Meet Peter Appleton, Sales Executive

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Peter has worked in the leisure industry for 24 years and is extremely knowledgeable about caravans and motorhomes. Outside of work he loves keeping active - from long walks with his Labrador Bella, to paddle boarding and kayaking with his family, he’s always on the go!

What’s your career background?

My career in the leisure industry really got started in 1997, when I joined Chichester Caravans as part of the Sales Team. This was where I met James Southwood, who was the Sales Manager at the time - now owner of Winchester Caravans. I also met Russell Farrington here (fellow sales executive), and later on, James Mainwaring (now Winchester Caravans Sales Manager).

Over the years, I’ve gained experience through my hands-on approach to the job, as well as working with my colleagues within the leisure industry. I’ve also worked at many national shows, from the Earls Court Show in London, to the ever popular Caravan and Motorhome Shows at the NEC.
 

What does your role involve?

My role is extremely varied and very busy! I spend a lot of my time on the forecourt, looking after customers, answering their queries and helping them with any aspect of the buying process. I guide our customers through their journey from start to finish, treating every customer as an individual and advising them on the options available.

 

I believe that one of the most important things to get right when purchasing a leisure vehicle is the layout. There are so many variables and not having the right set-up could really affect the way you are able to use the vehicle. For this reason I always ask customers certain questions when they’re considering different layouts to help them discover what they really need. This should ensure that they go for the one that will best suit them when it comes to actually using it.

I’ve worked with many different vehicles over the years and have actually spent time on trips in both motorhomes and caravans, so I find it easy to sell customers the benefits of the lifestyle as I truly believe in them myself.

 

What do you like about caravanning?

Although I don’t own a caravan or motorhome myself - yet! - I’ve borrowed both through work in the past and it’s always made for fantastic holidays with my family! It’s so flexible, it really can be anything you want it to be. It’s easy to mould the trip around what you enjoy doing, depending on your lifestyle and hobbies.

I’ve ventured as far as the Lake District on one occasion and Snowdon on another, and have also visited the West Country many times. Caravanning and motorhoming holidays are great for relaxing, but they also go well with very active lifestyles and give you the freedom to explore new places.

 

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

When I help a customer find the right vehicle for them, it’s a great feeling. Discovering what they need from a leisure vehicle is very satisfying - it's a home from home and it's got to be right! It’s very rewarding to help them start their journey into the lifestyle that caravanning and motorhoming offers.

 

What challenges you most?

As I’ve only worked here for a couple of weeks so far, I’m finding the computer systems a little challenging but I’m learning more and more every day! Also, the VW campervans are relatively new to me, so I’m currently getting myself familiarised with these, learning more about the conversion process and getting up to speed with the Camper King range! I’m really looking forward to developing these two areas of knowledge further over the coming weeks.

 

What do you like most about working for Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes?

It really is an amazing team and it’s brilliant to be part of it. As I said, I’ve known both James’ and Russell for years so it’s great to be working with them again. The atmosphere here is fantastic - it’s a wonderful place to work and coming back has made me realise how much I’ve missed it! Everyone’s so welcoming and there are many of the same faces which shows what a terrific place it is to work.

Discover the range of caravans and motorhomes we have to offer and meet the rest of the team!

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