NACO: The ABI brand has been a big part the industry for many, many years – tell us a bit about its history and beginnings…
RICHARD: My journey with ABI began in 2007, but its beginnings took place decades prior. Rewind to 1972, when two of the fastest-growing names in the industry, Ace, and Belmont, merged. Originally called Ace Belmont International, we quickly became known as ABI. Our home was in Beverley, East Yorkshire, which we’re still proud to call home today.
Throughout the 70s, the caravan industry in the UK was developing quickly. We soon became a household name and our popularity boomed. But, like many successful companies, we’ve of course had to evolve over time. By 2001, we started solely manufacturing caravan holiday homes, and stopped producing touring caravans and motorhomes.
Here we are in 2023, and we’re delighted to say our homes have been at the centre of British families’ happy memories, for over fifty years. I’m so proud of how the company has developed, especially when it comes to our product innovation and dedication to customer service. I strongly believe our approach, along with our great people, have given us the fantastic reputation we carry today.
Ace and Belmont 1970’s adverts. Originally called Ace Belmont International, we quickly became known as ABI.
NACO: What do think sets ABI apart?
RICHARD: This is one of our most-asked, but easiest-to-answer questions. For us, it’s without a doubt our people. Over the past fifty years, they’ve had a tremendous influence on the development of ABI, whether it be the skilled craftsmen who hand-produce each holiday home, or all the teams behind-the-scenes making sure our customers, suppliers and staff are well looked after; our people are what make us.
I feel like everyone might say this, but ABI is like one big family. Our staff genuinely care and put so much heart into what they do. You could walk into the factory and see multiple members or generations of the same family working for us, or some who’ve spent their entire working lives with us. Retirees actually come back to visit us – and that’s when I know we’ve done it right. It makes me so proud, and I do believe our family-feel gives us the edge.
NACO: As we move forward, green initiatives and the impact of holiday homes both from production and use are becoming a focus point – how are ABI tackling these matters?
RICHARD: For over a decade, we’ve been focused on ensuring the use and production of our caravan holiday homes have as minimal impact on the environment as possible.
When it comes to manufacturing, we were the first in our sector to install a biomass boiler to use waste materials to heat the factory, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and removing many waste disposal trips from the road. We’ve also been certified as a Carbon Neutral Manufacturer, have switched our electricity tariff to a zerocarbon tariff, and are continuously working hard to ensure the materials used during manufacture are as sustainable as possible. Where we can make a change, we will.
Looking into customer use, we’re pleased to say every product in our range has energy efficient appliances, energy efficient lighting and water saving devices included as standard. We’ve improved the thermal efficiency of the caravan holiday homes over the years, and continue to look for ways to further better this.
When it comes to looking forward, we’re currently working on a number of really exciting projects. One is our 32-amp, all-electric caravan, which will undergo extensive testing this winter. This will allow its roll-out across our models over the coming year or two. This is a huge move for us and the industry, as it will allow parks with renewable electricity supplies to run their holiday homes without the use of fossil fuels. Holiday homes are places where families make memories together, and we’re working hard to ensure this can continue to be the case for many generations to come.
Retreat Homes & Lodges are one of those ‘see it to believe it’ things. They are stunning – fullycustomisable, hand-finished lodges designed with exceptional quality in mind
NACO: What are the stand-out models and features in the range for 2024?
RICHARD: I have to say – and call me biased – our 2024 line-up is impressive!
The Coworth is perfect for those entering the world of holiday home ownership. It’s a budget-friendly alternative for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort or style. But, when it comes to those who are about the finer things in life, that’s where the brand new Beaumont Lodge comes in – luxury everywhere you look! I’m talking gorgeous wood-panelled accent walls, integrated appliances, pendant lighting – the lot.
We’re also pleased to use this collection launch to announce the latest addition to the ABI Group, Retreat Homes & Lodges. Retreat Homes & Lodges are one of those ‘see it to believe it’ things. They are stunning – fully-customisable, hand-finished lodges designed with exceptional quality in mind. We’re over the moon to announce this and really encourage people who haven’t seen it before to check it out.
When it comes to features, we have watersaving showers for the eco-conscious, air-con units to keep you cool in the summer, and, for those into a rustic, off-grid cabin feel, some of our lodges even come with cedar cladding and wood-burning stoves! We’ve really tried to go the extra mile and listen to our customers to make our 2024 collection launch our best yet.
We’re immensely proud of the collection and are so excited the public can finally see all the amazing things we’ve been working on behind-the-scenes.
For more information contact
01482 862976
www.abiuk.co.uk
[email protected]
