pafe domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/wwwphhpa/magazine.phhpa.org/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131simple-local-avatars domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/wwwphhpa/magazine.phhpa.org/wp-includes/functions.php on line 61313d-flip-book domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/wwwphhpa/magazine.phhpa.org/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131rocket domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/wwwphhpa/magazine.phhpa.org/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/wwwphhpa/magazine.phhpa.org/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131The post 10 Q’s with Alfie Best appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>A. We are in the process of starting to locate and put together our own manufacturing of park homes. We are
also bringing a new team together as we seek to open up our regional office in America. And once that is done, within the next 6 to 8 months we’re going to be going to America and expanding what we do here to there in the US.
A. It is not so much that I look at how it can help our business. But I believe it can help everybody. And I believe that it can give us all a true voice for the park operators without being frightened to speak up.
I can often see that many park home operators are too concerned that if they say the wrong thing, it will be taken out of context and will be harmful towards their character and their business.
I believe a way it can help us and all other operators is certainly by the training that is being brought on board.
But also, by bringing us together, allowing park owners to feel like they have a true association for the park only.
A. Small-minded people. Small-minded people that have never been in a business. That have never put their house on the line. That have never put their possessions on the line to grow a business. And yet they are there giving plenty of people advice. They are the people that are holding businesses back.
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]]>The post 10 Q’s with Alfie Best appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>A. I think the industry can be improved massively. It has come a long way in the last 50 years and it has got a lot further to go. It’s through companies like us and through new associations like the Park Home and Holiday Park Association who are challenging how people perceive caravan parks and mobile home parks.
It’s changing the stereotypical perceptions of many and showing that the park home industry isn’t just about the caravan site. It is the solution to affordable housing. Companies like us, get a lot of criticism because tall trees catch a lot of wind. So it’s us that takes a lot of criticism from the public. I’ve got broad shoulders, I will continue lobbying for what I believe is right.
A. It is that you must have a goal. And everybody within that business must share that goal. Everybody must understand the end goal. Because that gives everybody a solid purpose to work towards. That’s number 1. Number 2. Only have people around you that are committed to the business, not committed to you.
Thirdly, do what you love and make sure you love it. If you love it, you will not work. It will just be your glorified hobby.
A. Biggest challenge that I ever faced was again, to stop myself going bankrupt. And I would say there’s not 1. There’s 3.
Second is, trying to balance your personal life with your business life. I can’t say that I’ve been particularly very good at that because all my life I have lived, ate and breathed whatever business that I’ve done. That has a profound effect on you. It has a profound effect on the people that are around you and it is often hard to find the right balance, but it is essential that you do.
Third principle would be, understanding how finance really works. Understanding how you can grow your business, that it is not about cash coming into the business. It’s a model of saving cash, investing cash and making sure that you’re borrowing money at the right figure that you can afford to pay back.
A. Can I improve on my goal of where I want to be. And how could I improve the systems that are in place on getting us to that goal. I also think of the people, and this is what goes through my mind basically on the nightly basis. I think about those around me and the people that are loyal to the cause, to the business. Because my job is to create a dream that they can share.
A. If you’re starting a business, don’t be frightened. Be nervous, but don’t be frightened. Absolutely join a good association that can help you that you can gain knowledge about the industry, and you can become an expert. It is very important to become an expert in the
industry that you’re in.
A. Both. Nature or nurture. Some of us are born leaders and some of us are trained and coached to be leaders. Now if I put this into perspective, I was a reasonably half decent boxer. On a scale of 1-10, I was a 6. As a coach, I was terrible.
The reason I was terrible was because I was trying to relive my own youth through the boys I was coaching. Now that is a bad coach. A good coach should realise that he has had his time and it’s now time to pass on the experience. And that is the same in business.
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]]>The post 10 Q’s with Alfie Best appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>Alfie Best is one of the most successful businessmen in the UK. As a self-made businessman, he appears on Sunday Times Rich List and is known for his multitude of successful businesses. His core focus being the park home industry.
He serves as a chairman for various businesses including Europe’s leading Wyldecrest Parks, Kyoto furniture, East Thurrock Football Club, Best Park Home Finance, Sapey Golf Country Club and Vaaroom Motorhome hire. Alfie’s entrepreneurial success has seen him generate millions, allowing him to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. However, it is evident that his success is well earned from hard-work and dedication, keeping him level-headed and humble.
When you think of a self-made millionaire you may think that their success stems from luck. But yet, although there may be moments he identifies as lucky breaks, it is actually his tenacity that helped him achieve everything he has today. Meeting him has shown one thing for certain, he is definitely one of the most industrious individuals you will meet with an inspirational story behind him.
You can read Alfie’s story about how he went from very humble beginnings to building a £700 million pound property empire in his new book called ‘Can Anyone Build a Property Empire’ which you can find online.
We wanted to hear more from one of the most successful park operators in Europe, so we asked him our 10Q’s.
A. I have been in the industry, physically working in the industry for about 21 years. But from a heritage point of view, I have been involved and around caravans all of my life. Whether it be caravans, static caravans, or mobile homes. I have been around that all my life.
