Leading holiday caravan manufacturer, Willerby, has opened its third showground as the popularity of staycations continues in the UK.
The opening of Willerby’s newest showground, at Southport, on the North West coast, during the company’s special 75th anniversary year, comes as lockdown restrictions are eased to allow holiday parks and non-essential retail to open.
This latest site builds on the success of the company’s showgrounds at its headquarters in Hull, and at Livingston, in Scotland, and marks a new milestone in the company’s growth.
The new showground’s seaside location means it is perfectly positioned to showcase Willerby’s range of holiday caravan and lodges to customers, dealerships and holiday park operators across the North West, North Wales and the Lake District.
Willerby has invested £750,000 in its latest showground and the opening comes as the UK holiday industry is set to enjoy a bumper spring and summer, with COVID-19 restrictions lifting nationally, and uncertainty remains over foreign travel.
Peter Munk, CEO of Willerby, said: “This is a very exciting step in Willerby’s journey, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary year. The opening of our wonderful new showground, in a prime location for the holiday home industry, comes as the country begins to open back up after an incredibly challenging time.
“It has also been a period when many people have realised that spending time with family and friends is what really matters to them and, in this respect, the UK staycation has never been more appealing.”
Research conducted last year by Willerby, working with GP and television personality Dr Hilary Jones, revealed the significant mental health benefits of taking numerous short breaks over longer holidays.
Mr Munk said the issue has never been more important, as the country emerges from its third national lockdown.
“At a time when many people are looking at how they can make the best and most enjoyable use of their time, the positive impact short breaks can have on mental health are being widely acknowledged,” said Mr Munk. “Our new showground also provides a great opportunity for Willerby to help the industry showcase what a truly fantastic and beneficial lifestyle holiday home owners enjoy.”
The Southport showground is also hosting the launch of Willerby’s latest premium holiday home, the Astoria.
The two or three-bedroomed Astoria is the first new model launch of the company’s anniversary year and has been designed to maximise living space and create the ideal place to relax and unwind.
It can be viewed exclusively at the Southport showground and will have pride of place among 15 Willerby designs on display, including 10 holiday caravans, three holiday lodges, one bespoke lodge and one residential park home.
Rob Lawrence, Head of Product Management at Willerby, said: “The Astoria is a new kind of holiday home for a new kind of holiday homeowner. These new owners are used to holidaying in hotels and apartments where light and space are the focus and that’s what the Astoria offers in spades.
“The studio-style design delivers maximum living space in the areas you want it most, while the LED feature lighting in the front and back guarantees the right ambience whether you’re at rest or play.”
Stay tuned for our detailed review of the new Willerby Astoria in May.
