Business

Investment in Airports? Park That Idea – Invest in Airport Car Parking Instead!

Published

10 years ago

June 1, 2016

MANCHESTER, England, (FNN NEWS) – Private investors globally are recognising the huge investment potential of airports – but one UK business is attracting investment with its high return and fully managed investment opportunity in off-airport car parking.

Park First owns and manages thriving off-airport car parks worth in excess of £190 million at major UK airports including London Luton, London Gatwick and Glasgow.

After just six years in business, Park First has already become the UK’s biggest provider of off-airport car parking with almost 12,000 car parking spaces owned outright and more than 5,000 managed for its investors. It is the company behind trusted industry names such as Direct Parking, Help Me Park, Cophall Parking, Park Safe, Park Fast, Swift Park and Park n Fly, all operating successfully, some for up to 32 years, at London Gatwick and Glasgow international airports.

All Park First owned car parks feature the most advanced security, their park & ride services provide luxury terminal transit, and Help Me Park, which has been established for 10 years and is the very best meet and greet service, allowing travellers to drop and collect their cars directly at the terminal.

Park First airport car parking is set to become the highest yielding and is showing the fastest growth of any buy-to-let property opening up this market sector to new investors. Park First’s unique investment opportunity allows investors to purchase individual car parking spaces on its award-winning sites, benefiting both from on-going rental income and capital growth. Each space is offered at 25% below market value, confirmed by independent valuation by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, to give an immediate rise of property value from day one. Investors have the option to sell on their parking space at any time.

An assured 8% return is paid to investors in years one and two, rising to a predicted 10% in years three and four, and 12% in years five and six. Year three investors have already been paid their returns at 10% with year four also assured at 10%. The continued growth in air travel and expansion of major UK airports creates ever more pressure on airport parking and potentially offers higher returns arising from the fundamental economics of limited supply and excess demand.

Headquartered in Altrincham, Direct Airport Parking Investment is an established and fully accredited ‘Master Agent’ of Park First. Peter Tomlinson, Senior Investment Consultant with Direct Airport Parking Investment, said:

“Investors in international airports have already recognised that one of their biggest sources of income – aside from landing fees, airline contracts and terminal shopping – is car parking.

“Across the UK, major airports are experiencing unprecedented growth in passenger numbers and with that growth comes an increased demand for high quality, trusted and secure car parking close by. It’s a strong growth area, set to become the highest yielding of any buy-to-let property, and offers investors a unique opportunity to own off-airport car parking spaces with an outlay as low as £20,000.”

Investors in Park First’s off-airport car parking own their car parking space, with a title deed from the Land Registry. As a tangible asset, parking spaces are a stable investment even in times of general market instability as they tend to change in value independent of financial markets. It’s a unique opportunity to invest in UK commercial buy-to-let property without the associated risks of owning bricks and mortar.

John Slater, Park First’s Managing Director, said: “We’ve already invested more than £5 million in improving and upgrading the sites we have acquired. We are the industry leaders in airport car parking and strive to make the whole process of booking and using an off-airport car parking space as smooth and stress-free as possible.

“Our sites at Glasgow and London Gatwick were the busiest they have ever been in 2015, and this year is shaping up to be even better. We also have plans to extend our operations to other leading UK airports which offer great scope for Park First.”

With ambitious plans to extend its portfolio of strategic sites, Park First is now targeting London Luton, London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham airports, all enjoying significant growth and with strong demand for high quality and secure off-airport car parking.

For more about Direct Airport Parking Investment and investing in Park First, visit www.directparkinginvestment.co.uk

Up Next

Regal Entertainment Group Announces Grand Opening Festivities for Regal Janss Marketplace 9

Don't Miss

Giving Back to The World Is Good for Business, Says Sir Richard Branson

Click to comment

Business

Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children

Published

1 day ago

September 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Representatives from Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools, the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County and Junior Achievement of Central Florida participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.

Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.

Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.

Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.

Community partners and preschool students gather around an Addition Financial playhouse during an ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program event at Rosen Preschools.

Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.

Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom

As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.

A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.

Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.

The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.

Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill

Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.

“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”

Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.

Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early

Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.

“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”

Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.

“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.

Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships

The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.

Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.

The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.

Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.

Business

FNN News Expands National Event Coverage With Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas Plans

Published

1 day ago

September 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Florida National News invites businesses and brands to explore partnership opportunities as FNN Sports Zone prepares special programming and on-location coverage

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News is expanding its national news and sports presence with plans for special event coverage from Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029, creating new opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with FNN audiences across multiple platforms.

The multiyear initiative will focus on coverage surrounding one of the biggest weeks in American sports, with FNN journalists and content teams covering stories beyond the field, including sports, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, culture and community impact.

The expansion is part of FNN’s broader strategy to grow from its Florida-based reporting operation into a digital news network with an increased presence at major events and media markets across the country.

