John Maddy. Trailblazer, glamping pioneer and co-founder of one of the longest established and largest independent glamping companies in the UK. A passion for the outdoors took John away from the city life to begin a new adventure in the Lake District. After graduating in outdoor education and leadership, John moved into corporate development training before joining forces with business partner Richard to become one of the early pioneers of glamping in the UK. In 2007, they spotted a gap in the market to create amazing spaces in amazing places...and soon after, they launched Long Valley Yurts. Born in a recession and grown in the rain of the Lake District, John and his co-founder convinced the masses to abandon technology, disconnect from life’s stresses and reconnect with each other face to face again. An unwavering focus on health, safety and quality helped to forge and guide the business and today many of the innovations they introduced are now standard practices in the glamping industry. Partnering with campsites, farmers and estate owners, Long Valley Yurts are currently one of the largest independent glamping companies in the UK, operating from several stunning locations across in the Lake District and Peak District National Parks.Other ventures have taken John further afield to consult for insurance companies, health and safety organisations and international tourist boards advising on operational health and safety within camping and glamping internationally, to name a few. In 2019 John brought over 17 years experience offering consultancy, training and qualifications to the camping and glamping industry in the form of Canopy Consulting Services. Driven by a commitment to maintain and improve industry standards, the business is the only company to offer specialist accredited occupational health and safety qualifications to the camping and glamping industry internationally.2021/2 has seen the Long Valley brand grow to incorporate Long Valley Weddings, Long Valley Campers, Outdoor Experiences and Long Valley Retreats. With a continued journey towards sustainability and a focus on a carbon negative business, the Long Valley brand remains one of the top holiday experience brands in the UK for back to nature experiences.