Q&A: Tom Stables CEO

The launch of The Coach Travel Group marks an exciting new era for coach travel in the UK. We talk to CEO Tom Stables about the merger and the future plans for the new group…

How was The Coach Travel Group formed?

We have brought together seven of the best coach operators in the country: Alpine Travel, Barnes Coaches, Coatham Coaches, JH Coaches, Johnsons Coaches, Swans Travel and The Ready Group. This is a hugely exciting development as we have the opportunity to create something great and drive change in our industry for the benefit of our companies and the wider community.

What is your vision for the new company?

The Coach Travel Group will undoubtedly change the shape and look of our industry. My vision is for us to be the leading national coach travel provider, providing excellent services across the UK rooted in our local communities and markets. 

We will be the supplier and employer of choice, thanks to our reputation for safety, customer service, operational excellence and respect for our staff.

My ambition is for The Coach Travel Group to serve the whole of the UK by leveraging the combined strengths of our local operators to drive success and achieve our shared goals. With a commitment to the existing brands and through investment in our people and in our fleet, systems and products, we will innovate and lead the market.

What are the values of The Coach Travel Group?

We have created six key values that reflect the ethos and culture of our local brands. They are:

• Safety first: we commit to ensuring the safety of our customers, staff, and the public.
• People empowerment: we believe in empowering our employees and providing them with opportunities for growth and development.
• Reliability: we keep our promises to customers by delivering reliable and punctual services.
• Innovation and progress: we invest in the future through advanced technology, new vehicles, training and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Environmental, social and governance: we are committed to protecting our environment, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and efficient practices.
• Pride and integrity: we strive to create a business that all stakeholders are proud to be associated with.

How important is the group to the UK travel industry?

In one stroke we have created one of the leading names in the travel and tourism sector. Across our seven local brands we have a combined fleet of 450 high-specification vehicles, ranging from minibuses to large executive coaches.

Over the past 12 months, our operators have transported 143,804 passengers on a variety of holidays and day trips, showcasing our capacity to offer convenient and memorable travel experiences. From European holidays to theatre trips, we offer a diverse range of destinations to cater for all tastes.

We are also one of the leading school transport providers in the UK, transporting over 11,600 children across 232 daily routes. With our innovative tracking service, we can inform customers when the students have arrived safely.

How does the merger affect your current employees? 

We have a wonderful team of more than 700 dedicated professionals working across 16 sites who are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring customer satisfaction.

We recognise that a change can bring uncertainty and questions about what lies ahead. Our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our employees remains unchanged. While there may be adjustments, our core values and dedication to excellence will continue to be our North Star!

We are here to support our team and have assured them that their job roles, responsibilities, salary, benefits and terms of employment will stay the same. Our priority is to maintain the stability and continuity that have been the foundation of the success of our local brands. We promise to be transparent and ensure that our people are fully informed and supported every step of the way.

Does the merger include investment to grow the group?

We have an ambitious growth strategy for The Coach Travel Group, that will include further acquisitions. Furthermore, over the past three years our local brands have committed more than £23 million to enhance and expand our fleet of vehicles. 

This investment reflects our dedication to providing a quality service, ensuring our vehicles meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency and environmental compliance. By continuously upgrading our fleet, we not only improve the quality of service and comfort for our passengers but also reinforce our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the transport sector. Overall, our strategic investment positions us at the forefront of reliable and responsible group travel solutions.