T ents include traditional Safari to futuristic Geodomes and the cool white Etosha, plus classic Bell tents, whilst the clearspan( ie no poles) Clubhouse offers a quick and affordable solution for a pop up café, shop or wedding venue. Gary and Linda Kellaway have just opened Lower Keats Glamping in Devon on their small holding of 14 acres in the beautiful Axe Valley. They have six Boldscan safari tents, each sleeping up to six in great comfort, with fully fitted interiors including a wood burning stove and an en suite bathroom. To navigate planning permission they hired an expert who got it through first time. Then they set out to apply for a grant from Local Action Group. LAG work with local people and businesses to develop opportunities for improving the rural economy and quality of life for people living and working in
|
the area through a targeted grants programme called LEADER. They won a grant in support of rural tourism giving them up to 40 % toward costs on certain parts of the project.
When it came to choosing tents, the Kellaways’ main criteria was quality. They are also passionate about purchasing from local companies and were delighted that Boldscan made the tents in Somerset using British canvas and offered on-going maintenance.
Tommy and Kirsty Noel’ s sheep farm at Edale has been in the family for around 400 years. The upkeep of the listed buildings meant that extra income had to be generated, so they opened The Gathering- five safari tents, plus a grand Victorian shooting lodge. With the advice of their good friend, who is wheelchair bound, Boldscan’ s chief designer, Alan Wenham, adapted one of the tents to make it completely accessible throughout. He commented“ Making Glamping accessible for
|
the disabled is an important cause and I am proud to be instrumental in its design and application.”
When it came to finance Tommy found the Swedish bank, Handelsbanken, was incredibly supportive- they even visit the farm every month. Similarly he could not praise NFU Insurance highly enough for their helpful attitude when you need to make a claim.
Bella Givens started with three Boldscan safari tents in 2012. Her marketing experience on brands such a Beefeater Gin and Huggies nappies helped generate 95 % occupancy in the first year and a turnover of almost £ 200k in year two. For prospective glamping
|
entrepreneurs wanting to know the secret of her success, Bella runs courses and bespoke consultations –“ Learnings from Longlands”( http:// www. learningsfromlongland s. co. uk /) |