Coach firm pulls up in Bournemouth

 

Businesses and organisations in Bournemouth are set to get more choice when it comes to coach travel.

 

Solent Coaches has moved to the area, following its acquisition by Lucketts Group two years ago.

 

Lucketts Group is one of the largest independent coach firms in the UK and acquired Solent Coaches in November 2017. Since then it has invested significantly in the firm and its fleet. Now, it has opened a temporary new office for Solent Coaches in the Bournemouth area, at Aviation Business Park while the permanent new base is being constructed on the same site.

 

Managing director Tony Lawman said: "This is a significant strategic move for us as we expand our reach further west than ever before. It’s also good news for businesses, schools and groups in Bournemouth, who will have more choice when it comes to coach travel."

 

The move to Bournemouth also signals further investment in Solent Coaches as a business. The company currently has a fleet of 12 vehicles but Lucketts Group plans to increase it significantly over coming months and years.

 

Lucketts Group itself has a fleet of 160 vehicles, operating under its Solent Coaches, Lucketts Travel, Coliseum Coaches, Worthing Coaches and Mortons Travel brands. It provides private hire travel for businesses and groups of all shapes and sizes, as well as an action-packed holiday and day trip programme.

 

Mark Pitter, who heads up the Solent Coaches operation, said: "We’ve gained a reputation as a leader in school travel, which we’re only expecting to increase with the opening of our new office. Our focus on reliability, safety and great service regularly sees us in high demand for trips and day-to-day school travel."