HCT Group is spreading the social enterprise model in the bus and coach sector. It has made its first ever acquisitions of commercial operations this year and is converting them to its own social enterprise business model. It has also runs a successful programme to get ex-offenders into bus driving. Despite this success, the company […]
There was considerable surprise in the industry late last year when it was announced that the Woodall Nicolson Group, owners of Mellor Coachcraft, were to buy long-time competitor Treka Bus and that the Brighouse-based company would come under the overall control of Woodall Nicolson’s MD, John Randerson. Both companies specialise in producing coachbuilt minibuses, with […]
John Dunn’s had an eventful life so far. It has included spells with what was at the time possibly the strongest coach sales team ever assembled, running the dealership that brought the TAZ Dubrava to the UK. He was involved with bringing the Marcopolo brand to these shores, saw tough times following the collapse of […]
Tomorrow’s World was the theme of this year’s CPT Coaching Conference. It saw a format shift compared to its previous incarnations, with this year’s event being a two-day affair. The first day included the CoachMarque Meeting, followed by the Coach Commission Meeting. After this, delegates had the chance to explore the One Stop Shop trade-stand […]
The success story that is the Yutong TC9 has seen Pelican Engineering emerge into the coach industry from a background in trucks. If, four years ago, Sales Manager Bob Elliott had been set a target of 100 units a year, he’d probably have broken into a cold sweat, wondering if the Chinese midicoach would be […]
John Wales is in sparkling form, bristling with enthusiasm as the new(ish) Chair of the Coach Tourism Association. He’s familiar not only with the CTA but with just about every operator member, so although he intimates there’s a hint of trepidation I’m pretty sure he’s on home turf. He follows in the footsteps of Albatross […]
Gleaming in the November afternoon light, the glassy façade of the Palestra building where TfL’s offices are housed is, fittingly, in the centre of London’s transport network. Entering the impressive site, going through the security gates and taking the lift up, Claire Mann was waiting in a board room, away from the bustle of the […]
The last of EVM’s order for ArrivaClick demand-responsive vehicles has been delivered, and with it, the foundation of one of the most innovative developments in the modern history of the bus industry. I’m riding aboard that final ArrivaClick vehicle now, and pondering over much more than just the remarkable vehicle I’m aboard. And this Irish-built, […]