Mellor has hosted Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, at its Rochdale facility as she announced funding for the UK’s transport network. The MP also visited First’s Huddersfield depot.

Mellor’s John Cliffe with Rachel Reeves

During her visit to Mellor, the MP announced the Government’s £15.6bn transport investment for regions outside of London.

The Chancellor was joined by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport.

Commenting on the transport investment, Rachel Reeves said: “This is one of the areas in which previous governments have promised most but delivered least. Now, thanks to changes in our fiscal framework, we have the money to invest—and it’s going to mayors to deliver for their communities.”

Andy Burnham said: “This investment gives us the tools to build a truly integrated transport system for Greater Manchester—one that serves all parts of our city-region and connects more people to opportunity.”

Mellor, long committed to designing and building buses that serve smaller towns, rural areas, and harder-to-reach communities, supports this strategy fully.

“We were honoured to host the Chancellor, Mayor Burnham, and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander for this announcement” – Gustavo Marqueta, CCO of Mellor parent company Woodall Nicholson Group

Gustavo Marqueta, CCO of Mellor parent company Woodall Nicholson Group, said: “We were honoured to host the Chancellor, Mayor Burnham, and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander for this announcement. At Mellor, we build buses that go where others can’t—connecting communities that are too often overlooked. This investment signals real change for people who rely on public transport most.”

Huddersfield depot

During her tour, Reeves also visited First Bus’ Huddersfield depot.

Janette Bell, Managing Director for First Bus, said: “We were very pleased to welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to our Huddersfield bus depot today as she unveiled details of £15.6 billion in funding for local transport projects across England’s city regions, including South Yorkshire, the North East, the East Midlands and Tees Valley.

“Transport is key for unlocking economic, social and environmental benefits nationwide, and we welcome this investment across the country. It is good to see that bus connections are put front and centre of these projects, and we will work with local authorities and partners to deliver in the communities we serve.”