The Associate Issue #2 August 2023

We travelled to Cornwall for our South West round table and members meet.

We announce the Property Manager Awards 2023!

DEAR STAA FAMILY!

Firstly a big thanks for all the thumbs up on our new newsletter, The Associate. It’s great to hear you’re loving it, and I’m really looking forward to developing it over the coming months with you. If you have got an idea or want to write something for The Associate, please let any of the team know!

Summer’s here (so I’m told), and I know you will all be busy with guests and holidays! Summer is also a busy time at the association. We are connecting with MP’s, Councillors and stakeholders and telling our side of the story. With MP’s back in their constituencies, summer is the perfect time to get out and about and connect with them in their home areas up and down the country. So far this summer we’ve met with stakeholders in Brighton and Cornwall and have many more planned.

You can read about our successful Cornish roundtable which was sponsored by Travel Chapter later in this edition, a great and rewarding day and one we are already planning to repeat! I also confirmed, it’s jam first. Until we go to Devon.

I’d like to wish you all a great, successful, busy and rewarding summer and look forward to catching up with you all very soon.

Best regards,

ANDY FENNER, Chief Executive, STAA

CORNWALL MEET

The STAA team travelled to Cornwall for our South West round table and members meet in the picturesque town of Falmouth. Our outreach across the regions and nations of the UK connects our industry to regional stakeholders - to listen to their concerns, find a balance that works for all and to plan for the sustainable, responsible growth of our industry.

We all know that holiday lets are more than just a means of accommodation; they are local businesses at the very heart of our coastal communities. Our industry plays an integral role in not only supporting the local economy but in preserving the unique cultural fabric of the region.

Our CEO, Andrew Fenner, was joined by key regional stakeholders including, Labour Parliamentary candidate and Councillor Jayne Kirkham, Steve

The meeting was marked by an atmosphere of collaboration and working together towards one shared goal: to ensure that tourism continues to provide vital jobs and investment for communities across Cornwall in a sustainable and responsible way whilst finding a balance that works for the communities we operate in. Together, we explored potential challenges and opportunities, delving into areas such as sustainability, community engagement, local housing challenges and local economic development.

Double MP, Derek Thomas MP, Cherilyn Mackrory MP, Leader of Cornwall Council Councillor Linda Taylor, CEO of Visit Cornwall Malcolm Bell, Ben Edgar-Spier from Sykes Cottages with James Starkey and Mark Roome from Travel Chapter. Their contributions were invaluable, filled with insightful ideas, innovative suggestions, and a shared passion for sustaining the rich sustainable tourism culture in Cornwall.

From L to R: Ben Edgar-Spier (Sykes Cottages), Malcolm Bell (CEO Visit Cornwall) , Derek Thomas MP, Cllr Linda Taylor (Ldr of Cornwall Council) James Starkey (COO Travel Chapter) Steve Double MP. Mark Roome (COO Travel Chapter), Cllr Jayne Kirkham (Labour PPC), Cherilyn Mackrory MP, (not pictured Andy Fenner CEO STAA)

Thanks to Travel Chapter for sponsoring the event and making it happen and to the expertise and dedication of all participants. We are now forging a comprehensive plan that strikes a balance to benefit everyone involved. This plan is about more

YOUR TAKE AWAY

Finding a balance: We will work with the local communities to establish a balance between tourism and communities that works for everyone.

Host Education: We will be working with our members to provide resources and training to hosts ensuring they understand and respect community values, and operate in sustainable, environmentally friendly ways.

Engaging Local Voices: The STAA will establish regular community forums where residents can voice their concerns and suggestions regarding short-term lets and we can talk about the benefits to local communities of the jobs and investment our members bring.

Promote Off-Peak Tourism: To lessen the strain during peak seasons we will work with members and local stakeholders to create initiatives to promote Cornwall as an all-year-round destination, distributing the influx of tourists more evenly throughout the year. Finding a balance: We will work with the local communities to establish a balance between tourism and communities that works for everyone.

than merely promoting tourism; it’s about creating a blueprint for the growth and prosperity of tourism which works with Cornwall’s communities.

PS. It’s Jam first.