FNN Sports Zone Goes National

A major component of the initiative will be the FNN Sports Zone Podcast Show Live, featuring special programming, interviews, analysis, digital content and planned on-location coverage.

FNN Sports Zone’s national event programming is designed to provide audiences with coverage throughout major sports weeks, including conversations with athletes, sports personalities, business leaders, community representatives and other newsmakers when available.

The programming will be distributed across FNN’s digital and social media platforms as the network continues expanding its sports audience and original video content.

Opportunities for Businesses and Brands

Florida National News is also inviting businesses, brands, organizations and community partners to explore opportunities to support FNN’s independent national news and sports coverage.

Potential opportunities include FNN program sponsorships, brand partnerships, digital and social media campaigns, content collaborations, community partnerships and authorized on-site activations.

The initiative is centered on a simple message:

“Your Brand. Three Cities. One National Platform.”

Rather than limiting coverage to what happens on the field, FNN plans to highlight the economic and cultural activity surrounding major sports events — from hospitality and tourism to entertainment, local businesses and community stories.

Three Major Markets

The national coverage initiative is scheduled to spotlight Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029.

Each market provides FNN with opportunities to produce original reporting and programming while developing relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, sports professionals and other potential news sources.

The initiative also supports FNN’s long-term expansion of its national reporting footprint while maintaining its Florida news operations.

Partner With FNN News

Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about FNN News national coverage and partnership opportunities can contact:

Social@FloridaNationalNews.com

FloridaNationalNews.com | FNNNews.com

REAL NEWS. REAL PEOPLE. REAL FLORIDA. REAL IMPACT.

Florida National News/FNN News is an independent news organization. FNN is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the National Football League, its member clubs or event venues. On-site activities and coverage are subject to applicable credentials, permissions and venue or event requirements.

Business

Experience Kissimmee CEO DT Minich Inducted Into Florida Tourism Hall of Fame

Published

1 week ago

September 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

DT Minich with Bryan Griffin and Chip Wile following Minich's 2026 induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in West Palm Beach.

From left, VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin, Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich and NASCAR Driver Advisory Council Chair Chip Wile following Minich's induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame during the 2026 Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich receives statewide recognition after a career leading destination marketing organizations in Southwest Florida, St. Pete-Clearwater and Kissimmee.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — Experience Kissimmee President and CEO DT Minich has been inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing more than three decades of leadership in Florida’s tourism and destination marketing industry.

Minich was recognized during the 2026 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Sept. 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

Presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership and contributions have helped shape the state’s tourism industry.

Three Florida Destinations, More Than Three Decades

According to Experience Kissimmee, Minich is the only tourism executive to have led three Florida destination marketing organizations.

His career includes leadership positions with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and Experience Kissimmee.

“This recognition represents every community, partner and tourism professional I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career,” Minich said.
“We are here not only to welcome visitors, but also to strengthen our communities, create opportunities for residents, and protect what makes Florida such a special place.”

From Southwest Florida to St. Pete-Clearwater

Minich began his destination marketing career in the Fort Myers area, where Southwest Florida’s coastal communities and natural environment influenced his approach to tourism development.

His work included helping develop the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

Minich also helped lead tourism communications following Hurricane Charley and supported Gulf Coast destinations during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the organization.

He later spent seven years as executive director of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, where his work included expanding the destination’s international reach and developing its meetings and sports tourism business.

Transforming Experience Kissimmee

Minich became the first president and CEO of Experience Kissimmee in 2014 as the organization transitioned to a public-private model.

During his tenure, Experience Kissimmee positioned the destination around its large vacation-home market and promoted Kissimmee as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.”

According to Experience Kissimmee, the area’s vacation-home inventory increased from approximately 10,000 to more than 30,000 homes during Minich’s leadership.

The organization says its annual budget also grew from approximately $11 million to more than $32 million, while its workforce expanded to more than 70 employees. Experience Kissimmee also established representation in more than 18 international markets.

Statewide Tourism Leadership

In 2025, Minich became the first Experience Kissimmee leader appointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, giving him a role in statewide tourism strategy.

Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida Adventure Park and a VISIT FLORIDA board member, said Minich’s influence extends beyond a single destination.

“He has helped tourism grow in a way that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for residents and strengthens the community we call home,” Haught said.

VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin also recognized Minich’s statewide contributions.

“DT Minich has spent more than three decades in service to Florida tourism, and the relationships he has built are felt in every corner of the state,” Griffin said. “He has supported destinations from the Gulf Coast to Central Florida, enhanced the industry, and made extraordinary contributions to Florida tourism.”

Joining Florida Tourism Leaders

Established in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose work has contributed to the development of Florida’s visitor economy.

Previous inductees include Walt Disney, Henry Flagler, John Ringling, Harris Rosen, Carol Dover and William D. Talbert III, according to the release.

Minich now joins that group as the Hall of Fame’s 2026 inductee.