DF Capital helps BC Motorhomes fulfil its dreams
DF Capital has supported BC Motorhomes since it was founded in 2019 and, during that time, has provided a variety of working capital solutions to enable it to expand and grow the business.
Based in Ayrshire, Scotland, BC Motorhomes and Leisure Limited (BC Motorhomes) is a family-run business which sells a range of new and pre-owned motorhomes throughout the UK. The business was founded by Calum Watson, who relaunched the BC Motorhome brand after the group owning it before ran into financial difficulties.
As the previous general manger of the motorhome dealership, Calum wanted to continue to provide support to the business’ customers, servicing the Scottish market and many of its franchises, including Adria, Auto-Sleepers, Carthago, Dethleffs and Wingamm. His plan was to build a business that he could be proud of when the opportunity arose in mid-2019. Having worked with Calum previously, DF Capital provided significant floorplan and unit stocking facilities to enable him to build his dreams.
Calum Watson at BC Motorhomes commented: “Corvin and the team at DF Capital have been an integral part of our business since we first launched and it’s been a pleasure to work with a company that understands our industry, our business and the challenges we face. I was fortunate that Corvin was able to structure a finance arrangement that enabled me to take the opportunity to start as a business owner.”
Since starting the business, the Covid-19 pandemic created both challenges and opportunities for BC Motorhomes. A lack of international travel in 2020 meant that staycations in the UK resulted in a higher demand for motorhomes. During the first lockdown, BC Motorhomes adapted to the new market conditions and moved to a ‘click and deliver’ model whereby customers ordered online and the business delivered direct to their door, anywhere in the UK.
BC Motorhomes invested in its franchises to expand and better service the customer base, and in the first year of trading, amidst a pandemic, the business sold more than £10m of vehicles.
DF Capital also adapted in lockdown, by offering customised finance solutions to support the sales of new and part-exchanged vehicles, and flexible schemes for the rental fleet. This included providing additional support through specific programs, enabling BC Motorhomes and other dealers to adjust their repayment structures and extend the finance term where required. All of this was designed to improve dealer’s cashflow and to increase profit margins.
In addition, DF Capital’s constant investments in technology, has helped BC Motorhomes operate more efficiently and safely. Whether this is through DF Connect, a fully self-service online system for dealers to have the ability to process, invoice, fund and settle goods, or through DF Check, where the use of technology enables dealers to complete audits reducing on-site personnel requirements.
Calum continued: “The pandemic resulted in us having to alter how we worked to comply with the lockdown regulations. DF Capital’s customised finance plans helped us during the lockdowns, and aided by its technology, we can spend more time making the most of the increased customer interest. DF Capital has been a great partner to have on our side, supporting the growth of our business and always looking for ways that can benefit both companies.”