Plaudits for Burch as he bows out

The announcement that the Confederation of Transport’s Regional Manager, John Burch, is to retire from the CPT brought with it a huge number of plaudits.

Announced on the Bus & Coach Buyer website, John’s decision to stand down, and devote his time to consultancy work, was greeted with a ‘thank you’ from across the bus and coach industry. Former CPT Chief Executive, Simon Posner, commented on a social website: “A magnificent servant to the industry and a pleasure to work with. I am sure that a little thing like retirement will not stop John continuing to give his all the bus and coach operators. A credit to the industry and a credit to himself. Happy retirement, John.”

Former CPT Coaching Manager now with the RHA, Andy Warrender, said: “All the very best and huge thanks for all your help and assistance to me personally as a member and colleague over the years.

Andy Warrender

“It is the end of an era; your knowledge and tenacity in finding the right answer has become something of legend and we wish you well in your consultancy. Wishing you all the very best for the future and look forward to a pint with you at some stage.”

James Church, Head of Commercial at Roselyn Coaches in Cornwall, said: Good Luck for the future John. You are an incredibly knowledgeable gentleman who has assisted and guided me throughout my career to date.

“John has always been at the end of the phone to help me understand new legislation and help with any random question I may have had. John has worked tirelessly to help all operators in his patch and has gone above and beyond to help and guide the bus and coach industry, especially during Covid where he worked hard with his colleagues at the Confederation of Passenger Transport to make sure there was support for so many independent coach companies from going bust. You will be missed in this role but good to hear you are still available. Plus I am sure we will see you out on the road in North Devon in your capacity as a school bus driver. Take Care John and thanks.”

CPT’s current UK Coach Manager, Phil Smith wrote: “All the very best John Burch it’s been a pleasure to work with you.”

CPT’s former Development Manager Scotland, and former First Aberdeen MD, George Mair said: “I hope this finds you well and looking forward to a more settled life. You have certainly put in a great shift! I have no doubt that your knowledge and experience will continue to be called for by the industry. Thanks for your help and support during my time at CPT, Wishing you all the very best for whatever path you decide to follow in this new chapter in life.”