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.

Last week a friend of mine asked where he could get cheap insurance for his Bailey caravan. Naturally I referred him to my own company – Shield Total Insurance.

However, it started a discussion as he thought caravans were rated like cars where a Bailey may be in a different group to a Swift etc.
I explained that caravan insurance isn’t that sophisticated and that premiums vary according to value, storage location, security and previous claims history. He said that’s mad as he knows that repair prices on his new Bailey are cheaper than a caravan with conventional construction. An interesting point.

Any views?

Hi All

Just a quick note to say that I won’t be blogging today as we are mobbed by the hordes at the NEC Show. It is full of buzz and excitement so if you’re not coming tomorrow then why not?

Next time I’ll bring you my thoughts on the new Bailey Pegasus 534.