A. Okay before I started this business, I ran many other businesses. At one point I even got to a point where I thought I was going to retire when I sold out a business. Which was in mobile phones.
Starting Wyldecrest Parks was the very first mobile home park that had come up for sale in Romford. It was a bit of an anomaly because you were collecting pitch fees or rents for about £120 off of about 130 people. And the price of the park at the time for £1.7 million. We are going back in the year 2000, so that was a lot of money to invest. Mobile homes parks have been dismissed as good
investments because the returns do not look that promising. But, if they are managed right, they’re better than blue chip.
A. On a personal level, I would say it’s raising my children. That would be the great achievement. Seeing your children do well.
And on a business level, without this sounding obnoxious. I have had so many great achievements. When I was 25, I built a company that had 18 stores in the mobile communications market. My greatest achievement was virtually going bankrupt but managing to claw myself out of it. Because that either destroys you or builds you. I think it did both for me.
A. Anybody that has struggles, remove yourself from the situation that you are in. Try looking at it from outside the box as opposed to being inside the box. If you are inside the box, it’s like you’re firefighting. Look at who and what is the most important thing to pay.
Normally it’s the bank. And the first thing to do is be honest with the bank, do not try and hide anything. Because the banks have seen recessions, they’ve seen booms, they’ve seen busts. They have seen people that have gone under and they’ve seen people that have thrived.
They’re sometimes the best people in the world to help you, even if their only concerned about their money. They have the experience there. And the next thing is, don’t panic. What’s going to happen is going to happen. Your job is to keep your hands on the steering wheel, keep driving the car forward. You just have to drive a little bit slower.
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]]>With Mark Lesbirel
It includes many features including an easily added direct booking tab. Imagine your guests enjoyed their stay and want to book again. Instead of heading to the internet where they might spot your competitor they can book directly through their app.
The app has very high levels of guest engagement so is clearly working for both the guests and the parks. No doubt this is because you can add so much information including web links, reviews, social media, contact directory, local partners, support chat and much more.
And what if there is an issue in their park home? Suppose the lights go off. You could have a QR code to take them straight through to a help guide and if that doesn’t help then they could use the support chat.
We at the PHHPA can see how useful an app of this type could be for our members. Watch this space and we could soon be sending you the latest information direct to your phone.
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]]>Firstly, the app can be downloaded via a QR code before arriving at the destination so guests can decide on activities before arriving. This will also reduce the time they need to spend in check-in which must be a bonus all round.
Secondly, a map can be included with information about key places such as the launderette. The same goes for leaflets that you might have at reception reducing printing cost and the impact on the environment.
It can reduce questions by including a FAQ and keep guests informed and engaged. Push notifications can be included reminding people of events or sending important notifications. What is more it can all be branded to your own park and is customisable.
But how did Mark come up with this idea? Mark is a keen surfer and originally created an app for surfers telling them about tides and other information to help things go smoothly. It occurred to him that this app was extremely versatile and that if had applications in a variety of industries. Thus, Concierge Pro was born.
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]]>The post 5.Focus on Henry Simmons appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>We have had touring parks before, when I bought Organford Manor in 2014 and we had a touring park there and we managed it for around 7 years. We had another site as well and I think we had around 250 pitches there and could end up with around 1000 people there, so we are used to dealing with people. I would say we have experience in both aspects of the industry.
I believe that it is hard work and perseverance I really do, and I think if you put your heart and soul into it. It will make it work and to just get on with it.
I put my heart and soul in the parks and there is an old saying “if a job is worth doing, do it properly” and I follow this and try to do as good of a job as I can for my customers. You do not always do the right job at the beginning; I have made plenty of mistakes, but I have always learnt from it.
I try to make sure that the parks are up to my standards and that I would be happy to live there. So, we try to do a nice proper job, we use great materials like granite curbs, we use bigger water pipes so they can connect fire hydrants to them and use bigger drains to limit the amount of flooding.
There are learning curves that you learn along the way, but I always ask myself would I be happy to live in the park as it is? How would I like it done? I am a bit OCD with the parks and developments, and I try to personally get involved to make sure I am happy with the decisions made. You definitely learn a lot in life that is for sure.
When I take a park over or develop it the first thing I do is contact the residents. It is especially important to build a
relationship with them. I always tell them to contact me directly or go into the office if they have any issues no matter how small.
No, not at all, never give up. I am driven by success. Always driven and up the next morning even earlier.
The future. No, we will just go along and do the best we can. If we can afford to expand, we will just go along and
expand in the right locations. It is as simple as that. The Park Home and Holiday Park Association was extremely excited to be able to travel down and explore Henry’s residential park homes. It was an incredible experience to come along and follow Henry for a workday in his life. On behalf of Bradley and the PHHPA we would like to thank you for your time and for showing us around your parks. And also, a huge congratulations on receiving a well deserved PHHPA regional award.
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]]>The post 4.Focus on Henry Simmons appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>I put my heart and soul in the parks and there is an old saying “if a job is worth doing, do it properly” and I follow this and try to do as good of a job as I can for my customers. You do not always do the right job at the beginning; I have made plenty of mistakes, but I have always learnt from it.
