Compass Insurance: 50 Years by the Parkside

Compass didn’t begin as a big company; it began as a simple idea back in 1976: give holiday park owners insurance that truly understands their world.

Where It All Began

Compass started life as a dedicated insurance scheme for NFSO members—the National Federation of Site Operators (today’s HARPA). Developed with Glanville Enthoven, it was unveiled at the NFSO Conference on 22 April 1976 and featured in the NFSO Journal (July/August 1976). The cover was tailored to park operators: caravans, chalets, contents.

Expanding Protection

Through the years, the management of the Compass Scheme evolved through different insurers. What began with Glanville Enthoven developed and transitioned over time, eventually leading to the insurer that manages the scheme today: Bspoke Lifestyle Limited.

Across the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, Compass continued to evolve but always remained focused on serving customers and the holiday and residential park industry.

Naming Compass

By January 1984, membership uptake had grown rapidly. To make the scheme easier to spot, it got a name: COMPASS, derived from “Complete Park And Site Security.” The new logo depicted the NFSO emblem cradled in a hand, a clear signal of care and partnership.

50 Years Later

Kerry McMahon-White, Managing Director of Compass, shares her thoughts on the milestone year for the insurer.

“Compass started as a simple idea back in 1976 to provide holiday park owners with insurance from people who truly understand their world. Fifty years on, we’ve gone from a small member scheme to a nationally-recognised specialist brand, and through our alliance with HARPA, we continue to thrive.

“Our relationships with holiday and residential parks are as strong and as important to us as they were five decades ago, so we want to say thank you, whilst enjoying some mutual nostalgia of years gone by!”

Today, our alliance with the industry’s national association, HARPA (Holiday and Residential Parks Association) continues stronger than ever.

Debbie Walker, Director General of HARPA, said: “The Compass brand was developed to ensure our member parks had access to good quality, fairly priced insurance products, and I’m delighted that 50 years later the scheme continues to go from strength to strength.”

From a small member scheme to a nationally recognised specialist brand, Compass has spent five decades supporting holiday and residential parks, and all the people who enjoy them. And that’s a story we’re incredibly proud of.