Century-old coach operator enjoys record year

A 115-year-old family-run coach firm has enjoyed a record sales year following what it says is renewed confidence in travel since the pandemic.

Johnsons Coaches, based in Henley-in-Arden, took £17m in 2023, a 25% increase on the previous year.

Bosses said the increased demand, after a slump during Covid times, showed passengers want "to get out and see places" again.

"We’re really pleased customers are confident to book and... wanting to travel again," said commercial director John Johnson.

The operator, which offers coach holidays, day trips and private hire, said its packages largely appealed to older travellers "less vulnerable to the cost of living crisis".

"Our target market is not young people with families, who are probably feeling the pinch most," Mr Johnson said.

He said the coach industry was seeing a "good recovery from Covid", preceded by three years of uncertainty about travelling to Europe.

"It's been a long time coming," he said. "In 2020, the whole coach fleet was standing idle."

"It just shows that customers do still want to travel – do still want to get out and see places."

About 23,000 travelled with the company last year to places in the UK and Europe.

The operator has invested £2.5m in 10 low-emission coaches and vehicles to add to its fleet this summer.

"That’s a record investment for this business – we are breaking records without a doubt," Mr Johnson said.

He believes the company's success could be partly attributed to increasing environmental concerns.

Councillor Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for economy, said the success during a difficult economic climate was "fantastic to see".

“Their longevity speaks for itself, and underlines that good customer service and reputation go hand in hand," he said.

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