Bailey of Bristol to continue manufacturing operations during lockdown period in order to meet the surge in demand for its leisure vehicle products
The company is fully supportive of the Government’s decision to take the measures required to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus across the country and the need to keep everyone as safe as possible. At the same time it must balance this with safeguarding the future of the business and protecting the livelihoods of its employees.
Since Bailey Retailers re-opened in July following the first national lockdown, customer demand for both its caravans and motorhomes has been very strong with more and more people looking for a new safe and sustainable way to holiday. As a result Network stocks have reduced by over 75% and are now at their lowest levels for over a decade.
Customer feedback on the new 2021 models (particularly the Phoenix+ and Pegasus Grande SE caravans plus the Adamo motorhome range) has also been extremely positive and the Bailey retail forward order book now extends well into the New Year.
Consequently, Bailey has taken the decision that, in-line with the Government Guidelines on the opening of manufacturing businesses, it will continue with the scheduled production of its caravans and motorhomes. As before support functions, (such as Finance, Sales, Marketing and Customer Services) will keep working to ensure that contact is maintained with Customers, Retailers and Supplier Partners. PRIMA Leisure will also remain open during this period fulfilling on-line customer orders for leisure vehicle parts and accessories orders.
In order for the business to be able to continue operating in this way, it has required the implementation of a series of new working practices, covering hygiene, social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment, which ensure Bailey remains a safe place to work. The company would like to thank all of its employees for actively engaging in this programme and successfully adapting to their new COVID-secure working environment.
With a significant number of our Approved Bailey Retailers closed to the public during this period it will not be possible in many cases to arrange product viewings. However, to assist potential buyers to decide which Bailey leisure vehicle is right for them we have created two new ‘virtual showrooms’, one for caravans and one for motorhomes on the company website.
These showrooms display all our current caravans and motorhomes in a single place with a 360 degree interior tour of every vehicle as well as walkthrough videos for each of the new-for-2021 models. An in-depth search function will assist with finding the right model and prospective customers can also complete an on-line enquiry form to send to their local Bailey Retailer to organise a viewing once they are open.
In order to accommodate customers who will be unable to get their caravan or motorhome serviced over the next few weeks Bailey has taken the decision to extend the due date of the 2020 annual vehicle service by a further three months. Provided the vehicle is serviced in this extended window then the warranty will remain valid. Whilst the COVID-19 restrictions in place across the four home nations differ markedly at present this extension will be available, if required, across the whole of the UK.
Commenting on the situation Bailey Managing Director Nick Howard said:
“We find ourselves in the fortunate position at present where unprecedented levels of demand for our caravans and motorhomes has led to a genuine shortage in supply. Consequently we have decided to continue manufacturing vehicles as planned, but in an environment which safeguards the wellbeing of our employees whilst at work”.
Finally he added “We therefore anticipate there will be minimal disruption to operations during this period, however would once again like to thank all our Customers, Retailers and Supplier Partners for their continued support and understanding in these challenging times”.
