John’s cross

I wonder if the owner/owners who have presumably inherited under the estate have had the right advice. It is not normal to close a business and sack the staff if it is to be sold as a going concern. You immediately upset customers whose appointments get cancelled and sales deals get upset or cancelled. You lose all the staff expertise and have to pay redundancy. Stock gets sold at knock down prices and probably below cost. The person closing the business will earn a lot in fees! If the inheriting owners have no interest or experience in the business then they could appoint a business manager to oversee the business continuing whilst it is put up for sale to protect the owners interests. With such a good reputation there would have been valuable goodwill in terms of returning customers and their contact details, ongoing warranty work, servicing etc. Its very surprising indeed especially in such a buoyant motorhome marketplace at present!
 
Aireworth said:
(Pure speculation mode) Could it be that the value of the site/property far exceeds the value of the business? (/pure speculation mode)
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You can still relocate locally and retain the goodwill and I would have thought there would have been a buyer even if you want to keep the property for re-development or sale
 
Aireworth said:
(Pure speculation mode) Could it be that the value of the site/property far exceeds the value of the business? (/pure speculation mode)
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I'd be surprised if this was not true.
It's a big site on a main road.
Quick buck time, close the business and flog the site.

However one would have thought you could have made more money by selling the business (with or without the site).
But selling a business take a lot of time and effort.

Still if JimJams can find storage and money, there will be a load of spares going cheap.


My personal experience of something similar where the partners wanted to sell the company (rented office), they asked the staff to put in a genuine and serious offer, which, having visited the bank manager and arranged re-mortgaging of all our houses, we put in what we thought was a reasonable offer (we had maybe a 3% flexibility to increase.)

The Partners actually laughed at our offer and told us we were joking, they were expecting offers ten times higher!
We all duly got made redundant.
Three years later, due to a single deal that came good, the partners did sell the company for close to the price they thought it was worth, but in my opinion the value we put on it at the time was correct.
 
We have little idea of how profitable it was, and I wonder what the accounts would look like after the last 18months. There is an element of it being a specialist business - too much of the value of the goodwill could walk out the door if they didn't get on with the new owner. Shutting it is perhaps not an unreasonable thing to do from the new owners' point of view, sad though it may be all round.

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Evening all,
Sorry James to hear about the demise of JC. Very happy dealings recently. It was good to talk to you last week and I had hoped to sell my Bolero through you.
Has anyone got any recommendations for decent dealers in the south? Having to leave the road for a while due to sad personal circumstances and looking to find a buyer cheers.
 
You could try Motorhome Dealer Group (aka Three Counties Motorhomes). We bought from them a few years ago and were very pleased with the way it was all dealt with. They are based in Poole with another site near Ringwood. They only deal in used motorhomes, so are always looking out to buy. Like most, they will buy from anywhere, especially at the moment, no doubt
 
JimJams said:
Morning guys…

Well yes sadly as apparent johns cross motorhomes has closed its doors officially.
I have been proud to be part of the team there since leaving my fathers business some nearly 4 years ago. They welcomed me in as did Peter and it was a pleasure to work with a team that were passionate about the industry as I have always.

I am not going to lie it was a complete shock to walk in after finally have my first weekend off as we were so busy to be faced by a gentlemen waiting to have a meeting with me under the instructions to look to close the business.

I would like to clarify that the business was not struggling and financially in debt far from it was simply a decision by our current director to fold and close due to personal circumstances. Such a shame for a thriving business in a fantastic market trading for over 25 years. As you can imagine a complete shock to all of us as staff.

My instructions was simply to hand over the keys and run through some paperwork and information required of me and then asked to leave. I was not allowed to contact existing customers and even answer the phone so if anyone has been trying to contact me I sincerely apologise it was not my decision as it was taken out of my hands.

As a positive note I am actually in the process of starting my own dealership within the near proximity of johns cross where of course we will be welcoming with open arms all my existing and new customers. So watch this space ☺️

I as I’m sure the whole of johns cross will like to thank our customers for the last years and your kind feedback and comments.

James
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What a horrible way to lose one’s livelihood.

