A FORMER farmer turned holiday park entrepreneur has made further investment into his Llanelli business.

Ken Strelley, 37, has just unveiled the latest development at his Gateway Holiday Park.

The £750,000 investment has created a new dining area and leisure complex incorporating changing rooms and swimming pool complete with toddler zone, supported by Barclays Corporate.

The 350-pitch site, primarily catering for tents and caravans and established in 2004, was a former diary farm. It employs 29 staff with an annual turnover of £1.5m.

Mr Strelley said: “Since I decided to diversify away from farming back in 2004 we have continually invested in the business to improve facilities for our visitors.

“With poor weather over the last three summers we decided to invest in the leisure complex, providing more facilities for our visitors but also ensuring valuable revenue was retained on site and attracting revenue from local residents.

“Attracting local residents and day visitors is an essential part of our revenue stream, especially out of season as we attract customers from near and far to enjoy our entertainment, fish on our lake or sample our food.

“Only last week we served up over 350 Sunday lunches, demonstrating that we are not just a holiday park.”

Kath Whitrow, Barclays Corporate holiday and home park sector specialist, said: “Supporting the investment in this business was not only about funding but the nature of the expansion and the ability of Ken and his team to deliver the scheme.

“We have to work together closely and the understanding of the holiday park industry has enabled Barclays Corporate to support Gateway Holiday Park financially and professionally throughout this development.

“This is a well managed business always ready to evolve and invest for future prosperity.”

Mr Strelley said: “We very much cater for the family market, providing something for all the family.

“The opening of the new leisure complex this Easter will add to the range of activities and beautiful surroundings we have to offer.

“The future looks bright as we continue to branch out into other areas. We have already entered the events market with two country and western weekends planned for April and September which will attract over 5,000 visitors to the site – and my next idea is to create an indoor children’s play barn on the site.

“Year after year we get busier and busier and people keep coming back, so we must be doing something right.”

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