NEC Show scores big weekend
Exhibitors at last week’s Boat and Caravan told us their results from the big Ocean Media show were successful, but that it would have been better for many if the event had co-incided with the school half-term break, as it usually does.
But newly-appointed Show Director, Andy Gibb, told us that the problem was mainly due to the need to book hall-space up to five years ahead, noting that next year’s event would be back on the holiday track. “Of course,” he said, “the family audience has come in for the weekend – we’ve had a storming couple of days, and Saturday and Sunday have been excellent for all kinds of businesses – small and large.”
Major manufacturers Bailey, Elddis and Swift said that their show experiences had been good, with Bailey confirming a small increase over last year, Swift delighted with their motorhome achivement, and Elddis very pleased with their new Xplore 302 and top-end Buccaneer Schooner sales.
Elddis Commercial Director Chris Whitham said, “Our little Xplore 302 has been one of the stars of our show, with terrific interest and excellent sales each day – and a massive amount of the interest we’ve had is from people who are new to caravanning. Our highest priced caravan, the Buccaneer Schooner, has matched this sales volume, which I think demonstrates that we’ve got the luxury caravans for people who want these, as well as the entry level.”
Swift’s E400 and Sundance motorhomes scored well with buyers, said Commercial Director Nick Page. “The vehicles attracted a great deal of attention,” he told us, “and our sales across our motorhome range were very satisfactory. Caravan sales were about where we expected them to be, given the recent re-addition of VAT to prices, and bringing our park homes closer into our main sales area has worked very well for us.”
Bailey MD Nick Howard was again delighted with his company’s performance. “Our Alu-Tech body technology is winning fans all the time,” he said. “We started the show with great sales of the Pegasus range, but the Olympus started to catch up quickly – and overall, we’re really pleased with the result.”
From the shows smaller exhibitors, Panel Van converter Wellhouse Leisure were delighted with their first experience of an NEC show. MD David Elliot said that sales had been startling. “Last year we sold 7 vehicles in February, but so far this year we’ve sold 27 in the month to date – if we sell one today (Sunday), we’ll have done one for every day of the month!”
As for the Caravan Channel itself, Chris Gosling said that the show was amazing. “Tons of people stopped for a chat every day, and I rather regret turning down the chance of a stand!”
“But we will be attending more shows over the coming months, so if you want to stop by for a chat, we’ll make sure there’s an opportunity!”
More reports from The Boat and Caravan Show on The Caravan Channel TV programme, edition 5, premiering on Wednesday 10th March, on Sky 166/Freesat 402 and online at 7pm
