16 August 2004

Now it's a family affair at Southdowns!

Southdowns Motorcaravans is under new management from today, as founder director Michael Ayling is joined by his eldest son Andrew, 42. Younger son Russell, 40, will also be joining the company next month, making the Chichester-based operation a real family affair.

Both Andrew and Russell have considerable sales and management experience in the automotive industry and Michael believes their individual skills will perfectly complement his own knowledge of the motorhomes business.

He says: 'I am delighted that my sons are joining me in the business. As a family we have all had a long-term love affair with motorhomes. Since they were children Andrew and Russell have spent most of their holidays on four wheels and they have a very real understanding of what people want from a vehicle. There is no substitute for hands-on experience and I am positive that our customers will appreciate the benefit of their knowledge.'

With the new team in place, the company is set to build on the success of the last five years. There are plans to expand into a number of new areas, notably rentals and greater emphasis will be placed on internet-related activity. Russell brings with him seven years experience of developing internet solutions for the motor industry and will be using his skills to exploit the opportunities offered by web-based information.

Says Michael: 'Our existing and prospective customers can be secure in the knowledge that we now have a great team, a strong, long-term business strategy and the kind of continuity that brings something special to a company. The old-fashioned values of customer care and a high quality service still hold true and the three of us will be striving to ensure that they are part of everything that we do at Southdowns'.