Swift enters Sunday Times Top Track 250 awards

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by Ed Davies

Swift Group, the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturer and one of Yorkshire’s top businesses, has been ranked in this year’s Sunday Times Top Track 250 awards

The awards recognise the UK’s top-performing private companies from the fastest-growing to the biggest based upon financial performance.

In the year to August 2015, Swift’s turnover grew by 4%, with a 17% increase in operating profit compared to the previous year.

The Hull-based manufacturer was placed 107th in the annual award.

Increases in profitability have enabled Swift Group to make significant investments in manufacturing in recent years.

It was earlier last month announced that they were investing £8 million in a new manufacturing facility.

Export has been a significant contributor to the profit growth and their accounts now make-up close to 10% of the company’s turnover.

Managing director, James Turner, said: “The Sunday Times award is a fantastic recognition of the intensive efforts made across the business driving positive engineering changes, improvements in supply chain and lower warranty claims.

“These developments allied with a number of new products and innovations mean the future looks most promising.”

Caravan site gutted in huge fire causing £1m in damage

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by Ed Davies

An enormous fire has ripped through 160 caravans causing £1 million in damage at a site in Somerset

The fire broke out at around 1.30am on Saturday morning at Highbridge Caravan Centre in Somerset – and quickly spread as caravans and gas cylinders caught light and exploded.

More than 60 people phoned the emergency services to report hearing explosions.

Fire crews from across Bristol and Somerset tackled the blaze through the night and remained on the scene all day on Saturday, October 1, damping down the remains of the fire.

Dozens of caravans were moved to create ‘fire breaks’ and the blaze was eventually brought under control at around 4.20am on Saturday morning.

It is now thought that around 160 caravans were destroyed in the blaze, which witnesses have described as being “like a war zone”.

Speaking to the Bristol Post, Philip Davies, Director of Highbridge Caravans, praised the quick-thinking actions of a security guard who raised the alarm.

“We are devastated that this has happened,” he said. “More than 100 caravans have been destroyed and as each has a value of around £10 to £15,000 the overall figure will be around £1million.

“I’m thankful that our security guard spotted the fire early and thank the emergency services for their work – we had ten fire engines at the peak of the incident.”

The cause of the blaze is not yet known but it is originally through to have started in a shed or fence on the perimeter of the 11-acre site.

Mr Davies added: “Fortunately, the fire did not spread to any buildings and no-one was hurt, so our business is open and we continue as usual.

“Our workshops, sales area, accessories and awnings shop are all open for business.”

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “After the incident was sectorised, at around 4.20am, to enable crews to tackle the fire as effectively as possible, and a natural fire break created, crews moved as many caravans as possible.

“Confirmation was received that good progress was being made, the fire was surrounded and the main fire was now out.

“The incident will be scaled down shortly but this is going to be a protracted incident with crews currently at work with six main jets, damping down a large area of hotspots. Police, Ambulance and utility companies are also in attendance.

“No persons were injured and the cause will be determined once the fire has been fully extinguished.”

Dolphin Motorhomes to make splash with 2017 launch

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by Ed Davies

South west motorhome dealer, Dolphin, is holding a launch, showcasing the newest 2017 motorhomes later this month

For those of you who could not make the Motorhome & Caravan Show this time around, Dophin will be exhibiting 30 new, 2017 models for customers to come and see.

The free event takes place between October 22-23 at the New Forest Water Park in Fordinbridge and is free for all those who come along, with free parking available.

The new models on display will include Auto-Trail, Auto-Sleepers, Elddis and Bailey models.

A spokesperson for the dealership said: “Come along to get some expert advice on all the new models to the market, fantastic part-exchange valuations and to test drive all vehicles.”

At this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show 2016 the LEGO caravan will be making a return for the second year running.

For further information, contact Nicky Hopper on 02380 406777 or email events@dolphinmotorhomes.co.uk.

Largest ever UK leisure vehicle survey finally finalised

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by Ed Davies

Compiled from over 40,000 different responses from caravan and motorhome owners, the UK’s largest ever survey of leisure vehicles has been finalised

Having been commissioned by The Caravan Club, the survey takes an in-depth look at vehicles, the manufacturers that dominate the market, satisfaction levels and future innovations.

There are a total of more than one million leisure vehicles owned in the UK, many leisure vehicle owners regularly stay on Caravan Club sites.

The survey shows the bulk of caravan market ownership is dominated by manufacturers such as Adria, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Sterling and Swift.

