By William Coleman
Devon’s Ladram Holiday Park has strengthened its ranks by recruiting a former Royal Marine Commando. The vacant senior management role has been filled by Steven Harper-Smith. Smith will now head up the position of general manager having swapped a career in the armed forces to one in the ever growing leisure industry.
The site which, in its peaks, has around 175 employees will now be be overseen by Smith who will ensure smooth running of the day to day activities and facilities at the 5-Star site. The extensive accommodation will need constant care and attention to maintain its strong star rating.
Having taken many holidays close to this area as a child it has a special place in Steven’s heart. Now he calls it home as he moves there with his wife Marta and their two children Edmund (13) and Noah (12).
Stevens does has some background in the leisure industry having joined Ladram Bay from a major holiday park group which he lead the charge in one the West Country’s busiest operations.
After spending 8 years as a commando in the Royal Marines he began his journey into the leisure industry. Now 17 years on he is bringing his experience and know how to Ladram Bay. Beyond being in Britain’s elite amphibious fighting force he also have an enthusiasm for rugby and golf.
Stevens will be joining Zoe House and Robin Carter who are both directors whose family have owned Ladram Bay since the 1940s. The site started as a farm that was owned by the Carter’s which had its own private beach access. From there is has flourished into Devon’s largest and most celebrated park with 70 full time positions and well over 100 seasonal jobs.
The site is open all year round and does almost all of its recruitment locally. Following the season rolls available some become full time jobs once the season has finished.
The park also has its own staff training programme which helps a lot of younger people to develop their skills which they can then transfer into other roles and sectors in the leisure industry.
