Motorhomes Talent Dances For Joy As John Sergeant Hands Over Awards

COWES, United Kingdom – January 13, 2009: Directors and staff at Romahome, the South’s only motorhome manufacturer, are dancing with joy after receiving two top industry awards from none other than John Sergeant.

And while John pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing in case he should win the BBC talent show at the end of last year, Andrew Jones, managing director of Southampton-based multi-franchise Freeborn Group, Romahome’s parent company, and Brain Bailey, managing director of Romahome and special vehicle builder SVP, which has its factory at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, were more than happy to have their talents assessed and then quick step to the podium at the Dorchester Hotel in London to receive two awards from John.

Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly named Romahome the top UK motorhomes manufacturer in its prestigious 2009 awards. It also gave a bronze award to Romahome’s new R10 Solo, a single berth motorhome that has just launched.

The MMM awards, in association with the Caravan Club, are now in their fifth year, recognising the best of the motorhome industry. Each motorhome and service considered by the judges has to be nominated by a reader to make the shortlist.

“Manufacturers face a tough challenge in trying to create individual motorhomes to cater to the needs of widely differing markets. Any manufacturer who manages to be creative whilst retaining good quality control and a high level of customer satisfaction merits high praise, so the winner this year should be very proud of their achievements,” said Mike Jago, Editor of MMM.

“Balancing innovation with knowledge of customer requirements allows Romahome to bring a clever and focused product to the marketplace.

“This year, the company has re-branded to provide clearer model ranges. The classic rising roof and overcab models are now branded R20, while R30 is the GRP capped van conversion.

“Since the launch of the monocoque R40 coachbuilt last year, Romahome has not rested on its laurels, but has further developed R40 and launched the cheeky little the R10 campervan at October’s NEC show. It impressed us so much, we had to recognise it in this year’s rising roof category.

“This relatively small company is forging ahead and moving with the times and doing a great job in this increasingly tough economic market.”

Andy Jones said the awards were a great reflection on the company and its ability to move with the times.

“Other motorhome manufacturers have been cutting back on whole ranges as the recession bites but we have actually been expanding production at Cowes,” he explained.

“The judges are right that we are in tune with what buyers want. They love the motorhome lifestyle and those who want new vans at more affordable prices find the ideal package of quality and value in Romahome products.

“Much of this is down to the market awareness and product planning of Brian Bailey, Neville Peachey, of the Romahome Centre at Freeborn Motor Village in Southampton, and James Saint at Freeborn Motorhomes in Surrey.

“Some improvements result from Brian, Neville, and James talking to customers and incorporating their requests so in a way our customers have helped us win, and they deserve some of the credit and plenty of thanks.

“We will keep up the good work and I can promise that 2009 will bring some more exciting new products from Romahome.”