Trevor Henry

Shop Manager

Interviewed in May 2015

With plenty of experience in the camping accessories business, Trevor is the newest recruit to Southdowns parts department.

Tell us about your career prior to joining Southdowns
Before joining Southdowns in May, I spent 12 years working in the camping accessories business, initially running my own business in Ringwood and then as assistant manager for Camping World when they took over my shop. I was made redundant at the beginning of the year and luckily one of the sales reps from Cadac knew Southdowns was recruiting and told me there was a job going that I might like.

What made you want to work for Southdowns?
I love camping and I love the leisure industry so I wanted to stay in the business. I had heard of Southdowns although Id never been to the Motorhome Centre so I was keen to find out more. My experience was exactly what the company was looking for and I was really pleased to get the job, especially as it gives me the chance to work in the retail shop when they need a bit of help, as well as working with Mark Derbyshire (Southdowns parts manager) in the parts department.

What does your job involve day-to-day?
I work alongside Mark, looking up parts on suppliers systems, making orders, checking in deliveries and ensuring that the workshop team have all the parts they need for the jobs they are working on. We keep basic parts for each of the brands we sell but we need to order the rest as required. The retail shop deals with customer orders but the workshop is our main customer. If we dont do our job properly the whole system grinds to a halt and now the workshop is so busy, an efficiently run parts department is vital. Each of the motorhome brands we stock is different and all the models have different components so I need to get to grips with a whole range of new products.

What are your initial impressions of the company?
So far so good! I'm working with a good team of people and am enjoying getting involved on the retail side too where I think I can bring some valuable experience to the business.

Do you have a personal interest in motorhomes?
I have a caravan and have sold motorhome accessories in my previous job so I understand the business but I still have plenty to learn. My wife hates touring in our caravan so I think she will be encouraging me to take a personal interest in Southdowns stock!

If you could take a motorhome anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Ive already started! We borrowed a Burstner for a couple of days and went to Somerset with friends who were camping near cheddar. We had a great time and Id love to do it again. I would consider buying one so we could tour the UK and then go over to France and see more of Europe.

Trevor is married to Pauline and they live in Southampton with their daughter Sarah. When hes not at work, Trevor is still working - as treasurer for the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show, which raises an impressive £10,000 -£15,000 each year for local charities. He has been helping raise funds for the organisation since he was 12 years old.