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

   
Lynne S

Lynne S

04 March 2026

"First time using Vansaway! I was in a bit of a panic as my van broke down and I was unable to fix it. My van is my livihood, so I looked into leasing and contract. I wish I done it sooner. I spoke to Jonathan as my first point of contact. I couldn't have got any luckier having him as my support. He was absolutely fantastic, he went above and beyond to help me. He was easy to contact and would always reply when I had any concerns or questions. His knowledge on all vehicles was impeccable, which made things easier. He listened to what I wanted and needed and explained everything thoroughly help me making the right choice in plan and kept in touch throughout the entire process! He knew I was in desperate need of a van and he did not disappoint and kept his word and I was able to get my new van delivered as soon as possible. Enjoying the drive. Its great about the perks involved in having a contract hire as well! Thank you so much for everything! Highly recommend, vans are just not how they use to be, so its great to have a brand new van along with the support of any engine faults things like that. A huge stress off my shoulders being sole trader."

Mike Collins

Mike Collins

18 February 2026

"Excellent service from start to finish. Rob was very helpful throughout the purchase of our Ford Transit tipper. Can’t recommend them enough. Mike Collins."

phoebe palmer

phoebe palmer

11 March 2026

"I recently bought a new car from this company and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. Tyler and Steve C were both brilliant to deal with – friendly, professional and incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. They took the time to answer all my questions and made everything straightforward and stress-free. The customer service was excellent and I never felt pressured at any point. Both Tyler and Steve C really went above and beyond to make sure everything was sorted and that I was happy with the car. I couldn’t recommend them enough and would definitely buy from them again in the future. Thanks again for such a great experience!"

David Hobson

David Hobson

31 March 2026

"Needed a van and fast...Vanaways sorted it from initial enquiry with Rob Upjohn to delivery with great communication along the way. Extremely efficient and great to deal with. Sophie contacted me immediately after delivery to make sure all went smoothly and that we were happy with the delivery etc. Recommended 100%"

4.8 out of 5 from 498 reviews
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