Wow, I don’t know about you, but our team feel that this year has simply flown by! But I guess that’s what happens when we’ve had such an action-packed year, full to the brim with exciting new products, interesting projects and awesome events.
At first there seemed to be some uncertainty, the Covid-19 pandemic was causing many issues throughout the world. After locking down and staying safe and well it finally hit the Direct4x4 team early 2022. It felt like it was never going to leave us. However, just as the spring gives us hope of warmer days, April came, and restrictions began to ease. Time to have some fun!
Direct4x4 Escapes
In May we launched our new venture; Direct4x4 Escapes. An opportunity to hire our exciting Land Rover Defender 110 and Ford Ranger WIldtrak pickup truck. Each vehicle fully equipped with our expedition camping gear and accessories so that you can have an adventure without the hassle of buying and looking after your own! Maybe you feel like camping could be fun but you are a little unsure, or you just want to holiday somewhere remote, then this could be the answer. Being based in Derby gives ones an excellent place to visit the Derbyshire hills or other parts of the Peak District National Park. Perhaps even head out further to the glorious Lake District. In fact, have wheels and travel. It’s a time to start making holiday plans for 2023 so why not consider Direct4x4 Escapes and escape somewhere exciting?
The Shows & The Caravan
After a cautious couple of years, we wanted to get out about and show off our products again like we used to. Plans were set to attend the Land Rover Owners Show in Peterborough in September. To be honest, we were very nervous. There was much to prepare; what do we display? How best to keep staff and attendees safe? Who stays in which roof tent? In the end we managed to transport and display most of our key expedition overland products, including the magnificent new hardcore overland expedition off-roading caravan. This mighty beast drew in the crowds, and everyone had fun looking around at all the features, gadgets and gizmos on offer. Not only does it look cool you get to open the van right out and sit on your own veranda to watch the world go by. This can go places normal caravans can’t go! The show was brilliant, great being able to chat to customers and let them play with products. It helps ones see roof tents and awnings up close. Ones get to meet the team and build confidence in us. Plus, we had a great team building time too!
So after the success of Land Rover Owners International show we decided to venture over to The Great British Land Rover Show in Stoneleigh in November. Wow that was awesome, so busy and so many gorgeous Land Rovers to drool over. Everyone was super friendly and once again our off-roading caravan stole the show along with our new Land Rover Discovery 5 fully kitted out for adventure, showing that roof tents are not just for Defenders!
25 Years!
November saw Direct4x4 celebrate 25 years. The journey from humble beginnings to the huge warehouse, showroom and online store that we have now is truly remarkable. Credit goes to our fabulous team for loyalty of service and our customers who continue to support and promote us. We plan to continue to bring good customer service in the years ahead.
TikTok
Did you know that we also have a good social media presence? After a chat to one of our partners we were encouraged to explore TikTok. The marketing team is run by very young and vibrant 40+ year olds however, we do have a young member of staff, Jack, who is proud to be our upcoming TikTok and YouTube star! Great fun has been had creating content and playing around. It has also helped us get familiar with the products. Knowing how things are fitted and set up not only helps customers but us too. We make sure we give you the correct information on fitting and looks! So if you are a young minded individual on TikTok, head to our account to see Jack and the gang!
Our Friends
A special shout-out and sincere thanks to our fabulous friends that work alongside us. This includes Jack and Kristina, aka JKoverland. Their dedication and hard work is much appreciated. Look out for their exciting new venture next year, it will be amazing. Also, the Ford Ranger Club UK group who have sponsored the new Direct4x4 Escapes vehicles. There are plenty of other groups and communities that we will be working with next year including Gadget John and Mandy and van life enthusiast Robert. Thanks to Robert for his advice and help with TikTok. And to all of our lovely customers throughout the world, thank you for your custom, feedback and support over the last year.
2023
So, what about 2023? Well, we plan to attend some more shows, not sure which ones yet so keep your eyes on our social media channels for more announcements and details. We will let you know soon so if you want to try before you buy you can pop along and see us. There are plenty of 2023 dates open for booking over at Direct4x4 Escapes and so we will do all that we can to make your trips even more exciting and comfortable. We also have lots of quality new products coming so that your pride and joy can look the best ever. So bring on 2023; we are ready for you!