The Coach Travel Group and Microlise work on Earned Recognition
The Coach Travel Group is working with transport technology specialist Microlise as the operator pursues wholesale accreditation by the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme.
Three of its operating businesses are already within Earned Recognition, and compliance software from TruTac, which is part of Microlise, has created what the supplier says is greater visibility of performance across the group while allowing individual organisations to retain responsibility for day-to-day fleet and compliance management.
All 16 operators currently sit within Low or Very Low risk categories. TruTac has worked with constituent businesses for over 10 years to provide technology that allows access to accurate, up-to-date compliance information and to monitor performance.
A number of the supplier’s solutions are utilised by the group, including TruAnalysis, TruTime and TruLinks, meaning that KPIs can be monitored by operator. Also enabled is comparison of planned activity to actual performance and identification of trends or areas where additional support may be needed.
TruTac technology also supports The Coach Travel Group’s commitment to Earned Recognition by giving the data needed to monitor performance against key compliance measures.
Says Group Digital Director Andrew Luckett: “Microlise gives us a trusted and reliable fleet technology solution that makes it easier for us to streamline and manage compliance across multiple sites.
“As we continue to grow and welcome new operators into the group, having consistent and accessible data is extremely important. It allows individual businesses to manage their own compliance effectively while giving us the wider visibility we need to understand performance across the group.
“We can identify trends, share successful approaches, and focus support where it is needed, helping us to continually raise standards across the operation.”
Adds Microlise CEO Nadeem Raza: “Bringing together 16 established operators creates significant opportunities, but maintaining high standards as a group grows requires the right information to be available at the right time.
“The Coach Travel Group is showing how technology can help to turn compliance data into something much more valuable – giving teams the insight to spot trends, share best practice, and continually raise standards.
“Having worked with businesses across the group for more than a decade, we are proud to continue supporting its ambitions as it grows.”
Bibby's of Ingleton marks 70 years with Van Hool T15 Acron
Bibby's of Ingleton has marked 70 years in business with the purchase of a Van Hool T15 Acron, supplied by VDL Bus UK.
The new coach is 12.5m long on two axles and follows an earlier Van Hool T15 Alicron, which joined the Bibby's fleet in 2025. The most recent addition is higher than the previous vehicle and thus has greater underfloor luggage space.
It was collected 70 years to the day from when the operator started a first council contract. Fitted are 49/53 Kiel 1020 seats with two-point belts, USB charging points and seat numbers that are embossed into the headrests.
A centre freshwater toilet is also included, along with a boiler, a fridge, and LCD monitors along with a DVD and CD player. Director Peter Bibby (pictured, left) notes how that comes together to give a good internal specification. He adds how the operator has returned to conventional mirrors for the latest arrival after taking a camera monitoring system on the earlier T15 Alicron.
Additional marker lights are attached to the exterior, which is completed in Bibbys’ distinctive livery that includes markings to note the anniversary. Power is from the DAF MX-11 engine developing 408bhp coupled to an Allison T450R six-speed automatic gearbox.
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Jamie MacIntosh appointed to BDM role by Custom Denning
Custom Denning has continued to build its UK team with the appointment of Jamie MacIntosh as Business Development Manager.
He brings almost 20 years' experience in coach and bus, with an extensive background in sales and business development across the UK sector. Mr MacIntosh will play what the Australian manufacturer describes as a key role in building its customer base here via engagement with operators and authorities and supporting market expansion.
Arrival of Mr MacIntosh follows the earlier naming of Antony Goozee as CEO Europe, and Martin West as Head of Sales and Commercial.
The further appointment “reflects Custom Denning’s commitment to building a genuine, sustainable presence in the UK – backed by a commercial team that understands operator requirements and is responsive to their needs,” the builder says.
Custom Denning continues to prepare to launch its latest-generation Element 2.2 battery-electric bus at Euro Bus Expo at the NEC Birmingham on 3-5 November. Visitors to the show will have chance to experience the new vehicle first-hand.
It notes how UK strategy majors on a customer-first principle and maximising vehicle uptime. The latter is described as “the number one priority," shaping everything from vehicle design and manufacturing to aftersales support and commercial engagement.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr MacIntosh says: “I am delighted to be joining Custom Denning at such an exciting time in the UK market. After 19 years in the industry, I understand that operators need more than just a reliable vehicle – they need a manufacturer that is responsive, accessible, and genuinely committed to keeping their fleet on the road.
“That sense of urgency really stood out to me when I learned about Custom Denning’s approach. The focus is firmly on the customer, vehicle uptime, and getting things done. I am looking forward to taking that into the UK market and building strong, long-term relationships with suppliers.”
Mr Goozee has welcomed Mr MacIntosh to Custom Denning, noting: “Jamie brings exactly the experience and customer focus we need as we grow in the UK. Our philosophy is simple – we work for our customers, we act quickly, and we take responsibility. Urgency in everything that we do is paramount to both our success, and our operators’ success.
“The focus is firmly on the customer, vehicle uptime, and getting things done – not bureaucracy. Our ambition is to bring that mentality to the UK market – delivering great buses, backed by a manufacturer that responds when our customers need us.”
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