Edwards Coaches, the largest independent coach operator in Wales and one of the largest in the UK, has secured a £11.4 million funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial to assist with the set-up of its recently purchased Avonmouth Depot and to fund 40 additional coaches. The funding will also support the recruitment of approximately 110 new employees.
Established in 1925, the award-winning family run business currently operates a fleet of over 250 buses and coaches from bases in South Wales and Bristol. Most recently Edwards Coaches has been awarded the National Express Bristol and Bath contract, covering routes to London through the West Country and airport transfers. As of March 2017, the company had increased its turnover to £36.7m.
The funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial will be used to assist with the set-up costs of its newly purchased Avonmouth Depot which will service the National Express Bristol and Bath routes. The company also has a number of clients of note, including the Welsh rugby union and Welsh football teams, and will continue to invest in and expand these relationships.
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.”
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Notes to Editors
For media enquiries regarding Edwards Coaches Ltd, please contact Julie Griffiths, PA to Jason Edwards MD, at julie@edwardscoaches.co.uk
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