Daniel Kawcynski MP met with representatives from the NCC (National Caravan Council) and pledged his support for the caravan sector in Shrewsbury & Atcham.
The MP talked to representatives from the NCC, the trade association for the touring caravan, motorhome, caravan holiday home and park home industries, about the importance of the £6 billion industry to the local economy.
Shrewsbury is home to Salop Leisure, based at Emstrey, which is one of the largest distributors of caravan holiday homes, touring caravans and motorhomes in the U.K. where it employs in the region of 150 people including a large number of young apprentices in their busy workshops. In 2016, Salop Leisure will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Across the UK, the caravan sector employs around 130,000 people and represents a UK manufacturing success story, with some 95 per cent of touring caravans in the UK made here.
In addition to the 550,000 touring caravans and more than 205,000 motorhomes in use across the UK, there are more than 330,000 caravan holiday homes - a total of over one million leisure accommodation vehicles. In the housing sector there are around 100,000 park homes (mobile homes) in use.
Daniel Kawczynski MP said:
“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 Shrewsbury & Atcham.
“In employing over 130,000 people and contributing £6 billion to the UK economy, the importance of the caravan sector should not be underestimated. Over £2.4 billion was spent on UK caravan holidays in 2013 and more than 51 million nights were spent in caravans.
“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 opportunities for my constituents.”
NCC Deputy Director General, Alicia Dunne said:
“I am delighted that Shrewsbury & Atcham MP 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 tourism week 16th-22nd of March, I am pleased that Daniel Kawczynski MP 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.
