Marshalls Executive Travel to retire
South Lanarkshire-based Marshalls Executive Travel is set to close at the end of this month. Owners George and Viv Marshall are to retire.
George’s roots in coaches go as far back as 1949, when George’s grandfather, Jake Marshall, bought an Austin and a Bedford OB from Kilgour of Salsburgh and began operating them. George’s father William Marshall and uncle Robert Marshall then joined the business.
When Jake died, the partnership was dissolved, with William starting a business in his own right in 1963 with two coaches, a 35 seat Duple-bodied four-cylinder Albion Victor and a Duple bodied Bedford SB3. George and his brothers were very much involved in the operation, all being time-served mechanics and George a fully-qualified coach builder.
In 2009, George left Marshalls of Baillieston and him and his wife Viv started Marshalls Executive Travel in 2010. Van Hools, Setras, Mercedes-Benz and Scanias all played a part in this fleet over the years, which expanded as the business’s work grew.
“We have been very successful in our venture and wouldn’t change it for the world” – George Marshall
George Marshall said: “Now running a business is always faced with challenges and we feel we have had our fair share of ups and downs and difficulties. But unfortunately for the industry the challenges yet to be faced are never ending and at 77, having spent 64 years in the industry, I believe it’s time to retire and let someone else have a go.
“We have been very successful in our venture and wouldn’t change it for the world but through different things faced in recent times it made us realise it’s time to enjoy the life we have worked hard for over the years. So as of 30 September 2024, Marshalls Executive Travel will be retiring. But as we always say, it is never goodbye, it’s see you soon. We have made many friends over the years throughout the industry and our kettle is always on, so we say to friends don’t be strangers and it’s been a pleasure being a part of the industry I’ve grown up with and love.”