Phil Smith appointed as CPT Coaching manager

CPT has appointed Phil Smith as its new Coaching Manager.

“I very much look forward to supporting CPT members as they look to bounce back from Covid-19” – Phil Smith

Taking up his post on 10 May Phil will be responsible for providing CPT coach members with operational support and engaging with a range of stakeholders such as key local authorities, TfL and our coach tourism partners. Phil will also be responsible for CPT’s Coach Marque scheme the only universally recognised accreditation for coach travel in the UK.

Phil started his career in the coach sector working with National Travel East and has experience of the whole spectrum of coaching including private hire, excursions and international operations working with operators from Plymouth to Cumbria. He also spent six years in Scotland with Wisharts and Travel Greyhound. In his later career, he has had extensive experience of lobbying local authority and government stakeholders, which is becoming increasingly important for coach operators.

CPT Operations Director, Keith McNally, said: “I’m pleased Phil has agreed to join the CPT team. Phil started his career in the coach sector and has had extensive involvement with coach operations over the years since then. In more recent times, his experience managing medium sized bus operations has given him valuable expertise in stakeholder engagement, which will be vital as he supports the coach sector in its recovery from the pandemic.”

Phil Smith said: “I’m delighted to be joining CPT during what is a challenging time for the coach industry following the pandemic. Coaches have a vitally important role to play in tackling congestion, improving air quality and helping the country’s economy recover from the pandemic. I very much look forward to supporting CPT members as they look to bounce back from Covid-19.”