A failed bid by Italian company Tundo Vincenzo SpA to enter the special education needs (SEN) transport market in the UK is shrouded in intrigue after a contract was awarded and then rescinded.
In January coach operator Bakers of Biddulph was awarded an SEN tender for 40 small vehicles by Stoke-on-Trent City Council at around the same time that it was purchased by Tundo.
The Italian company stated at the time that it wished to “positively contribute to the efficient functioning of [SEN transport] around the UK.”
Tundo was to take over the work in January. This was delayed twice, latterly to the Easter holidays. The City Council later terminated its arrangement with Tundo and the purchase of Bakers was cancelled.
Speaking in the local media, Barry Brockbank, Assistant Director for Operational Management at the council, said: “Tundo Vincenzo SpA was given time to fulfil the requirements of the contract, but it failed to comply.
“In the interim, arrangements were made through other suppliers to pick up the work. Those will continue until the end of the school year.”
Tundo claimed that it would recruit 100 staff through Bakers to accommodate the work and it is believed that it had looked at a former bus depot in Newcastle-under-Lyme to act as a base.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council did not respond to miniplus’s enquiry.