My current van was purchased, through James, from John’s Cross, about three years ago. Its a good van and was trouble free, as we all hope.

Its good to read so many voices of support here. You’re a good guy James, so I wish you every success getting a new venture up and running very soon.

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So sad. Dealt with them many times over the years. Always had perfect service and good advice when I was not sure what to order.
 
JimJams said:
Morning guys…

Well yes sadly as apparent johns cross motorhomes has closed its doors officially.
I have been proud to be part of the team there since leaving my fathers business some nearly 4 years ago. They welcomed me in as did Peter and it was a pleasure to work with a team that were passionate about the industry as I have always.

I am not going to lie it was a complete shock to walk in after finally have my first weekend off as we were so busy to be faced by a gentlemen waiting to have a meeting with me under the instructions to look to close the business.

I would like to clarify that the business was not struggling and financially in debt far from it was simply a decision by our current director to fold and close due to personal circumstances. Such a shame for a thriving business in a fantastic market trading for over 25 years. As you can imagine a complete shock to all of us as staff.

My instructions was simply to hand over the keys and run through some paperwork and information required of me and then asked to leave. I was not allowed to contact existing customers and even answer the phone so if anyone has been trying to contact me I sincerely apologise it was not my decision as it was taken out of my hands.

As a positive note I am actually in the process of starting my own dealership within the near proximity of johns cross where of course we will be welcoming with open arms all my existing and new customers. So watch this space ☺️

I as I’m sure the whole of johns cross will like to thank our customers for the last years and your kind feedback and comments.

James
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James such a sad end to a company well known in the community for its excellent feedback and help.

Would it be possible to buy out the company as is? It would surely help you going forward

wishing you very success but it really does seem an odd ending for the company

here’s to your future 🤞💕🙏

carol
 
I'm sorry to read this.
I never bought anything from John's Cross but noticed that the Funster member who replied under John's Cross avatar was always helpful and courteous with his posts and replies.
Other dealers should take note and learn that it's all about customer service!
I hope that that staff manage to get fixed up with jobs elsewhere and that their expertise in the motorhome sector doesn't go to waste.
Good luck to all.
 
Yes a lot of speculation under the circumstances but I have explained previously the circumstances and decision made by the director which sadly led to the demise of johns cross. Wasn’t a lack of and a financial situation solely a personal decision whether or not I agree or not! It was made and a complete shock.

Anyway thanks to everyone for your kind comments and you Pand myself and my business partner who equally is incredibly knowledgeable in the industry look forward to starting our new adventure together. And yes once up and established again I would welcome all our previous staff as together we were really a great team which is so important.

James
 
Nigo said:
Evening all,
Sorry James to hear about the demise of JC. Very happy dealings recently. It was good to talk to you last week and I had hoped to sell my Bolero through you.
Has anyone got any recommendations for decent dealers in the south? Having to leave the road for a while due to sad personal circumstances and looking to find a buyer cheers.
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Hi yes I remember our conversations.

You are more than welcome to pm me and I can give you some advise moving forward if you still need it.
James

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JimJams said:
Morning guys…

Well yes sadly as apparent johns cross motorhomes has closed its doors officially.
I have been proud to be part of the team there since leaving my fathers business some nearly 4 years ago. They welcomed me in as did Peter and it was a pleasure to work with a team that were passionate about the industry as I have always.

I am not going to lie it was a complete shock to walk in after finally have my first weekend off as we were so busy to be faced by a gentlemen waiting to have a meeting with me under the instructions to look to close the business.

I would like to clarify that the business was not struggling and financially in debt far from it was simply a decision by our current director to fold and close due to personal circumstances. Such a shame for a thriving business in a fantastic market trading for over 25 years. As you can imagine a complete shock to all of us as staff.

My instructions was simply to hand over the keys and run through some paperwork and information required of me and then asked to leave. I was not allowed to contact existing customers and even answer the phone so if anyone has been trying to contact me I sincerely apologise it was not my decision as it was taken out of my hands.

As a positive note I am actually in the process of starting my own dealership within the near proximity of johns cross where of course we will be welcoming with open arms all my existing and new customers. So watch this space ☺️

I as I’m sure the whole of johns cross will like to thank our customers for the last years and your kind feedback and comments.

