Budget cuts fuel demand for Lancs bus company
A COMPANY which specialises in refurbishing buses for blue chip transport clients has expanded to new premises in order to keep up with demand.
Blackburn-based Bus and Coach World was established in January 2007 by Philip Hilton, former joint managing director of East Lancashire Coachbuilders, and his son Robert.
Mr Hilton left East Lancashire Coachbuilders in February 2005, prior to the company entering administration in 2007.
The business now employs 14 staff and its clients include Stagecoach, First Group, Arriva and London bus operators. This growth has led to a move from Varis Business Park to a 13,500 sq ft site in Appleby Street.
Mr Hilton said: “The success the company has achieved reflects on its workforce. They are all highly skilled, and most have worked for myself and my son in the past. With Government cutbacks and many companies finding it harder to secure funding, many transport companies are unable to buy new, and have been looking to have their current vehicles refurbished instead.
“We have seen a real growth in the business since we started up, and with our larger staff numbers we simply ran out of space. The new site will allow us to continue our current work but also prepare for future growth. The company intends to diversify into new bus sales and is currently in talks with the manufacturers of both double-deck and single deck vehicles.”
Richard Clithero, solicitor in the commercial property team at Napthens, advised the company on the leasing arrangements for its new premises.
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