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

   
Charlie B

Charlie B

28 May 2025

"I recently bought a new Ranger Platinum from Vanaways. I dealt with Chris Baxter who helped make the whole process really straight forward and kept me up to date. I would highly recommend and look forward to further business! Many thanks"

Kimberley Harkins

Kimberley Harkins

30 June 2025

"Very happy with our Vanaways transaction! We needed three new vans quickly for our company and Vanaways didn't disappoint. Hannah and Abbie were on hand every step of the way and provided extremely good prices which suited our business. Customer service is a priority for them and it shows with every phone call and email! When I need a few more, they will be my first port of call. Thankyou guys!"

David Kenning

David Kenning

16 June 2025

"Great service right from the first contact with Reece, who then passed me onto Ash once initial sale was completed. From making payment delivery was approximately 3 days. Received text from Nathan this morning (16th June) and he was on time with delivery. Really pleased with the service I've received. Many thanks!"

Mark Carter

Mark Carter

01 April 2025

"First class service, I must mention Adrian & Ash on an excellent deal & swift turn around under the short notice I had to buying a new van. Slight delay in the delivery of the van from manufacturers end but Adrian agreed to cover the cost of a hire van until my new van was delivered which allowed me to continue working. its the first time i've purchased a van without physically entering a dealership and i wouldn't hesitate to do it again."

Jackie Lee

Jackie Lee

28 March 2025

"Excellent service from start to finish. Jake Wheelock was professional, efficient and really genuinely helpful. Had my truck in less than 2 weeks. Great communication and reliable. Would highly recommend!"

4.9 out of 5 from 457 reviews
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