New owners of caravan park plot glamping and cycle route venture

A CARAVAN park in Otley is planning to improve its site facilities by introducing glamping and creating cycling routes after coming under new ownership with the help of a £640,000 funding deal.

St Helena’s Caravan Park was bought by Rob and Sally Rushworth with the help of a funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

The couple now plan to open the caravan park all year round as well as to develop glamping opportunities, create cycling and rambling routes, and hire four weekend and cleaning staff in 2017.

St Helena’s was originally founded by Mr Rushworth’s father, John Rushworth in 1940. The park is home to 40 residential plots and 60 touring plots and has a turnover of £170,000.

Ms Rushworth said: “My partner Rob used to work on the caravan site when he was a boy, and it was important that we kept the park within the family.

“When the park was put up for sale 18 months ago, we talked to our accountant who referred us to Lloyds Bank, and they were very helpful in supporting us with the purchase of the site.

“We are now in a position to improve the park’s offering to residents and visitors, and develop on what John began more than 70 years ago.”

Steve Dale, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “By keeping the business in the family, Rob and Sally have realised a dream. We’re confident that they’ll be able to take the campsite to the next level over the next few years.”

The Rushworths’ family accountants, Mark Andrew and Keiran Taylor at BPR Heaton in Pudsey, also advised on the deal.