PRICE 1.00-1.20 PENCE

1 Year Chart



History & Business

Discover Leisure plc is a group listed on AIM of the London Stock Exchange and which is engaged in the retail of caravans, motorhomes and leisure goods from sixteen sites throughout England and Wales.

The Company was formed in April 2003 to exploit opportunities in the leisure market. It acquired the business known as "YorkBoat" in November 2004, and the company was floated on AIM in May 2005. YorkBoat provided river cruises and leisure activities on the River Ouse, near York City Centre.

In August 2005, the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Signlease Limited, which trades as Harringtons Caravans, a substantial caravan dealership in the North West of England, which reported turnover of almost 14 million in the year ended 28 February 2005.

In September 2006, Signlease acquired the entire share capital of Leisure World (Holdings) Limited, which owns four subsidiaries operating caravan retail sites throughout England and Wales and a further subsidiary that imports motorhomes and caravans from Germany.

In December 2006, the YorkBoat business was disposed of in order that the Group can concentrate on its core business, Caravan and leisure retailing.

During 2006, the Company reorganised its Board of Directors to reflect the new business focus. A team that had previously worked together at Dixon Motors PLC, a motor retail group that grew to 800 million turnover before being acquired by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, reformed with the aim of applying the car retail experience to the distribution of caravans and motorhomes.

In July 2007, Discover completed two major acquisitions, that of Barrons Holdings Limited and Mendip Caravan Centre Limited increasing its annual turnover to approximately 150 million.

In March 2008 the Company acquired the assets of a motor home dealership in Cannock, Staffordshire from the Brownhill Group.

My View:-

The pre-acquisition trading peak was about 30p and they made some solid acquisitions which in fairer times would have taken them up towards 60 or 70p. That says there is a realistic chance of a risk reward return of 15 times - 2p to 30p - and a possibility of a 30 times return.

Interim results definitely out tomorrow morning. One to keep an eye on especially after the recent interest last month took the price to 3.70p. DYOR as always!

Started rising, 1.15-1.30p.

Double bottom complete after today's rise, v.good buying volume in 1.34m in buys. Sales forecasts should be excellent as per recent articles and imo news on banking facility agreement which has been postively muted in last 2 RNS's should provide a re-rating to more releastic levels.



Bounced off the 50 day moving average:-



Nearly about to break the 200 day moving average again after spurt upto 3.70p last month.

Few vacancies in careers section, always a good sign imo!

http://www.discover.co.uk/careers

For what its worth after close yesterday and ahead of Interims tomorrow:-

BUY
CONFIRMED

1.2300
+0.0800 +6.96%

http://www.britishbulls.com/StockPage.asp?CompanyTicker=DISL&MarketTicker=Consumer%20Services&TYP=S

Caravan bookings soar as families plan stay at home summer holidays
May 20 2009 by Sarah Miloudi, South Wales Echo

STAYCATION fever is hitting South Wales with budget holiday parks reporting a rise of more than 30% in advance summer sales.

Holidaymakers keen to beat the recession are heading to the region in their droves, as the combination of cheap deals and clear sky forecasts appeal to bargain-hunting British visitors.

Popular caravan park Trecco Bay yesterday reported that its bookings had soared 35% year-on-year. The Porthcawl site said around 13,000 bookings had been taken so far, equating to around 55,000 visitors 13,000 more than in 2008.

Bookings at other South Wales sites have been buoyed by a better-than-expected Easter, with holidaymakers now seeking to return for back-to-basic breaks on their doorstep.

John Waterworth, chief executive of Parkdean, which owns Trecco Bay, said: Easter was a very strong period for the park.

All our sites in South Wales, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall were virtually full and visitors were spending more money while they were with us.

Forward bookings are already ahead of 2008 as more families decide to book their holidays in Britain.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/20/caravan-bookings-soar-as-families-plan-stay-at-home-summer-holidays-91466-23666340/

Half Yearly Report (Discover Leisure)

TIDMDISL

RNS Number : 9911S
Discover Leisure PLC
29 May 2009

?
FOR RELEASE
07.00
29 May 2009






DISCOVER LEISURE PLC
("Discover Leisure" or "the Group")


GROUP RESTRUCTURE
AND
INTERIM RESULTS FOR 6 MONTHS ENDED 1 MARCH 2009




GROUP RESTRUCTURING


* Since December 2008, consumer confidence, demand for new leisure vehicles,
vehicle margins and the availability of stock financing have all deteriorated
further resulting in the need for a new Group strategy and structure.



