Calm before the storm at Birmingham's NEC, which proved a big success last week.

I hope you enjoyed my blogs from the Motorhome and Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC last week, with plenty of news on the very latest caravans and motorhomes. The show itself can be counted as a success, with record numbers of folk visiting and manufacturers almost unanimous in pointing to sales that were “above expectations”.

The only disappointment was hearing that the dealer group Discover Leisure had finally faltered and fallen into the hands of administrators during the course of the show itself.

Bentley Indigo motorhome - a quality two berth with super finish and stacks of storage!

A year ago I was on the Caravan Club‘s Sandringham Club site, when I heard of a new motorhome manufacturer building coachbuilt motorhomes across from the manufacturer Autocruise. Bentley Motorhomes as the company is named, makes up its experience from ex-employees of Autocruise Motorhomes.

I was keen to check them out at the show and was glad I did. These mid-priced motorhomes are well finished and come with good spec. I fancied the Bentley Indigo motorhome,  the end kitchen two berth, its low-line and compact dimensions with excellent storage will make this a popular choice for motorhome users wanting quality at an affordable cost.

The Sprite heritage wall at the NEC Caravan Show, with extracts from my latest book.

Well it’s been a busy last few weeks, checking out the latest caravans being released. There is some exciting stuff including the launch of the Bailey motorhomes.

The October NEC show got off to a great start (no doubt helped by the Caravan Club day and cut price tickets), but visiting the various stands some of the dealers whom I have known (some over 25 years!) told me that sales were steady and that seemed the case so far on that first day. Plus it’s the first National Caravan Council (NCC)  show organised by them for many years and all looked to be running smoothly.

Best looking touring caravan at the NEC show? Well the Hobby Premium definitely looked the business.

Well, what a success last week’s Motorhome and Caravan Show proved to be. Birmingham’s NEC hosted the event, the annual showcase for what’s new from the main caravan and motorhome manufacturers as well as accessories suppliers.

Key was the exceptionally good attendance, thanks in no small part to ticket prices that were, let’s say, a bit more “realistic” than in recent years for this event. But, that was what contributed to a highly positive vibe to the whole event. Sales held up well, too, especially taking into consideration the economic conditions generally.