Open Air Business April 2017

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