ARMED FORCES COVENANT BRONZE AWARD

We are very proud to have been awarded Bronze status from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for our commitment to veterans and reserve personnel.

Our certification, signed by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, recognises our commitment to creating opportunities within the short-term accommodation sector for those who have served our country.

The Bronze award symbolises not just our achievements but also our ongoing responsibility to support and champion veterans and reserve personnel, celebrating their unique skills and contributions to our industry.

THE STAA IS NOW PART OF THE TRADE ASSOCIATION FORUM!

We are thrilled to announce that the STAA has joined the ranks of the Trade Association Forum (TAF), a prestigious body that styles itself as the ‘Association of Associations’. This partnership marks a significant step in our continuous pursuit to engage, improve, and lead in the short-term rental sector.

What does our membership with TAF mean for the STAA and its members?

• Enhanced Networking Opportunities: Being a member of TAF grants the STAA access to a vast network of like-minded organizations. It opens doors to a wealth of knowledge on best practices and offers support and guidance to enable our growth and success.

• Boosted Reputation and Credibility: Our affiliation with a respected body like TAF amplifies our commitment to high industry standards, ethical practices, and excellence. For our members, this translates into heightened trust from guests and a tangible enhancement in the reputation of your short-term rental business.

• Stronger Advocacy: The Trade Association Forum has close links to the Government and is supported by the Department for Business and Trade. This association amplifies our industry’s voice, enabling us to play a more proactive role in shaping policies and regulations that affect our sector.

We are excited about this new chapter in our association’s journey. Together with the TAF, we look forward to evolving and delivering even better service to our members. Our partnership with TAF reinforces our dedication to excellence and our commitment to providing you with opportunities to thrive in the shortterm rental industry.

Our Director General, Shomik Panda and CEO Andy Fenner met with the CEO of the Tourism Alliance Richard Toomer at the Institute of Directors.

This meeting focussed on the future of UK tourism and how short term rentals are playing an ever more important part in it. Shomik, Andy & Richard engaged in insightful discussions, covering areas such as regulatory frameworks, sustainable growth, and enhancing visitor experiences. The STAA has a shared vision with the TA for the future of

tourism and underlines the importance of working together to strengthen the industry. The meeting solidified the partnership between the STAA and the Tourism Alliance, setting the stage for joint initiatives. The STAA team were delighted to be asked take part in the forthcoming TA policy conference at which Shomik and Andy will be joined by Fiona MacConnagher to put the STAA story forward. We look forward to working with the TA over the coming months.

WORKING WITH THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

POLICY UPDATES

While the UK Parliament has gone into recess, the STAA stayed busy and engaged with policymakers.

In Scotland, Housing Minister Paul McLennan invited STAA CEO Andy Fenner to the STL stakeholder group which will meet in September 2023 to discuss the implementation of the licensing scheme further. We know how onerous the Scottish licensing scheme is for short-term rental hosts, particularly smaller ones. We have been in conversation with Paul McLennan and it is our utmost priority to communicate improvements to the scheme during the stakeholder meeting in September.

In Wales, we spoke to the Welsh Government officials to get further insight into the Government’s plans on the proposed licensing scheme. We were delighted to hear that the Government intends to set and manage the scheme on a national level and that it should be simple to use, cost effective and based on an automatic approval process. It is great to see that the STAA has established a good working relationship with the Government and we look forward to providing further input to the design of the scheme in the coming months.

In England, Andy and STAA member and founder of MyGetaway Steve Taggert met with Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown to discuss the importance of short-term lets businesses in his constituency. MyGetaway is a local business, supporting thousands of local jobs in the area.

Also in Scotland, we have been busy putting our positions forward in two consultations. We submitted our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on council tax and business rates threshold changes. You can read our final response here. We seamlessly continue to respond to the next consultation, which is on the proposed Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill. We are currently working with members to develop a strong response. We aim to finalise the response before the deadline (15 September) so members have the opportunity to submit their own responses based on the STAA’s submission.

Representing and showcasing the value our industry brings to local communities and highlighting issues that are not connected to short-term rentals is an important part of our work as an association. For Andy and Steve to meet Lloyd Russell-Moyle in person in a local pub in Brighton was a great way to put a face to an industry that is primarily associated with large US companies. We have a lot of work ahead of us demonstrating that our industry consists of thousands of ordinary people and local businesses providing jobs and additional spending power.

