AN ENTREPENEUR from Bury has found success after starting his own camper van business – and says demand to hire the vehicles is on the increase.

Sam Cohen, 30, launched his camper van hire business just 12-months ago and has since seen bookings accelerate by over 50 per cent.

Sam originally started Samco Campus to provide holidaymakers with an alternative to foreign travel, as staycations gained popularity during the pandemic.

Now, amid the cost of living crisis, airport delays and the expense of travelling abroad Sam says he is aiming to treble his fleet as part of a £200,000 expansion plan to cope with demand.

He said: “I only launched the business last year and bookings were buoyant right from the start.

"But this year has started on a different scale.

"Clearly with so much uncertainty in the world right now and the cost of living rising, many people will be holidaying at home.

"A luxury VW campervan provides a great way to explore all the UK has to offer. We provide everything a novice or experienced customer requires.”

He added: “I started with just a couple of vehicles and plan to add many more in the future, but there’s currently supply issues due to a global computer chip shortage and production delays in Ukraine, where vehicle wiring looms are made.”

Sam was inspired to start the business after a dream tour of the Western Cape of South Africa opened his eyes to how exhilarating a road trip could be and wanted to share his love of travel back home in the UK.

He said: “The idea of exploring the UK and all it has to offer is becoming an even more popular choice.

"A UK campervan holiday ticks many of the ‘safe-cation’ boxes. You can just get up and go!

"With numerous campsites across England, Scotland and Wales, there are many new places people can visit and explore.

“Our VW campervans are fully sanitised and deep-cleaned after each holiday.

"The business is definitely on the road to success and we are looking forward to helping lots of people get away this year and see Britain in a new way.

"The appeal of a nostalgic holiday at home remains as strong as ever.”

For more information about the business visit www.samcocampers.com.