THANKS to a leap in demand, an Island motor-home manufacturer has announced a 50 per cent increase in production and the creation of five jobs.
Low interest rates, more UK holidays, a change of image and even mickey-taking at the hands of the BBC Top Gear team, were all said to have contributed to recent success for Romahome, according to boss Brian Bailey.
Despite the recession leading to many parts of the motor industry struggling in the past 12 months, managing director Mr Bailey said certain factors associated with the downturn had benefited them.
"There has been a lot of hype about staying in the UK for holidays and people have also told us that because of low interest rates they would rather spend their money than see it sitting in a bank account doing nothing," he said.
Sales of the R10, the world’s smallest motorhome, had an unexpected boost after it was featured on Top Gear.
"The presenters were taking the mickey out of it and saying it looked like it had a top hat on. But it got people interested and we had a lot of hits on the website.
"We thought we would sell around 25 and we sold almost 90," said Mr Bailey.
The Cowes-based company also changed its marketing strategy, broadening its target market, and the result was stronger sales to a younger market. They received a further boost when the new R25 model scooped the best small motorhome prize from Motorcaravan and Motor-home Monthly magazine.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk