Yorkshire Post

Willerby opens third showground as staycation demand set to soar

- GREG WRIGHT DEPUTY BUSINESS EDITOR ■ Email: greg.wright@jpimedia.co.uk ■ Twitter: @gregwright­yp

THE HOLIDAY homes company Willerby has opened its third showground as more Britons decide to go on holiday in the UK.

The opening of Willerby’s showground, in Southport, during the company’s 75th anniversar­y year, comes as lockdown restrictio­ns are eased to allow holiday parks and nonessenti­al retail to open.

A spokesman said: “The latest dedicated, Willerby-managed site builds on the success of the company’s showground­s at its headquarte­rs in Hull, and at Livingston, in Scotland, and marks a new milestone in the company’s growth.

“Willerby has invested £750,000 in its latest showground and the opening comes as the UK holiday industry is set to enjoy a bumper spring and summer, with Covid- 19 restrictio­ns lifting nationally, while uncertaint­y remains over foreign travel.”

Peter Munk, CEO of Willerby, said: “This is a very exciting step in Willerby’s journey, as we celebrate our 75th anniversar­y year. We are very proud of the company’s history and rich heritage, but it is important to always look forward.

“The opening of our wonderful new showground, in a prime location for the holiday home industry, comes as the country begins to open back up after an incredibly challengin­g time.

“It has also been a period when many people have realised that spending time with family and friends is what really matters to them and, in this respect, the UK staycation has never been more appealing.”

Research conducted last year by Willerby, working with GP and television personalit­y Dr Hilary Jones, highlighte­d the significan­t mental health benefits of taking numerous short breaks over longer holidays.

Mr Munk said the issue has never been more important.

“At a time when many people are looking at how they can make the best and most enjoyable use of their time, the positive impact short breaks can have on mental health are being widely acknowledg­ed,” said Mr Munk.

This is a very exciting step in Willerby’s journey. Peter Munk, chief executive of Willerby

 ??  ?? SHOW TIME: Willerby commercial director Matt Lightburn, left, and Southport showground manager Shane Smith at the new site.
SHOW TIME: Willerby commercial director Matt Lightburn, left, and Southport showground manager Shane Smith at the new site.

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