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

   
Steve Brown

Steve Brown

22 May 2026

"From start to finish vanaways uk nailed it love my new van from Jack selling me it to Ellie looking after my every wish perfectly done am so pleased will definitely use them again"

Lisa Partington

Lisa Partington

29 May 2026

"We cannot fault the service we have received from everyone we have dealt with at Vanaways and will definitely by contacting you again when we come to replace our next vehicle……. On the whole, Customer service, these days, I have found to be quite disappointing and frustrating – I wish more companies showed the care and attention to detail that you guys have shown… you have restored my faith in Vehicle sales teams!! I would not hesitate in recommending you and wish all of our suppliers were are easy to deal with as you have been!! Thankyou especially to Shina and Sophie...."

Simon Grave

Simon Grave

18 July 2026

"An absolutely brilliant company to deal with. Every part of getting my new vehicle was easy. Great communication process and always kept updated at every stage. Big thank you to Jacob and also everyone else who I spoke to and can’t remember their names, all great to deal with. Thank you"

John Owens

John Owens

14 April 2026

"Fantastic service from start to finish. This is the second vehicle we have had from Liam.Liam took the time to listen to the vehicle that I wanted, sourced exactly what I wanted. Within 2 weeks the right vehicle was sourced and delivered Joe was amazing kept me up to date with the progress, the van was delivered this morning early. highly recommend these guys for vehicles Thank you both"

4.8 out of 5 from 509 reviews
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