EYMS puts Whittles up for sale.

[overthewater]

Unless you have been living in cave, EYMS are selling off Whittle.

http://www.whittlecoach.co.uk/141008 PR Whittles sale.pdf

Whittle Coach and Bus has been put up for sale by its owners, the family-owned bus and coach
company EYMS Group Limited based in Hull, following several years of operating losses.

EYMS Chairman, Peter Shipp, said that he was extremely disappointed at having to take this decision, the Group having bought the Company from the owner Ron Whittle in 2004 with every intention of growing and developing it for the long term. However, competition in the bus and local coach market has eroded the Whittles’ financial

situation and this has not been helped by factors outside the Company’s control. In 2012, the Government’s 20% cut in Bus Operators’ Fuel Duty Subsidy which had been in place since the 1960s, and pressures on local authority budgets which have reduced concessionary travel reimbursement to bus operators and the money available for local authorities to support unprofitable services, have all added to the problems.

EYMS Group, whose main and much larger subsidiary East Yorkshire Motor Services, based in Hull, has, like every other bus operator, been hit by the same financial cuts and says it can no longer afford to support its loss-making Whittles subsidiary. It is hoped that a buyer can be found for the business, or at least parts of it, as EYMS says its absolute priority is to try and save jobs, and efforts to contact possible interested parties have already begun

What is the future EMYS?

 

[chris89]

Already know since Whittles is my local service. So currently more concerned about that then EYMS sadly.

 

[mbonwick]

EYMS will be OK longer term I imagine - it's remaining activites actually make money, unlike Finglands and Whittles.

From the wording of the press release, and what I've heard elsewhere, Whittles never turned a profit under EYMS ownership, so was only a matter of time before they sold up.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

How well did the coach holiday side of the Whittle organisation fare in recent years, as they did have a 2014 programme of such coach holidays.

 

[chris89]

How well did the coach holiday side of the Whittle organisation fare in recent years, as they did have a 2014 programme of such coach holidays.

What I have heard it has done/ does better then the normal bus part

 

[Mugby]

If the sale is accomplished, will it mean that EYMS is not a 'group' anymore?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

What I have heard it has done/ does better then the normal bus part

This seems to be similar to Clowes Coaches who auctioned off their bus fleet, but retained the coaches that were used on the coach holiday side of the business.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

If the sale is accomplished, will it mean that EYMS is not a 'group' anymore?

I think that name refers to the holding company, but I stand willing to be corrected on that point.

It always seemed strange to me after all the dispersals in the past as to why a Kidderminster-based company was still a part of the EYMS grouping.

 

[cactustwirly]

This mess is due to poor management. Foe example the newest buses, are on contracts round Bridgnorth, when they should be on commercial routes round Kidderminster, competing with Diamond.
Their livery isn't very attractive either, it makes the buses look old and dirty. But they have good timekeeping and friendly drivers. If they eant to become profitable under their new owners, they need to cut the frequency of routes. Eg: the 101 is too frequent, except Saturday. Make sure their buses stand out against the competition (attractive colour scheme, 56 enviros competing with Diamonds 52 darts) Concentrate on routes which are viable. The route 1 doesn't look like a moneyspinner. Perhaps replace the Darts with 05 plate Solos.

 

[martinsh]

Foe example the newest buses, are on contracts round Bridgnorth, .

Really ? The only Bridgnorth area services I can see are the 101 and 125 which is Bridgnorth - Kidderminster anyway.

they need to cut the frequency of routes....
The route 1 doesn't look like a moneyspinner.

Routes 1 & 3 were withdrawn in September, replaced by 2A & 2C. Have noticed that many of the routes seem to run at odd times, instead of a regular service e.g. 2A/2C is every 35 or 40 mins !

 

[winston270twm]

Really ? The only Bridgnorth area services I can see are the 101 and 125 which is Bridgnorth - Kidderminster anyway.

Routes 1 & 3 were withdrawn in September, replaced by 2A & 2C. Have noticed that many of the routes seem to run at odd times, instead of a regular service e.g. 2A/2C is every 35 or 40 mins !

I believe the 125 is commercial anyway.

Whittle's withdrew the 1 & 3 & introduced the new 2A/2C as a result of Diamond introduced a competing route 1 & increasing the frequency of their route 3. I don't think the 2A/2C have been as popular as hoped.

With all the uncertainty surrounding Whittle's, staff are leaving and it's looking as though Whittle's will be unable to operate all its routes. Diamond have hel two recruitment days one the Sunday after the Whittle's announcement, the other the following Sunday, both a Kidderminster garage:

http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/11554075.Staff_exodus_puts_bus_routes_under_threat/

 

[Robertj21a]

.
Presumably Arriva won't be interested.

 

[winston270twm]

.
Presumably Arriva won't be interested.

I can't see it, the bus business isn't really attractive to anyone other than Rotala/Diamond, Kidderminster isn't a big enough town to support two bus operators. The only other option would be is if someone want to take it on to get back at Rotala.

