National Express will bring its The Kings Ferry and Lucketts Travel subsidiaries together into a single division called National Express Transport Solutions. It will deliver “a comprehensive range of transport options across the corporate and private hire travel sectors,” the group says.
The new business will retain its existing local brands, but it will operate under the National Express name for all national sales and marketing activity.
A phased approach will initially focus on private hire bookings for one-off events or occasions as well as on commercial contracts such as employee and university shuttle services and transport for sports teams and supporters’ clubs. National Express Transport Solutions will then expand its offering of VIP transport and coach holidays, including day trips and accommodation packages.
National Express Transport Solutions will operate via a UK-wide regional infrastructure using both its own fleet and depots as well as existing and new partner operators. That will be supported by common central functions.
Tony Lawman, Managing Director of Lucketts Group, becomes MD of National Express Transport Solutions. Ian Fraser, MD of The Kings Ferry, takes up the role of Chief Operating Officer.
Existing Lucketts and The Kings Ferry teams form the South and South East regional hubs. They are led by Murray Carter and Chris Burley as respective Regional Directors.
National Express MD UK and Germany Tom Stables says: “The Kings Ferry and Lucketts already have a significant presence in the corporate travel sector. By forming National Express Transport Solutions, we can leverage their joint capabilities with National Express’ strength as a recognised and trusted brand to deliver a consistent, high-quality UK-wide product.”
Mr Lawman adds that the business is already speaking to existing operator partners about its future plans, and starting conversations with potential new collaborators.
“We have the operational experience and expertise alongside the skills to offer a high standard of customer service. There is a real opportunity to provide a product that stands apart from the rest of the market and delivers what today’s customers are looking for.
“We have ambitious plans to build on the work we already do in these areas, initially concentrating on the opportunities for shuttle services and private hire while expanding our offering in the tourism sector.”
National Express purchased Lucketts Group in March. It acquired The Kings Ferry in November 2007.
