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Company History

From Modest Beginnings

Local residents might remember the Lakeside Filling Station and transport cafe in it's heyday, but in the early seventies it was looking a little sad. Mr Brian Pike (the father of the current directors), however, was able to envisage something bigger and better as he decided it was the business he wanted to buy.

By 1976, he'd purchased the site and moved his family from Ilminster to live in caravans at the rear of the property. These were to be the family home for the next five years because all his time and money were devoted to his business of selling cars and caravans.

During the ensuing months, hard work and a determination to succeed began to show dividends; a small workshop was constructed, and Brian Pike established a reputation for good service among his customers.

Meanwhile, he brought a Bedford Advantura motorhome for his personal use - whim or foresight? He really enjoyed his holidays in this vehicle, and used it to take advantage of any freetime.

In between trips, the Bedford (parked at the front of the premises) attracted an enormous amount of attention. Customers constantly asked if it was for sale; they asked if they could take a look inside; there was a constant bombardment of questions. The seeds of the future business strategy were sown - motorhomes would become a prominent feature on the business forecourt.

1979

The Sovereign Car, Caravan and Caravanette Centre, specialising in Volkswagen vehicles was born. Unfortunately, the motorhome market went flat due to the introduction of VAT and car tax, but Brian didn't panic - quite the opposite in fact - he saw an opportunity for the future and he grabbed it with open arms.

Towards the end of 1979, the business was re-christened West Country Motorhomes and registered as a limited company with Brian Pike, Stephen Pike and Mike Hammer as directors. They bought in Volkswagen vans to recondition and have converted by Holdsworth, Autohomes and Devon.

1981

I think this must have been a momentous period in the Pike family history, because at last they were able to move into their new house. It was built at the rear of the premises and has been the family home ever since.

1984

West Country Motorhomes sold their very first brand new motorhome in 1984 - a Ford Canterbury. This year things were hotting up as they were offered Holdsworth, Autohomes and Elddis franchises. Second-hand sales were also doing well, and the first steps into motorhome hire were being taken. It wasn't a formal part of the venture at that time, but customer demand determined a hire fleet should become at integral part of the business.

1985

The comapany was going from strength to strength: as the motorhome industry grew, so did West Country Motorhomes. They were now Volkswagen approved, and sales increased. This was an era when VW's seemed to be one of the most popular vans on the road - the selling price of a conversion was £8,600.

Franchises from Auto-Trail, Auto-Sleepers and Swift followed, bringing the total to six.

1986

Mr Pike's second son, Paul, entered the business, closely followed by Peter Shaw, who was to become the future Sales Manager. They may not have realised it at the time, but these young men were being schooled to take the company into the future.

During 1986 , West Country Motorhomes attended their very first Earls Court Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show and other major events around the country. They also held their own show at the nearby Badgeworth Arena - an ideal venue at the time since it was just behind their own premises.

1989

It was about this time that the recession began to bite and British Industry suffered. The motorhome sector slowed down but somehow managed to survive. Stephen took over the reigns of the company, although Mr Pike senior was still involved. With the country still in recession, West Country Motorhomes boldly commited themselves to double the size of the premises.

1990

It was noticeable that the length of the coachbuilt motorhome was increasing and the need for a larger display area was becoming more urgent. In addition, dealerships, aided by manufacturers who obviously wanted to sell their products, were sprouting up all around the country. West Country Motorhomes had to keep pace with the market and rose to the challenge.

1992

By 1992, the motorhome industry had changed dramatically: customers were demanding more comfort and luxury. As professionalism within the industry increased, so did the legislation, and dealers had to adapt accordingly. Stephen and his team decided that the secret of growth and success was to offer more choice, therefore the number of motorhomes on display increased yet again.

Out of recession, the motorhome industry grew - as did the number of shows and visitors attending them. It quickly became obvious that sales were not confined to the warmer seasons. the ever increasing number of shows being organised throughout the country encouraged all-year-round business. It also dictated that seven-day opening was essential to adapt to customer requirements.

1993

Although shows at Badgeworth Arena had proved successful, the multitude of visitors meant that extra facilities had to be laid on, and more time had to allocated to planning. It was decided to change the venue to Home Farm Touring Park, a large campsite just a few miles away. This had many advantages: motorhomes could be displayed in the appropriate enviroment, toilets and catering facilities were already on hand, and there was adequate room for visitors to park. Initially, the venue was chosen for the May Day show, although to date Home Farm hosts shows in May, June and September.

1997

Even though the display had been extended at least three times thus far, expansion was still at the forefront of business strategy. A 2.5 acre site just off junction 22 of the M5 motorway went onto the market and was immediately snapped up by West Country Motorhomes.

1998

The small workshop had increasingly proved inadequate, and further development was necessary. In April, a large purpose built workshop was put into service to cope with the expanding maintainance and warranty requirements.

West Country Motorhomes were appointed as the dealers for the prestigious German built La Strada conversions

1999

This year marked the 20th anniversary since the company began. It has transformed from a small site selling cars and caravans, to one of the premier motorhomes dealerships in Britain.

2001

Having enjoyed several years of steady growth in sales the company had once more outgrown the premises at Lower Weare.

The increase in sales together with more customers wanting their motorhomes seviced and accessories fitted meant that the decision was taken to separate the sales from the rest of the company's activities. Work started on the land purchased in 1997, at Brent Knoll near Burnham on Sea just 5 miles away, to build a new sales centre.

2002

In January 2002 the Sales Centre was officially opened at a cost of £1million. Everyone, from the customers and manufacturers, to the motorhome press agreed that West Country Motorhomes had achieved their goal of raising the standard of presentation and the image of motorhome dealerships to a new level. The showroom, though not large, has the feel of a prestige car dealership with the ambience and high level of customer service aimed at making the 'buying experience' as pleasant as possible.

2003

The new Sales Centre is a resounding success, the company reporting a record year with over 800 sales. Never one to rest on their laurels, West Country Motorhomes opened Swindon Motorhome Centre, joining forces with the long established Folding Caravan Centre at their premises at Blunsdon, Swindon.

The Swindon venture opened the door to take on the Auto-Trail range and this soon proved to be a success.

West Country Motorhomes was also awarded the Swift Group, Motorhome Dealer of the Year award.

2004

With increasing sales and servicing work it was decided to invest further in the site at Lower Weare and a dedicated new workshop was built to cope with the workload.

Lower Weare became the ‘Service Centre’ able to carry out all mechanical servicing together with SMMT Habitation checks and the fitting of any accessory from a bike rack to a satellite TV system.

The new Geist franchise was taken on offering an upmarket continental range to compliment the UK models.

The Swindon branch was doing well and soon outgrew the premises shared with the Folding Caravan Centre. More display area was needed and the move was made to a better site at Blunsdon Abbey, changing the trading name back to the established West Country Motorhomes.

2005

Despite an overall tough year for the industry, West Country Motorhomes continue to push forward and more land is purchased at the Brent Knoll sales centre to give greater car parking space.

The Swindon sales centre has a change of management with Tony Vincent returning to Brent Knoll as sales manager, and Paul Pike taking over at Swindon with Ryan Butcher. Paul and Ryan are determined to expand and develop the Swindon operation and soon increase the sales and profile of the sales centre there.

The Pioneer franchise was added to compliment the Autocruise range and the company received the MMM Sovereign Award for the second year running.