The Lade Inn, Increasing Footfall by Offering EV Charging

Background

The Lade Inn, a family-run pub, restaurant, and real ale shop located in Kilmahog near Callander, Scotland, has been a cornerstone of the local community and a popular stop for travelers since 1935. The Park family has owned and operated the establishment since 2005, offering hearty meals, delicious real ales, and a warm, friendly atmosphere amidst the stunning backdrop of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

In light of growing environmental awareness and the increase in electric vehicle (EV) usage among tourists, The Lade Inn sought to enhance its customer experience by offering EV charging facilities.

Objectives

Enhance Customer Experience: Provide a reliable and convenient EV charging solution for guests, allowing them to charge their vehicles while enjoying the amenities of The Lade Inn.
Support Environmental Initiatives: Align with The Lade Inn’s ongoing efforts to become more environmentally friendly and support sustainable practices.
Attract New Customers: Appeal to the growing number of EV drivers and tourists visiting the area, particularly those using the main road connecting Stirling to the west and north coast.

Challenges

Unreliable Existing Charging Solutions: The nearest EV charging point, managed by Charge Place Scotland, was 1.5 miles away and known for its unreliability.
Dwell Time Considerations: With guests typically staying for meals or short breaks, The Lade Inn needed a fast and efficient charging solution.

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The EV Charging Solution

The Lade Inn was approached by Connekt EV Charging, which led to a detailed consultation with Stephen Taylor who carried out a full site survey, viability assessment and free quote.

Key aspects of the solution included:

Installation of Dual 22kW Evec Chargers: To accommodate the need for fast charging, The Lade Inn & Stephen chose to install dual 22kW Evec charging units. This setup allows guests to charge their EVs quickly while enjoying a meal or refreshments.
Efficient Installation Process: The installation was completed within 48 hours, with Connekt managing all groundwork and ensuring minimal disruption to their operations.

Implementation

Site Preparation: Connekt coordinated the necessary groundwork to prepare for the installation of the EV chargers.
Installation: Connekt EV Charging carried out the installation of the dual 22kW Evec chargers swiftly and efficiently, ensuring a seamless integration into The Lade Inn’s operations. The chargers were connected to the GetConnekted App, allowing a fast, seamless charging experience for users.
Customer Communication: The Lade Inn communicated the new EV charging facilities to their customers through their website, socials and on-site signage, highlighting the added convenience for guests.

Outcomes

Positive Customer Feedback: Since the installation, The Lade Inn has received favourable feedback from customers, appreciating the convenience of being able to charge their EVs while dining or shopping.
Enhanced Reputation: The Lade Inn’s commitment to providing reliable EV charging solutions has strengthened its reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious establishment.
Attracting New Visitors: Because the chargers show up on Zap Map, the addition of EV charging facilities has attracted more EV drivers and tourists to The Lade Inn, contributing to increased footfall and extended stays.

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"We were contacted by Connekt Ev Charging to look into the possibility of us having something installed. We were met by Stephen Taylor who from the very first meeting we found to be not just professional but very warm and friendly. It was this reason mainly why we chose to go with Connekt. Every meeting with him felt personal and as though he cared about our business and how we could work together to provide our customers with excellent charging solutions. Feedback from our customers so far has been great and we look forward to continuing to offer charging for electric vehicles while our customers dine with us, enjoy a refreshment or a walk in the area before heading on their onward journey."

Frank Park, Owner, The Lade Inn

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Conclusion

The Lade Inn’s proactive approach to installing EV charging facilities exemplifies how traditional businesses can adapt to changing customer needs and environmental concerns. By partnering with Connekt EV Charging and investing in reliable, fast-charging solutions, The Lade Inn has enhanced its customer experience, supported sustainable practices, and attracted a new segment of eco-conscious travelers.

The Lade Inn plans to continue promoting their EV charging services as part of their broader environmental and customer service initiatives. They will also monitor usage and customer feedback to ensure the charging facilities continue to meet the needs of their guests.

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