From L to R: Mark Brown Labour Party Trade Union Liaison Officer, Evelyn Tweed MSP, Andy Fenner CEO STAA, Paul McLennan MSP Minister for Housing

POLICY

As we head towards a General Election here in the UK, politicians and the media are constantly discussing new policies to resolve perceived issues. The idea of policy making can be a daunting one if you’re not within the world of politics, but the reality is that the policy making process by the government can be incredibly important to our businesses and personal lives too; thought-out policies, well implemented, can help us thrive.

I was appointed to the STAA’s Board as Policy Lead in March this year. My day job is policy (I’m the Public Affairs Manager for the UK & Ireland at Booking.com, working with governments and organisations on policies and laws on a day to day basis). My background has, unsurprisingly, been in policy making too as a former civil servant before joining Booking.com last year.

In my role on the Board of the STAA, I want to ensure that we are holding the government to account but also informing them of how, as an industry, we operate. Good policy making will result in regulation that is fit for purpose, that supports the industry it is regulating, whilst also supporting the needs of others too - say local communities.

This month, I want to look to government consultations which is an in-built part of how we create policy in the UK. You will have seen that in recent months, the STAA has responded to a variety of calls for evidence from both UK government and devolved administrations (Scottish Government, Welsh Government). These can be a powerful tool to be heard by policymakers, and responses are intended to be received by everyone from associations like us, large global businesses to individual operators. Whatever your size, your voice counts.

Consultations allow affected individuals to give their opinion on how they would like a specific problem to be addressed: this could be at the early stages of a policy being created, such as the English Consultation on Short Term Rentals in September last year, or at a later stage of the process, such as when a law has been passed and a regulator is looking to its implementation.

At the STAA, we make the most of such opportunities to voice our concerns and agreement with the direction of current policy making. Rather than simply being for people with a job like mine working for large online platforms, the qualitative evidence that government received here is vitally important. For this reason, I ask that if you have experience of the sector, these personal experiences can be invaluable. Please join our policy calls or, if you have a singular point to make, don’t hesitate to email our secretariat with your experience. We can then add these to our consultations: they add colour to the data and that all important personal element.

In turn, consultations allow governments to gain quantitative data on what opinions are on a policy. We ask that, once our STAA consultation responses are provided, that you use this as the basis for your own responses. You could simply copy it, citing yourself as an STAA member, or you can use this as the basis for your own response. The more responses they receive, the greater the voice we can project. Whilst individual responses are important, the quantity of responses will also factor into policy makers’ decision making.

Consultations aren’t the end of the process. After we have built these documents as an association, these form our own position on issues which we can take with us to meetings with Government Departments and interested individuals e.g. MPs or Visit Britain. As I mentioned, the individual stories you have to add to this, like how you have experienced applying for a licence in Scotland, your planning application journey or simply setting up a business, are all incredibly helpful for us to represent you, our members, in meetings, correspondence and events.

WRITTEN BY: FIONA MACCONNACHER, STAA BOARD’S POLICY LEAD, PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER, UK &

AT BOOKING.COM

Fiona MacConnacher, STAA Board’s Policy Lead

UPCOMING EVENTS!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14 September ‘23

Demystifying the data and technology –Webinar

15 September ‘23

STAA Round Table & Members meet up –The Friend’s Meeting Hall, Brighton

23 October ‘23

STAA Manchester meet up – Booking.com office

16 November ‘23

Property Manager’s Awards - Trapeze Bar, Shoreditch

23 April ‘24

GA-STR Summit Lunch – The Coal Shed London

24 April ‘24

Short Stay Summit ‘24 – Old Billingsgate, London

After the incredible success of our inaugural STAA Property Manager Awards last year, it’s with great excitement that we announce the Property Manager Awards 2023! These awards honour the innovative property managers and hosts who consistently lead the way in excellence, innovation, hospitality, and outstanding guest experience - the very qualities our industry is celebrated for. Last year’s Property Manager Awards was an event to remember. Shunning the conventional, we took a delightful detour into a retro-themed bowling alley. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as property management professionals swapped their formal wear for bowling shirts and shoes, mingling and celebrating successes in a relaxed yet exuberant setting.

