Shropshire coach operator Elcock Reisen abruptly entered administration on 23 August. In a brief statement via which the development was announced “with great sorrow,” the business notes that all future bookings have been cancelled and that it is in the process of contacting customers, but also that as of Friday 25 August its offices will be closed.
Significant fleet investment had been made by the operator during 2022, with 13 new coaches arriving last year. That delivery was said at the time to place Elcock Reisen in a strong position to capitalise upon what it described as a “rejuvenated” coach market post-pandemic.
2023 marks Elcock’s 95th anniversary. Upon celebration of 90 years in 2018, the operator noted that the Elcock name “had long been associated with Ironbridge [Gorge] since before the 1900s,” in a nod to its history that began in the village of Much Wenlock.
That early period including activities as a greengrocer and game dealer before the business moved into passenger transport with charabancs after the First World War. The Iron Bridge remained a conspicuous part of its red and silver livery application on modern coaches.
The operator had specialised in private hire, day trips and tours. It had continued to run day trips until at least the day before news of Elcock Reisen entering administration broke. The operator’s website was quickly taken down within hours of the collapse.
Mainstream media sources have suggested that trips up to 2024 were advertised online and that customers with holiday bookings have been advised that reimbursement will be a task for the administrator.
Under the name M H Elcock and Son Ltd, the business held an international O-Licence for 35 vehicles from three operating centres in and around Telford. Further information is awaited on whether a buyer is expected to be found.
