The Government is going to extraordinary lengths to support UK businesses and their employees, as we all face our generation’s greatest health and economic challenge. I’m sure all of us are doing whatever we can to maintain viability, both from the virus itself and from the knock-on economic impacts that a prolonged lock-down will have on us all.
The UK caravan industry is, by its nature, a seasonal business. While I’m sure all NCC members fully support the Government’s actions on a robust national lock-down to prevent the virus from spreading and, ultimately, to save lives, it could not have come at a worse time for our great industry. How long the country remains under such fierce restrictions will be determined by how vigilant we are in following Government guidelines. The scientific evidence must demonstrate that the virus is receding before there can be any relaxation of restrictions.
The length of the lock-down period is critical if we as an industry are to salvage a short-term window in this year’s season; many hope for a relaxation by early June, but we may more realistically be looking at July.
The focus of NCC’s lobbying activities is now the removal of the closure notice on parks and dealerships and, of course, non-essential travel. Timing is key; the lobby will require a fast, laser-focused effort to secure these re-openings – which are crucial to the health of the whole industry – but only when judged safe to do so. Then we will all need to act quickly – and will need your support.
The NCC is very aware of the fragility of the supply chain; in these exceptionally challenging times, it is so important that all act responsibly. Where commitments for products have been made, these should be honoured. Many parks are reliant on distributors, manufacturers and their suppliers and if all in the supply chain work together it will minimise business failures and secure a more positive future for us all.
It is important to remain positive, as the Queen in her amazing speech advised ‘we will all meet again’. A good many NCC members I speak with are indeed confident that we will rebound as an industry. We are resilient, strong, and there will never be a greater desire by the British people to get out and holiday in the UK once they can. So many people who have been affected by this will not have a business to go back into. Our industry, in contrast, has so much to look forward to and to offer – much-needed breaks not too far from home in a safe environment, where children can laugh and play and grandparents can enjoy their extended families once again. This will be so important for the wellbeing and morale of the country and our industry will be at the forefront of this.
There is assistance available from government to most businesses and the team at the NCC are cutting through the detail to help you understand what, how and where you can access relevant information. We will ensure this is made available to you as it comes on stream. Finally, I know the team are in the process of contacting each and every business to offer support and reassurance – this helps us target the guidance we are working on behind the scenes. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to call our NCC dedicated member line (01252 336097) or email membership@thencc.org.uk.
We are living through an extraordinary period of history – one that we will one day share as a memory, because there will be an end to this and a time to come together.
In the meantime, please all stay safe, sane and positive.
Mike Wills, NCC Chairman