Family-run coach firm to create more than 100 jobs

MORE than 100 jobs are being created at a South Wales-based coach company, which is also investing in a fleet of new vehicles.

Family-run Edwards Coaches has secured a £11.4m funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial to support its expansion plans.

The finance will support the recent purchase of its Avonmouth depot and add 40 coaches to its existing fleet.

It will also fund the recruitment of 110 new workers across the business, which has its head office in Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd.

Established in 1925, Edwards Coaches operates a fleet of more than 250 buses and coaches from bases in South Wales and Bristol. It is the largest independent coach operator in Wales and one of the biggest in the UK. It is also a successful holiday operator.

The business, which in its last financial year to the end of March generated revenues of £36.7m, recently won the National Express Bristol and Bath contract – covering routes to London through the West Country, and airport transfers.

Jason Edwards, managing director at Edwards Coaches, said: “We have been working with Santander for four years now and their support and investment has gone a long way in developing our fleet and ensuring we provide our customers with first-class travel.

“The new National Express routes will expand our services and enable us to continue our growth drive throughout the South West and across the UK.”

Janette Bennett, relationship director at Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “We are delighted to assist with the new Avonmouth depot which will be of vital importance to the business as they take on their new Bristol and Bath route.

“Currently in its 92nd year, Edward’s Coaches has grown into a leading coach operator in the UK and the relationship and asset finance teams at Santander look forward to working with them through their continued growth as they expand their fleet.”