Newsletter - August 2025

August edition

After such a positive response from last month's newsletter, with hosts enjoying finding out more about what’s going on at Simply Owners and within the industry, here’s Mark II

Business Updates

Abbie will be back this month for a few KIT days - some of you will remember Abbie as your key contact in the office, we can’t believe it’s been a year, we’re glad to have her back from maternity leave!

Our very own Becky has featured in Forbes magazine this month, advocating for direct bookings,  check it out: More Americans Are Taking A Road Trip This Summer. But Can They Afford It?

Very exciting integration developments are coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled!

IT Development Highlights

Our tech team has been busy! Here's what’s new:

  • Extra Fees Feature: 
    You can now add additional fees (for example local taxes/ air conditioning charge/ swimming pool heating charge) Available in the Prices tab, under Additional Charges> Extra Fees.
     
  • Adding a property: 
    Adding new properties just got easier, with a more simple step-by-step upload tool. If you’d like to add a new property please go to your console > My Properties> Add New. There are always offers available to add additional properties, contact us for more info.
     
  • Year to Year Pricing: 
    Wish to use the same prices next year at the simple press of a button? This feature is on its way and should be with you within the next couple of week

Industry News

Simply Owners X Host Planet Roadshow
Simply Owners have teamed up with Host Planet to launch a UK-wide roadshow in 2026. We’ll be teaming up with some major STR brands: Beach Retreats, The Island Holiday Company, Just For You Holiday Homes Ltd, Curated Property, Sykes Holiday Cottages,  Adore Scotland/The Edinburgh Address and  Lisa Roads'

The events will be all around the UK, so keep your eyes peeled. There may be one near you and they’re all FREE!  

 

Mark Simpson Joins STAA
Congratulations to Mark Simpson (a big champion of direct bookings) who’s just been asked to join the board of the STAA. Getting the direct booking message to the forefront of British politics.

 

ASSC action prompts Scottish Government to change unfair Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) self-catering classification process
Some good news for our Scottish hosts! 
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will bring forward amending regulations to fix the misclassification of self-catering accommodation for the 2023-24 financial year. This is a direct result of months of determined lobbying by the ASSC. This decision will bring relief to many legitimate operators wrongly burdened with Council Tax due to failures in communication and process, despite meeting legal thresholds. 

 

Claim your capital tax allowances entitlement, before the deadline!
Simply Owners have teamed up with ZEAL to help you reclaim your tax savings. https://gozeal.co.uk/claim-your-capital-allowances-m/

 

Great British Holiday Posters are now live!
Promote positive tourism in your area with these downloadable posters from PASC: Download your personalised copy

 

For ASSC Members - EV Charger Offer
If you are a ASSC Member they currently have an offer for a free site survey and £150 off an EV charger with their partner voltshare. See ASSC for more details.

Host Planet Podcast

Payment Protection. What is it? Find out more in our latest podcast in partnership with Host Planet:

Watch the youtube short

More great host advice is available at: hostplanet.club

Upcoming Events - Come Join Us!

Want to meet us in person? Here's where we'll be:

Help Us Grow - Google Reviews

Your feedback matters! If you’ve had a great experience with Simply Owners, please consider leaving us a quick review:

Leave a Google Review

 

Thanks for being part of the Simply Owners community.
We’ll see you next month with more updates and insights!

 

Warm regards,
The Simply Owners Team