Issue 97 | May 2013

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Stagecoach is moving on to the next phase of its development as the previously announced changes to the Group’s senior management team took It’s evolution, effect on 1 May. Finance Director Martin Griffiths has now stepped up to become the Group’s Chief Executive. Former Chief Executive and not revolution Stagecoach co-founder Sir is now the Group Chairman, following the Senior management changes take effect retirement of former Chairman Sir George Mathewson. Ross Paterson, New Stagecoach Chief Executive former Company Secretary, has Martin Griffiths (left) alongside become Group Finance Director. Chairman Sir Brian Souter. The changes, which took effect on 1 May, take Stagecoach into a He added: “It is a proud moment new era. However, Martin Griffiths for me personally to be trusted to be has explained that employees should at the helm of what I have no doubt not expect major changes in the is the best and most innovative public direction the company is headed. It’s transport group. The success of this a case of evolution, not revolution. company is built on the talent, hard “I’m not going to try to be work and commitment of thousands of another Brian. He is unique as people right across our business in the a leader and is a strong, strong UK and North America. Thank you personality,” he said. “I will be for your support over the past 16 years myself. I have ideas of how we go and I look forward to continuing the forward but it would be stupid to rip Stagecoach journey with you.” up something that has worked very 1 May also marked the retirement successfully for a long time. There of UK Bus Managing Director Les will be a change in day-to-day Warneford, after a career spanning leadership but we don’t need a more than 40 years. Robert revolution, we are going to evolve. We wouldn’t want to radically deviate from Montgomery has now taken on the role of “Our strategy in the UK and North America what has been good for the company and the Managing Director of the Group’s UK Bus has been consistent and it has been successful. shareholders.” division (see page 2). Stagecoach leads Sleeping in on customer comfort on satisfaction Bus passengers using the move Stagecoach are more satisfied with their service than customers using other national UK Sir Brian has a lie down in one of the bunks, wearing a megabusgold.com onesie. operators, according to new independent research. Consumer watchdog Passenger Stagecoach is to launch a major refreshments during their journey as well as Focus found that 86% of Stagecoach network of overnight sleepercoach a sleeper kit which includes an eye mask, a bus passengers were either fairly or services from Scotland to this toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, as a very satisfied with their overall service, summer using a £5m fleet of specially- pilot, passengers will also be given a choice of with only 5% dissatisfied. designed vehicles. a blanket or a onesie to sleep in during their The overall customer ratings for The fleet of 10 new coaches, equipped with a journey. Stagecoach were higher than three clever interior layout that allows the leather seats Stagecoach Group Chairman Sir Brian Souter other national UK bus operators: to be converted into lie-flat beds, will operate said: “It used to be just popstars that had beds Arriva (85%), First (81%) and National overnight seven days a week. on board their tour buses – now everyone Express (78%). Passenger Focus does Sleepercoach services will link London with can benefit from a comfortable, great value not include Go Ahead in the national Aberdeen, Aviemore, Cumbernauld, Dundee, overnight journey. You can go to sleep in one operator results. Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Ferrytoll park city and wake up in another ready to start Stagecoach also scored highest on and ride in Fife, Glasgow, and Perth. the day without having to pay extra for an the three key areas: value for money, Customers will receive complimentary expensive hotel room.” punctuality and journey time.

