A DECADE IN DARLINGTON CELEBRATED BY NATIONAL DEALER

NATIONAL caravan and motorhome dealer Kimberley – The Caravan and Motorhome People is celebrating ten years of business in Darlington since taking over the well-known 7-acre site at Burtree Gate in 2012.

As the only Kimberley branch in the North East, Darlington has become an integral northern base for the dealer over the last decade and the source of life-long memories for many long-standing customers and staff.

Chris Lowe, manging director at Kimberley, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating ten years in Darlington this year – a place that truly feels like home thanks to the relationships made and maintained.

“There has been significant investment to the site over the years, with practical improvements including outdoor tarmacking and a new six bay workshop, alongside the addition of an outdoor children’s play area, refurbished indoor showroom and lifestyle AstroTurf elements in the display area contributing to a more pleasant visitor experience. Footfall has risen dramatically since we took residence and this is partly due to our increased offering, personalised service and experienced teams, as well as the more recent spike in UK staycations.

“Demand has been unusually high across all our sites as a result of the increasing popularity of domestic holidays caused by the pandemic, so we’re welcoming many newly interested buyers as well as the regulars who trust and value our honest approach to business based on providing the whole package.”

Kimberley is the fourth dealer to have occupied the site since it first opened in the early 1960’s, which predates the businesses formation in 1981.

The branch provides outdoor explorers the opportunity to see the latest offerings from manufacturers including Bailey, Compass, Coachman, Swift and Xplore, as well as a good selection of pre-owned models from all manufacturers.

As the product offering, so did the number of staff. What was once a small team of ten is now a total of 50. Andy Smith, Simon Shaw, Sue Laing and Billy Taylor have retained their valued roles in the business having worked at Kimberley’s Darlington branch since its opening in 2012.

Andy Smith said: “I have been based at the Burtree site for well over ten years now having previously worked for the business that owned the site before Kimberley took over a decade ago.

“Our success over the last ten years has been tremendous. I remember just 12 caravans on the pitch to begin with and the Coachman Kimberley Amara 450/2 being our bestseller. Now we have over 200 vehicles on site and it’s hard to keep up with what’s most popular.

“Working at Kimberley has enabled personal career progression, presenting me with opportunities to move into management before returning to sales where I am happiest.

“The industry has changed a lot and I am constantly reminded that trends come and go. Inside the vehicles, sense of space and slick contemporary designs are more important than ever before. We’re also seeing a shift in attitudes among the younger family demographic who traditionally only considered buying a caravan or motorhome later in life as they would opt for foreign travel pre-pandemic.

“It is more pertinent than ever before for manufacturers to keep up with design needs, due to pressure from the eco-conscious modern consumer, sustainability credentials like solar panels are fast becoming a must. It’s an exciting time for the industry and increasing interest is the perfect driver for continued innovation.”

Kimberley has triumphantly staked its place as a leading national caravan and motorhome dealer during the last decade, claiming industry accolades such as Swift motorhome dealer of the year from 2017 to 2019.

2017 was a year to remember as the business opened a brand-new workshop building to support the reliable servicing and repairs aftersales service used by many in the North East and beyond. The latest figures prove repeat custom through an average of over 100 vehicle services per month.

Mr Gill, local resident and long-standing customer at Kimberley, said: “I have bought several caravans and motorhomes over the years at the branch and the team have been absolutely brilliant. I have my motorhome serviced every year with them and even when I have called from my travels in Scotland with an issue they have set me back on track quickly, and have always dedicated their time to assist us – we can’t thank them enough.”

Sharing his thoughts on what the future holds for Darlington and Kimberley, Chris continued: “With our Darlington branch situated within touching distance of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and North Pennines, we expect that the flourishing UK travel demand will see us welcome many more people making their way north.

“As ever, we’ll be offering the latest and greatest designs showcasing trends including pet-friendly facilities, recycling systems, more functional living spaces, social media grabbing exteriors and popular features emanating from Europe. Although, if it’s the classic, retro look that people desire, we’re sure to have something to suit.

For more information on Kimberley, please visit www.kimberleycaravans.co.uk.

Photo credit: Staff members Andy Smith, Simon Shaw, Sue Laing and Billy Taylor at the Darlington branch in 2022.