Paula Skelton
After a career spanning nearly 40 years, one of the timber lodge industry’s longest known names has said goodbye to both the sector and Pinelog Limited.
Paula Skelton, associate director of Pinelog, has retired from a 36 year career with the luxury timber lodge manufacturer.
During her time with Pinelog Paula has witnessed not only significant changes at Pinelog but also within the industry.
“The holiday market has driven up people’s expectations of a timber lodge. They want a home from home so rightly expect more, and that’s something Pinelog has been easily able to adapt to because of the bespoke nature of our products. That’s what has kept the job so interesting over the years,” she explained.
Paula joined Pinelog Limited in 1987, taking up the reins as a sales person at the company which was then based in Bakewell, Derbyshire, before it relocated to Chesterfield in 2023.
Pinelog is the original pioneer in the timber lodge industry, taking them from simple structures more than 40 years ago to the bespoke, luxury living accommodation that can now be found on many of the UK’s top holiday parks.
“A Pinelog lodge has always been a quality product that is both manufactured and sold with care. I have loved my time at Pinelog and will miss the people in particular,” Paula added.
Throughout her career, Paula has held the hands of hundreds of customers, whether holiday parks or individuals, guiding them through the design and sales process.
“There is nothing nicer than a satisfied and happy customer. Every lodge purchased is an investment, whether that’s financial, lifestyle or both, so it gave me a real kick when customers called me to tell me how delighted they were with their lodge,” added Paula.
Nick Grayson, Executive Chairman of Pinelog Limited, wished Paula well in her retirement saying: “Paula has dedicated her working life to Pinelog, and her excellent work can be seen on the many parks that we are fortunate enough to supply to. She has been a most valued colleague, so her warm presence will be missed by our team that have had the pleasure to work alongside and learn from her over the years.”
In such a long and distinguished career, Paula does admit to a hiccup that has gone down in Pinelog history. “Early on in my career I took an order for six lodges which, when they were delivered, turned out to be the mirror image of what the customer wanted. They were returned to the factory to be resold and the correct lodges were manufactured and delivered. Despite being more than 30 years ago, it’s still a head in hands moment for me and I didn’t sleep for weeks – but I can ‘almost’ laugh about now with the team.”
And it’s the Pinelog team that Paula will really miss. “The Pinelog team have been my second family for nearly 40 years, and I shall really miss the camaraderie, but I am looking forward to having the time to devote to interests outside my workplace,” she said.
Expect to see Paula on the dance floor in retirement, as she hopes to now have the time to rediscover her love for salsa and modern jive. She also plans to spend more time with her family in the USA and to keep her mind active by signing up for various courses offered by U3A.
Paula leaves Pinelog’s sales function in safe hands. Judy Barwell was appointed as Sales Account Manager in April last year and has been working closely with Paula to ensure a seamless handover.
If you are a holiday park operator or own land and are looking to invest in in the private holiday let marketplace, Pinelog can help. Speak to Judy today on 01246 942842 to find out more about our UK designed and manufactured quality, sustainable timber lodges.
