Helping hand
Politicians call for support for caravan industry
A HULL MP is calling on the Government to extend business rates relief, granted to the leisure and tourism industry, to the caravan sector as manufacturers begin to open up after the lockdown.
Hull West & Hessle MP Emma Hardy called an adjournment debate in the House of Commons in June to discuss the matter, and to ask for a “flexible, sector-based approach” to be adopted on ending the furlough scheme.
She said, “While 2021 may see the caravan holiday become more popular, this does not address the severe economic difficulties the industry faces this year.”
The leaders of both Hull City Council and the East Riding of Yorkshire have also written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to request a business rates holiday for the industry. Hull’s Stephen Brady and East Riding’s Richard Burton both said they see “a bright future for the caravan industry provided that they are able to get through the immediate problems caused by Covid-19”.
Both interventions come as caravan manufacturers restart production. So far, however, among major UK suppliers only Coachman and Adria have committed to holding a launch for the 2021 season.
Dealers, meanwhile, report record sales this month, with increased interest from first-time buyers and people put off holidays abroad by the quarantine rules. One dealer, Darren Brown from Broad Lane, said the sales his dealership has been achieving have been “shockingly well ahead of expectations”.
‘Bright future for the industry if they can get through immediate problems’
suggested. Andy Slattery said the phased reopening of sites in the National Park would relieve problems like unauthorised camping, fires and litter that his force has been having to deal with during lockdown. “Without these facilities, we have seen
The NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show was still due to go ahead this October, despite a number of exhibitors announcing they will not take part in any European shows this autumn.
Thetford and Lippert Components, which makes caravan levelling systems, have followed in the footsteps of the Erwin Hymer Group in backing out of shows. Thetford’s decision is surprising, given that it has only just launched INDUS, a new toilet and grey-water system for motorhomes that would normally have been a key focus at shows this season.
Thetford CEO Stéphane Cordeille pointed out that the firm does not sell at shows, so the restrictions likely to be in place would make it difficult for it to reach its promotional goals. He said: “We’ll intensify digital communication. We are convinced this way, we are more than able to update partners and end-users.”
Erwin Hymer Group said its decision applied to all of its brands, although Erwin Hymer UK (which includes Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore) had still to decide about the NEC. visitors camping anywhere they can, against guidelines and without any sanitary facilities. This is causing upset in local communities,” he explained, adding that any reopening of the parks would also need to be in line with scientific guidelines.
Scottish parks set to open The Scottish government has said caravan parks can start to reopen on 15 July, provided health advice says that it is safe. The Northern Ireland Executive says that caravan parks there can begin reopening on 26 June.