A CAMPERVAN conversion specialist has bought a VW campervan for its employees to use free of charge whenever they would like.
Jerba Campervans purchased a VW T6.1 model which employees have converted for themselves within the factory.
Now complete, Jerba’s staff members will be able to book the campervan – which would normally cost around £1,000 per week to rent – for personal trips or holidays at no cost, as long as it is clean, tidy and fuelled upon its return.
With no limitations in mileage for journeys around the UK, the campervan also comes with the added benefit of high-end fittings such as an integrated hob, fridge, sink and storage space. Crockery and camper chairs have also been provided.
Co-founder of Jerba Campervans, Simon Poole, said: “It is something we have been considering for a while, and we have certainly been inspired by other employee-owned businesses which also offer their staff unique and creative perks.
“Our team were able to work on the campervan in their free time, kitting it out to their own liking and using it for whenever they plan on going on holiday.
“Everyone is really excited to use the campervan and it’s getting booked out quickly. Rob, our youngest member of the team and not yet old enough to drive the van, has already booked to use it as soon as he turns 21.
“We wanted to give something back to the people that help this business flourish, and we thought there would be nothing better for the staff than to have their very own campervan.”
The niche perk comes in addition to a number of other investments in the East Lothian firm’s workforce, including a dedicated apprenticeship scheme and initiatives such as full sick pay introduced within the Real Living Wage accredited business.
Customer Support Manager at Jerba Campervans, David Miller, 60, was one of the first members of the team to book the campervan for a week’s trip in August. He said: “I really enjoyed using the campervan for my travels to Crinan Canal and other areas across the West of Scotland this summer with my wife.
“Each job has its perks – but not often as unique as being gifted your own campervan. It will be perfect for long weekends in the warmer months where I can get some more hill-walking under my belt.
“Demand for the campervan has been high, with five members of the team already getting their bookings in for this year. We anticipate that next summer especially will be very popular for bookings – people are already planning their trips a year in advance!”
Digital Marketing Specialist at Jerba Campervans, Steven Ingle, 31, was the first to use the campervan for a friend’s stag do in Mull of Kintyre. He said: “I can’t say enough good things about the van. It is very spacious – the pop top roof means there is room to sleep four and we also have the option of taking our dogs with us.
“I had a great weekend camping with my friends. We cooked fry-ups in the mornings on the integrated hob and it provided us with an escape from the dreaded midges outside in the evenings!
“The campervan is entirely for staff use, so if the weather is looking good and no one has it booked already, it will be brilliant for a spontaneous long weekend trip.
“Not everyone that works at Jerba has the option of owning their own campervan so this provides the perfect solution.”
Jerba Campervans was launched in 2006 and specialises in converting and customising Volkswagen Transporter vans for those passionate about adventure and the outdoors.
Converting Volkswagen T6.1 models, the North Berwick based firm is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a Motorhome Qualified Converter, and is the only firm in Scotland to receive this qualification.
The firm became employee-owned in January 2018 and has seen productivity increase year-on-year.
With a dedicated and flexible team, the Jerba Campervans’ family adapts to the needs of its customers, creating a house on wheels with the highest UK level of road safety, assuring customers of a safe, and stylish ride.
To find out more about Jerba Campervans, visit www.jerbacampervans.co.uk