This year, we’ve upped the ante, embracing the thrill and allure of a circus-themed extravaganza. Join us on 16 November 2023 at the Trapeze Bar in Shoreditch, a venue famous for its animated ambiance and whimsical decor, as we announce, showcase, and revel in the achievements of the STAA Property Manager Award winners.

Come one, come all, to this extraordinary celebration of our industry’s excellence. Whether you want to sponsor, enter the awards, or simply be part of the spectacle, you can find all the information and secure your ticket by clicking here.

Join us under the big top for a night of celebration, networking, and fun. Here’s to the stars of property management and hosting - here’s to you! See you at the Trapeze Bar!

Trapeze Bar, Shoreditch

SHORT STAY SUMMIT ‘24

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated STAA Short Stay Summit Europe, happening on 24 April 2024 at Old Billingsgate, London!

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated STAA Short Stay Summit Europe, happening on 24 April 2024 at Old Billingsgate, London! Join us at the Short Stay Summit on 24 April 2024 at the Old Billingsgate, London!

If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact events@ukstaa.org

The flagship STAA event has become a cornerstone of the industry in Europe, attracting professionals and enthusiasts from across the continent who are shaping the future of short-term rentals.

With a record-breaking 1,250 tickets registered and over 50 renowned companies sponsoring and exhibiting, this year’s summit has become the largest event of its kind in Europe. It’s a testimony to the industry’s strength and the ever-expanding opportunities for growth. Interested in a glimpse of what unfolded last year? Visit our website to take a look!

At the STAA Short Stay Summit Europe, you’ll have the chance to:

• Discover the latest trends shaping the market.

• Connect with leading industry experts for firsthand insights.

• Engage in interactive workshops and compelling keynote sessions that will ignite your entrepreneurial passions.

• Network with like-minded professionals who are influencing the short-term rental landscape.

Don’t let this exceptional opportunity pass you by! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the field, the STAA Short Stay Summit Europe offers valuable insights, connections, and inspiration to elevate your short-term rental business or venture.

Secure your exhibition space, sponsorship, and tickets today and be part of this game-changing event. To get involved, please email Diane at events@ukstaa.org.

See you in London at the STAA Short Stay Summit Europe, where innovation meets opportunity!

Organising a conference the size of the Short stay Summit takes a huge amount of planning, changing, sweat and yes, some tears! Work on the Summit is going ahead full steam ahead. The team met in the sunshine at Brightons iconic Grand Hotel and got stuck in with work on making Summit 24 the biggest and best ever!

GLOBAL ASSOCIATION SUMMIT 23 APRIL 2024

12pm – 3pm, London

Book your space: events@ukstaa.org

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE GA-STR SUMMIT LUNCH

Sponsored by:

Who is it for?

GA-STR Summit Lunch is open to all global short term rental association heads, boards members, DMO’s, public affairs, and industry public affairs managers.

This networking lunch will be hosted each year by an association with their chosen educational theme, with a relaxed approach to thought leadership and educational sessions over lunch. Limited to 40 Guests.

When 23 April 2024 – 12pm-3pm Venue

The Coal Shed London Private Dining Room, 4 Crown Square, One Tower Bridge, London, SE1 2SE

To host a session or to book your place please contact: events@ukstaa.org

QUARTERLY STAA BOARD MEETING

Despite the change in format, the virtual Board meeting was filled with determination and steadfast commitments to advancing the STAA and augmenting support for our members.

The recent Transport for London (TfL) strikes led to an unexpected change in our plans for the STAA’s quarterly Board meeting. While we had looked forward to reconnecting in person, the strike announcements caused many of our Board members, who come from various places across the UK, to alter their plans. Though the strikes were suspended, the shift had already been made, turning our eagerly awaited in-person gathering into an online meeting. Our anticipation of including photos of the united STAA Board will have to wait, but we’re excitedly looking forward to our next inperson meeting in the autumn.

