Bailey of Bristol registers record annual results in its 65th Anniversary
Bailey of Bristol has recorded an annual turnover of £ 95 Million during the 2013 calendar year, which represents a 4% (or £4 million) increase on 2012 levels, giving the business the best financial return in its sixty-five year history.
The company has seen production growth in all sectors over the past twelve months but it is in the new markets, into which it has recently diversified, that it has enjoyed the most success. Primarily these include the introduction of Bailey branded coachbuilt motorhomes and the export of bespoke touring caravans to Australia and New Zealand both of which began in 2011. Today, two years on, combined sales of these two products now account for one fifth of the total group turnover.
The key to this achievement has been the development of the patented Alu-Tech design technology which has presented Bailey with new business opportunities as well as strengthening its established position as the UK’s favourite brand in the touring caravan market. In the space of five years ten caravan and three motorhome ranges have been built using this high performance construction system (25,000+ leisure vehicles in total) as the company has looked to drive the industry forward in the face of the challenging economic climate.
Commenting on the results Bailey Managing Director Nick Howard said: “The company has performed strongly over the past twelve months – in this our 65th anniversary year. By carefully monitoring market conditions and responding to customer feedback we have been able to successfully broaden our product portfolio to sustain the growth of the business”.
“A more positive economic outlook combined with good recent summer weather has helped build growth in customer confidence and consequently we believe that as an industry we are well placed for the year ahead” he added
In order to capitalise on this potential upturn in the market, Bailey has recently undertaken a staff recruitment drive and has made a number of new appointments in its Design, Commercial and Customer Services Departments. This not only re-affirms the company’s on-going commitment to improving the quality of the products and services it provides its customers, but also shows its confidence in the future of the market.
Bailey therefore moves into 2014 in a healthy position with retailer site stocks 5% lower than they were this time last year and, encouragingly, a forward order book which now extends beyond Easter. Over the next twelve months it will look to build on this platform with a number of significant new product launches plus an additional capital investment programme – full details of which will be announced in due course.
In the meantime Bailey would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers, retailers, supplier partners plus the members of the caravan and motorhome media for their part in our continued success.
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2013 – Annual Summary
January
Bailey introduces the limited edition Pegasus GT65 range to celebrate the start of their 65th year of continuous touring caravan production.
February
Bailey tops both the Practical Caravan & Practical Motorhome Magazine Owner Satisfaction Surveys by securing overall satisfaction ratings of 88% and 97% for caravans and motorhomes respectively.
April
Bailey successfully completes a programme of simulated coachbuilt motorhome crash tests at the Millbrook Proving Ground to help the industry develop safer vehicles.
May
Bailey’s 1,000th Approach SE motorhome rolls off the company’s South Liberty Lane production line only eighteen months after this range was first introduced to the market.
June
Bailey celebrates its 65th birthday on Monday 17th June 2013 thus confirming its position as the UKs longest established leisure vehicle manufacturer.
July
Bailey launches its second motorhome range – the Approach Autograph – to much public and media acclaim to further establish its credentials as a motorhome manufacturer.
August
Bailey Alu-Tech caravans successfully complete the 2014 Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year Competition held at the Millbrook Proving Ground & a Bailey Approach motorhome is selected to appear in a BBC Top Gear programme showcasing the Best of British motor vehicle manufacturing & engineering.
September
Bailey adds the Approach Compact motorhome range to its model line up & the 25,000th leisure vehicle built using Bailey’s patented Alu-Tech bodyshell construction system rolls off the South Liberty Lane production line.
October
Bailey launches the Pursuit, a new caravan range designed specifically for first-time buyers, at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Meanwhile on the other side of the world Bailey caravans complete an extreme 850 mile off-road durability challenge through the centre of Australia.
