Founder Story: Evolution of a Family Business

Mick’s Story – Crafting a Legacy on the Open Road

RS Motorhomes began not with a business plan, but with a simple desire for excellence. In his youth, Mick Rowe raced motorbikes across the UK, spending weekends in tents that offered little comfort. From these early adventures, he realised that travel could and should be elevated.

Determined to create a superior experience, Mick converted his first van, combining practicality with ingenuity. What began as a personal solution soon evolved into a passion for exceptional design, attention to detail, and craftsmanship.

As his family grew, so did the need for a more refined motorhome. Existing vehicles left much to be desired, and Mick saw an opportunity: to create something better. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a professional endeavour, supported by his first two colleagues, Carl Lowther and Eddie Lowe. Together, they dedicated themselves to perfecting every element of the build, ensuring that every RS motorhome combined luxury, durability, and personalised functionality.

“It wasn’t about producing more vehicles; it was about creating motorhomes that people would cherish spaces that combine comfort, innovation, and timeless design.”

The Early Challenges and Vision
Building a brand synonymous with quality required more than technical skill. Mick sought collaborators who shared his dedication to excellence and consistently pushed boundaries from innovative layouts to fully bespoke designs, including accessible motorhomes tailored to the individual needs of clients.

“The true reward comes from the moment a customer sees their motorhome for the first time, the expression on their face when a dream is realised.”

A Legacy Carried Forward
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of RS Motorhomes’ story is the next generation.

Mick’s twin boys, Daniel and Leon, were part of the family journey and remain an important part of RS’s story. Their early involvement are deeply woven into the values and spirit of the business.

Jack, competitive and driven from a young age, has carried this legacy forward, blending the family’s ethos with his own dynamism as Sales Director. Katie, independent, insightful, and forward-thinking, now serves as Company Secretary and Director, ensuring the brand remains at the cutting edge while staying true to its roots.

“Watching Jack and Katie take the helm fills me with pride. They embody the values, dedication, and passion that RS was built on, and I am confident they will guide the brand into an exciting new chapter.”

Alison Rowe – The Heart of RS

Alongside Mick, Alison Rowe has been a defining presence in the RS story. The couple, celebrating 34 years together, have spent much of that time not just as partners in life but as partners in business.

Alison’s contribution has been both visible and behind the scenes. From administrative expertise to supporting production, she was involved in every element of building RS in its formative years. She recalls the immense pride of arriving at motorsport events to see paddocks filled with RS vehicles, each one a testament to the team’s hard work and reputation.

After 33 years, Alison has stepped into an advisory role, supporting the business’s strategic direction. Her pride remains in the company she helped shape and in the next generation stepping forward: “I know Jack and Katie share the same work ethic as me and Mick but they bring with them fresh ideas that will carry RS into an exciting new era.”

Jack’s Journey – From Racing Tracks to Sales Director

Jack Rowe’s relationship with motorhomes began long before he joined the family business formally. Growing up surrounded by motorsport, RS vehicles were both his home and his travelling base, accompanying him across Europe and the UK as he competed in motocross and rallying.

A serious accident in his teens brought an end to his motocross career, but his competitive spirit remained undimmed. He turned to rallying and, at just 17, won the BRCC British Rally Challenge Championship. Later, he moved into off-road buggy racing, finishing second in his first season.

Transitioning from motorsport to the family business, Jack started at the bottom – cleaning the factory before working through every department: chassis, exterior fit, joinery, and interiors. This hands-on experience gives him a unique understanding of RS motorhomes, now informing his role as Sales Director.

“We don’t just sell motorhomes; we guide people through a bespoke journey. From first enquiry to collection, it’s a shared experience, crafted to their needs.”

A key part of this journey has been Jake Linacre, Jack’s lifelong friend and a trusted Sales Manager at RS. Known to Jack like a brother since childhood, Jake has been part of the RS story for years. Loyal, trusted, and fully embedded in the family culture, he is not only instrumental to the company’s growth but also a true extension of the RS family.

Jack has led RS into specialist markets, creating one-off builds including rally support vehicles and bespoke European models. He is excited about the company’s growth: stock and custom vehicles, a thriving used motorhome division, and the forthcoming new premises.

And as a fun aside: Jack once served as a stunt double in the James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’.

Katie’s Journey – Balancing Heritage with Innovation

Katie Rowe’s path into RS Motorhomes was forged by experience and curiosity. Growing up in a family where motorsport and motorhomes intertwined, she spent weekends travelling, helping in the joinery shop, and becoming part of a community of RS owners who would become lifelong friends.

“I always felt proud pulling into a paddock and seeing more and more RS motorhomes each year,” she recalls.

Her early career was diverse: working at Costa, the NHS, and running her own salon. After Covid, she began assisting with bookkeeping at RS, and after the birth of her first child in 2022, she chose to dedicate herself fully to the business.

Katie brings a balance of tradition and modern perspective to RS.

“I’ve inherited my parents’ work ethic, but I’ve also grown up in a digital age. I want to uphold the quality RS is known for while introducing systems, technology, and fresh ideas to elevate the business further.”

Her focus on people, culture, and leadership ensures RS continues to be a company built on both craftsmanship and care, creating a customer experience that reflects the brand’s heritage and aspirations.

Looking Ahead – A New Chapter for RS

RS Motorhomes is entering an exciting new era. After moving to a more rural location, the company now has the space and infrastructure to match its ambition. Over the next 12 months, new facilities will take shape, designed to provide an experience that rivals any in the industry.

“We want every visitor to feel the difference the moment they arrive – positivity, expertise, and a sense of belonging. This is about more than motorhomes; it’s about crafting a journey and experience that no other company can offer.”

The development represents the next stage in the evolution of a family business, combining heritage, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking design, a reflection of everything RS stands for, and a promise of a bright, luxurious future.