Rotala Group has reflected on its achievements so far in 2025, with the privately-owned operator saying that the year “has already proved to be one of the most significant in its history.”
Work has captured senior leadership changes, investment in vehicles and infrastructure, recognition at a community level, and what the group says is “a renewed focus on people and training.” When combined, those position the operator for what it believes is “a strong and sustainable future for the business, its employees, and its passengers.”
2024 had opened with a shift in ownership of Rotala as it was purchased by members of the Dunn family. In May 2025, Bob Dunn was appointed Chairman, where he works with his son Simon as CEO, and other directors.
Mr Dunn Sr succeeded John Gunn as Chairman. He brings many decades of coach and bus experience and is a major shareholder in Rotala. In addition, two further directors have joined the Rotala Group board in 2025.
During March, Emma Bestwick-Woods was named Group Human Resources Director. She has been with the business for four years and has demonstrated what it says is “a passion for people and a commitment to creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture.” Ms Bestwick-Woods champions employee engagement and training and development.
Meanwhile, Paul Millman was promoted to IT Director in May. Rotala notes how the current climate means that systems and security “have never been more crucial,” and that Mr Millman’s leadership of those functions will enable the group to remain ahead of the curve on managing IT infrastructure and data security.
Several ‘big ticket’ investments have been delivered or started during 2025, Rotala says. Perhaps the biggest of those is a £3 million overhaul of the Preston Bus depot, which is nearing completion.
The historic site has undergone a comprehensive transformation to modernise facilities, improve operational efficiency, and enhance staff welfare. Upgrades include:
- A new roof and flooring, with four pits for vehicle maintenance
- A state-of-the-art rising bed brake tester that is compliant with DVSA’s latest standards
- A wide range of other new engineering equipment, including column lifts and oil drainers
- Modern, air-conditioned office space that is open plan to promote collaboration
- Refurbished break rooms and staff welfare facilities.
The exterior of the Preston Bus depot has also been improved, with a fully concreted site surface and a £250,000 interceptor and attenuation tank to manage drainage and groundwater. A new site entrance will be delivered to improve access and vehicle flow.
An additional part of the depot project is creation of Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) infrastructure to carry out heavy vehicle MoTs. Further details of that work will be shared once the ATF application process with DVSA is complete.
The Rotala fleet has also seen major investment in 2025. For buses, the group became the first UK operator to place Custom Denning battery-electric vehicles into service, with those running at permanent homes in Burton-on-Trent and Heathrow airport and more expected.
Rotala says the Custom Dennings are proving successful and that they are liked by drivers and passengers. At Heathrow, the buses are used for up to 18 hours per day. To support that level of utilisation, £180,000 has been invested in BP Pulse rapid charge infrastructure that delivers up to 120kW.
Burton depot – which joined Rotala with the purchase of Midland Classic in 2022 – is undergoing what the group says is “extensive infrastructure upgrades” to support the battery-electric fleet.
A successful bid by Staffordshire County Council to the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme has part-funded the Burton buses, but Rotala has contributed a large amount to the project. Over £1 million is going towards depot infrastructure.
Other Custom Denning buses are working from Kidderminster depot to evaluate their performance under different conditions to Burton. They will move to East Staffordshire once infrastructure work is complete in the brewery town.
Meanwhile, Hallmark Connections has seen investment in its coach fleet. Yutong vehicles have followed Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minicoaches into that operation. Of the larger coaches, Rotala says that they will build on its presence at Heathrow airport and expand private hire capacity.
On staff development, Rotala opened a new training academy in Bolton that has flourished through 2025, it says. Known as The Academy, it has an education hub, modern training rooms and testing facilities to service new recruits and experienced drivers.
Community recognition came on 13 September at the Redditch Business Awards 2025, where Rotala’s depot in the town was named Employer of the Year. The scheme celebrates achievements of local enterprises and highlights their contributions to the community and local economy.
Diamond Bus has been active in Redditch for over 11 years. Operations Manager Kevin Collins welcomed the awards, noting how it was made possible by the efforts of all grades of staff employed in Redditch.
Beyond 2025, Rotala says that it plans to continue investment in staff and training along with strengthening its operational infrastructure and technology. It also expects to maintain the fostering of a culture of inclusivity and support while building a diversified and resilient transport group, “positioned for long-term prosperity.”
