We chat to David Goldsmith, Head of Sales & Marketing at Shorefield Holidays Ltd, to discuss the park industry, his role in it, and what he likes to do when not working.
Hi Dave, thank you for the interview; what is your role at Shorefield Holidays?
Hi Justin, that’s no problem at all, it has been great reading previous interviews. My role here at Shorefield Holidays is Group Head of Sales & Marketing, this looks after Holiday Home Sales, Holiday Sales and Marketing for our group of 9 Holiday Parks in Hampshire and Dorset.
Of all the things in the industry, what is your favourite thing you like to do?
I really enjoy the industry get togethers from shows to conferences, these events really do give you an insight across the industry, and to see what is and isn’t working for everyone. There is always an openness from everyone to see what is going on, and to share ideas big or small.
Any predictions for the industry in the next 24 months and what are your plans?
Where do you start with this question. I think we will see a lot of uncertainty out there with what is going on with the economy and consumers reluctance to part with their hard earned money, but I think if there was one positive I could spin on the pandemic that affected so many over the last few years, is I would say our customer pot has got bigger than what it was pre-pandemic. Lots of customers that wouldn’t have normally had a holiday in the UK, had no choice but to if they wanted to get away. Not all will come back, or may choose to have a 3 or 4 night, rather than a 7 night stay but our customer base has grown, its just our jobs to get these customers back to our parks each year.
If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?
I’ve always liked the thought of being a Corporate Lawyer, or a Stockbroker in London.
What do you like to do when not working? Any hobbies?
For those that know me, I always harp on how good the Peleton Bike is, this kept me sane through COVID. A few of us even completed a London to Paris ride this year. Another hobby that has come out of COVID is golf, this is probably the hardest sport I have played, its great fun though and such a social sport.
What has been your favourite professional moment?
Without doubt this has to being seeing the growth that we as a collective at Shorefield have seen since 2012, to build teams around you and to see them grow with you.
Which clients would you love to help?
With such a diverse demographic that holiday parks cater for I think this is a really hard question to pinpoint, but possibly to show those consumers that are very conscious about Green Initiatives and sustainability how much holiday parks are doing to change the impact they have on the planet for future generations.
Who in our series would you like to be seen interviewed?
I would probably like to hear from one of the major VC’s that has come in to the industry over the last few years to see how they see the next 24 months looking.
T0 read the Samantha Lambert from Marketing etc, click here.