While there are more players in motorhome manufacture (15 brands from 10 manufacturers represent 75% of the market), the top five are Auto-Sleepers, Auto-Trail, Autocruise, Elddis and Swift.

A staggering 89% of caravan owners and 91% of motorhome owners are happy with their vehicles – excellent news and something manufacturers and retailers should be proud of.

“There is an undeniably high level of satisfaction among caravanners and motorhomers,” said The Caravan Club’s director general, Nick Lomas.

“We are confident the findings of the Leisure Vehicle Survey, which collected over 7.5m pieces of information, will help members and consumers to make informed choices on their leisure vehicle purchases.

“Caravanners and motorhomers enjoy exploring, both here and abroad, and The Club is committed to raising standards to ensure their continued satisfaction with this pastime.

“We would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to take part in the survey.”

According to the survey, once bitten by the leisure vehicle bug, fans are in for the long-term and keen to keep up with the latest models and trends.

Over half (52%) of existing leisure vehicle owners predict they will be upgrading their caravans and motorhomes within 2-3 years, with 51% anticipating spending between £10-20,000.

What is more, the quality of caravans and motorhomes is improving and the survey shows satisfaction with vehicles has increased.

Since 2011 there has been a noticeable uplift across industry standards with new construction methods having a positive impact on customer satisfaction.

Leisure vehicle manufacturing and holiday spend is worth in excess of £6bn to the UK economy, the sector employs over 130,000 people and is currently going from strength to strength with no sign of slowing down.

Tourism boss fury at council tax hike

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by Ed Davies

Holiday parks operator Thomas Scarrott has lashed out at his local council for hiking council tax rates

In a fiery tirade against Ceredigion County Council in mid-Wales, Mr Scarrott, a director of Vale Parks ltd, was outraged at the tax hike, which he believes threatens his park’s survival.

Mr Scarrott believes that some customers maybe deterred from going to the park as they have to pay the new council tax rates.

“If the authority’s plan goes ahead, Ceredigon’s tourism industry could be dealt a devastating blow, which will impact on hundreds of small enterprises,” said Mr Scarrott.

“The council is sending out the message to holidaymakers that they are not welcome in the county, and that it would prefer them to take their spending elsewhere.

“The chalet owners are the victims of an “ill-considered and poorly thought-through” bid by Ceredigion Council to bolster its council tax income.”

Thomas’s family business owns five major caravan parks in the county, including Clarach Bay Holiday Village near Aberystwyth.

It’s here that the owners of 143 holiday chalets have been told that they must all pay an additional 25% council tax each year – despite not living on the park.

“Using powers introduced by the Welsh Government they are intending from next April to charge a premium of 25% on the rates paid by second home owners.

“However, Clarach Bay’s chalets are not second homes in which people can live, even though their owners already pay full council tax and don’t receive the full council services.”

Many owners, says Thomas, have already contacted him in distress and anger at the way they are being treated as “second class citizens” by the council.

A spokesperson for the council said: “As Welsh Government legislated to enable councils to raise a premium on council tax on dwellings classified as second homes, all councils needed to discuss this issue.

“In the case of Ceredigion, the discussion was had by all members, with the decision to raise the 25% premium being made by Full Council in a meeting on 24 March 2016.

“A full consultation open to all was held in February – March 2016 and, though the feedback was generally mixed, a majority of people strongly agreed with the introduction of the premium and believed that the introduction of the premium would have a beneficial effect on the local economy. Due democratic process was therefore rigidly adhered to.

“This decision will help to ensure that full use is being made of properties in Ceredigion in order to satisfy the needs of all the county’s residents, an aspiration that is set out in the Council’s Strategic Objectives for 2013-17.

“Revenue from the second home premium will be diverted to community councils, who will be able to use this money locally for the benefit of those communities.”

Record numbers visiting caravan touring park

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by Ed Davies

A decision to reprieve a threatened bus service serving a touring caravan park on the edge of a south Shropshire town is now paying dividends as crowds flock to the park

Ludlow Touring Park, is reporting its busiest season since opening in May 2012 and owner Karen Price puts the boom, down to an increased bus service to the site.

The extra services, backed by funding support from local councils, are being run on a trial basis until next April.

It was feared that the 490 bus service would be cut last April but a local campaign and funding support pledged by councils saved it.

“The park is a reasonable walk from Ludlow and it is too far for many of our elderly customers,” said owner Mrs Price.

“Customers would either face the walk or would be forced to hire a taxi, which are difficult to come by.

“The extra buses have given a huge boost to the number of people staying with us. Motorhome owners, in particular, like to use the bus to get into town.

