ALBUM has appointed Bill Hiron, Managing Director of Stephensons of Essex, as the new Chairman.
The appointment follows Mark Fowles of Nottingham City Transport standing down as he intended.
Bill says: “Now, more than ever, the non-aligned bus sector needs to have a strong voice with central and local government, suppliers, the Traffic Commissioners and other stakeholders.
“Not only is the detailed guidance to the Bus Services Act still being formulated, but we face the multiple challenges of clean-air zones, increasing congestion, new technology, local authority budget constraints, and a reduced high street footfall which create the ‘double whammy’ of increased costs alongside reduced income.
“ALBUM is a respected industry voice, and aside from responding to formal government consultations that affect our sector, and indeed the bus industry more widely, and sharing best practice, we need to maintain our profile as the professional voice of the SME’s.”
At the Annual General Meeting, Bill Hiron thanked Mark Fowles for his contribution in his year as Chairman and Mark will remain on the ALBUM Executive.
The Vice-Chairman appointed at the AGM is Andrew Halliday the Managing Director of Safeguard Coaches of Guildford.
