Owners of a new Eden holiday park say they are caught in a catch 22 situation — with a staycation boom happening alongside a shortage in caravan supplies, caused by Brexit.
The Rising Sun Holiday Park, on Long Marton Road, in Appleby, is owned by 35-year-old Martyn Huschka and his partner Kimmie Tinkler, 33.
Construction started in June last year and their first holiday home was delivered on to the park by Kendal Caravans in October.
So far, they have experienced a rocky road into the industry with COVID closures coming into force.
Due to the pandemic, and as a result of Brexit, they say there is also a shortage of caravans for sale from manufacturers — coming at a time when the UK tourism market is set to surge.
Kimmie said: “Unfortunately, like everyone else, we had to close our doors in November for the second lockdown, we were able to reopen in December until the third lockdown was announced, only to close again until April 12.
“Since reopening, inquiries and sales have been great, we have sold over half of our pitches.
“However, even though it’s been the perfect time to start our new venture — with holidays abroad being cancelled and UK holidays now on the cards for most — being new to the industry, and the uncertainty of stock being available to sell due to the COVID pandemic and Brexit, has made things a little daunting at times.
“Materials and parts, especially windows and doors, have been a struggle for manufacturers to source. The backlog of orders meant production has been affected.
“Unfortunately, new customers wanting to buy a holiday home for next year are facing a steep hike in cost and delayed delivery. Although the prices have yet to be released from the manufacturers for next year’s stock, due to material inflation and Brexit, prices are expected to increase by up to 12 per cent.
“No 2022 prices, demand for viewings, and stockists struggling for show vans to view, has made things a little tricky, but despite this, we are doing really well and we are over the moon with how our park is performing.”
The development of the park comes after Martyn and Kimmie built their new family home on the site — where they live with Rosie, 16, and Joss, seven.
The former Rising Sun farmhouse was demolished in April, 2020, and 10 pitches on the new site will be static caravans and lodges in an exclusive, owner-only development.
