Irizar i6S Efficient continues Garelochhead Coaches investment
Garelochhead Coaches has welcomed an Irizar i6S Efficient integral, supplied by Irizar UK. It is a 12.9m, two-axle example that has 57 i6 Plus seats trimmed in synthetic leather and with three-point belts and USB charging points.
A centre sunken toilet is included along with wood-effect flooring. PSVAR compliance has been specified by Garelochhead Coaches and so the Irizar comes with a Masats KS7 passenger lift and Hanover destination displays at the front, side and rear.
Entertainment is from a Bosch Smart Series audio system, while also fitted is the Eco-3 air purification product that has the added benefit of removing odours.
External finish is in the operator’s distinctive metallic blue livery complemented by privacy-tinted windows and LED lighting. Alcoa Dura-Bright polished alloy wheels are fitted and the buyer has also chosen Irizar’s camera mirror system in lieu of conventional mirrors.
Power comes from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 370bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox.
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Hannah Cattermer joins First Travel Solutions bizdev team
First Travel Solutions has appointed Hannah Cattermer (pictured, second from right) as Business Development Manager.
She joins the managed passenger transport services specialist from the First Bus business development team and brings extensive experience in bidding and proposals across sectors including healthcare, managed services, and transport.
Appointment of Ms Cattermer completes a restructuring of the First Travel Solutions business development unit. Her arrival will help the supplier to strengthen client relationship, create bespoke transport solutions, and drive new growth opportunities.
It says that strong experience in areas including public sector procurement and end-to-end bid processes will leave Ms Cattermer able to play a key role in supporting expansion plans. She works alongside fellow Business Development Manager Paul Upton and Head of Business Development Nic Ryder.
Adds Commercial Director Richard Kirk: “Building a team with deep expertise and diverse experience has been a key part of our strategy.
“Hannah brings valuable knowledge of procurement and client management that perfectly complements the skills within our team. Together, this new structure means that we can continue to deliver on our mission to consistently provide better experiences for every client, whatever their transport challenge.”
Ms Ryder was appointed earlier in 2025 and has brought senior commercial partnership and growth experience from work at Avanti West Coast Trains, Virgin Trains, and Day Out With the Kids. Mr Upton was previously Sales Manager and has worked with clients including Team GB, West Ham United FC, and train operating company LNER.
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New Wrightbus CEO due with Jean-Marc Gales Deputy Chair move
A new Chief Executive is to be appointed by Wrightbus after it announced that current postholder Jean-Marc Gales (pictured) will become Deputy Chairman from 1 December.
Mr Gales has been credited for rapid expansion at the manufacturer, work that has seen it enter the battery-electric repower and coach fields under his leadership besides recording a strong uptick in production of new vehicles. As Deputy Chairman, he will focus on strategic global development through sites in Northern Ireland, Germany and Malaysia.
In joining Wrightbus in 2023, Mr Gales brought 30 years' automotive experience that includes leadership roles at various vehicle manufacturers. At that time, he cited growth and global expansion as his priorities for the Ballymena business.
Under Mr Gales’ charge, the company claims to have become Europe’s fastest-growing bus manufacturer. Since purchase out of administration by Jo Bamford in 2019, Wrightbus has built its employee roster from 49 to over 2,300. Mr Bamford’s other bus-related interests include depot charging solutions, alternative energy supply, and net-zero financing.
Speaking about how the manufacturer has developed, Mr Gales says: “I am incredibly proud of the results we have delivered at Wrightbus over the past two-and-a-half years. In a tough market, we have thrived, created thousands of jobs, bringing new levels of product quality to the bus market, and delighting passengers.
“In order to grow our presence across the globe, we need strategic focus, so I am looking forward to building on this momentum.”
Adds Mr Bamford: “Jean-Marc’s leadership has been transformational for this historic company. The climb out of administration in 2019 was tough, but we are now proud to be market leaders, driving quality and innovation in the bus sector and expanding into new areas.
“Jean-Marc’s relentless focus and passion for continuous improvement, supported by the whole Wrightbus team, has set the standard for our industry to follow. There is no time to stand still, and we are laser focused on the next stage of our growth.”
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