The importance of the caravan industry was emphasised to MP Sir Peter Luff at a meeting n the House of Commons last week.
Sir Peter has pledged his support for the caravan industry after meeting with representatives of the National Caravan Council in London after hearing how the council supports three member businesses in Mid Worcestershire:
· Clesse (UK) Ltd, manufacturers and suppliers of LPG equipment for caravans in Drakes Broughton
· Morval Caravan Repairs and Servicing at Hartlebury
· Ranch Caravan Parks Ltd at Honeybourne
The NCC is the trade association for the touring caravan, motorhome, caravan holiday home and park home industries and Sir Peter met with them to discuss the importance of the £6 billion industry to the local economy.
Sir Peter said,
“The caravan sector presents a manufacturing success story, with some 95 per cent of touring caravans made here in the UK and 130,000 people employed in the sector.
“Over £2.4 billion was spent on UK caravan holidays in 2013 and more than 51 million nights were spent in caravans – so the industry should not be underestimated.
“This was a great opportunity for me to meet with the NCC and learn about the positive work they are currently doing to improve and develop the caravan sector in Mid Worcestershire.”
“The caravan industry is an integral part of our local economy and I want to do all I can to support it to ensure it can deliver more jobs and holidays for my constituents.”
NCC Deputy Director General, Alicia Dunne, said:
“I am delighted that Sir Peter has been so supportive of our sector.
“Tourism is hugely important for the UK economy. Holiday parks provide good value, family-friendly addition to ‘staycation’ tourist accommodation and touring in a caravan or motorhome is a fantastic way to explore Britain.
“Ahead of next month’s tourism week I am pleased that Sir Peter is supporting us. Working together, we can grow our businesses and provide more employment opportunities and deliver outstanding holiday experiences. Already well over two million people take a caravan holiday each year – if we can increase this, we can support British manufacturing and bring additional income to many areas, particularly rural and coastal ones.
“Similarly, residential park homes offer a unique and affordable housing choice for thousands of people across the UK and working with local authorities we can help make this a more accessible housing option/lifestyle.”
At the event, the local MP learnt about the NCC’s services and initiatives, including the NCC Approved Code Schemes which provide additional consumer protection, the NCC Training Academy that aims to enhance skills of those working in the sector, and the Central Registration & Identification Scheme (CRiS), the national register for UK touring caravans, which provides a service similar to that of the DVLA for vehicles.