Piperdam Golf & Leisure Resort saw profits more than quadruple ahead of a takeover.
Newly filed accounts show a rebound in sales and profits for the Angus resort which boasts dozens of holiday lodges, a golf course and other leisure activities.
For the year ending December 31, 2021 Piperdam recorded sales of £6.9 million and a pre-tax profit of £2.8m.
This compares to revenue of £4.4m and a pre-tax profit of £632,000 in 2020, but is lower than 2019’s sales figure of £7.5m.
Piperdam owner Coppergreen Developments Limited was acquired by Away Resorts Limited early last year. Coppergreen has owned the 650-acre estate since 2016.
Demand for lodges exceeds expectations
Piperdam director Neill Ryder said the impact of Covid-19 continued into 2021 but the destination benefitted from a staycation boom.
He said: “The demand for breaks in the UK far exceeded expectations meaning we saw stronger than usual occupancy and tariff rates for the rest of 2021. This was in spite of continuing restrictions even after reopening.
“These restriction had a much larger negative impact on other revenue streams.
“In 2021 we didn’t see a full recovery to pre-Covid trading across any areas of operations except for accommodation.
“Weddings and functions along with food and beverage were particularly badly hit.”
Concern at rising costs
Coppergreen said it had remained profitable throughout 2022 despite its parks being exposed to rising utility costs.
A focus since the Away Resorts acquisition has been on introducing new ways to reward staff.
Mr Ryder adds: “2022 has presented new challenges for Coppergreen and the hospitality industry.
“Pressure on costs and the cost of living for our customers are having an effect on results but work undertaken over the past few years in developing systems and processes have put Coppergreen in a strong position to overcome these new challenges.”
Separately filed accounts for Coppergreen, which owns four holiday parks, show sales of £19.5m and pre-tax profits of £3.1m in 2021.
At the time of the acquisition, Carl Castledine, chief executive of Away Resorts said: “Coppergreen’s prime locations and leadership in sustainability will further enhance our offer as we look to provide perfect holiday destinations for UK holiday makers.”
Conversation