Berrys Coaches of Taunton has become an employee-owned company via establishment of an employee ownership trust. The move is described by the operator as forming “part of a process to ensure responsible succession planning.”
The Somerset firm – which is a member of the Guild of British Coach Operators – has been in the proprietorship of the Berry family since founding in 1920, but the shift to an employee ownership trust “means that everyone at Berrys now has an interest in the company’s continued growth and success and the opportunity to share in that,” it says.
Under the change, James Berry has become Managing Director while Stuart Berry has adopted the position of Chairman.
Berrys is one of several coach and bus operators to have moved into employee ownership across recent years. Among those are Creigiau Travel, Shuttle Buses, and Stephensons of Essex. Earlier in 2025, Creigiau Director Sam Matthews explained in depth how such a step progresses and the benefits it delivers.
Mr Berry Sr says that various options for the future of Berrys Coaches were explored, but employee ownership “offered the best way to secure the future of the business and to recognise the contributions of our employees, many of whom have been with us for decades.”
He has spent over 45 years with the operator and will continue to play a part, but notes that “it is now time for the next generation to take things forward.” Adds Mr Berry Sr: “I am very proud of our workforce and deeply grateful to our customers for the loyalty they have shown over so many years.”
Mr Berry Jr says that employee ownership will give the firm scope to work more closely with staff and enhance its customer offering. “This change ensures that Berrys Coaches remains a company run by the people who know it best and have contributed to its success over the years,” he continues.
