Motorhome dealer plans for expansion

Making more space for motorhomes

The leading supplier of motorhomes and caravans in the north west of England is making plans for new areas of growth, thanks to Yorkshire Bank. Stewart Longton Caravans was established in 1971 and has been in the Hall family for four generations. It recently agreed a £250,000 funding arrangement with the Bank to facilitate the restructure of family shareholdings and to back the business as it looks towards its latest phase of expansion.

MD, Gary Hall explained some of what this entailed, “We are going create extra display space at our motorhome branch by redeveloping part of the site and increasing our range of new and used motorhomes.”

The business is run by Gary, Stephen and Peter Hall and employs a staff of 65. It operates two branches in Chorley, one of which specialises in the sale of motorhomes, as well as a site in Standish and another in Lancaster. Stewart Longton Caravans is a major dealer for Bessacarr and Swift motorhomes. Thanks to a long established reputation for excellent customer service and after-sales care, the business has been able to enjoy steady growth even during the economic downturn that claimed many of its major competitors. By offering a range of vehicles to suit all budgets, as well as providing caravan servicing and accessories, it has created a loyal customer base.

A continued quest for reinvention has also kept it apace with changing demands. Online traffic now drives the majority of sales. Gary Hall, managing director, explained: “We’ve been in the touring business for more than 40 years and although the market has changed in that time, it still comes down to the fact that motorhomes and caravans are great ways for families to take their leisure. The latest models are very high-spec with central heating, hot water, air conditioning units, fully fitted modern kitchens and satellite TV and Wi-Fi – they really are a home from home.”

Andy Nurse, relationship manager at Yorkshire Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Preston, said: “Stewart Longton Caravans are very good operators and have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Bank. Not only do they know the market well but they are also shrewd business people that are very good at buying the right products at the best price.”

See latest motorhome reviews in Which Motorhome and the best places to stay in MMM magazine.

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