Bailey of Bristol celebrates 75th anniversary

In a double celebration for Bailey of Bristol, the British caravan and motorhome manufacturer is not only celebrating its diamond anniversary but the daughter of the company's founder, Martin Bailey, has just acquired a brand-new Alicanto Grande Evora caravan. 

Kay Taylor (formerly Bailey), accompanied by her husband, Phil, embarked on a new chapter with the acquisition of their new Alicanto Grande Evora, along with Kay's mother, Joan Bailey, who remains in fine form at the age of 93. 

Bailey of Bristol owes its origins to the enterprising spirit of Joan’s husband, Martin, who commenced his career as an apprentice cabinet maker at AG Farmers in Bristol. Martin's path took an unexpected turn during World War II when he honed his skills in sheet metalworking at the Bristol Airplane Company.

After the war, he established his own joinery business, manufacturing furniture. However, his life took a decisive twist when he responded to a neighbour's request to build a caravan in his backyard, leading him to recognise his aptitude for designing and manufacturing caravans on a commercial scale. 

Thus, in 1947, Martin unveiled the first Bailey caravan, the Maestro, which he sold for £200 at Ashton Gate market in South Bristol.

Demand for caravans surged in the 1950s with the rise of car ownership, propelling FG Bailey Ltd to expand its operations and eventually relocate to its present site on South Liberty Lane in 1960. 

In 1977, the business passed into the ownership of Patrick and Stephen Howard, retaining the Bailey Caravans Ltd name. 

Today, Bailey not only holds the distinction of being the UK's favoured caravan brand, accounting for approximately one-third of new caravan sales, but has also become one of Europe's largest manufacturers. 

In 2011, the company further showcased its design and engineering expertise by venturing into the motorhome market. Bailey's success has extended to international markets, including South Korea and New Zealand, with an annual turnover exceeding £130 million and a workforce of over 650 employees across its Bristol sites.

Kay's affinity for caravanning stems from her cherished childhood memories of travelling with her parents in their Bailey caravan to their beloved spot in Shaldon, south Devon. Growing up in a family business, she actively participated in supporting her father's endeavours, starting with assisting Joan in managing the company's finances during school holidays. As she grew older, Kay played a role in qualifying potential customers at major exhibitions such as Earls Court and Olympia, and even travelled to Bailey distributors worldwide.

Reflecting on her family's legacy, Kay expressed immense pride in her father's accomplishments, emphasising that every caravan and motorhome leaving the Bristol factory still bears his name. Simon Howard, Marketing Director at Bailey, also noted the continuity of the family business, exemplifying why Bailey has remained a resounding success throughout its impressive seventy-five-year journey.

Simon Howard, Marketing Director at Bailey, says,

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