James
Click to expand...
Hello James, what a pain for you all, I was just about to phone and book in my habitation check tomorrow, is it worth me waiting or should I use someone else this time ? can you recomend someone ?

Good luck with the future

Roger
 
We did wonder why the the forecourt was nearly empty at the end of July , came back past today and 2 vans and a caravan. The team were so helpful and the shop stocked some useful spares.
Hope you can open your new business soon James.
Please when you post of your opening splash it all over the forum.
 
Nigo said:
Evening all,
Sorry James to hear about the demise of JC. Very happy dealings recently. It was good to talk to you last week and I had hoped to sell my Bolero through you.
Has anyone got any recommendations for decent dealers in the south? Having to leave the road for a while due to sad personal circumstances and looking to find a buyer cheers.
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Nigo, PM me tomorrow and I will buy your van for stock.
Cheers Simon
 
Can only say a loss to our community as I found the service top rate and the advise was always freely given.
They really looked after their customers. Hope the Big Guys don't buy it up.
 
hblewett said:
You could try Motorhome Dealer Group (aka Three Counties Motorhomes). We bought from them a few years ago and were very pleased with the way it was all dealt with. They are based in Poole with another site near Ringwood. They only deal in used motorhomes, so are always looking out to buy. Like most, they will buy from anywhere, especially at the moment, no doubt
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Many thanks. I’ll give them a try.

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peterc10 said:
Yes it was James I think. He was their sales manager
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Sad news and feel for the family and staff. Always delivered excellent customer service. I would recommend giving Caravantech a call who are in Hurst Green and a short distance North.
 
Thank you. I’ll give them a call.
 
Hi roger

I have just sent you a message 👍🏻

James
Roger S said:
Hello James, what a pain for you all, I was just about to phone and book in my habitation check tomorrow, is it worth me waiting or should I use someone else this time ? can you recomend someone ?

Good luck with the future

Roger
Click to expand...
 
Roger S said:
Hello James, what a pain for you all, I was just about to phone and book in my habitation check tomorrow, is it worth me waiting or should I use someone else this time ? can you recomend someone ?

Good luck with the future

Roger
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www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Former John’s Cross Technician

Hi Everyone, Following the closure of Johns Cross Motor Caravan & Camping Centre, I would like to introduce myself. I am Mike a now former Johns Cross Habitation Technician and Mechanic. I am currently in the process of setting up my own Mobile Workshop to carry out habitation checks...
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk
 
Speve said:
www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Former John’s Cross Technician

Hi Everyone, Following the closure of Johns Cross Motor Caravan & Camping Centre, I would like to introduce myself. I am Mike a now former Johns Cross Habitation Technician and Mechanic. I am currently in the process of setting up my own Mobile Workshop to carry out habitation checks...
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk
Click to expand...
Good for you Mike. I wish you every success.
I left a job and started on my own in 1990. In reality, losing, what thought, was secure employment verses self employment is no more than stepping over a line in the road. It wont feel easy fir the first while, but its more secure in the long run as long as you work and are flexible to change as it occurs.
Warning, you soon become unemployable 😄

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Best thing i ever did going self employed. On my fifthtieth birthday started up with monies from a compromise agreement to leave another job. Never looked back freedom to work when you want have to turn work away. If you have a good work ethic and do a good job work will find you. Good luck and go for it.
 
I just had an odd bulk email from a Lewis McCarty saying JC items are going to be auctioned and can be viewed sept 13.
 
Auction and Lot details were posted last week, here:

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

John Cross Ltd Auction

Take a look at the spoils https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalogues/lambert-smith-hampton/catalogue-id-ed10698 bargains for some
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk
 
Thanks, i wasn't sure if it was genuine. Very sad, I don't understand why the business wasn't sold as a going concern.
 
ToBoldlyGo said:
Thanks, i wasn't sure if it was genuine. Very sad, I don't understand why the business wasn't sold as a going concern.
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James has already described the circumstances at length in this same thread. See posts #34, 64 and 104.
In short, one of the directors was retiring.

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