New HMRC rules give tax relief to motorhomes for disabled customers

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by Tom Leaning

The NCC, the trade body representing the UK’s leisure vehicle industry, has welcomed new HMRC rules on VAT relief available on motorhomes (and other motor vehicles) adapted for disabled wheelchair users, which came into force this month.

The NCC’s Deputy Director General, Alicia Dunne, explains why this is good for both motorhome dealers and for disabled customers.

She said: “While motorhomes have been available at a reduced VAT rate for a number of years, some dealers were uncertain about when they were able to supply a vehicle at zero-rate VAT.

“The new HMRC rules on VAT relief clearly state that it must be a ‘substantial and permanent adaptation’ to be eligible to be zero-rated, and the vehicle must be supplied to a disabled person who normally uses a wheelchair for their mobility. A disabled person with a degenerative condition such as multiple sclerosis, who uses a wheelchair when their condition requires it, or a lower limb amputee is also eligible.

“The motorhome industry welcomes the clarification, and there are newly-introduced mandatory HMRC eligibility declaration forms the customer needs to fill in. Through these, a disabled person, or their nominated representative, can claim zero-rated relief on their motorhome purchase.

“Motorhomes are often converted by smaller, specialist companies and some are able to supply a vehicle highly customised to an individual user’s needs. The inclusion of such aids as a permanently fitted ramp or lift to allow access, reconfiguring of the lay-out to create room for a wheelchair, hoists and specialised bathrooms and toilets are all possible within a motorhome.

“Most importantly, motorhomes can facilitate stress-free holidays and a greater degree of freedom for the wheelchair user.”

For more details about the new HMRC rules, and to download the form to officially apply, visit this link: www.gov.co.uk

#ArcticAdventure: In Pursuit of the Arctic: Part 2

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by Tom Leaning

The day has finally come, the long wait is over, the unbearable anticipation can now subside. We can now unveil the second instalment of Bailey of Bristol’s #ArcticAdventure documentary. From the team’s journey into the Arctic Circle, right back through northern Europe and their voyage home. Enjoy!

The #ArcticAdventure team included presenters Lee Davey and Martin Dorey and Bailey of Bristol Marketing Director Simon Howard, as well as CaravanTimes’s very own Alessi and Sonja.

The final part of this official Bailey of Bristol #ArcticAdventure documentary includes an Ice Road Trucker sequence – but with more caravans and motorhomes; the team go for some nighttime sledding while avoiding arctic wolves; and everyone finds out who’s on Santa’s naughty and nice lists.

Please let us know what you think of this final installment in the comment section below, and the #ArcticAdventure as a whole.

Report: Glamping may offer solution to young families struggling to maintain a work life balance

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by Tom Leaning

Young families are finding it ever-more difficult to spend time together, and achieve a satisfactory work-life balance, with more than one in four parents concerned that they don’t set aside enough time at weekends to play as a family, according to a new report.

The findings of a UK study* of 2000 adults with young children aged up to 14 revealed that difficulties balancing work and family life can put a significant amount of stress on a family.

42 per cent of adults confessed to checking work emails at weekends when they should be spending time with family. 49 per cent spend time catching up with work or preparing for work tasks.

However, the problem facing many modern UK families is a shortage of quality time together. With daily life lived at such a frantic pace, families find it difficult to make regular time for each other.

In the survey, commissioned by Ready Camp, official glamping operator of The Camping and Caravanning Club, respondents felt regular holidays were an important way of freeing up time to spend as a family, and helping carve out the space to create unforgettable experiences together. Nearly one in two families would like to take more short weekend family breaks.

And of those that do manage to free up time to spend together, more than half focus on doing activities near home, because 39 per cent are worried about the expense of a family holiday.

Weekend glamping escapes could be the key – an affordable solution to getting children outdoors more, and to ensuring families spend quality time together. 42 per cent of respondents said they’d never been glamping before, but would like to.

Research has previously shown that families who spend quality time together are able to communicate with each other better*. And investing in this time benefits the family as a whole, as well as each individual member.

Ready Camp ambassador Katy Hill, current Heart FM radio presenter and celebrity parent blogger, and former Blue Peter TV presenter, said:

“Raising children is, for me, one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. But families are busier than ever, juggling home and work life, and finding opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones is at a premium. For me, regularly switching off from work and committing fully to family life, is a must and an absolute joy.”

Katy, a mum to two children aged 10 and 7, said: “Glamping in the great outdoors is a fabulous, no-hassle way to take a break from the pressures of modern life with the ones you love most. They are a brilliant way to re-establish bonds and lay down unforgettable family memories. I love these breaks.”

Glamping with Ready Camp makes the prospect of an escape in a tent, away from home comforts such as your own bed, a little less daunting. There’s no need to pack your life into the boot for a few days away – the tent is pitched and ready for you, so you can concentrate on having fun!

