Growth and succession for leading holiday home manufacturer

Carnaby Caravans, a leading manufacturer of high-quality holiday homes, is set for further growth following a record year which has seen revenues grow by more than 50% to £30m.

Shawbrook Bank (“Shawbrook”), the specialist lender, has provided an undisclosed funding package to Carnaby Caravans, alongside backing from debt funder Frontier Development Capital (“FDC”).

Founded in 1976 in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, Carnaby Caravans is one of the UK’s most well-established manufacturers of high-quality holiday homes for the leisure parks market. The business has grown substantially over this time, driven by its reputation of producing holiday homes to an exceptional standard through continued innovation and outstanding craftmanship.

The transaction, initiated by its shareholders Nigel Smailes, Chief Executive, and Tim Meadley, Operations Director, allows the business to pursue its ambitious growth plans, driven by the significant increase in the popularity of UK stay-cations and holiday homes.

Sandra Carter, Sales Director, and Mike Swift, Technical Director, join Scott Thornton, Finance Director, on the board with all three becoming shareholders alongside Nigel Smailes and Tim Meadley.

The Yorkshire & North East Corporate Finance Team at Dow Schofield Watts advised Nigel Smailes and Tim Meadley and led and structured the transaction, introducing Carnaby Caravans to Shawbrook and FDC during a planned fundraising process. The DSW team comprised Roger Esler, Paul Herriott, and Matt Spence.

Legal advice to the shareholders was provided by Clarion Solicitors. Shawbrook was advised by Shoosmiths and FDC was advised by Squire Patton Boggs. Management was advised by Gordons. Financial due diligence was provided by RSM. Murray Harcourt were tax advisers.

Nigel Smailes, CEO at Carnaby Caravans, said: “Following the successful completion of this transaction and the new appointments to the board, we are eager to further strengthen our presence in our markets as we continue to serve our customers, existing and new. Shawbrook has an excellent reputation in our local market and this was proven by their ability to deliver. By getting to know our business and our needs they were able to craft a bespoke funding solution that will allow us to evolve the business and continue to grow as we look ahead. We are delighted to welcome Shawbrook alongside FDC as new funders to the business.”

Ondrej Okeke of Frontier Development Capital, commented: “FDC is delighted to be backing this highly operationally-skilled and experienced management team at Carnaby Caravans, who are stalwarts of the leisure home industry. They have nurtured a business with a long-established reputation for building products of superior design and quality and maintained a very loyal customer base.”

Daniel Martin, Senior Director within Shawbrook Bank’s Corporate Lending team, said: “Carnaby Caravans is a very well-respected business across the markets it operates in and we are delighted to have been able to support their future growth plans. It has been a pleasure to work with Nigel and the team and it was clear from the outset that they are very passionate about the business so we are excited to seeing how Carnaby Caravans continues to develop over the coming months and years and are confident in its future.”

Roger Esler commented: “We have worked with Carnaby Caravans over several years and witnessed both the growth in the business and the strengthening of its brand and reputation with leisure parks and holiday home owners alike. We are delighted to have advised on this transaction that brings new funders to the business as well as new appointments to the board at a time of unprecedented activity for the market.”