MM Band Services to double fleet
Band bus specialist, MM Band Services, plans to double its fleet size from 15 to 30 vehicles.
The operation is also to move to a new depot in preparation for the growth. The Hull-based firm converts and operates its own Van Hool sleeper coaches for touring music artists, their crew and music industry professionals. MM is to continue to use Van Hools.
General Manager, Ian McCoid, said: “We are now the largest independent in the band bus sector. We are looking to capture as much stadium touring work as possible. We will continue to work alongside our European and American tour management companies.”
Currently located in Arnold, near Hull, the operation is moving less than ten miles away to inhabit a new site. The new facility will provide three times more workshop space. Another mechanic is also being employed. Facilities for drivers are being added to the new building, including showers and a washing machine. Ian said: “We are bringing it up to our standard, putting in new panelling. We want it to be the driver’s home from home.”
The business is in the process of making the transition to the location and expects to be operating from it in late December or early January.
“It’s exciting,” said Ian. “It’s pushing us forward. We are putting in place a strong marketing strategy with emails. We are also having some CGI (Computer Generated Imager) marketing created. It looks fantastic!”
Evidenced by this expansion, Ian reports the band bus market is doing well: “It’s the way most bands earn money. We are not just doing the music industry nowadays either, we have worked with Sony Playstation and we did a Harry Potter event recently too.”
He said companies are now hiring the vehicles for events, using the luxuriously appointed interiors for a mobile office or rest space. Ian added: “A lot more companies are starting to use them as an alternative to hotels and taxis for events. There is a massive market for this.”