Alistair Houghton meets ROD TUCKER, chief executive of Haulfryn Group

Tucker says Haulfryn’s decision to keep investing in its parks will help it to thrive while others suffer in the slowdown.

“People are much more discerning than they used to be about their holiday accommodation,” he said.

“That’s down to package holidays. They’ve seen quality facilities abroad and we have to match them.

“We don’t offer the levels of entertainment of other parks, and we haven’t got huge arcades. It’s a more relaxed environment.”

Tucker admits, however, that varying planning regimes throughout the UK can affect the group’s expansion plans.

“One of our biggest battles is planning for our new developments,” he said. “Across the country you get mixed messages.

“Those in North Wales tend to support new developments, the same in Devon and Cornwall. But in Eastbourne and Hastings it’s more difficult.”

Tucker says the credit crunch has had mixed effects on his business. On the residential side, sales have slowed as customers who may have sold their houses to buy park homes decide instead to hang on to their old homes until prices rise.

“Holidays is a mixed bag,” he said. “North Wales has held up very well in line with last year, which is surprising. The South East has held up very well.

“The South West has gone very quiet. People will go from around London to Devon and Cornwall. At some parks I’ve heard people say ‘It cost me another £30 to get here this year.’ It’s started to bite.

“The market is better than I thought it was going to be. Nobody really knows how long it’s going to go on for, but we’re fairly upbeat about it.”