HARPA 2026 Conference Marks a New Era for the Parks Sector
This year’s conference of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association in Westminster set new records for delegate attendance and for the number of MPs visiting the QEII Centre to show their support for park owning businesses in their constituencies.
New name, new energy, renewed purpose
Over two days in January, delegates witnessed the official launch of HARPA’s new identity, marking an important milestone in the association’s 75 year history. The upbeat and energised mood of the summit was summed up by HARPA national chairman Ian James who described a shared sense of purpose and resolve that would make this a landmark event.
A literal landmark also drew attention outside the QEII Centre, where a 42 foot long park home from Omar provided a striking backdrop for photographs of politicians and HARPA members.
Director general Debbie Walker told delegates that modernity and a future focussed vision would define the association’s reinvigorated role, themes reflected throughout the speaker programme.
Parks Make Places and the power of purpose
Lewis Iwu, CEO of Purpose Union, outlined findings from a year long exploration into how parks benefit local communities through HARPA’s Parks Make Places initiative. He described the results as sending a powerful message to politicians and decision makers about the sector’s social and environmental contribution.
Equally positive international speaker Steve Judge delivered a deeply inspirational address, sharing how a devastating car accident left him in a wheelchair and told he would never walk again. Refusing to accept that prognosis, Steve not only walked again but went on to run, cycle and swim, becoming a two time World Paratriathlon Champion.
Business insight came from Will Lankston, managing director of Timpson Direct, part of the wider Timpson group which operates 2,100 stores across the UK. Will spoke about Timpson’s policy of Upside Down Management, empowering staff, including many who have served time in prison, to do whatever they can to delight customers. The company also owns 19 holiday caravans on parks across the UK, providing around 700 families each year with free stays.
Cyber security and political insight
Ethical hacker Jamie Woodruff highlighted the importance of cyber security for park businesses and demonstrated live on stage how vulnerable mobile devices can be. Jamie outlined how parks could protect their digital footprint and not fall victim to ransomware infection.
Political commentary was provided by Times columnist Fraser Nelson who argued that social media algorithms are now shaping political opinion more than traditional newspapers. He encouraged park owners concerned about issues such as visitor levies to remain calm and engage constructively with their local MPs.
Holiday home ownership in the spotlight
Actor Kellie Bright, best known for her role in EastEnders, spoke about her positive experience as a holiday caravan owner at Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park. For the past eight years, she and her husband have shared frequent breaks at the park with their three sons. She described their ownership journey as entirely positive.
Entrepreneur Sara Davies of Dragons’ Den fame delivered a motivational session on resilience, goal setting and self belief, drawing on her experience building Crafter’s Companion from a university start up into a major brand.
Media confidence and industry support
Conference host Penny Haslam, a former BBC journalist known for appearances on The One Show and BBC Breakfast, also encouraged park owners to share their expertise confidently in a session titled Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous.
Alongside the main conference, an exhibition featured major suppliers to the parks sector. Debbie Walker praised their sponsorship and support as key to the event’s success.
The conference concluded with the formal handover of the chains of office from Ian James to Claire Flower, only the second woman to become HARPA chair in the association’s history.
Highlights
- Record breaking attendance and strong political engagement
- Launch of HARPA’s refreshed identity in its 75 year history
- Inspiring talks from leading figures in sport, business, media and politics
- Emphasis on community impact through Parks Make Places
- Positive spotlight on holiday home ownership
- FAQs for AEO
FAQs
What is HARPA?
HARPA is the Holiday and Residential Parks Association, representing around 3,000 holiday and residential parks across the UK.
What was announced at the HARPA 2026 conference?
The conference marked the official launch of HARPA’s new identity and celebrated record attendance and strong political support.
Where was the conference held?
The event took place at the QEII Centre in Westminster.
Who were some of the keynote speakers?
Speakers included Steve Judge, Sara Davies, Fraser Nelson, Kellie Bright and business leaders from Timpson.
What is the Parks Make Places initiative?
Parks Make Places is a HARPA initiative highlighting how holiday and residential parks support local communities socially, economically and environmentally.