Despite the change in format, the virtual Board meeting was filled with determination and steadfast commitments to advancing the STAA and augmenting support for our members. We’re thrilled to announce the renewal and advancement of our partnership with Mike Ortegon and Diane Lloyd. Their dedicated work over the past several years has made the STAA’s flagship event, the Short Stay Summit, and the STAA Property Manager Awards the successful events they are today. We’re eager to continue working closely with them to offer the best short-term rental events across the UK.

We’ve also formalized our referral scheme for STAA members! If you refer someone to the STAA, you will receive 10% off your next annual membership, based on the new member’s fee. Together, we can grow our association and unify our industry’s voice, creating more opportunities for members to connect and influence a sustainable regulatory landscape.

While there are many exciting plans in the pipeline that we’ll share soon, please know that your Board is always here for you. Though we meet quarterly, we communicate regularly and work closely to represent your interests. Your questions and suggestions are always welcome, and we eagerly await your input.

REFERRAL SCHEME

Pay less for your membership... Our referral scheme is designed to reward your loyalty - for every new member you introduce who joins the association, you’ll receive a discount on your subsequent year’s membership. It’s a win-win!

We’re enhancing this scheme, with improvements being rolled out now we promise to keep you updated via email on all the exciting developments. The more referrals you make, the more you save - it’s as simple as that!

To refer someone email: enquiries@ukstaa.org

STAA JULY MEMBERS MEETING AND WEBINAR

Did you miss our enlightening July members’ meeting and webinar featuring STAA member James Tanner?

The session focused on transforming your shortterm rental into a more sustainable space, and if you weren’t able to join us, there’s no need to worry. You can watch the recording here! As a member, you also have exclusive access to all of our previous webinars on our members-exclusive webpage.

James’s presentation was rich with practical insights and tips on how to make short-term rentals more eco-friendly. From insulating walls and roofs to regulating hot water, heat, and light

DEMYSTIFYING THE DATA AND TECHNOLOGY

Data and technology can be bewildering, it doesn’t need to stay that way. Our 14 September webinar will unite two leading companies in the data and tech space to share how you can harness ‘best in class’ technology and data tools which can empower you to optimise and expand your business.

Be sure to join us on the 14th to hear what Sally and Alondra have to share.

use, he covered essential strategies that not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also help in conserving energy and keeping bills low. By adopting a few simple steps, you can make a significant positive impact on both the environment and your bottom line.

Are you interested in sharing your expertise and hosting an educational webinar? We would be delighted to facilitate it! Just reach out to Mike Ortegon at mike.ortegon@ukstaa.org, and we’ll be more than happy to help organize it. Your wisdom and experiences can provide invaluable insights for other members, and we encourage you to take part in our collaborative learning community.

14 September 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Sally Henry, VP Business Development, EMEA, Key Data

Alondra Palomino, Partnerships Manager, Minut

BRIGHTON – NATIONAL ISSUES, LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Brighton’s scenic seafront set the backdrop for a fruitful meeting between STAA’s CEO Andy Fenner, Brighton MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and local STAA member Steve Taggert from My Getaways.

The three met in the heart of Brighton’s tourist district to discuss the burgeoning short-term accommodation industry and its intersection with local community needs.

The conversation kicked off with a warm exchange of thoughts about Brighton’s unique charm and the opportunities and challenges faced by the shortterm rental sector in the city. Andy brought forth the STAA’s plans for sustainable growth, emphasising the importance of nurturing the local economy without losing the city’s distinctive character.

Lloyd offered valuable insights into the community’s perspective, sharing local concerns and legislative viewpoints.

The three of them agreed on the potential for collaboration, leaving the door open for future partnerships that could drive positive change in the industry. As the meeting wrapped up, the sense of optimism was palpable, and the shared vision for a harmonious relationship between short-term rentals, local businesses such as My Getaways and the Brighton community was clear.

This meeting represents more than a conversation; it’s a symbol of bridging gaps, fostering understanding, and building a path toward a more vibrant and responsible tourism landscape in Brighton.

The Short Term Accommodation

Association

Supporting the responsible growth of the short-term accommodation industry

Industry advice – learn more about the issues affecting your business. Networking – meet fellow people from your industry and beyond.

Best practice – how to improve your business and increase profitability.

www.ukstaa.org

info@ukstaa.org