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Ready Camp network of glamping tents, launched in 2015, has expanded with a further 9 new sites in 2017 to total 39 sites across Britain, close to many of Britain’s best-loved tourist spots.

Each offers comfortable and hassle-free camping to people keen to camp without having to hitch up a caravan or pitch their own tent – all visitors need to bring is your own bedding, towels and a sense of adventure.

Washrooms are available on all Camping and Caravanning Club Sites, where holidaymakers are guaranteed immaculate facilities.

Since launch, Ready Camp has been recognised at several industry awards, including in summer 2016, when it was shortlisted in the Best UK Accommodation – Group category at the 2016 Family Traveller Awards.

To find out more about Ready Camp, and to research and book a holiday, visit www.readycamp.co.uk.

*OnePoll survey of 2000 adults, parents aged 18-39 whose children are aged 14 or under.

Caravelair release the family friendly Antares 476

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by Tom Leaning

The Caravelair Antares 476 is now on the market just in time for a long, hot summer of outdoor fun, and once the kids’ school term draws to an end, the 476 is ideal to use as a family headquarters while you and your young ones enjoy a well-earned break.

While the cuddly bear is unfortunately not included, the bunkbeds at the rear offer a perfect bedding area for two young scallywags, while the adults can enjoy the double bed at the front.

That leaves the seating and kitchen area situated in the middle of the caravan and the electrical Thetford cassette toilet to the right of the double bed. A fifth family member or friend can comfortably sleep in the converted seating area, but anymore than that will probably be uncomfortable for all involved.

So, if the Easter bunny kindly left you £14,295 in cash during the night, this latest beauty from Caravelair is yours.

PS – We predict it’s going to be a scorcher this summer, so make sure to pack the factor 30!

Swift Group doubles up at annual Made in Yorkshire Awards

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by Tom Leaning

Swift Group has been recognised at the prestigious Made in Yorkshire awards winning the ‘Manufacturer of the Year (over £25m)’ and the ‘Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme’ awards.

Held at the Royal Armouries Hall, Leeds, the awards showcase the talent and skills that Yorkshire manufacturers have in abundance. Established to celebrate success, the awards are designed to reward the innovation and technological expertise of manufacturing companies in the region. A total of 40 companies were in contention to win an award last night, with the most ambitious and innovative recognised.

Represented by a team of employees from across the business, Swift Group was delighted to receive both awards with a thrilled Amy Archer, Deputy Managing Director commenting ‘this is a fantastic achievement and thanks goes to everyone at our different sites whose hard work and commitment made this possible. The business continues to enjoy significant growth under-pinned by ongoing investment in people and facilities, along with our focus on innovation, build quality, stylish design, and customer care that delivers outstanding value for money for our customers.’

First to be awarded was the Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme Award. The entry criteria stated; “For the employer’s apprenticeship scheme that the judges decide is the most beneficial, taking into account relevance and thoroughness of training, contribution to the business, benefit to apprentices and contribution to added value generated in their region.” This is a huge accolade for Swift Group who only launched the Swift Academy in 2015.

The big award of the evening was for Manufacturer of the Year (over £25m) with Swift Group crowned the winners despite tough competition from other well-known companies. The judges commented; “Swift Group takes the honours after a continually excellent financial performance which has seen the business increase sales by 25 per cent and retain its status as the UK’s number one manufacturer of leisure vehicles”.

The recognition means that Swift Group goes on to the Made in the UK Awards where winners from each regional category go on to compete against those from other regions across Britain.

Caravan and Motorhome Club brings CycleFest to Norfolk

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by Tom Leaning

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has organised a fun-fuelled family cycling day out for all of you to add to your calendars – CycleFest – on Sunday 28 May 2017 at the magnificent Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

CycleFest offers an action-packed itinerary of things to see and do over the Spring Bank Holiday. The main attraction is a family cycle ride which is designed with all capabilities in mind and open to all ages from young children to young-at-heart adults.

Riders will have the opportunity to join the leisurely nine-mile loop through the beautiful grounds of Her Majesty The Queen’s country retreat and back along quiet rural lanes.

Lots more to see and do

Before and after their two-wheeled adventure, families will have plenty of opportunity to take advantage of their magnificent surroundings, enjoying the many activities and stands that will be set up throughout the estate for the event.

There is a varied selection of family activities and events to enjoy, including:

  • a summer fete
  • Xtreme stunt team
  • dog display
  • craft marquee
  • trade stalls
  • Segways
  • climbing wall

    • At the event there will also be a Cycle Village where riders will have the opportunity to try out new bikes from major manufacturers on a 3km demo route. Companies including Specialized, Cube, Simplon and Hargroves will have everything to meet all of your cycling needs.

