Caravan And Camping Industry Leads Way Out Of Business Gloom

Boat and Caravan Show celebrates one of the UK’s Great British success stories

As one of the UK’s largest consumer events – Boat and Caravan Show - came to a close at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday, all the signs were of an industry leading the way out of business gloom with record orders reported by exhibitors.

Attracting a visitor attendance of 83,364 (this figure excludes exhibitors and press and is subject to ABC audit) to the six-day event, leading manufacturers such as Swift, Bailey, Elddis, Lunar and Coachman reported record sales.

Simon Howard, Baileys of Bristol, says: “This is the best show we have ever had. Sales were 20% up in total and 95% of sales were from the Alu-tech construction. We have seen a better mix of customers than at any other show we exhibit at, so we have managed to sell more family vans in total. We are very pleased with the outcome of our presence.”
“We have been exhibiting at the show for the past three years. This year, we have seen the number of trade visitors increase and are happy to say that the total number of placed retail orders this year is higher than the last two years together. We are extremely happy with what the show has done for us, this was the best one ever and we will be back again next year,” states Dean Hague from ABI Ltd., while Prestige Holiday Homes had a “fantastic week due to having trebled the amount of orders on 2009. Last year, as a direct result of the Boat & Caravan Show, we have placed £1million business.”

Commenting on the show, which is seen as a sales barometer for the year ahead, Event Director Andy Gibb said: “The growth of the Boat and Caravan Show, and the support it receives from the UK’s leading carvanning, camping and boating manufacturers as well as leading industry associations such as the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club, proves and reflects the importance the show plays in highlighting what is truly a Great British business success story.

“The tens of thousands of people we welcomed to the show proved that despite so much talk of doom and gloom, there is an increasing demand for the outdoor way of life and outdoor holidays in both the UK and Europe.

“It is also particularly pleasing to see that manufacturers recognise the value of attending events such as the Boat and Caravan Show as part of their annual marketing and sales strategy.  Delivering sales and ROI is a barometer of success, and that alone makes the show a great success.

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