Ilkeston-based WFP Fabrications (www.wfpfabrications.co.uk) discovered a novel route to new business when managing director Matthew Holmes took a trip in a 36-year-old VW camper-van named ‘Betty’ — and landed three contracts worth £30,000.

He came up with the idea of leaving his desk behind and taking to the road in his VW T25 air-cooled camper-van to attract new business.

WFP has been at the forefront of skip manufacturing for many years, producing a wide range of waste containers.

Mr Holmes and his fiancée Gemma Worthington attracted lots of attention, as they travelled from Derbyshire to Scotland.

They visited Morecambe Metals in Lancashire, Brampton Skip Hire in Carlisle and Oakbank in Dumfries, before spending the evening on the coast at Pow Foot — reflecting on their adventure.

Mr Holmes said: “It was a fantastic trip that allowed us to meet our customers face-to-face. Our VW camper-van was a huge hit and a lovely talking point; William at Morecambe Metals even hopped inside for a cuppa with us.”