* Leaner group to be focused on five of the larger destination locations at
Birtley, Chorley, Darlington, Delamere and York. Occupying 30 freehold acres,
the five sites accounted for 60% of the Group's revenues in the six months to 1
March 2009.



* Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) proposal to be put to unsecured creditors of
Signlease Limited, the wholly owned trading subsidiary of Discover Leisure plc.



* New banking and stock funding facilities agreed.



* A restructured and strengthened balance sheet.



* Lower ongoing cash and funding requirements.



RESULTS


+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| | 2009 | 2008 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| | GBP'000 | GBP'000 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| | | |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| Revenue | 40,741 | 51,786 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| Loss from operations | (8,576) | (1,079) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| Loss from operations before impairment of goodwill | (5,770) | (1,079) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| Loss before tax | (9,496) | (1,802) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| Loss before tax and impairment of goodwill | (6,690) | (1,802) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+----------------+----------------+





David Morrow, the Chairman of Discover Leisure, commented:


"After a period of rapid expansion, the global financial crisis and the huge
fall in consumer confidence from 2008 onwards, the Group's strategy for growth
has been seriously challenged.


Despite significant reductions in costs and stocks, trading results in the six
months to 1 March 2009 were poor and as a result the Group's balance sheet has
weakened.


In this position and faced with the prospect of challenging market conditions
for the rest of 2009, the Board has decided that it must implement a fresh
strategy to secure Discover Leisure's long term future.


With the support of RBS and Lloyds Banking Group, the Group has the opportunity
to focus on its larger retail outlets whilst reducing costs, cash and debts. The
Board strongly believes that the proposed CVA, which will facilitate the
restructuring of the Group's organisation and financing facilities, is in the
best interests of the Group and its stakeholders as a whole."


+-------------------------------------------------+-----------+--------------------+
| For further information contact: | |
| Discover Leisure plc | |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| David Morrow, Chairman | 01430 803 385 |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Trevor Parker, Chief Executive | |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Neil Harwood, Finance Director | |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited | 020 7459 3600 |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Andrew Godber / Stuart Gledhill | |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Cubitt Consulting | 020 7367 5100 |
+-------------------------------------------------+--------------------------------+
| Brian Coleman-Smith / James Verstringhe / Nicola Krafft | 07802 724 400 |
+-------------------------------------------------+-----------+--------------------+


Background Note


Discover Leisure is a leading specialist caravan and leisure industry retailer
which floated on AIM in May 2005. Following the restructuring of the Group's
activities, it is focused on the retailing of caravans and motor homes in the
North of England. It also sells a range of outdoor leisure products from its
branches and over the internet.


The Group has 5 branches across the North of England located at: Birtley
(Tyneside), Delamere (Cheshire), Chorley (Lancashire), Darlington
(County Durham) and York (Yorkshire). Its head office is situated in East
Yorkshire.


The board consists of David Morrow, Chairman; Trevor Parker, Chief Executive;
and Neil Harwood, Finance Director. The Non Executive Directors are Ian Currie
and Simon Dixon.

DISCOVER LEISURE PLC
("Discover Leisure" or "the Group")


(The specialist caravan and leisure industry retailer)


GROUP RESTRUCTURING & INTERIM RESULTS






1. Introduction


Discover Leisure announces a proposal to restructure the Group and its financial
facilities together with its unaudited interim results for the six months to 1
March 2009.


After December 2008 and as evidenced by the interim results, the already weak
market deteriorated further following steeper declines in consumer confidence,
demand for new leisure vehicles, vehicle margins during excess stock liquidation
and the availability of vehicle stock funding.


Whilst the Group has already reduced costs and stocks significantly, this
situation, when coupled to the prospect of challenging market conditions for he
remainder of 2009, has led the Board to its decision to implement a fresh
strategy to secure the future of the Group.


The Board believe that the implementation of the proposed restructure plan
outlined below, incorporating a CVA, will result in a leaner and stronger
organisation underpinned by new financing facilities, which are fully supported
by both the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Lloyds Banking Group.