I suspect it will just be closed down & Diamond will just register on the commercial routes F.O.C with the tenders following. The coach tours/contracts part may find a buyer?

 

[chris89]

This mess is due to poor management. Foe example the newest buses, are on contracts round Bridgnorth, when they should be on commercial routes round Kidderminster, competing with Diamond.
Their livery isn't very attractive either, it makes the buses look old and dirty. But they have good timekeeping and friendly drivers. If they eant to become profitable under their new owners, they need to cut the frequency of routes. Eg: the 101 is too frequent, except Saturday. Make sure their buses stand out against the competition (attractive colour scheme, 56 enviros competing with Diamonds 52 darts) Concentrate on routes which are viable. The route 1 doesn't look like a moneyspinner. Perhaps replace the Darts with 05 plate Solos.

The 101 & 125 Service is Commercial services. Also we need the newer buses on the 125, due to the route the bus takes. Especially the bigger buses as, during various times during the time it gets very very busy.

With the 101 it is hard choice, it needs to be frequent, since it goes to many places the other services around Bridgnorth do not. The 125 recently had a lot of the services to Stourbridge cut back, due to the delays it was causing i believe, which led to many of the buses being massively late.

Ideally to make the 125 service better, it would need to run buses later from both Bridgnorth (One or two after 18:45) Also from Kiddy (At least one extra after 17:45) The ones around kiddy, i can't comment as don't use them.

.
Presumably Arriva won't be interested.

I can't see it, the bus business isn't really attractive to anyone other than Rotala/Diamond, Kidderminster isn't a big enough town to support two bus operators. The only other option would be is if someone want to take it on to get back at Rotala.

I suspect it will just be closed down & Diamond will just register on the commercial routes F.O.C with the tenders following. The coach tours/contracts part may find a buyer?

Kiddy area i can't imagine Arriva would be that interested. Bridgnorth i think they would do so. But then would lead to complete control around that area of West Midlands, Until you get into Telford, Wolverhampton etc.

 

[winston270twm]

The 101 & 125 Service is Commercial services. Also we need the newer buses on the 125, due to the route the bus takes. Especially the bigger buses as, during various times during the time it gets very very busy.

With the 101 it is hard choice, it needs to be frequent, since it goes to many places the other services around Bridgnorth do not. The 125 recently had a lot of the services to Stourbridge cut back, due to the delays it was causing i believe, which led to many of the buses being massively late.

Ideally to make the 125 service better, it would need to run buses later from both Bridgnorth (One or two after 18:45) Also from Kiddy (At least one extra after 17:45) The ones around kiddy, i can't comment as don't use them.

Kiddy area i can't imagine Arriva would be that interested. Bridgnorth i think they would do so. But then would lead to complete control around that area of West Midlands, Until you get into Telford, Wolverhampton etc.

I'm surprised that they cut the 125 back to two hourly between Kidderminster & Stourbridge, I would have thought that might kill that section of route. In hindsight maybe they should have left the frequency as it was & added an extra bus/increased the running time/layover etc.

Arriva have only very recently closed their Bridgenorth Outstation, I would have though that the bus business would be sold as a job lot, not split in to separate routes.

I expect that the Whittle's bus business will more than likely just close now due to staffing issues and Diamond will pick up its routes for nothing, I'm not sure Diamond could buy the bus business without attracting interest from the Oft.

 

[chris89]

I'm surprised that they cut the 125 back to two hourly between Kidderminster & Stourbridge, I would have thought that might kill that section of route. In hindsight maybe they should have left the frequency as it was & added an extra bus/increased the running time/layover etc.

Arriva have only very recently closed their Bridgenorth Outstation, I would have though that the bus business would be sold as a job lot, not split in to separate routes.

I expect that the Whittle's bus business will more than likely just close now due to staffing issues and Diamond will pick up its routes for nothing, I'm not sure Diamond could buy the bus business without attracting interest from the Oft.

I was surprised that they had as well. Didn't know that about the Bridgnorth outstation for Arriva.

For me overall, who ever takes the services on. I just hope they don't cut down or Highley and surrounding area, in the worst case scenario doesn't go without a bus service. As only way to get about without a Car.

 

[winston270twm]

I was surprised that they had as well. Didn't know that about the Bridgnorth outstation for Arriva.

For me overall, who ever takes the services on. I just hope they don't cut down or Highley and surrounding area, in the worst case scenario doesn't go without a bus service. As only way to get about without a Car.

I would expect that the 101, 125 & 192 would be safe even under Diamond and they would complement their existing KR network or services, the 7 & 15 should stay unaltered as they're tendered. The commercial services that might be rationalized/at risk would be Whittle's 2A/2C & possibly the frequency of Diamond 3's?

 

[LM 170]

Last Day of Services for Whittles is on Saturday 3rd January 2015.

 

[cactustwirly]

The 101 is now operated by Arriva

http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/Midlands/services/101-sydney-cottage-to-grove-estate/

 

[chris89]

The 101 is now operated by Arriva

http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/Midlands/services/101-sydney-cottage-to-grove-estate/

I know it had 'Temporary' so is it now permanent it has been? But as mentioned before, no concern to the other services, just the 125.

