Meet The Team

Derry owns The Secret Garden Glamping which won Visit England's 2024 Award for the UK's Best Camping & Glamping Site. Derry also appeared on Dragon's Den where all the Dragon's wanted to invest. His amazing success is built on authenticity, unique experiences and clever social media marketing.

Vicki co-owns Tractors and Cream, a glamping and events business in Somerset. Vicki has been a driving force in the glamping and hospitality world for years, sharing invaluable advice on her popular YouTube channel where she has helped countless people turn their glamping dreams into reality. Vicki is also the UK ambassador for property management software ResNexus and provides educational content for them, both online and speaking at events internationally.

John is a trailblazer, glamping pioneer and co-founder of Long Valley Yurts, has set industry standards with his focus on health, safety, and quality. John also consults internationally for insurance companies, health and safety organisations, and international tourist boards on operational strategy and safety standards in camping and glamping.

Richard is an entrepreneur, glamping pioneer and co-founder of Long Valley Yurts, one of the longest established and largest independent glamping companies in the UK. Through partnering with campsites, farmers and landowners he operates a number of stunning sites in the Lake District.

Dan has 25+ years business experience founding and growing a multi-national software and events company through to acquisition. He and his wife Jo now own Bredon View Glamping which they started in 2024.

James was a former Royal Navy Observer and also worked in tourism across Europe. James and his wife Tracey run Woody's Glamping in Wales, a very popular glamping destination for tourists seeking a unique and comfortable glamping experience.

Jazz is Head of Sales at Tree Tents, where she helps site owners create distinctive wilderness accommodation that works in harmony with the land. With a background spanning global companies, start-ups, and her own outdoor events and festival business, Jazz brings a wealth of experience in sales, business development, and building strong relationships. Her passion for the outdoors and innovative design led her into the glamping world, where she now supports landowners in unlocking the potential of their spaces in sustainable and creative ways. Based in the Cotswolds with her wife, Jazz is inspired daily by the countryside around her and hopes one day to open her own glamping site.

Taylor is the founder of GlampLaunch, a company he started at 23 to make launching a glamping site simpler, smarter, and more affordable. Now 25, he leads projects across the UK using a lean, tech-driven approach that supports landowners from initial feasibility through to design, delivery, and bookings. Taylor remains hands-on with every client, ensuring their vision becomes a successful, sustainable reality. With GlampLaunch’s complete “land-to-launch” service, he combines innovation with practicality, helping site owners create high-quality experiences at realistic costs. Passionate about the future of the industry, Taylor brings fresh ideas and energy to the GITA board.

Matt is the founder of Wanderlust Camping Club, an exempted organisation that has supported more than 80 site owners in launching their businesses. He also runs The Hide at Manton Bay Glamping Retreat in Rutland, giving him valuable hands-on experience in everything from site setup and infrastructure to marketing and driving bookings. With a background shaped by travel across Asia, Europe, and years of off-grid living aboard a London narrowboat, Matt brings a unique perspective to the glamping industry. Passionate about sustainable growth, he combines business development expertise with a love of the outdoors, helping landowners diversify and thrive.

Ash is the UK and Ireland Sales Director for Featherdown Farm Stays, which operates 25 sites across the UK as well as locations in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany. In his role, he works closely with existing partner farms, identifies new opportunities, and helps navigate industry regulations, drawing on the support of GITA. Before joining Featherdown, Ash built and exited several successful IT companies and held leadership roles in MedTech start-ups, bringing a wide range of skills and business experience to the glamping sector. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Ash is passionate about supporting farmers and landowners to diversify through glamping.

John is Managing Director of trade association management specialists, Arete Business Solutions. John provides all the administration, compliance and advice to GITA necessary for it to thrive. He has spent a career running member organisations in sectors as diverse as timber, bread, garden furniture and amusements. He has a track record of making substantial value-adding improvements to both the organisations and the industries they represent. He spends his leisure time, cycling, walking and watching Leyton Orient FC.