Timberbush makes £2m coach investment
Timberbush Tours has embarked on a £2m new vehicle spend, purchasing 16 new coaches ranging from 10-seaters to 53-seaters.
This investment increases its fleet size to 34 coaches for its existing Edinburgh and Glasgow operations and its new service out of Inverness scheduled to start in the next few months’ time.
The additions to the fleet will be delivered ahead of the summer season. The investment is in-line with the company’s regular stock replacement strategy whereby coaches reaching three years old are disposed and replaced by the latest models available. They are equipped with technology and other accoutrements to enhance the customer tour experience.
Timberbush has placed orders for 16 coaches, including 12 from Mercedes Benz (four 19-seaters, seven 16-seaters and a 10-seater). They were purchased through West Lothian-based Coachtraders Limited. Additionally, two 32-seater MAN Mobi coaches have been purchased via B.A.S.E Coach Sales and two 53-seat NEOPLAN Tourliners have been bought directly from MAN.
Steve Spalding, CEO of Timberbush Tours, said: “With competition in the local market intensifying, this planned investment is significant for us. These coaches will be delivered to us kitted out to our specification and reflect our commitment to continually re-fleet and replace our coaches with the most environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles available.
“Our fleet stock is less than three years old and this is our blueprint in an industry where a company’s ‘green’ credentials are a huge consideration for customers. This is something we take great pride in, having been accredited with the Green Business Tourism Scheme Gold Award and EcoStars 5 Star rating.
“Moreover, we are employing 18 additional guides this year and they will be put through an intensive training programme ahead of our busy summer season. This lays down a marker for us having the very best tour guides in the coach tour business. This is an industry that never stands still and Timberbush has continually prided its self on its investment programmes and policies to remain at the forefront of the coach travel industry in Scotland. This has been synonymous with our brand across our 21 years of trading.”
In preparation for the arrival of the new coaches, Steve Spalding confirmed that further recruitment is underway for administrative support staff. The roles will be part of an operational expansion programme which will see an upgrade to its Edinburgh HQ base. Timberbush has acquired a unit adjacent to its current depot which will be used as to expand its fleet parking, maintenance and training facilities.