    Register and you could win a 7-night holiday

    Entry to CycleFest is free for Caravan and Motorhome Club members attending the National.

    Everyone who signs up online before the event will be automatically entered into a draw to win a 7-night holiday to Brittany, including ferry travel and accommodation. Pre-registration is necessary for insurance purposes.

    Anyone not attending the National can also sign-up via British Cycling, with ride entry costing £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 12-16 years and free for those aged under 12, who must be accompanied by an adult.

    Designed for all cyclists and families, the ride is open to adults and children. Participants must ride within their capabilities. The cycle ride will leave the Sandringham Estate Visitor Centre at 11am.

    Bumper year predicted for Caravan and Motorhome Club

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    by Tom Leaning

    The newly renamed Caravan and Motorhome Club has recorded its best performance ever in 2016 in terms of retaining and attracting new members. The Club has also reported an encouraging start to 2017 with a record number of occupied pitches in the first quarter, up 8 per cent from 2016.

    According to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, 2016 Club membership performance was the best since 2009 in terms of both retention and acquisition, with 87 per cent of members remaining with the Club and 52,000 new members joining. This trend in new members joining the Club seems to be continuing into 2017.

    With four out of ten of its new members being motorhomers, it is clear this area of the market is having a significant impact on membership numbers. With the record pitch occupancy in January, February, March and April swiftly following the very high number of nights stayed on Club sites for November and December last year, caravanning and motorhoming is now a year-round pursuit.

    Interest in motorhome holidays is at an all-time high and Harvey Alexander, Caravan and Motorhome Club director of marketing said: “Having recently returned from a Just Go motorhome re-location holiday, driving a motorhome from Italy to the UK, I’m well placed to extol the virtues of this type of holiday and recommend it as a great and cost effective introduction to touring holidays. There is nothing better than having the freedom of being able to travel when you want, have a break when you want and experience the great outdoors, particularly when you have a young family like I do.

    “It is no surprise that our latest figures are recording a bumper year, fuelled by the growth of motorhome members. These figures are backed up by our recent research released in The Inspiring Adventure Report, which states that touring holidays are set to enjoy a boom over the next decade with spending increasing by more than a third. We know that our million members are becoming increasingly varied and motorhomes play an important role – all share a passion for the freedom of exploring and enjoying adventures. As a trusted membership organisation with 110 years’ experience, we are proud to offer caravanners and motorhomers alike great value and high quality sites with fabulous facilities for all the family to enjoy.”

    In its recent Inspiring Adventure Report, the Caravan and Motorhome Club also predicts that more than 16 million caravan, motorhome and camping trips will be made next year – the highest since 2006 and in the next five years the number of trips taken will increase by 400,000.

    The Club is also expecting the number of caravans and motorhomes in the UK to rise from 755,000 touring today to top more than 800,000 for the first time by 2022. Brits are forecast to spend some £3.6 billion on touring holidays by 2030 – a rise of 37 per cent per cent on current levels.

    Radio announcer perfectly sums up family camping trips from callers box

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    by Tom Leaning

    Australian radio announcer Jon Vertigan has tapped into the heart of Easter family camping and caravanning trips with an epic horse racing commentary that all caravanners, motorhomers and campers can relate to.

    We’ve all been there: While you’re trying to figure out how to properly close the caravan door, there’s kids that won’t keep quiet, annoying flies, an awning that is impossible to put together and window blinds that just won’t completely go all the way down. So here’s a wonderful little video that sums it all up for us poor parents, right down to the crap wifi, uncomfortable mattresses and wearing flip-flops in the public showers.

    “We say we’ll never do it again but no doubt, we’ll be back again next year,” he said from the callers box.

    Credit: ACE ONLINE via One News Page

    So how was YOUR Easter caravanning, motorhoming and camping trips? Did you experience any of the holiday pitfalls mentioned in the video? Please let us know…

    #ArcticAdventure: In Pursuit of the Arctic: Part 1

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    by Tom Leaning

    The previews and highlights have been and gone, and now the first instalment of Bailey of Bristol’s #ArcticAdventure documentary is here for your viewing pleasure.

    In this first part, the #ArcticAdventure team, including Lee Davey, Simon Howard and Martin Dorey set off from Millbrook Proving Ground in Northampton, across the English Channel and through continental Europe, travelling hundreds of miles each day.

    Highlights include Martin Dorey’s delicious cooking, the team passing through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and arriving at the Latvian coast before taking a ferry over to the Finnish mainland.

    Please let us know what you think of this first installment before we release the second next week.

    Easter Memories Part 2: We hear more of your unforgettable stories from Easter breaks past

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    by Tom Leaning

    Easter 2017 is finally here and everyone at CaravanTimes wishes you all a memorable Easter break with your family and friends. But before you go, we’d like to share some more Easter memories with you from our friends at Salop Leisure and our very own Editor.

