Parkdean Holidays has warned that its profits for the year ending 31 October are likely to fall below market expectations, as it admitted more challenging trading conditions than at any time in its history.

With eight weeks remaining in the current financial year, Parkdean reported a 2.3 per cent decrease in like-for-like hire revenue.

The group – which operates 20 caravan parks across the UK – said occupancy was down during the main school holidays while bookings for late September and October have been slower than last year.

Another factor was the late publication of its 2005 brochure, which had been delayed from October to December in order to include newly-acquired parks. The 2006 brochure will be launched in mid-October. Details: www.parkdeanholidaysplc.com