The NCC Celebrates 85 Years of Supporting the UK’s Holiday & Leisure Vehicle Industry

The National Caravan Council (NCC) is celebrating 85 years of championing the UK’s caravan, motorhome, campervan, park home, and holiday caravan industries.

Since its founding in 1939, the NCC has played a key role in shaping, growing, and supporting the UK’s domestic holiday sector—an industry that now generates £12.2 billion in visitor expenditure annually.

A Legacy of Leadership in the Leisure Vehicle Industry

For over eight decades, the NCC has been the leading voice for its members, ensuring high industry standards, consumer protection, and business growth. Its achievements include:

✅ Setting safety and quality standards to improve products for consumers.
✅ Successfully lobbying the government on tax reductions and legislation.
✅ Driving innovation through technical guidance and accreditation schemes.
✅ Providing essential training through the NCC Training Academy.
✅ Bringing the industry together with major consumer exhibitions at the NEC.

A Message from the NCC Leadership

John Lally, NCC Director General, reflects on the milestone:
"The NCC team has been at the heart of our industry and domestic tourism for decades, shaping, growing, and supporting what has been a great British success story."

Mike Wills, NCC Chairman & Director of Pathfinder Park Homes, adds:
"The NCC’s purpose is just as vital today as it was 85 years ago. We will continue to advocate for our members and ensure ongoing support for the industry."

Key Milestones in the NCC’s 85-Year History

📍 1939 – Founded by Bill Whiteman.
📍 1949 – UK caravan production reaches 3,000 per year, helping the nation recover post-WWII.
📍 1959 – The NCC launches the first-ever dedicated industry event, the Caravan Show at Earls Court.
📍 1975 – Successfully lobbies Parliament to cut VAT on caravans.
📍 1984 – Publishes the first Towing Code to improve safety standards.
📍 1992 – Establishes CRiS (Caravan Registration Information Service) to combat caravan theft.
📍 2010 – Launches NCC Events, now running two of the UK’s largest leisure vehicle exhibitions.
📍 2015 – Introduces VIN CHIP anti-theft protection, now an industry standard.
📍 2020 – Successfully lobbies Treasury to reverse the motorhome tax hike, securing a strong future for manufacturers and consumers.

Looking Ahead to the Future

While celebrating the past, the NCC is focused on the road ahead. With a team of industry experts leading the way, the organisation is committed to:

✅ Strengthening industry standards & technical guidance.
✅ Championing sustainability & innovation.
✅ Ensuring continued government support for the sector.
✅ Supporting businesses & consumers through training, accreditation, and events.

Join the Celebration

As the NCC marks 85 years of success, its mission remains clear: to lead, promote, and support the industry for future generations.

📢 Learn more about the NCC and its initiatives at: www.thencc.org.uk and its Pitching the Value Economic Benefit Report here.