For these reasons, the Board strongly believes that the proposals represent the
best interests of the Group and its stakeholders as a whole.


2. Restructuring Plan


The Board has set itself the objective of creating a leaner and more focused
business that uses less cash in partnership with committed funders. This will be
achieved with a plan that has the following targeted outcomes:


* A leaner, refocused Group based solely on five of the larger freehold
destination locations.
* A new set of financial facilities with supportive lending and stock funding
banks.
* A restructured and significantly strengthened balance sheet.
* Lower ongoing cash and funding requirements.



3. New Group Structure


To reduce costs and to be able to focus on the largest growth opportunities, the
Group will reduce from its recent peak of sixteen retail outlets to five
freehold stores. In preparation, seven of the smaller branches have already been
closed and a further three will close today. Of the ten closed locations, three
are leasehold and the remaining seven freehold properties are in the process of
being disposed.


Please refer to Note 7 to the interim accounts and report for the financial
impact of these closures.


The remaining five locations, at Birtley, Chorley, Darlington, Delamere and
York, occupy freehold sites totalling 29.7 acres and collectively accounted for
60% of the Group's revenues in the six months to 1 March 2009.


4. New Finance Facilities


The Group has agreed principal terms with both Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and
Bank of Scotland (BOS) for revised facilities. These agreements are subject to
legal documentation and the approval of the CVA and are summarised below:


Royal Bank of Scotland.

The original facilities consisted of a GBP10m term loan which was due for
repayment in full in February 2010, an acquisition facility of GBP750,000 and a
GBP6m overdraft. The current balance outstanding on the two loans is GBP10.3m
and the current average overdraft utilisation is GBP3.8m.


The terms of the revised facilities are:


1) An eight year term loan of GBP8m secured against the five remaining retail
properties. These have a existing use valuation of GBP8.4m, as valued by
Sanderson Weatherall on 27 April 2009. The loan will be repaid by half yearly
payments of GBP250,000 beginning in October 2010 and a final bullet payment of
GBP6.0m in May 2014. Interest will be charged at 3.5% above LIBOR.

2) A "non-performing" loan of GBP5m secured against the remaining seven freehold
properties, which have an existing use valuation of GBP4.4m as valued on 27
April, 2009 by Sanderson Weatherall. This loan will be repaid out of the net
sale proceeds of these properties. Interest will be rolled over into the capital
and will be charged at a rate of 7.5% in the first year rising to 15% in the
third year. It is envisaged that all properties will be disposed of in the three
year period and as a result the loan repaid in full during that period. Any
shortfall from the net disposal proceeds will be met out of operating cash flow
and any excess will be used to repay the above term loan. The Directors envisage
that securing alternative use values will ensure that the net proceeds will
repay both capital and interest in full.

3) An overdraft facility of GBP3.0m with interest charged at 4% above Base rate.


The cost of securing this facility is GBP100,000 payable upon the signing of
facility documentation.


The Company will grant warrants over 5% of the nominal value of shares in issue
of Discover Leisure plc to RBS.


Revised covenants are to be agreed and full facility documentation signed prior
to the approval of the CVA.


Lloyds Banking Group/Bank of Scotland


Bank of Scotland has provided all the vehicle stock funding for the business
since September 2007. These facilities, agreed on 31 August 2007, totaled GBP37m
and reflected the historical size of the Group and its stock levels and
purchasing policies.


A revised facility of GBP20m has been secured which compares with a current
utilisation of GBP13.5m including stock held on the closed and to be closed
sites. The facility allows all new stock to be funded at 100% of purchase price
for periods agreed with the manufacturer. Used stock, subject to age, can also
be partially funded. Should individual units not be sold within the agreed
period, the funding can be extended subject to a fee and partial payments,
thereby reducing the amount outstanding. The Directors believe that this funding
should be sufficient to enable the business to trade strongly from the remaining
five sites subject to normal stock holding disciplines.


5. Strengthened Balance Sheet - Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)


In order to reduce the costs of reorganisation, strengthen the balance sheet and
improve cash flow, the board of Discover Leisure PLC and the directors of
Signlease Limited ("Signlease") have finalised the terms of a company voluntary
arrangement (the "CVA Proposal") to be proposed to the unsecured creditors of
Signlease. Signlease is a wholly owned subsidiary of Discover and is the Group's
only trading company.


