Getting the word out. “We finance caravans and glamping pods, in case you didn’t know!”

Mike Clarke, Leisure Sector Specialist

Arkle doesn’t just finance trucks and cars or plant machinery. We have been supporting clients for years with finance facilities for a range of leisure vehicles – from caravans and lodges to motorhomes and touring caravans – to commercial funding for glamping pods, caravan holiday homes and shepherd’s huts.

That’s why I spend several days of the year travelling up and down the UK, visiting the biggest and best leisure shows. While it’s a chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues, the main goal is to meet brokers so I can help them understand how we can assist in meeting their client’s needs. After all, there aren’t too many lenders who will engage with brokers in the leisure sector, but Arkle is most definitely one!

Many of the events are huge and my step count certainly increases as I roam the halls talking to brokers, park owners and manufacturers. Take the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC for example. It spans an impressive five halls (an area the size of a dozen football pitches) and showcases more than 420 exhibitors all under one roof. 

By attending these events, I get to understand the trends and themes driving the leisure sector in any given year. Motorhomes and camper vans are proving popular in 2025, with static caravans and lodges gaining in popularity as the year progresses and the weather improves. You also get to see the ‘Rolls Royce’ of innovations – many manufacturers have exhibited stunning, almost palace-like, designs this year.

Talking to park owners, manufacturers and brokers at this year’s shows, which have taken me from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Manchester and Coventry, I get the sense that while the leisure industry is navigating a challenging environment, there is still an abundance of opportunities to be had. Increased availability has led to competitive pricing, resulting in some great deals for the discerning public.

Arkle’s service has always been built around its people and building a network of trusting relationships. There really is no substitute for face-to-face interactions, and these events help me and my colleagues do just that.

How we can help
At Arkle, we offer finance products for many of the leisure assets highlighted at this year’s shows. Our innovative and tailored finance solutions cater to your specific requirements – whether you’re looking to buy caravan holiday homes for leisure use or purchasing caravan homes in parks. Our experienced team provides exceptional levels of personal service, ensuring you receive all the expert guidance you need.

We also provide commercial funding facilities for leisure operators acquiring caravans and other glamping accommodations for business use such as for-hire fleets and for many other asset types including prestige vehicles, construction equipment, ground-care machinery and renewable energy systems. To discuss our Leisure sector finance offering in greater detail and how this could help you and your business, please contact Mike Clarke on 07570 649119 or mclarke@arklefinance.co.uk