VAN BUSINESS TAKES OFF
A CHANCE conversation and a preparedness to take a risk has put sales and marketing operator Hayden Lilley into the fast lane of a burgeoning caravan rental business.
Also, the emergence of a once-in-acentury pandemic just as he was gearing up, spurring demand for outdoor holidays, has been something of a gift.
“It’s been 100 per cent and then some,” Mr Lilley said on Tuesday after relocating his business, NQ Caravan Rentals, into its first premises – a 700sqm leased warehouse in Ingham Rd. “We are trying to keep up with demand,” he said.
With the help of some friends with storage space, the business previously operated from his home and began as a “little sideline”.
He had remarked to someone the family caravan did not get much use when it was suggested he consider registering it on an online share site.
After doing this and “getting all these bookings”, he started the business about three years ago.
He has since acquired some 14 vans, as well as towing vehicles with bike racks, and has four more vans and a motorhome on order.
Mr Lilley leased premises at 323 Ingham Rd, Garbutt, previously used for some 30 years as a tyre retread facility by Bridgestone.
Ray White Commercial Townsville director Troy Townsend said the Cairns-based owner of the property had undertaken a complete remake of the property including new amenities and a full glass frontage on to Ingham Rd. The property leased within weeks.
Mr Townsend said there were few vacancies on Ingham Rd and the properties along this busy road were tightly held.