We talked to Andy Gabel about their innovative product!
Following an award-winning year for GS4U Limited, and the amazing STAYGROUNDED™️ ground screw product, we caught up with Andy Gabel to find out more about their success in 2023 and what’s new for 2024.
NACO: Congratulations on winning the Land Leisure and Tourism Innovation Award in 2023! How did that come about?
ANDY: Thank you so much! Winning the Land Leisure and Tourism Innovation Award in 2023 was incredible. STAYGROUNDED™️ saw a massive rise in demand in 2023, leading us to attend numerous customer and trade shows throughout the year. It was a whirlwind, and to cap it off with an award was just brilliant for the team. The recognition meant a lot to us but also positively influences the industry, emphasising the importance of eco-conscious and groundbreaking practices in holiday and leisure development.
NACO: For those who haven’t read our previous interview, tell us a bit about how the system works.
ANDY: The STAYGROUNDED™️ system is an innovative holiday home siting solution tailored for the holiday and leisure park industry. Unlike traditional siting methods that rely on materials like concrete, we have taken a revolutionary approach by utilising a unique ground screw system and eliminating the need for concrete. This system is designed to create robust foundations for various structures, ranging from Lodges and Caravans to Pods, Hot Tubs, Pergolas, and facility buildings.
NACO: How have your clients benefited from the transition from concrete siting to ground screws in 2023?
ANDY: The system has helped our clients to remove the expensive, time-intensive, and operationally disruptive aspects associated with traditional concrete base siting methods. Our ground screw system not only securely anchors structures, but it also streamlines the complete siting process with substantial time, resource, and cost savings, alongside minimising disruption to the local community and simplifying planning applications. It’s great to support our clients in gaining these benefits, giving them back resources to invest in other crucial areas of their park developments.
NACO: So you talked about the growth in 2023, what has been the demand for the system in 2023?
ANDY: 2023 was unbelievable for us. It’s been an incredible journey supporting our existing clients, with over 25 operators now with our STAYGROUNDED™️ innovation, and our 2024 schedule is filling up nicely which has driven the growth of our team, our journey so far has been nothing short of fantastic. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the positive impact we’re making in the industry and in providing a service in the UK that’s not only transforming the way we do things but also creating more jobs.
NACO: Have there been any stand-out projects in 2023?
ANDY: We have had so many great partnerships in 2023, and our continued development with the team at Yorkshire Spa Retreat has been a shining example of how our unique ground screws can be used right across the park. With the system used for their planning application, and installed throughout their luxury lodge retreat, this was a real chance for us to not only demonstrate operational and financial benefits but also the environmental benefits of our product to complement their countryside retreat and natural spa.
NACO: How did the system help with planning?
ANDY: Our concrete-free siting system not only facilitated a more luxurious and natural park experience for guests but also played a crucial role in their planning application, demonstrating minimal disruption to the local ecology and communities. Our partnership exemplifies how our system provides robust business solutions, alongside a commitment to minimise the impact that park developments have to environment and the communities that surround holiday parks. Initially helping back in 2022 to support a more eco-conscious and operationally efficient planning application, we’ve gone on to develop the retreat from 20 lodges to 50 in 2023, with more growth to follow.
NACO: Looking ahead to 2024, what are StayGrounded™️’s plans and aspirations?
ANDY: In 2024, STAYGROUNDED™️ aims to build on the success of the previous year. Our plans include expanding our reach, forging new partnerships, and continuously refining our system based on client feedback and industry expertise. We envision staying at the forefront of innovation in holiday home siting, contributing even more significantly to the evolution of sustainable practices in the holiday and leisure industry. The commitment to innovation and eco-conscious practices remains steadfast as we look forward to another year of positive transformation.
