Edwards buys Avonmouth depot

Edwards Coaches is expanding eastwards with a new depot at Avonmouth, Bristol.

The Cabot Park depot has been bought to serve a new 10-year contract for National Express in the south west.

The deal will create up to 120 jobs, including 80-100 driving posts. The building is being fitted out to Edwards’ requirements, and will include maintenance facilities and vehicle wash.

Operations start on 1 May. The first of a varied National Express fleet worth £12m have been delivered, with all vehicles hoped to be in place by that date.

Edwards will run coaches on National Express work across the South West, to London and Gatwick Airport, as far north as Grimsby and Nottingham and Rugby in the Midlands.

Based in Pontypridd, Edwards already runs National Express routes across Wales in addition to its own tours, private hire, bus routes and schools work. It also owns the Portbyhan Hotel in Cornwall. This is the firm’s first venture into operating coaches in England.

Jason Edwards, Commercial Director of Edwards Coaches, says: “It is no secret Bristol is one of the best cities in the UK and it’s really exciting to be establishing a base here – the whole team is champing at the bit to get started.

“It’s particularly fantastic to be in a position where we are looking for so many new staff, and there’s going to be a real buzz at the new depot because everyone will be joining the family all at the same time.

“It’s a really great opportunity to get in on a successful venture from day one and, for the driving roles, to get behind the wheel of the highest specification vehicles in the industry. We can’t wait to welcome people on board.”