A CVA is a formal procedure under the Insolvency Act 1986 which enables a
company to agree with its unsecured creditors a composition in satisfaction of
its debts or a scheme of arrangement of its affairs which can determine how its
debts should be paid and in what proportions.


The terms of the CVA Proposal are contained in the CVA Proposal Document to be
posted today to the unsecured creditors of Signlease by Mark Firmin and Howard
Smith of KPMG LLP, the nominees appointed in relation to the CVA Proposal.


The proposal requires the approval of the creditors and shareholders of
Signlease and its main terms are summarised below.


The following categories of creditors will be asked to compromise their claims
for payment :


* Unsecured trade creditors including HMRC with estimated debts totalling GBP10.3m
*
* The agreed claims of the various landlords of the closed sites in respect of rents and certain contingent claims such as dilapidations. Certain contingent liabilities such as finance commission debit backs in respect of finance agreements arranged by Signlease on behalf of its customers.


Over the next five years, it is proposed that GBP2,292,000 will be paid into
the CVA at the rate of GBP458,400 per annum. These payments will satisfy the
fees of the nominee over that period and the net sums will then be distributed
to the above categories in proportion to their final agreed debt. It is
estimated that this will result in a payment of 22% of each of the above
creditors debt.

Throughout the CVA process, the Group and Signlease will continue trading under
the control of their respective directors and operate as going concerns. The
Group and Signlease are not in, and will not be, in administration as a result
of commencing the CVA process.


The CVA Proposal Document contains notices of meetings of the unsecured
creditors of Signlease to consider and, if thought fit, approve the CVA
proposal. To become effective, the CVA requires the approval of the majority of
the above creditors of Signlease.


The directors of the Group and Signlease, and the nominees, are firmly of the
opinion that the CVA Proposal and the CVA process in general will result in a
better outcome for creditors than would occur if the Group was placed into
administration or liquidation.


However, in the event that the Proposal is not agreed, there is a likelihood
that the Group will be placed into administration.


The CVA Meetings for creditors of Signlease will be held at 11am on June 15 2009
at the Hilton Hotel, Neville Street, Leeds, LS1 4BX.


Copies of the CVA Proposal document are available for inspection at the
registered office of Signlease at Monckton Court, South Newbald Road, North
Newbald, East Yorkshire, YO43 4RW during normal business hours on any business
day with effect from today and up to and including the day of the CVA meetings.
Copies will also be available for download from the Company's website -
http//www.discover.co.uk/corporate/aim_rule_26.htm - later today.


6. Group Financial Results


The trading results for the period ended 1 March 2009, which cover the off-peak
season, show that revenues have fallen by 21% to GBP40.7m (2008 : GBP51.8m). The
net loss from operations was GBP8.6m (2008 : GBP1.1m) with net interest payable
of GBP0.9m (2008 : GBP0.7m). The net loss from operations before impairment of
goodwill was GBP5.8m (2008 : GBP1.1m). The loss before taxation was GBP9.5m
(2008 : GBP1.8m) and the loss before taxation and impairment of goodwill was
GBP6.7m (2008: GBP1.8m).


The significant increase in losses was a consequence of a 39% reduction in the
market for new tourers and motor homes in the period and the need to liquidate
excess stocks to generate cash in an oversupplied market. This lack of demand,
restricted stock funding and extensive discounting led to a 63% fall in the
gross profit but sufficient cash was generated to remain within agreed banking
facilities. Overheads, whilst slightly higher, include the costs of one extra
branch and one-off costs of GBP0.5m associated with employment termination costs
and professional and banking fees.


The results include a charge of GBP2.8m (2008: GBPNil) in respect of the
impairment of goodwill. This reflects a reduction in the value in use of certain
of the group's cash-generating units, which has deteriorated significantly in
2009.


The impact of this trading upon the balance sheet can be seen in a reduction in
inventories of GBP19.3m and reduced liabilities of GBP11.4m compared with the
same point last year. The cash outflow in the six months was just GBP1.9m
compared with GBP4.8m for the same period last year.


Your attention is drawn to the basis of preparation note (note 1 to the interim
accounts and report). This provides details upon the going concern basis.


7. Dividend


The directors are not currently recommending the payment of a dividend.


