Tue, 08 Mar 2011 | BUSINESS NEWS
A local businessman has turned around an Aberdeenshire coach services firm once regarded as the “worst” an inspector had seen.
Adam Findlater, 27, who is also the owner of a decorating business and pub, bought the former Keirs Coaches (Kintore) in November 2009 after its licence was revoked only months before.
An inspector from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (Vosa) had described a coach Keirs Coaches had used to transport school pupils as the “worst public service vehicle” he had seen in his 12 years in the job.
Since being bought by Mr Findlater the business, now running under a new licence and name of Premier Coaches, has won back its contract with Aberdeenshire Council for local school runs. It has grown to 18 employees, with more job requirements looming.
Mr Findlater said of the business turnaround, “We are almost a year-and-a-half down the line and we are way ahead on our five-year plan. It has taken a lot of hard work and a lot of money, but the work is coming in now.”
Edgar Ramage of Freight Transport Association (FTA) has been running safety and maintenance inspections on the firm’s 15 coaches to check that Vosa standards are met and exceeded.
“Alan is being very proactive – a lot of times we only come in when a company is trying to save their licence. This is a totally different situation,” Mr Ramage said.
Premier Coaches provides services for corporate, stag, hen and party events. Its coaches can seat from seven to 53 passengers, and has air conditioning, toilet facilities and DVD players. It also provides wheel chair access.
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