Michelle Wadsworth and Simon Weaver are to buy Tappins Coaches from Heyfordian Holdings on 30th September. Didcot-based Tappins operates a fleet of over 30 Volvo coaches and can trace its origins back to 1900. It has been operated as part of the Heyfordian group since 2007. All operations, engineering and driving staff are to remain, under the stewardship of General Manager David Walker.
In addition to its Newbury-based coach business, Weavaway trades as Countywide Travel in Basingstoke, Haywards Coaches in Reading, and Abingdon Coaches in Abingdon. Local bus services in West Berkshire and Hampshire are operated by sister company Newbury & District.
‘The Tappins business is an excellent fit with our existing activities in South Oxfordshire. We have successfully developed the Abingdon Coaches brand, and the acquisition of Tappins will enable this part of the Weavaway business to operate from their Didcot site.’
‘It is our intention to promote Tappins Coaches as an Oxford-based business, thereby avoiding brand conflict.’
‘Our Weavaway Travel and Newbury & District businesses operate a total of 60 vehicles, and with the addition of Tappins the size of the overall operation most certainly warrants the type of facility which exists in Didcot.’
A dozen Weavaway coaches will immediately transfer to Tappins, including late-model Skyliners, Van Hools, and high-capacity Iveco Panthers. Brand new coaches are expected to enter the Tappins fleet in early 2013.
‘The acquisition of Tappins will see our catchment area stretch right across the Thames Valley from Witney to Winchester, and Hungerford to Henley.’
A key aspect of the acquisition is the purpose-built site, which provides secure parking for 50 vehicles, large offices, a 6-bay workshop, bodyshop and coach wash.
‘Heyfordian Holdings are to be congratulated for maintaining a state of the art facility of this high standard. We intend to build on this with investment in the future to ensure Tappins continuing reputation as a top quality operator in an area where it enjoys an excellent reputation’.
