Sue Hollingshead finds out more about the living support provided to residents by a big-hearted park operator…
The owners of Laird Estates Laird Estates have a passion for ensuring their residents have the best quality lifestyle available and actively look to support them in many aspects
of their daily lives. That also extends to the current cost of living crisis with the company supporting residents financially across all their parks. For example, Laird Estates has introduced a scheme that has provided residents with £10 a month off their electricity bills throughout 2023 – equal to £120 for each household.
Bill Laird Jnr explained that it was simply the company’s way of ‘trying to help,’ which is not only a brilliant attitude, but also a marvellous approach for a business to have towards its long-term customers.
“The £10 off our electricity bill each month has been tremendous. It has been a really big help. We are well looked after by Laird Estates.”
- Brian Nield, a resident at Peaklands Park, on the scheme
Behind the scenes
This is just one area where Laird Estates has aimed to ‘make a difference’. Behind the scenes, there are several other areas that the operator has also been working on, preferring not to publicise them all. Laird Estates also aims to support staff members; again, this is something that can be found across all its parks. In January, for instance, the company gave staff a bonus, which was paid at the beginning of the year and was equal to 50 per cent of their monthly wage.
What a lovely touch, providing staff with a reward for their commitment, but ultimately aimed at being supportive within the current cost of living challenges.
Energy supplies
Last summer Laird Estates transferred the bottled gas supply over to residents to manage. However, before doing that they negotiated with suppliers for the best price possible, to ensure that residents were getting the best deal available. With regards to electricity rates, as there is one supplier for the park, Laird also negotiated for the best supplier, so residents were again getting the best possible price.
The future looks bright
Laird Estates has 30 years of experience in the sector, currently owning seven quality residential parks. Heatherbank Country Park and Cunninghamhead Estate are in Scotland. Fairview Park is in Cheshire, Peaklands Park is in Derbyshire, with Warren Park and Grindley Brook in Shropshire. Bluebell Park in Scotland is a brand new development currently being developed and will be available from 2025. Moving forward Laird Estates is actively looking to increase its portfolio of parks over the coming years.
Bill Laird Jnr (pictured above) and his Dad, Bill Snr, really do go the extra mile to help the residents across all of their developments.
Innovative approach
Bill Laird Snr and his son Bill Jnr, have a very positive and innovative approach to the management of their parks. Little touches like making sure they visit their parks regularly to be on-hand should residents wish to discuss anything are always appreciated. They are always only a phone call away, but making sure they visit creates the lovely community that exists on their developments.
Laird Estate parks demonstrate modern standards of quality with homes from key manufacturers, landscaping throughout, block paving and options for a shed if required. All the parks also boast great community spirit and are pet-friendly too.
With the company’s innovative attitude, it is no surprise to know they are actively working towards creating parks that will help build a sustainable future. This includes investigating the impact of how solar panels might be of benefit to their residents, while also currently installing electric car charging points across their parks.