 

[bussnapperwm]

NXWM Walsall have gained the NX contracts.

Rotala have brought the remaining coach side, Whittles name and goodwill.

Depot for the new Whittles is to be at Island Drive, Kidderminster

Bus fleet is moving back to Yorkshire

Service 125 Stourbridge to Kidderminster (commercial section of the 125) is to move to Central Buses

The remaining Whittles Worcestershire routes have been put out for tender with the winners confirmed in the next week (the winners already know what they've won but it's the 14 day cooling off period)

The 125 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster is a Shropshire contract.

 

[winston270twm]

NXWM Walsall have gained the NX contracts.

Rotala have brought the remaining coach side, Whittles name and goodwill.

Depot for the new Whittles is to be at Island Drive, Kidderminster

Bus fleet is moving back to Yorkshire

Service 125 Stourbridge to Kidderminster (commercial section of the 125) is to move to Central Buses

The remaining Whittles Worcestershire routes have been put out for tender with the winners confirmed in the next week (the winners already know what they've won but it's the 14 day cooling off period)

The 125 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster is a Shropshire contract.

Rotala have only acquired 7 of the 11 coaches, here's the press release below:

Whittles - Aquisition of Coaching Business
We are pleased to announce that following the recent news that Whittle Bus and Coach were to close from late January that we have finalised a deal with East Yorkshire Motor Service to purchase the trade and some assets relating to coaching, excursions and school contract business of Whittle Coach & Bus. The purchase includes 7 coaches, transfer of contracted drivers, various equipment, coaching order book and excursion programme, along with rights to the Whittle trading name.

We expect to complete the purchase in the first two weeks of January 2015.
The coaching unit will fall into our Diamond Bus operating company and will operate from our existing Kidderminster depot.

 

[LM 170]

Rotala have only acquired 7 of the 11 coaches, here's the press release below:

Whittles - Aquisition of Coaching Business
We are pleased to announce that following the recent news that Whittle Bus and Coach were to close from late January that we have finalised a deal with East Yorkshire Motor Service to purchase the trade and some assets relating to coaching, excursions and school contract business of Whittle Coach & Bus. The purchase includes 7 coaches, transfer of contracted drivers, various equipment, coaching order book and excursion programme, along with rights to the Whittle trading name.

We expect to complete the purchase in the first two weeks of January 2015.
The coaching unit will fall into our Diamond Bus operating company and will operate from our existing Kidderminster depot.

This deal has now fallen though due to Rotala Group not being able to get some of the school services.

 

[HY_4273]

Rotala have only acquired 7 of the 11 coaches, here's the press release below:

Whittles - Aquisition of Coaching Business
We are pleased to announce that following the recent news that Whittle Bus and Coach were to close from late January that we have finalised a deal with East Yorkshire Motor Service to purchase the trade and some assets relating to coaching, excursions and school contract business of Whittle Coach & Bus. The purchase includes 7 coaches, transfer of contracted drivers, various equipment, coaching order book and excursion programme, along with rights to the Whittle trading name.

We expect to complete the purchase in the first two weeks of January 2015.
The coaching unit will fall into our Diamond Bus operating company and will operate from our existing Kidderminster depot.

...As LM_170 has said, the Rotala deal has fallen through. What was claimed to be a press release was not that at all, with the management of two of the parties involved citing a well-intentioned enthusiast(s) preaching something as gospel when it was by no means set in stone. Whittles coaching arm has been sold to a third party. I am told Coach & Bus Week magazine will have the story in this week's issue, which will go online at http://coachandbusweek.com later this afternoon.

 

[winston270twm]

...As LM_170 has said, the Rotala deal has fallen through. What was claimed to be a press release was not that at all, with the management of two of the parties involved citing a well-intentioned enthusiast(s) preaching something as gospel when it was by no means set in stone. Whittles coaching arm has been sold to a third party. I am told Coach & Bus Week magazine will have the story in this week's issue, which will go online at http://coachandbusweek.com later this afternoon.

Which particular well-intentioned enthusiast are your referring to?

The announcement which was first posted on the WMBus forum was a press release and it was issued to the forum's owner via Senior Rotala management. So I suggest you get your facts straight!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Which particular well-intentioned enthusiast are your referring to?

The announcement which was first posted on the WMBus forum was a press release and it was issued to the forum's owner via Senior Rotala management. So I suggest you get your facts straight!

Johnson's of Henley n Arden are now confirmed as having reached agreement with EYMS to buy the Whittle Coach business

http://www.whittlecoach.co.u/Whittles future - Press release.pdf

 

[chris89]

Appear to have the time table now for the 125 Service.

http://centralbuses.com/timetables/125.pdf

All i can say, is i hope the last bus is a mistake. As is currently one at 18:45 (Which meets nicely for last one from Wolves and 17:30 one from Telford)

Have sent off a email anyway.