The John Marshall Interview

We chat to John Marshall, from Wenningdale Escapes to discuss the park industry, his role in it and what he likes to do when not working

Have you always worked in the family business?

I started answering the phones in reception on our caravan park when I was 11, then in between school & university I worked during the holidays. I have had 3 ½ years working for an accountancy firm before coming back in the week before Covid kicked off and haven’t looked back since.

What is your role?

I am the operations manager and try to split my time between Wenningdale Escapes and Riverside Caravan Park but in reality I do a bit of everything, such is the nature of a family business. So you’ll see me cutting greens, making coffees and hopefully showing you around the caravan and lodges.

I have visited Wenningdale Escapes; it is stunning, but tell me about the development.

The development is based in the middle of the golf course with panoramic views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. We have 6 glamping pods, 3 rental lodges and 15 pitches for private ownership. We have 4 pitches left to go with 3 lodges on the site. The golf course has gone from strength to strength in the last few years and is one of the leading courses in the area. We have our clubhouse, 1922, on site that offers quality food and drinks with a terrace overlooking the 18^th making the perfect place to have a drink.

What sort of buyer are you looking for?

Our park suits someone who wants to enjoy the outdoors, whether that be on the golf course, on bike or by foot or even sitting in the living room enjoying the views. It isn’t exclusively for golfers as 30% of our owners don’t play at all.

What are your plans for the development in the next couple of years?

We are just about to start our next little pocket of glamping pods to complement the 6 we already have. Once we’ve finished these and the current development fills up, we’re going to start our next set of lodges. This will be 12 lodges again with stunning views over the course and up to the local hills.

What do you like to do when not working? Any hobbies?

When I’m not working I spread my time between cricket, cycling, the gym and a little bit of golf. Anything that keeps me out and about really.

What has been your favourite professional moment?

It’s hard to pick out one moment as the last few years have flown by. The most satisfying moments have been seeing the new faces coming to the golf course and Wenningdale Escapes over the last few years and receiving all the great feedback.

You are joining the Committee for the North-West BH&HPA. What role do you see the organisation has for those involved in the industry?

Yes I am, I think the BH&HPA has an important role to play helping the industry ensure it is up to date with all the current trends and legislation. This helps to ensure our customers get the best experience possible and that it is consistent across the industry. Hopefully going forward I’ll be able to help in this and play an important role within this. Click here to see holiday homes available at Wenningdale Escapes.

Read our interview with Tom Lidgard, from Brackenborough Lakes Resort.