1996 'I welcome your views' says new MD

In the first place, I should like to record my appreciation to the Fleetwood Flyer and all its editorial volunteers for giving me this opportunity to tell you of my plans for the future of Fleetwood.

This is a “Setting the Scene” type report, with your approval it is my intention to go into more detail in future editions of The Flyer.

Ken Green, who did so much for the company in his years of stewardship decided to take well earned retirement in September 1995.  It is often said there is never a “right time” to take on the running of any organisation, I can now honestly subscribe to the accuracy of that saying.

Sales of touring caravans in the U.K. have fallen for three years in succession and currently show no sign of levelling off, let alone rising.  Well, I hear you ask what, if any, is the good news for caravanners and Fleetwood members in particular?

Happily the touring caravan manufacturers, with Fleetwood very much involved, have formed an association with the specific objective of promoting the benefits of caravanning.  During the months and years to come the delights of caravanning will be made known to an ever increasing number of people which will be good for the industry, good for Fleetwood and good for all its owner members.

Reputation

As most of you know however it takes time for any public relations campaign to have any real effect, it is therefore essential Fleetwood is in a good and strong position to take full advantage of the up turn in the market, whenever it arrives.

Change is a fact of life at any organisation which seeks to prosper and grow; we at Fleetwood intend to do both, so change is essential.  Already changes in the way we design new caravans, purchase materials and in the systems controlling production have been introduced.  Progress has been made in our exports to Holland and Denmark; next time you are in either of these two delightful countries look out for the Fleetwood dealers, I know they will make you welcome.

Apart from the changes and the exports, I am determined to build on the Fleetwood reputation for quality.  Quality, or the pursuit of excellence, is more important now than ever before.  It will be reflected in our caravans, pre-delivery inspections, servicing and warranty.  Rome was not built in a day but improvement in everything we do will be sought at all times towards our objective which is “to exceed the expectations of our customers”.

You can help me to achieve my objective not so much by telling me what we have done wrong in the past, but by letting me know what you would like to see us do in the future.  It can take any form from items you would want in a caravan to a completely new design, promotions, in fact all ideas are welcome.

As a group of people you know more about the practicalities of caravanning than anyone, I invite you to share your knowledge with me and my team at Fleetwood. 

I look forward to some interesting mail.  Good Luck and happy caravanning.

R.C. Williamson – Managing Director, FLEETWOOD CARAVANS LIMITED