Whitelaw’s closing coaching operations

South Lanarkshire-based Whitelaw’s has made the decision to close its coaching operations. It is to focus on its public transport operations instead.

A statement signed by Managing Director, Sandra Whitelaw, said: “Unfortunately, the coaching side of the business has faced a series of challenges, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It can no longer make a positive contribution to our wider business.”

The operator said it has had to contend with ‘labour shortages, a massive increase in its costs, a higher regulatory burden and low-quality competition’.

The statement continued: “We are confident we have done all we can to mitigate these challenges. In our endeavours to reduce labour shortages, we have offered PCV scholarships, paid for tests and training, offered bonuses to entice recruits, participated in the Routes to Work scheme and provided competitive wages.

“We have reluctantly concluded that there is nothing more we can do and that we must act now in the best interests of our business and our people’s future.”

“While we are disappointed to withdraw from coaching, this positive decision will help us to continue investing in our business and people” – Sandra Whitelaw, Managing Director

The Board has made this ‘strategic, commercial decision’, which the company says has been taken at the right time to achieve a positive outcome. The closure will not result in job losses.

The statement said: “We will now focus all our efforts on our public transport operation, which provides modern, high-quality local bus services to communities across Lanarkshire.

“We are a reputable, local business that strives to provide good and professional services, while offering a fair working environment for our people. We will continue to do that.

“While we are disappointed to withdraw from coaching, this positive decision will help us to continue investing in our business and people. We look forward to our next chapter, exciting opportunities and continuing delivery of high-quality services to our customers.”

Whitelaw’s started life as a coach operator 51 years ago. While local bus services have long been the main part of our business, school contracts and private hire have always remained important to us.