Campervan converter, Jerba Campervans, sees productivity boost

Scottish campervan manufacturer, Jerba, has recorded continued growth in productivity and profits putting it down to the move to becoming an employee-owned business in early 2018. For the year up to January 2020, the North Berwick converter produced 54 conversions, with a team of 14. 

Turnover was comparable to the previous year (£2.6 million), but productivity increased by 9 per cent with a 19 per cent boost in profits, which resulted in increased employee profit share bonuses.

Simon Poole, who with his wife Cath founded Jerba, said, “Everyone has a voice and is very motivated to use it. The last financial year saw a bedding in of the new business model and its benefits start to really shine through.

“What that means now, is our team really is together and united. Everyone takes an active role in assessing our productivity, knowing full well that it boosts the business and directly impacts both their long term job security and their annual bonus.

The company did place staff on furlough during the lockdown, but was able to reassure workers with financial breakdowns that salaries could continue to be paid for months to come if required. All 14 staff are now back at work in line with the latest government guidelines. 

“Since coming back from lockdown, the togetherness has been exceptional, as we strive to catch up on customer orders and ensure everyone feels safe and able to do their job to the fullest extent,” Simon adds. “Like with all businesses, the pandemic threw everything up in the air for us. But I’m relieved to be in the situation we are in – knowing we are in a very fortunate position.

In line with reports from the Motorhomes for Sale section of this website and dealer feedback, Jerba's web traffic jumped by 80 per cent in June this year compared to last.

“Whether or not the predicted boom in staycations fully materialises or not, we’ll keep doing what we’re doing, working with our small team to build bespoke campervans that we hope go on to become beloved by their owners.”

Jerba Campervans offers five standard conversions of the base T6.1 Transporter van. The team of cabinetmakers and mechanics at Jerba then build the vans by hand, customising each vehicle to the customers’ needs.