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press release

School Friends Collaborate In Cardiff-Based Contractor Growth

Vanaways
Vanaways
14th Mar 2024
School Friends Collaborate In Cardiff-Based Contractor Growth

Two former schoolmates from Cardiff have struck up a business relationship which is helping drive expansion at rapidly-growing building contractor.

Ryan Evans, owner of RME Group, has seen his company develop from being one man, a van and an apprentice in 2020 to now employing 24 directly alongside around 40 regular subcontractors. Turnover has doubled to £3.3m this year and, having also recently acquired two small local mechanical and electrical companies he is projecting ongoing annual growth of 50 per cent.

The latest company investment has been the purchase of five brand new vans – four double-cab Vauxhall Vivaros and a Citreon Berlingo – as the company continues to expand through a move into facilities maintenance. Throughout the company’s years of growth Ryan has been supported with his fleet requirements by Liam Nicholas, business development director at Vanaways.

The two were at Cantonian High School together – Liam left in 2011 – and struck up a business relationship when Ryan was looking for a trusted vehicle supplier. Now they are looking forward to a prosperous partnership over coming years as both companies continue their growth trajectories. The new vehicles will carry larger numbers of personnel as manpower requirements grow, while also allowing RME Group to economise on transport costs.

 

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“It’s great to be working with Ryan,” said Liam, “we were a couple of years apart at school but we had mutual friends and we’ve moved in the same business circles recently. Now we’re working closely together.”

“At Vanaways we love helping growing businesses – their needs are unique and often fluid, which suits our business model, and they generally share values of dynamism and innovation.”

“So we usually find we quickly generate strong and enduring relationships with our customers. Clearly in this case there was a bond there already, so I’m more than happy to be part of the journey of RME Group and we’ll support Ryan and his team in every way we can.”

Vanaways is itself undergoing spectacular current growth, having moved into new offices in Ham Green near the M5 at Bristol early last year. Company turnover has risen dramatically in 2023, while staff numbers have risen to 72 and the business is on track to deliver sales on more than 6,000 vehicles in 2024. Working with a vast network of suppliers across the UK, none of which Vanaways is tied to, the company offers free delivery with a digitalised sales process which enables quick fulfilment of the customer’s fleet needs.

 

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Mr Evans said that vehicle investment was likely to play a major role in his company’s growth over coming years.

“The new vehicles look amazing,” he said. “We’ve had them wrapped locally – thanks to Dragon Signs for their work – and they’re a step up from what we had before in terms of style and visual impact.”

“So we’re excited to get them out on the road and act as a flagship for our brand, as we continue to develop our offering and win more business in South Wales and across the Bristol Channel.”

“Having reliable partners if of course crucial to our future success and it’s great to have linked up with Liam again. As we get more companies and organisations looking for our services it’s vital to get people out and about with reliability and style.

“So a quality fleet, which can be added to at short notice – at the right price and depending on our requirements, is vital.”

 

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Vanaways Reviews

   
Zoe Batchelor

Zoe Batchelor

17 January 2025

"Love the van, Perfect as the spec I ordered, Saving up for the next one, thank you Adrian and Team, Boyd Batchelor, Tillage Nurseries"

Lisa Russell

Lisa Russell

05 August 2024

"Found these guys online and was a little bit wary to buy a new van from someone I hadn't heard of. From the off, the first phone call was professional and gave me all the information that I needed, Theo was great, helpful and I proceeded to order my new van, Paige sorted the paperwork quickly and efficiently and within 10 days I had my new van delivered! The price was very competitive and all parts of the transaction were easy and hassle free, wouldn't hesitate to recommend these guys, Thank you so much for a really good experience."

Yusuf U. Gadzama

Yusuf U. Gadzama

20 August 2024

"I was looking for a good deal on a van online and then came across Van away, at first I was a bit sceptical but later went ahead and bought a Peugeot boxer on an unbeatable price online. The sell team were fantastic all the way and very helpful to say the least. I will highly recommend Van away to anybody that's looking for a van of any kind. Thanks Van Away for your first class service and I will be looking forward to a future deal."

Clare Wood

Clare Wood

19 November 2024

"Just purchased a 2nd van through Vanaways to add to our company fleet. Steve Catley was helpful, communicative and informative all the way through the process. We would definitely use Vanaways again, and would not hesitate to recommend them."

Jay Pee Ay

Jay Pee Ay

05 December 2024

"Paige was outstanding in her responsiveness to what presented as a serious problem for our company. The finance company used by her company caused unnecessary and significant delays in the delivery of our van - the pain of which was mitigated somewhat by Paige's proactive communication, informative and realistic communication and very professional demeanour. I'd recommend her and she meant our view of Vanaways was overall positive."

4.9 out of 5 from 441 reviews
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