8. The UK Leisure Vehicle Market


Despite a generally more resilient customer profile, the UK market for leisure
vehicles began to show the negative impact of the financial crisis during the
summer of 2008. In the six months to February 2009, consumer confidence fell
further and led to a considerably weaker market in comparison to the previous
year.

+----------------------+---------------------+---------------------+
| Year | UK New Sales - 6 months to February |
+ +-------------------------------------------+
| | Tourers | Motor Homes |
| | (trade sales) | (registrations) |
+----------------------+----------------------+---------------------+
| 2008 | 16,120 | 4,679 |
+----------------------+---------------------+---------------------+
| 2009 | 9,875 | 2,821 |
+----------------------+---------------------+---------------------+
| Change | (38.7%) | (39.7%) |
+----------------------+---------------------+---------------------+




+----------------------+--------------------+---------------------+
| Sales 12 months. to | (26.4%) | (16.2%) |
| Feb.09 v 08 | | |
+----------------------+--------------------+---------------------+


(source : National Caravan Council).


During the first half of the year, competition intensified as retailers
de-stocked using heavy discounting. Resultant margins were significantly below
the previous year.


In contrast, and as evidenced by the Group results, demand for used tourers and
motor homes, appears to have been less badly effected as some of the customers
at the margin traded down from purchasing new models. Similarly, demand for
service and accessories has benefited from customers who are extending their
ownership cycles (source : Discover Leisure PLC).


At the start of the Group's second half of the year to August 2009, the market
trend for new leisure vehicles is still well below last year but the rate of
decline may be slowing. In March, tourer trade sales were 27.6% less than last
year and Motor Home registrations were 21% lower. In April, Swift, the leading
manufacturer, reported sales to the trade in the month up 14% on last year. The
first, early and cautious signs of a seasonal uplift may be emerging but with no
certainty as to its scale or duration.


9. Group Trading Results


During the first half of the year, the Group's clear operational focus was on
reducing costs and vehicle stocks and making tactical market share gains. Good
progress was made in all three areas but the benefits were offset by the
negative effects of the very weak trading conditions.


An annualised cost saving of GBP2m was achieved by February 2009 chiefly as a
result of a 21% reduction in headcount.


Between September 2008 and the end of February 2009, total stocks of vehicles,
parts and accessories were reduced by 27% to GBP29.9m. This was GBP19.3m or 39%
less than at February 2008.


Sales of new and used touring caravans in the half year were 27% less than last
year at 1,874 (2008 : 2,578). New unit sales were down by 35% compared to the
38.7% drop in UK trade sales whilst used volumes were 16% lower.


Total motor home sales in the six months rose by 10.7% to 612 (2008 : 553). Like
for like sales fell by 3.4%. Sales of new units increased by 22% compared to the
39.7% fall in UK registrations resulting in the Group's share of the UK motor
home market climbing by 78% to 11.2% (2008 : 6.3%). Like for like sales, without
the new Cannock site, rose by 9.3%.


However, the intensive de-stocking programme in the period led to margins on
both tourers and motor home sales being significantly lower than the budgeted
levels.


Revenues in the half year from service and parts was just 1% less than last year
at GBP3.98m with an improved gross margin of 39.1% (2008 : 36.4%). Sales of
accessories, reflecting the recent refurbishment of Chorley and Darlington, grew
by 19% to GBP2.7m (2008 : GBP2.3m) at a slightly reduced gross margin of 27.3%
(2008 : 29.3%).


Sales by the new Direct team's call centre amounted to GBP385,000.


10. Trading Outlook


For the remainder of 2009, the UK economic forecasts predict a continuance of
recessionary conditions with a rising level of unemployment maintaining downward
pressure on consumer confidence. Whilst the rates of decline may currently be
lessening, the Group is assuming that the overall level of demand in the UK
economy during the rest of this year will be markedly less than last year.


During the spring and summer, the UK leisure vehicle market is likely to see a
limited, possibly shorter than normal, seasonal uplift with volumes still less
than 2008 but with lower rates of year on year decline. From late summer, the
market is then expected to follow its normal pattern and gradually weaken
towards December leaving total volumes for 2009 well behind 2008. Trading
conditions in the normally quieter winter period are likely to be tough. On a
more positive note, vehicle margins are improving after stocks have been
balanced with demand.


