Peter Bradley touches on some more issues you should put at the top of your virtual in-tray – including the oft neglected self-care
As I write this, it is chucking it down with rain, and has been on and off since the main summer holidays started. It looks as though the British summer is well and truly here!
Last month I mentioned a few issues that you might want to consider during the summer break and this month I touch on a few more items for the top of your virtual in-tray.
Financial wellbeing
I am sure that most, if not all of us in the coach industry, couldn’t fail to be both sad and alarmed at what seemed to be the sudden closure of Heyfordian Travel of Bicester. It was a familiar sight to many of us across the country, but it shows that no one is exempt from the many pressures that coach (and bus) operators face day in, day out. However, perhaps one of the most telling sentences from the company statement was the impact of the “massive interest charges on [its] Bounce Back Loan”. I am sure it is not the only operator to be facing this problem.
Now may be the time to ask if you are (as far as you are able to be) comfortable with your monetary situation. Have you undertaken a financial health-check this year, and are you confident there are no nasty surprises around the corner? Or are you struggling to sleep at night because you are worried about the viability of your company, but not sure who you can talk to?
If it’s the latter, don’t suffer in silence. If you do a financial check and get concerned, or if you are already aware you have cash flow issues, please talk to someone. Those of us who work in trade bodies know individuals that are able to sit alongside you and advise what to do, and of the next steps to take. The adage ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ does, in my experience, hold a lot of value.
Registrations/permits
Many coach and bus operators will be taking on new school routes, both public and ‘closed door’ from September, and it is also a popular time for local authorities to renew local bus service contracts. There may also be timing adjustments to existing services, especially if schools change their start/ finish times.
However, make sure that you register these new public services/changes with the Traffic Commissioner. The forms can be found here, and, once completed, should be sent to bus-registrations@otc.co.uk
If your service runs into London, you will also need to apply for or vary a London Service Permit.
Equally important is to cancel registrations/permits for services that you no longer operate. Maybe this is a good time to check the paperwork to make sure all is in order. You don’t want to be penalised by the Traffic Commissioner for not running a service you have not operated for years, but have just forgotten to cancel.
Finally, make sure that you have some time for yourself and your family/friends this summer. I know of too many people who continue working though this period and don’t take a break. Having been blessed with some time off in June, I know I return to my work with some renewed vigour, and benefit from that time away.
Even if it is just a weekend off, if this is your busy spell, plan something for the autumn.
