Now under the Kimberley banner, the Discover site formerly known as Barrons in Darlington.

Wow, things have moved pretty quickly since the Discover Leisure mega-group of dealers went under. You might remember it was only last October that we reported the group, that at one time comprised 16 of the UK’s biggest caravan and motorhome dealerships, went into administration (see blog post).

When it all finally came to a halt, it was down to five branches, but I think now is a good time for a recap on what’s happened since. First came the news that Catterick Caravans had taken over two former Discover sites near its own impressive North Yorkshire base. The premises at Birtley, Tyne and Wear and Flaxton Moor, York are back up and running already as Tyneside Leisure World and Ebor Leisureworld respectively.

Even bigger news was the announcement that Nottinghamshire’s Kimberley Caravans will be the new operator of the former Discover (and ex-Barrons) site at Burtree Gate, near Darlington.

For both Catterick and Kimberley, this represents the first time they have moved into operating as multi-branch businesses. Both are family-owned companies and both have signalled their intent to operate as retailers of caravans, motorhomes and accessories from their new outlets – and to bring back what both refer to, passionately, as “family values” to the way they operate the businesses.

As Catterick Caravans’ boss Chris Kinsell puts it: “What we’re trying to do is to lead the industry in our after-sales approach. We want to be the best, we want to be special. Whether customers buy used or new, from us or not, we want to look after them.”

There are similar sentiments from Kimberley Caravans’ managing director, Chris Lowe. He says: “We are delighted to have acquired this site (Burtree) given its location and size. We also know that the branch has many loyal customers, going back to when it was part of Barrons, who will appreciate the care and attention of a family-run business.”

The new Kimberley Caravans site is expected to open towards the end of February.

It’s widely expected that the former Discover site (better known as Barrons) in Chorley, Lancashire, will be sold for other developments, and possibly the same awaits the fate of the premises in Cheshire that originally made their name as Harringtons.

Firth goes forth - Roger Firth is the boss of new A & E Leisure in Northwich, Cheshire.

Another recent project has seen the launch of a new caravan and motorhome service centre in Northwich, Cheshire. A & E Leisure is a small team of technicians headed by Roger Firth. All formerly from the workshops at Discover Cheshire, the new company has already gained full accreditation under the industry-backed Approved Workshop Scheme.

As for all the stock and other bits and pieces, it was The Caravan Company that swooped to pick up all the pre-owned – including some pre-registered – caravans from the Discover forecourts, and now have some seriously interesting offers on its sites. The same goes for the ex-Discover motorhomes, which were picked up by Webbs Motor Caravans.

As for what amounted to a small mountain of spare parts, accessories etc, well, a lot of owners will be glad to hear they all ended up with leading spare parts specialist, O’Leary’s.

Next blog: Holidays, hurray!