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For a long time, nobody on either side of the divide knew what Brexit would mean for international manufacturing and trade. So much of the deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union was left until the very last minute to decide, that many companies around Europe simply had to hedge their bets and try their best to predict what might happen. Even now, we’re still not 100 per cent certain on all the details of this new arrangement between Britain and Europe. In the camping, caravanning and leisure vehicle industry, it was no different – and combine that uncertainty with an unprecedented surge in demand and interest in camping, and the UK could be set up for a difficult summer.

“Motorhome manufacturers were very cautious about ordering the European chassis at the end of 2019 as there was still huge uncertainty around Brexit tariffs which, for consumers, could have placed an additional £8,000 on the cost of a new motorhome,” said Matt Sims, managing director of motorhome hire firm The Motorhome Holiday Company.

“The market saw a huge surge in orders of new motorhomes in the summer and autumn of 2020, as a direct response to COVID-19 and the restrictions placed on travel. As a result, we’re looking at an approximate 40 per cent shortfall in manufacture which is going to have a significant impact on consumers this spring.”

The problem has been compounded by many motorhome rental operators selling their older vehicles at the end of last season in anticipation of being able to offer new models for 2021 – Matt believes that some businesses may be on the verge of closure due to lack of available new motorhomes. He said: “We’re looking at up to one third of the UK motorhome hire businesses reducing their capacity with some businesses closing their doors altogether this season as they simply won’t be able to acquire motorhomes for hire in time for Spring when we hope the season will start. In line with customer demand, we had invested in twelve new motorhomes for 2021 but we won’t see delivery of those until October at the earliest which will mean we miss the summer season entirely and lose approximately £200,000.”

It comes at a time when the industry is expected a predicted rise in bookings of 100 per cent in 2021 – meaning many customers are doing to be disappointed. More seriously, any potential market growth for camping and caravanning could be hindered by tricky combination of increased demand and decreased camping unit stock levels. Any new or returning campers could be lost forever if they are not able to try the hobby out again this summer.

Matt concluded: “Our industry is predicting a surge of bookings as soon as restrictions are lifted and we are gearing up for our busiest year yet. What’s frustrating however is that we could have seen a growth of 33 per cent with our additional new motorhomes – but that is income we now won’t see until next year.”