    The Shaw Family – Min Y Don Caravan Park, Snowdonia National Park:

    We have been visiting Min Y Don caravan park for a number of years now as a family of four staying in our Sprite Alpine touring Caravan “Maisie”. Last Easter, we decided to take the caravan out earlier in the season than we normally do and visited Min Y Don. As a family we always enjoy spending time playing and walking along the magnificent beach and settling next to the BBQ in the evening to cook some sausages from the local deli in the town of Harlech, which always has to include a quick visit to the Y Branwen for a swift pint.

    On Easter Sunday the park hold their annual Easter egg hunt and bonnet parade around the park. Credit to the staff as the girls loved this and came back with an extra big smile on their face..naturally covered in chocolate. We returned after the weekend feeling refreshed and dreaming of our return visit.

    CaravanTimes Editor – Woolacombe Bay, Devon:

    My absolute favourite place to go to during Easter is Woolacombe Bay in North Devon. It’s such a fun seaside town, full of friendly locals, varied beaches, wonderful walks and incredible scenery.

    There are over a dozen campsites and caravan parks in the Bay area, one of which (Putsborough Sands Caravan Park) is just yards from the southern end of Woolacombe Beach.

    Growing up, I had many happy memories waking up to a spectacular sea view, then going for a fun walk either to Baggy Point or Morte Point at opposite ends of the Bay after breakfast. Afterwards, depending on what time the tide was at its lowest point in the day, my Aunt would take me prawning around the rocks of Combesgate Beach, and after going for a swim in the sea (wearing a wetsuit of course!), we’d dry off on the picturesque shell beach, Barricane, while munching on hotdogs.

    Glorious memories, that last forever.

    Have a fantastic Easter everybody, and please get onto the CaravanTimes website before, during and after your trip and tell us all about it!

    Have you taken delivery of a new caravan or motorhome in the last 6 months?

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    by Tom Leaning

    Mindset Research is looking for participants to take part in their online panel.

    Please click here to complete the survey!

    www.snapsurveys.com

    How can you participate?

    As a member of the panel, you will take part in three short questionnaires about your experiences of your new leisure vehicle. The first survey will be shortly after purchase (link to first survey below), the second in 12 months and the third in 30 months.

    Are there any rewards?

    Other than being instrumental in future caravans and motorhomes design, and as a way of saying thank-you for your participation, we will be entering you into prize draws after each survey (with prizes including £100 John Lewis vouchers). The surveys will give you opportunities to tell us what you like about your vehicle and what you feel could be improved.

    What is the purpose of the research panel?

    The Caravan and Motorhome Research Panel is being run and administered by Mindset Research, an independent research company. Bailey have commissioned Mindset to conduct some research amongst new owners of caravans and motorhomes to hear about their experiences. We are talking to a large sample of both Bailey owners and new owners of other brands of caravans and motorhomes.

    Is your data secure?

    Your answers will be treated in the strictest confidence and will be used for statistical purposes only. This is guaranteed by Mindset Research’s strict adherence to The Market Research Society Code of Conduct.

    Please click here to complete the survey!

    www.snapsurveys.com

    Thank you for supporting this survey and Mindset Research

    Auto-Trail announce official sponsorship of Tyco BMW British Superbike Team

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    by Tom Leaning

    Auto-Trail, one of the UK’s largest motorhome manufacturers, has announced its support of the Tyco BMW British Superbike Team for the 2017 season, supplying the BMW factory team with a bespoke motorhome for use throughout the year.

    Motorhomes are a popular mode of transport and accommodation for motorsport teams and fans, providing the management, riders or support crew a relaxing and comfortable space to conduct meetings, give interviews or just unwind after a long day’s racing.

    The Tyco BMW team consists of three top level riders for 2017 – young talent, Christian Iddon; TT legend, Ian Hutchinson and new arrival for the season Davide Giugliano.

    Russell Hensman, Auto-Trail’s Marketing Manager, commented: “We are thrilled to have teamed up with such a force in the British Superbike roster, Tyco and BMW are two fantastic brands and Philip’s team is one of the most recognisable and popular on the circuit; we look forward to working with them further in the coming seasons.”

    The team have chosen a 2017 Frontier Serrano, which features a fixed rear bed, a luxury bathroom and a lounge area towards the cab; all trimmed in leather. Storage space has been further increased by raising the height of the bed, creating sufficient space for a paddock scooter under the rear bed with easy access. The exterior of the motorhome has been adorned with the team branding ensuring the relationship is prominent both beside the track and on the road.

    The vehicle was handed over to Philip Neill, Team Managing Director, at the first race of the season at Donington Park, where the team achieved two hard-earned podium finishes.