Scottish operator Whitelaws has made what it describes as a “strategic and operational decision” to bring its involvement with coach work to an end and focus on bus service delivery, the Larkhall business has announced.
An exit from coaching has come about because of “a series of challenges” for that side of Whitelaws’ operations. Coach can thus “no longer make a positive contribution to our wider business,” the family-owned company’s Managing Director Sandra Whitelaw says in a statement.
Among those difficulties have been fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, staff shortages, an increase in costs, a greater regulatory burden, “and low-quality competition.”
While Whitelaws has done all it could to mitigate those headwinds – including via strong efforts to combat the labour shortage – it has reluctantly reached the conclusion “that there is nothing more we can do, and that we must act now in the best interests of our business and our people’s future,” adds Mrs Whitelaw.
Among the avenues pursued to tackle the staff shortage were what the business terms “PCV scholarships,” paid-for training and tests, recruitment bonuses, participation in the Routes to Work scheme, and competitive wages.
No jobs will be lost as a result of the focus on bus services, she continues. Whitelaws has made significant investment in its bus fleet in recent years and it is among the newest in the UK as a result.
“We will now focus all our efforts on our public transport operation, which provides modern, high-quality local bus services to communities across Lanarkshire,” Mrs Whitelaw adds.
“We are a reputable, local business that strives to provide good and professional services while offering a fair working environment for our people. We will continue to do that.
“While we are disappointed to withdraw from coaching, this positive decision will help us to continue investing in our business and people. We look forward to our next chapter, exciting opportunities, and continuing delivery of high-quality services to customers.”
