Peter Guy

Motorhome Technician

When you buy a motorhome from Southdowns, the chances are that it is Peter who will have checked all the systems and made sure your vehicle is good to go.

Q How did you find yourself working for Southdowns?
A Having been self-employed for 30 years, personal circumstances forced me to sell my business – a garage in Fareham – and I applied for a job with Southdowns, initially working on MD Michael Ayling’s classic cars. Having finished one project, I had a bit of time on my hands and I’m now part of the workshop team, concentrating on the motorhomes but still working on the cars when we are quiet.

Q What does your job involve?
A I spend most of my time checking the motorhomes, doing habitation and damp checks and ensuring that all our sold vehicles are ready for collection by customers. They are spending a lot of money and I take a pride in making sure the vehicles are absolutely right. I’m about to go on a gas course so I can do gas checks too. Many years ago I worked for a garage in Hilsea which had a fleet of what were then called caravanettes, which they hired out in the summer. I used to be responsible for making sure they were ready to go out to customers so although our motorhomes are bigger and more sophisticated, the principle’s the same. When I had my own garage I had a regular customer with a Romahome whch I serviced on a regular basis, so I’m familiar with all the systems and what to look out for.

Q What is the best thing about working for the company
A . I enjoy coming to work because every day is different and the work is challenging. You never know what you’re going to have to tackle and, as I’ve always been involved with cars, it’s good to be doing something different.

Q If you could take a motorhome anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A I’ve never owned a motorhome but I’m starting to see the appeal – there are certainly a lot of them on the road! If I could take one away somewhere I’d go to the Lake District or Yorkshire.

Q Finally, what is your personal philosophy?
A If you do a good job for someone they’ll keep on coming back. My business was built on trust and I believe it goes a long way.

Peter lives in Gosport with his wife . They have two daughters and two grandsons. The family is looking forward to the arrival of their third grandchild – a little girl – who is due at Christmas.