Carryduff camper van firm plans expansion

Carryduff camper van firm plans expansion

4 July 2012

A CARRYDUFF firm is planning to significantly expand its operations in 2012 with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

Award-winning Bunk Campers is the only multi-territory campervan and motor home rental firm in the UK and Ireland, with a fleet of 40 campervans and depots near Belfast and Dublin international airports.

The Carryduff firm is investing over £500,000 to open a new satellite rental location in Scotland, increase its fleet size and employ four new staff.

Invest NI has offered over £40,000 of support, partly under its Jobs Fund initiative which is part of the Boosting Business campaign.

Bunk Campers managing director and co-founder Keith Charlton, who runs the business with co-director Louise Corken, said the Carryduff firm now offer Europe’s widest choice of five vehicle types from its large, modern fleet.

“We rent campervans to a broad range of international tourists through our online trading facility and through our relationships with tour operators. Our product is now offered in over 35 markets worldwide through travel agents.

“To grow the business further we need to target new markets and with Invest NI’s support we are recruiting staff to help us develop our online marketing strategy and our franchise model,” he added.

Oonagh Hinds, manager of Invest NI’s Eastern Regional Office, said Bunk Campers has grown significantly since it was set up five years ago, with this latest investment marking the next stage of its development.

She said with Invest NI support, the Carryduff firm is expanding its workforce and operations and is also exploring franchise opportunities in the UK and Europe, which could significantly increase its turnover.

Oonagh added: “With the anticipated increase in visitors to Ireland over the next few years, it is a timely investment which should pay dividends.”