Motorhome and caravan manufacturer Bailey begins first phase of re-opening

Bailey of Bristol has now re-opened parts of its business in the first phase of its return-to-work programme amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Having suspended operations back in March, the Bristol-based motorhome and caravan manufacturer has introduced new working practices covering hygiene, social distancing and the use of PPE across its three sites in order to protect its staff.

On June 2, Bailey began by dispatching completed caravans and motorhomes to its network of retailers in England, ready for customers who have been waiting to take delivery of their new vehicles. However, the manufacturer would like to make it clear that that the date individual outlets in England actually re-open for business will be determined by the retailers themselves, whilst dealerships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to remain closed until advised by their respective authorities. 

To enable customers to browse Bailey motorhomes and caravans from home, it has also created two new virtual showrooms online, which will display all current vehicles using a 3D-enabled 360-degree tour of each model. An in-depth search function will help customers find the right model and, once chosen, customers can complete an online enquiry form which will be sent to their local Bailey retailer to arrange viewing. 

The manufacturer's finance, sales, marketing and customer services departments will continue to work remotely, as they have done throughout lockdown, to ensure good contact between customers, retailers and supply partners. 

PRIMA Leisure will also be re-opening this week to recommence the supply of leisure vehicle parts and accessories.

Bailey Managing Director, Nick Howard, said: “Following the decision to allow the re-opening of a significant proportion of our retailer network, we believe that the time is now right for Bailey to begin a gradual and controlled return to work. Throughout these unprecedented times, the health and safety of our employees has, and will continue to be, paramount. Consequently we make this decision only after the implementation of a series of new working practices that ensure Bailey will remain a safe place to work.

"Life after lockdown will be difficult to predict, however with international travel restrictions likely to remain in place for some time it is predicted that there will be a boom in UK-based ‘Staycation’ holidays. This would undoubtedly be a boost for the UK leisure vehicle industry, as well as domestic tourism as a whole, and we need to be in a position as business to satisfy any future growth in demand."

Finally he added: “We would like to thank all our customers, retailers and supplier partners for their on-going support and understanding in the face of this unprecedented challenge”.