Mark Bebb, managing director of Salop Leisure, based at Emstrey, Shrewsbury, said holiday home sales at the successful 10-day show exceeded expectations in the challenging economic climate.

“The level of interest in new caravan holiday homes from all walks of life was a very pleasant surprise,” he added. “We made sales to retired couples, busy business people and also young families.

“It’s another indicator that people of all ages are turning to caravan holiday homes as a major part of their leisure time plans for the next 10 to 15 years.

“For the past two years, we have been talking about the ‘staycation’ trend of more British people spending their holidays closer to home. Here’s further evidence to this trend.”
Mr Bebb said many people placed orders at the show to avoid price increases on new models in 2012, while others were looking to upgrade their existing models.

“Customers want to buy now so that the new holiday home is ready and waiting for them when the caravan park of their choice reopens in March next year,” he added. “It gives them something exciting to look forward to.”

He reported an encouraging flow of people through the company’s Shrewsbury sales centre so far this autumn with the Love Coffee restaurant as busy as ever and the accessory shop continuing to enjoy record business.

Salop Leisure has also been delighted with the touring caravan and motorhome owners taking advantage of the company’s secure storage facility, which opened alongside its sales centre last year.

The company’s workshops, which are open seven days a week, are also busier than ever with servicing and repairs. Additional work has been attracted to the business from Cheshire since the demise of Discover Leisure last month.