Princess Royal visits Hornsbys to mark 110th year
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has visited Hornsby Bus & Coach to celebrate the business’s 110th year serving the North Lincolnshire community.
The Princess Royal met members of the Hornsby family, some of the company’s staff, selected suppliers and supporters of the business. During the visit The Princess Royal toured the offices and depot with members of the Hornsby family. Time was spent on a service bus and onboard the company’s vintage coach, a 1940s Bedford OB named Barbara.
The Princess Royal heard about the bus industry and how the family has adapted the company over the years. The family history of the firm was explained and at the end of the visit the sixth generation Hornsby children presented Her Royal Highness with a bouquet of posies and a commemorative China Cup celebrating the business’s 110th year.
“We are a relatively small business in a large industry and this visit helps us raise the profile of independent family businesses who are working hard to support the community” – Nick Hornsby, Managing Director
Nick Hornsby, Managing Director, said: “I am flattered and most grateful that Her Royal Highness chose to visit our business for our 110-year celebrations. Her Royal Highness was relaxed and brought a big smile to everyone she met. We are a relatively small business in a large industry and this visit helps us raise the profile of independent family businesses who are working hard to support the community.”
Hornsby’s is a family run transport business in Scunthorpe. The company has a split focus with service buses serving the North Lincolnshire community and coaches taking customers on day trips around the UK. Coaches are also available for private hire and transport is provided to many local schools, colleges and organisations in the area. Hornsby’s was launched in 1914 (official date unknown).
The business is currently managed by Nick Hornsby (Director and fourth-generation Hornsby), Chloë Hornsby (fifth generation and the first woman to become a Director in the family’s history) and Karl Robinson (General Manager).