“We have numerous examples of customers returning to the park, now that we have a daily bus service because public transport is an important issue for them when they book to stay with us.

“Lugg Valley Travel also allows passengers with dogs to travel on the bus. Our customers, who own dogs, are delighted that they can buy a doggy day ticket for £1 to take them on the bus.”

Lugg Valley Travel, which operates the bus service, has increased the number of buses calling at the park to eight – four to Ludlow and four to Leominster – from Monday to Friday.

The 135-pitch Ludlow Touring Park is located on a 20-acre site alongside the River Teme and A49 near Richards Castle and is a prestigious affiliated site of The Caravan Club.

Holiday park to unveil luxury caravans worth £1m

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by Ed Davies

The owner of a Cumbria holiday park is set to unveil the latest line in luxury caravans at what has been billed the biggest free event of its kind

More than £1 million worth of luxury caravans will be ushered through the gates of Silverdale holiday park this week for a major unveiling of next year’s models.

The park’s owner, Michael Holgate, is inviting Cumbria residents to come along this weekend and deliver their verdicts on the shape of holiday living in 2017.

All five of the UK’s biggest caravan holiday homes makers have been persuaded to send their next year’s models to Silverdale in advance of their official launch.

It will be the biggest free event of its type in the county, and provide a sneak preview of the latest ideas which manufacturers have been working on this year.

Speaking to the NW Evening Mail, Mr Holgate, said: “Anyone unfamiliar with recent advances in holiday caravan design might not expect to walk into somewhere looking more like a five-star hotel suite.

“Standards of luxury and the range of modern equipment they incorporate have made Britain’s caravan holiday home industry the envy of the world.

“Today’s models are also very environmentally friendly with many energy saving features and superb levels of insulation to keeping heating costs to a minimum.

“We were delighted when the makers agreed to send us their latest line-up, and we will be very interested to see what’s on offer and hear visitors’ comments.”

Last year, Silverdale park supported its trade association, BH&HPA, in a design project with TV architect George Clarke to reimagine the traditional caravan holiday home.

The Holgate family can claim to have helped to make caravanning more amazing as his grandad Billy ran a touring caravan manufacturing business at Silverdale 60 years ago.

It formed the basis of today’s holiday park, but the then forward-looking designs helped win export orders from across Europe; a fully restored original model is on display at the park.

A quick look over the Benimar Mileo 346

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by Ed Davies

Out of all the Benimar models, the 346, is truly the monster in terms of size, with a double bed in the back, one above the cab and the living room folding to create yet another

A true family motorhome, the 346 offers masses of storage and payload to match, while its extending dinette seats make it a really practical six-berth.

It is all based on the Maxi version of Fiat’s ever-popular Ducato, meaning a maximum vehicle weight of 4,250kg as well as a more than healthy one tonne-plus payload.

The whole bed can be moved up or down so you can optimise garage space or bed accessibility, as it suits.

Extra cushion sections, along with a swing-out table extension mean you can, indeed, just about cope with six at mealtimes.

In the kitchen, the chef gets a Thetford triplex cooker with two gas rings and an electric hotplate plus combined oven/grill.

To the left is a 150-litre Thetford fridge/freezer, with microwave oven set above it.

The washroom is functional and a good size, with highlights including the plastic-lined shower cubicle and there is also room for a fixed basin in grey plastic and Thetford’s swivel-bowl toilet.

Caravan Insurance, worth the expense?

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by Ed Davies

First of all, insurance for caravans is not mandatory. The basic law stipulates any self-propelled vehicle must be insured meaning motorhomes are bound by the regulations but caravan owners are left with a decision to make

The pitfalls are clear and range from fire, theft, storm, flood, accidental damage to even damage from the great, glorious, wonderfully unpredictable British weather.

However, views are split and several people will often go on holiday with their camper without any insurance, whatsoever.

So, continuing the intrepid reporting spirit of CaravanTimes we have quizzed insurance expert, Neil Menzies, to ask him why he thinks insuring your caravan is important.

A disclaimer. Mr Menzies is the director of Caravan Guard, a caravan insurance company, and therefore, it should be said does have an interest in people insuring their caravans.

That being said, his knowledge is second to none in this field and should not be dismissed.

This article is to be the first in a line of articles that CaravanTimes are to be doing on insurance in the coming weeks.

Our Expert

Mr Menzies said: “It is not a legal requirement but caravans can be a huge investment and are prone to theft, accidental or weather related damage.

“Accidental damage and weather related claims are very common for caravan insurance companies and often these are unavoidable.

