The Richard Sigsworth interview
Posted by Sell My Group in Insights into the UK Park Industry, February 4, 2022
Justin Allitt chats with Richard Sigsworth from Omar Park Development Services (OPDS), to discuss the park industry, his role in it, and what he likes to do when not working.
Hi Richard, OPDS has had an excellent year, well done! Why did you decide to set it up?
Having worked both on residential and holiday parks throughout the UK for some of the largest park operators I saw a niche in the market. Not only could I create value, but I could also see an opportunity to help new parks as well as existing operators expand.
What is your favourite thing you like doing at OPDS?
It has to be meeting new people, especially potential park owners for the first time. I talk them through the many benefits of owning and developing a park. I also like viewing their land and giving feedback on the possibilities. Developing a park can be life-changing and I’m part of that process.
How have you coped with running OPDS during the last turbulent 24 months?
The last 24 months have been very interesting for OPDS. Various lockdowns and travel restrictions have meant I’ve had to learn to use Zoom and Teams for meetings rather than face to face. But it has given me the opportunity to focus on key projects for the years ahead.
How did the Omar relationship come about?
As a park operator, Omar was my go-to supplier. For many years I had purchased lodges and park homes from Omar – I knew them and the product well. When Dean Westmoreland took ownership of Omar with a vision to drive the business forward, I knew that was my opportunity to join them.
I get the impression that you sometimes mentor new park operators into their role, tell me about it.
I enjoy passing on experience and knowledge. Working with OPDS helps new park owners avoid the pitfalls when developing a site. I like to work with park owners so OPDS becomes a critical part of their project. We work closely with the park owner and literally become an extension of their workforce.
If you weren’t doing what you are doing, what would you do?
That’s a great question, after being in the industry for over 25 years, I don’t know. My chances of playing a sport professionally have long gone! As most of you know I do enjoy a holiday and a night out, but honestly, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I am very lucky to enjoy my job and the people I meet, I wouldn’t really want to do anything else.
Tell me about the services you have available on the website.
OPDS offer a full turnkey solution and everything in between! We can help landowners with planning guidance and introduce funding through to developing the site. Once developed, we will assist with sales and rental of the units. We have a wide range of knowledge and strong networks within the industry; OPDS helps turn your park dream into a reality. I can also assist existing operators with any issues they may have from resident issues through to blocked drains!
Which clients would you love to help?
It is great to go and meet a potential developer and explain the benefits of park ownership. Many of the developers we work with go on to develop more parks and create a legacy for themselves and their families. Creating a park from a brownfield site, or an underperforming greenfield site really is a great experience and something I love working on.
Tell me about future plans for OPDS?
The future is strong for OPDS. As the demand for parks grows, the demand for expert help grows, over the next few years we will look to grow the team at OPDS. We will introduce specialised arms to our offering along with more in house options. The OPDS operational manual and development manuals have been refreshed for 2022 and I look forward to helping a new generation of park owners.