Conditions in the used vehicle, service and accessories markets are expected to
remain on a par with last year as some customers move towards used vehicles to
maintain their lifestyles and others keep their vehicles longer. The trend
towards online and call centre sales, where Discover has grown business
strongly, is also likely to be maintained.


Faced with this outlook, the Group believes that overall trading conditions for
the rest of 2009 will continue to be difficult. Whilst significant reductions in
costs and stocks have been achieved in the last six months, the results for 2009
remain difficult to forecast. After a very weak first half, however, the board
believes that the likely additional impact of the predicted scenario on the
Group's financial results and resources will be unacceptable for all
stakeholders. For this reason, the board has decided to take further, decisive
action now to implement the strategy necessary to secure Discover's long-term
future. The objective of this strategy is to protect the Group during the
remainder of the recession and to position it to take full advantage from any
future upturn.


11. Conclusion


After a period of rapid expansion, the global financial crisis and the huge fall
in consumer confidence from 2008, the Group's strategy for growth has been
seriously challenged.


Despite significant reductions in costs and stocks, trading results in the six
months to 1 March 2009 were poor and as a result the Group's balance sheet has
weakened.


In this position, and faced with the prospect of challenging market conditions
for the rest of 2009, the Board has decided that it must implement a fresh
strategy to secure Discover Leisure's long term future.


With the support of RBS and Lloyds Banking Group, the Group has the opportunity
to focus on its larger retail outlets whilst reducing costs, cash and debts. The
Board strongly believes that the proposed CVA, which will facilitate the
restructuring of the Group's organisation and financing facilities, is in the
best interests of the Group and its stakeholders as a whole.

Financing sorted, not going skint, recovery play? Topped up earlier. Summer season is here!

What an embarrassing set of results.Up to your usual standard Treacle28.Piss poor.

LOL, another pump and dump turns into a long term investment Treacle LMAO.:))

Awful chart.

Trading Update is due possibly next week. Some very encouraging snippets posted very recently on the company website and hopefully the trading update will bring about the long awaited big re-rating to more reasonable levels.

http://www.discover.co.uk/pages/blog/outdoor-people-newsblog.asp

International Caravan & Motorhome 2009, 13-18 October, NEC Birmingham, UK

Discover Leisure

Hall Number Hall 19

Still the UKs premier leisure vehicle and outdoor equipment specialists. We have a truly fantastic range of everything you need from tents to motorhomes and everything in between, and with our unrivalled buying power this guarantees the lowest prices, all the time. www.discover.co.uk Tel: 0845 1200 173

http://www.caravanshows.com/page.cfm/Action=Exhib/ExhibID=169/loadSearch=-1_12

Manufacturers and dealers bullish at International Caravan & Motorhome 2009

Bullish signs of confidence from caravan, motorhome and accessories manufacturers and dealers have emerged from this week's International Caravan & Motorhome 2009 show.

A survey of almost 60 manufacturers and dealers due to attend the show found that seventy per cent expect business to be stronger in 2010 than 2009.

Four out of ten manufacturers and dealers also said they expected to do more business at International Caravan & Motorhome this year than last and a similar number said sales overall in 2009 were higher than 2008.

International Caravan & Motorhome 2009 is the largest show of its type with 70,000 visitors over six days viewing manufacturers' new models in time to order them for following season. This year there's an added incentive because attendees who buy a caravan, or motorhome at the show will also avoid the looming reintroduction of VAT.

Sam North, show director said; "everything we've heard this year about the growth of the staycation and the flood of new members to the Caravan Club and to the Camping & Caravan Club is also having an impact of caravan, motorhome and accessories manufacturers and dealers from around the country. 2008 was a tough year for many companies in this sector, but forty five cent have reported higher sales in 2009 and 30 per cent say business has been stable in the past twelve months. However we're delighted to see such consistently high expectations from manufacturers and dealers for 2010."

http://www.caravanshows.com/page.cfm/link=109

Double-digit increase in show visitors

Visitor numbers to International Caravan and Motorhome 2009 are more than 10% up for the first two days of the show, with exhibitors reporting bumper sales.

The top five caravan manufacturers Swift, Bailey, Lunar, Coachman and Elddis - sold just under 400 units between them on the opening day, worth over 6m.

