Shaws of Maxey will now not close in May after a late deal for sale of the business to fellow operator Reg’s Coaches of Welwyn was agreed.
Present owners Jane Duffelen, Chris Shaw and Richard Shaw had planned to close Shaws in May after 103 years of operation as they move into retirement. While they will still step away at the start of that month, until then they will work closely with Reg’s owner Joanna Bonnett to ensure a smooth transition to the new ownership.
After that is complete, Shaws will continue to run out of its operating centre in Maxey, offering day trips and holidays from Peterborough and surrounding areas. Private hire and home-to-school services will also be maintained.
Ms Bonnett purchased all shares in Reg’s Coaches from its previous owner during 2024, having been involved with that business since 2023.
Since then, she has introduced fleet upgrades, a new booking system, and expansion of contracted work. As a Peterborough resident, she says she had been looking for a local operator to add to her portfolio and moved quickly when news of Shaws’ planned closure broke.
“A quick call to the Shaw family was followed by a whirlwind of discussions and negotiations. I am delighted that the move has been strongly backed by current staff, who have agreed to join us on this exciting journey,” Ms Bonnett continues.
She adds that purchase of Shaws “presents the perfect opportunity to branch out into the holiday and day trip market while expanding our already strong coach hire offering, with a team that has a wealth of experience and well-established connections.”
Ms Bonnett points to Shaws’ strong reputation as being something that will be built upon under the new ownership.
She has thanked the Shaw family for working quickly to complete the sale. “We wish them a well-deserved and happy retirement and hope that we can do them proud as we continue the Shaw legacy,” Ms Bonnett adds.
“We see the acquisition of Shaws as the first step in our plans for further growth and would welcome the opportunity to speak to other operators in the area who may be considering their options.”
Ms Duffelen has welcomed the continuation of the Shaws business. “We believe that the new owners will be the same responsible and caring employers that we have always strived to be, and that their approach to customer care will be just as much of a priority as it always has been to us.”