I try to make sure that the parks are up to my standards and that I would be happy to live there. So, we try to do a nice proper job, we use great materials like granite curbs, we use bigger water pipes so they can connect fire hydrants to them and use bigger drains to limit the amount of flooding.
There are learning curves that you learn along the way, but I always ask myself would I be happy to live in the park as it is? How would I like it done? I am a bit OCD with the parks and developments, and I try to personally get involved to make sure I am happy with the decisions made. You definitely learn a lot in life that is for sure.
When I take a park over or develop it the first thing I do is contact the residents. It is especially important to build a relationship with them. I always tell them to contact me directly or go into the office if they have any
issues no matter how small.
I will sort out anything they are not happy with to ensure they are enjoying living on the park. If I take over a second- hand park which has problems, we will resolve the issues and make sure that the park is of the quality that the residents want.
So, you know, come, and talk to us and tell us if there is a problem, ring me, come into the office, email me. You know, let us resolve the problem. Life’s too short.
No, I just think sometimes if you get it wrong and are under pressure you just have to take it on the chin. We have got plenty of things wrong, we have over ordered on concrete, and we have had to send it back and pay the bill. You know no one is perfect. So, if you are under pressure and you get it wrong you cannot worry about it.
Yes, that is true, they have filmed drone footage in the park and I believe they are going to use it for their social media. I felt very honoured and flattered to receive the phone call about filming in the park.
On that side of the park there are mainly Omar and Wessex homes. Dean, the managing director of Omar, has been very good to me and we work very well together that is for sure. Omar is currently building a new factory in Ringford and they’ll have a showground in the south of England which will be fantastic for us.
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]]>The post 3.Focus on Henry Simmons appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>It was at Pinehurst Park that we were able to present Henry with the PHHPA regional award to Organford Manor for its outstanding designs, resident care, and luxurious park.
As if coming along and visiting his residential parks was not enough, we were invited to jump into his Maybach for a ride to our next destination. This is where we got to see how a successful park operator gets his work done from the comforts of his luxurious and, quite frankly, mesmerising new car.
Woodlands Park was next. Unlike the previous parks, this visit allowed us to see park home sites from a different perspective. Whilst the others were filled with exquisitely designed homes and landscapes, this park, on the other hand, was a great opportunity to see the construction and development process behind a residential park
.
It was impressive to see just how hands-on Henry is with the development of this park, helping and taking part in as much as he can. It was evident throughout each visit just how involved Henry is with the care for his residents and the parks. Last, but definitely, not least was the Knightcrest Park. Walking through the park with Henry we were able to see how much he loves what he does. He is a passionate man, always going above and beyond with everything that he does for his residents.
His efforts are clear when you walk through the park, every detail is thought about and everything is laid out to perfection.
During our visit we have also had the opportunity to speak with Mr Simmons, hearing more about his journey within the park home industry. Read further to learn more about Henry.
We have been in the industry for over 50 years and have experience with the park home industry. The first park I bought was at Puckeridge and I bought it in 2012 around September time.
It was a big step because I used to be in the motor trade, so I had to sell up and take the plunge in that day and age. I had to gather my money together and put it all in one venture and take a step forward in doing the development.
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On our road trip to the south coast, our director general Bradley and our members services representative Tom had the pleasure of meeting Henry Simmons. Our journey began when we arrived at the Simmons Farm Estate. We were instantly amazed by the high-class entrance and the beauty surrounding us.
It was THE perfect place to settle down in our Vaaroom Motorhome and absorb all the scenic beauty around us.
This touring site boasts acres of landscaped grass pitches, situated ideally for anyone looking to explore the Dorset countryside and the famed Jurassic Coast.
We started our morning with a warming cup of coffee, taking in the views around us before we set off on our Simmons adventure. First visit was to Organford Manor Country Park. This park oozed high-class and luxury, from bespoke park home designs to the well-tended surroundings. Upon arrival we met Joe, the sales manager, who drove us around in a buggy.
This is where we were able to capture the park in all its glory. Organford Manor Country Park is located only 6 miles from the Sandbanks Peninsula, which is known to be one of the best beaches in the whole of the UK and renowned for it’s multi-million pound mansions.
With a 360-degree countryside view on site and local wonders just around the corner, it is a dreamy location for a relaxing retirement.
Following this we were taken to the Pinehurst Park Homes where we got to meet the man behind such incredible parks, Henry Simmons. Unsurprisingly, the park was pristine. Prestige designs all over with amazing landscaping.
It quickly became apparent just how dedicated Henry is to his parks and its residents. With residents greeting, smiling, and thanking him all around.
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]]>The post 1.Focus on Henry Simmons appeared first on PHHPA Magazine.
]]>Residential Park Homes have partnered with one of the UKs leading Park Home manufacturing companies, Omar. Having built residential park homes and luxury lodges for over 50 years and having thousands of satisfied customers across the UK, Simmons knew that Omar would make any customers’ dream home become a reality.
It is for this reason that you see a multitude of different Omar homes showcased across all of Henrys’ parks. With this partnership, Henry is able to ensure the highest possible standards and pay close attention to detail throughout the build of the park homes.
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