Show director Sam North said that some motorhome manufacturers had also sold units around the 100K price point. It seems that manufacturers and dealers are shifting entry-level, mid-range and luxury units.

Accessory dealers are also reporting strong sales, North said, with many already committed to taking a stand at next years show.

North added that the footfall increase was likely to continue for the rest of the show, which runs until Sunday. The weekend is traditionally the busiest, when a lot of families turn up, and weve done quite well with advance family ticket sales. We have a free crhe and a free activities area, sponsored by Gullivers, so were expecting another bumper few days.

http://www.caravanshows.com/page.cfm/link=118

He suggested that the positive start to the show in terms of the units being sold was being driven by a number of factors. Last year a lot of people delayed their buying decision so theres a lot of pent up demand.

He also detected a rush in advance of the VAT increase at the end of the year. A lot of people are concerned that VAT might go above 17.5%, so this show is the last chance to buy a caravan at the best possible price.

http://www.caravanshows.com/page.cfm/link=119

More Positives in Snippet today from the Motorhome show:-

Caravan industry can help UK plc

Jim Hibbs, managing director of Coachman, has said that the revival in the industrys fortunes is benefiting many sectors of the UK economy.

Caravanning is a UK success story, he said, And its not just the manufacturing part of the business. We are starting to use British businesses for components because the euro exchange rate means that overseas suppliers have lost their cost advantage."

Another beneficiary is the UK tourism sector. There really has been a massive move towards British holidays this summer, he said. But what is really good for the caravan industry is that it has brought families into our sector. Its not just that overseas holidays with children are so expensive, its a great holiday.

Camp sites are safe for kids to run around. I havent talked to anyone who caravanned for the first time this year who hasnt enjoyed it.

Rural and coastal economies are benefiting from the staycation trend, which is another boost to UK plc. People holidaying in the UK are contributing taxes into the British economy, not the French.

Most first-timers buy a used caravan as their entry-level vehicle, but Hibbs said; The usual cycle for upgrading is two or three years, he said, but weve had people coming to our stand who are looking to buy a new caravan after just one season.

Hibbs was delighted with the level of interest and sales so far at international Caravan and Motorhome 2009. "Last year we sold 235 units, which we were fairly pleased with. When we closed on Friday night we had sold 218. We're pretty sure that with the weekend to come we'll hit our target of 300. Our best ever show was 2007 when we sold 354 units and there's a good chance we might get close to that."

http://www.caravanshows.com/page.cfm/link=128/GoSection=2

Topped up with 78,995 shares at 1.14p this morning. Trade gone through on PLUS.

October 16, 2009...3:48 pm
Increase in visitors to International Caravan and Motorhome 2009


Sales were booming on the first few days of International Caravan and Motorhome 2009

After a year where sales of caravans and motorhomes increased despite the credit crunch, this years major caravan show was expected to continue the trend. However visitor numbers to International Caravan and Motorhome 2009 have exceeded even these expectations.

The number of people attending the show at the NEC in Birmingham has increased by just over 10% for the first two days. Meanwhile exhibitors are reporting bumper sales. The top five caravan manufacturers Swift, Bailey, Lunar, Coachman and Elddis sold just under 400 units between them on the opening day, worth over 6m.

Show director Sam North spoke to Caravan Times on Thursday and noted that some motorhome manufacturers had also sold units around the 100K price point. It seems that manufacturers and dealers are shifting entry-level, mid-range and luxury units.

He also noted how smaller items are also flying off the stands. Accessory dealers are also reporting strong sales, with many already committed to taking a stand at next years show.

http://blog.caravantimes.co.uk/2009/10/16/increase-in-visitors-at-international-caravan-and-motorhome-2009/

October 23, 2009
Kent caravan numbers on the up


More people than ever are choosing to caravan in the "garden of England"

The number of holidaymakers staying in caravans in Kent next year is expected to rise. Following the publication of figures from the Caravan Club, which showed bookings increased by 40 per cent in summer 2009, Kent Online has reported a rise in reservations for 2010.

Bearsted Caravan Club warden Sue Greenaway told the online resource that the Hollingbourne site had noticed a record number of new caravanners. She said people have purchased either a new or secondhand model and are making the most of it when they can.

http://blog.caravantimes.co.uk/