, but who knows where it will 

take us next year. I’m looking forward to it 

already. 

ABOUT CUBE MANAGEMENT 

Cube Management, part of the Cube 

International group, is an established, awardwinning, 

event services and infrastructure 

business with an industry reputation for 

operational expertise, client satisfaction and 

outstanding compliance proficiency. The 

company is globally recognised, trusted and 

has many years of experience in supporting 

well-known brands, global venues and 

international events. 

www.cubemanagement.co.uk 


ISSUE 38 | October/November 2020 | www.openairbusiness.com 

ISSUE 35 | March 2020 | www.openairbusiness.com 

BUSINESS 

BUSINESS 

ISSUE 39 | January 2021 | www.openairbusiness.com 

ISSUE 33 | January 2020 | www.openairbusiness.com 


BUSINESS 

/ / 

GLAMPSITES 

EVENTS 

> Legalities 

> Biophilic Design 

> Seasonal USPs 

> Bespoke Structures 

> Wedding Insights 

> Professional Services 

CASE STUDIES: HEATON HOUSE FARM • BROOK MEADOW • DOGFEST 


OAB Gathering 2020 – Don’t miss our very own conference this March! 

Alfresco Dining 

› Promoting Events 

› Market Research › Testing Times 

› Contingency Plans › Booking Channels › Necessary Change 

CASE STUDIES: 

SKIPBRIDGE COUNTRY WEDDINGS • TRECOMBE LAKES • WEEKEND AT THE ASYLUM 

> Events Report 

> Changing Diets 

> Marquees 

/ / 

GLAMPSITES 

CASE STUDIES: 


› Venue Searches 

› Customer Excellence 

EVENTS 

STAYCATION 

INVESTMENT 

GLAMPSITES 

› Tree Advice 

/ / 

› Glamping Show 

CASE STUDIES: 


› Changing Habits 

› Industry Taskforce 

CHILLI BARN • MAD DOGS & VINTAGE VANS • HEVER CRAFT AND DESIGN FAIR 

EVENTS 

› Event Glamping 

› Coping with Covid 

/ / 

GLAMPSITES 

› Casual Excellence 

› Planning Exemptions 

EVENTS 

THE ORCHARD AT MUNSLEY • HOLLY WATER HOLIDAYS • LANTERNS AT CHESTER ZOO 

Customer 

First 

› 2021 Predictions 

› Marketing Post-Covid 


› Delegation 

› Instagram 1 

› Start-up Venues › Small Space Design 

CASE STUDIES: 

HOUCHINS • THE PADDOCK RAMSBOTTOM • FRINGE BY THE SEA 

/ / 

GLAMPSITES 

BUSINESS 

EVENTS 

› Placemaking 

› Covid Insurance 

ISSUE 40 | February 2021 | www.openairbusiness.com 

SUPPLIER 

SHOWCASE 

BUSINESS 

Spread the Word 

Open Air Business is now £20 per year 

If you know someone who would benefit 

from a print subscription, please let them know! 

With big thanks, 

The Open Air Business Team 

www.openairbusiness.com/subscribe

Take advantage of the growth in staycations and construct a luxury log holiday home. 

Spacious, warm, welcoming and beautiful, a genuine log holiday home will generate year round income. 

You’ll be able to provide holidays that your customers will remember, and book again and again. 

0845 299 6337 / INFO@SCANDINAVIANHOMES.COM 

WWW.SCANDINAVIANHOMES.COM/SELF-BUILD-HOLIDAY-HOMES

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