“The British weather can be very hard to predict and the cost of repairs can run into thousands of pounds. For example, in 2012, in one day we dealt with 71 claims from customers whose caravan or motorhome had been damaged by ‘golf ball sized’ hailstones during a freak storm.”

On averaging out the claims from the storm, Caravan Guard, found that, individually, the cost was around £5,261 each.

With simple damage claims sometimes reaching the thousands of pounds, were those clients not insured they would have faced these financial burdens alone. A considerable charge for any caravan owner.

“Who would have thought a hail storm could cause so much damage to a caravan and let’s face it the caravan owners could not really do anything to prevent it happening,” he added.

“A caravanner’s car insurance policy should provide cover for any third party damage caused whilst towing their caravan but it will not pay to repair any damage to the caravan as a result of an accident or if it is stolen.

“Caravan insurance gives owners the reassurance that their caravan is covered for fire, theft, storm, flood and accidental damage.”

It is also worth noting caravan insurance these days does not have to be too expensive as Mr Menzies points out there are ways to cut the cost of cover.

He continued: “You might be able to select from various cover options, such as European cover, emergency accommodation, or select a different excess to pay in the event of a claim.

“Discounts also reward careful and security conscious caravan owners, with money off for fitting axle wheel locks, alarms, electronic anti-snaking devices and approved tracking systems to prevent theft.

“It has been great to see manufacturers, installing a lot of these features as standard to their models in recent years.

“So, there is plenty of ways to make insurance savings and of course many of the devices mentioned help owners enjoy trouble-free touring.”

Caravan Insurance Companies

Caravan Guard
Caravanwise
The Camping and Caravanning Club
Coast Insurance
Crusader Insurance
NFU Mutual
Safeguard UK
Saga
Shield Total Insurance
AA Caravan Insurance
The Caravan Club
Simpled Caravan

Nissan unveils 100% carbon-neutral fuel cell

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by Ed Davies

Japanese giants Nissan have produced an eco-friendly fuel cell for vans that runs purely on ethanol and produces zero-emissions

Electric vans and vehicles, in general, have since their inception suffered from perennial problems of low battery life, poor mileage and slow speeds.

However, a prototype introduced last month by Nissan, called the e-Bio fuel cell, could solve those problems and revolutionise electric vehicles.

Nissan says the battery and use of the van is sustainable as it runs on bio-ethanol, which is mainly sourced from readily available crops in the Americas, sugarcane and corn.

The van was based on the Nissan e-NV200 and uses a 24kWh battery, delivering a cruising range of around 400 miles.

Nissan intends to conduct field tests on public roads in Brazil, where the technology was developed, with a view to introducing a production version in the future.

Nissan president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, said: “The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendly transportation and creates opportunities for regional energy production while supporting existing infrastructure.

“In the future, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell will become even more user-friendly. Ethanol-blended water is easier and safer to handle than most other fuels. Without the need to create new infrastructure, it has great potential to drive market growth.”

Micro-camper manufacturers release ultra compact van

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by Ed Davies

Creation Campers, who specialise in micro-motorhome conversions, have introduced a new type of campervan based on a 2016 model Fiat Doblo XL

Naming their new campervan, Fiat Zio, it is just 4.7m long and 2.2m high and comes in bronze, silver and gold.

It also has a 1.6-litre Euro VI diesel engine and an interior side bench that slides out to provide a bed for two.

There is an awning on the side to create more space and it also has a kitchen unit with twin burner gas hob, sink and a fridge.

A slide out table can be used for food preparation or eating and a PortaPotti hidden away.

The Fiat Zio Camper will have a full range of Fiat factory fitted options and there is a choice of different finishes, with prices starting at £25,995.

Caravan insurance company wins top industry award

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by Ed Davies

Caravan and motorhome insurance specialists, Caravan Guard, have picked up a major insurance award for continuous innovation and high standards

The Halifax-based company won out amongst stiff competition as it was crowned Schemes Broker of the Year 2016 in front of hundreds of industry figures at The Brewery in London.

The firm’s managing director, Ryan Wilby, said the whole team was thrilled they had received national recognition for their continued efforts to provide exceptional service.

Mr Wilby said: “We’ve had a great year at Caravan Guard and Leisuredays with more customers than ever choosing to trust us to insure their freedom and winning this prestigious award is the icing on the cake.

“Our team of positive people are committed to providing excellent service to our customers as well as quality insurance cover, so we’re delighted to be rewarded for our successes.”

The Caravan Guard team was also very proud to have been a finalist at the British Insurance Awards for UK Broker of the Year in June.