Long-standing family business ends, citing a ‘fiercely competitive’ market and regulatory pressures
Thirsk-based coach operator John Smith and Sons ceased trading on Thursday last week (17 January) after becoming financially unviable because of what it calls a “fiercely competitive” market and growing regulatory pressures.
Its 20-strong fleet was used on private hire and 14 school contracts. t also operated two local bus services.
All 25 staff have been made redundant and a creditors’ meeting is scheduled for 13 February to formally begin liquidation of the company. It was established in 1935 and had been family-owned ever since. Begbies Traynor is assisting in its winding up.
Says Director John Smith: “The decision to shut down was very hard to make. The business is all we have known all our lives. I would like to thank all of the team. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of drivers and maintenance staff.
“The day we had to tell them was soul-destroying and the hardest thing any of us have had to do. The reception we received from the team was amazing and it touched us all to the core, showing how highly they thought of us. I wish them all the best for the future.”
North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) moved quickly to place school contracts with other operators. All pupils were transported on Friday 18 January, it says. Atkinsons of Ripon, H Atkinson and Sons, Hodgsons Coaches, Morse Coaches, PNP Coaches, Transdev Harrogate and Winn Bros are among those assisting with replacement services.