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You what?! Fond farewell for Les Overheard on .com in the US UK Bus Managing Director Les Warneford was given Les Warneford a fond farewell at his final Managing Directors’ meeting Passenger 1: What are you doing with his cake. before his retirement. for Christmas? Passenger 2: Going to Les was presented with two paintings by artist Harold Riley as Grandma’s for breakfast. She makes well as a cake depicting him in his garden during retirement. amazing Norwegian sausage. The MDs also paid tribute to Les’s trademark style by wearing Passenger 1: Norway seems like a nice cardigans for much of the meeting. place, isn’t it near Russia? Thanking his colleagues for the gifts, Les said: “When I go to Passenger 2: Not sure but industry meetings, everyone wants to know our secret. I always Norwegians are from like give the same answer – decent management. Sweden or something “The reason we are successful is not me. I’ve been very like that, not Norway. fortunate – I’ve had the best team in the industry and that will Can you beat that? carry on.” Send your weird and Les will continue to undertake special project work for wonderful overheard Stagecoach. comments to lindsay.reid@ stagecoachgroup. com Winning awards, F1 buses... and a cake Top snapper It has been a busy couple of London months for market-leading budget manager sponsored Mark the 2012 Explore Gloucestershire Best coach provider megabus.com. The low-cost operator won the ‘Making Atkinson competition which resulted in some collects the fantastic photos of the local area. Coaches a Better Choice’ award at the 2013 UK Coach Winner Phill Emery was presented with his UK Coach Awards, in recognition of the award. cheque for £250 by Nathan Griffith-Williams, difference it has made to the UK coach Marketing Manager of Stagecoach West. industry since its launch 10 years megabus.com general manager Ian Laing, services to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix said: “It has been a hugely successful decade from 28-30 June and to the 2013 MotoGP for megabus.com and we are delighted to win British Grand Prix which takes place between this award to help mark our 10th anniversary. 30 August and 1 September. "The success of megabus.com is down to Ian Laing said: “We look forward to helping the hard work of our staff and we would like thousands of people enjoy the motorsport at to thank them for their contribution over Silverstone this summer.” the past 10 years. We now look forward to And finally, megabus.com Europe recently attracting even more people on to our greener, celebrated its first birthday with a “Megacake” smarter coach services in the years to come." made by Samantha Binnington, partner of From left, Stagecoach West marketing manager In addition, megabus.com has announced Rugby driver Wayne Campbell. Nathan Griffith-Williams, competition winner Clive Jones, Commercial Manager of Phill Emery and Sebastian Stanley. that it will help thousands of motorsport fans attend events at Silverstone this year in its role megabus.com said “I would like to say a big as official coach supplier to the racing circuit. thank you to all our staff for their contribution On board with The coach operator will run dedicated coach over the year.” cycle safety Stagecoach has worked with Cycle Training UK (CTUK) to develop the UK’s first in-house cycle awareness programme for bus drivers. The training course, which will be delivered at Stagecoach’s London operations, aims to help bus drivers minimise the risk around sharing the city’s road space with cyclists. Training Officer Malcolm Critchard said: “We are keen to L-R: With the ‘Megacake’ ensure that all of our drivers are cycle aware. is Robert Montgomery, We were impressed by the interactive and Managing Director Stagecoach practical nature of the Cycle Training UK UK Bus; Julie Gwynne, Rugby Depot Manager; drivers Mike Timothy, Mick Collins and programme and the way it communicated megabus.com Commercial Manager Clive Mark Holyoake; Clive Jones, Commercial Manager Jones and mascot Sid launch a specially concepts directly and clearly to the drivers. We megabus.com, and Richard Hands, Assistant liveried vehicle at Silverstone. wanted to explore this type of training.” Operations Manager at the Rugby Depot.

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Parliamentary Samantha wins free thank you visit staff Wynn travel for a year Smith, Barry Chappell and Claudio Costache were treated to a private tour Lucky prize winner Samantha of the Houses of Parliament as a thank Bark has won free travel for a year you for helping to reunite Lord Lucas with . with personal items left by him on a Samantha, from Grantham in train during the Christmas period. Lincolnshire, won first prize in a The identity of the passenger who had lost competition launched by the train his items only came to light after he wrote operator giving its season ticket holders to South West Trains' Customer Service team the opportunity to win back the cost of asking for his thanks to be passed on to the their annual ticket. staff responsible for returning his items. Neil Micklethwaite, Customer Service Jake Kelly, Customer Service Director & Commercial Director for East for the South West Trains – Network Rail Midlands Trains, said: “We believe this is Alliance, said: "We were delighted to receive the first time a train company has given such a complimentary letter praising our its season ticket holders the chance to staff. I would like to congratulate them all for win back the cost of their travel, so it’s Winner Samantha Bark receives her prize from Neil their excellent work." been an exciting initiative for us and one Micklethwaite, Customer Service and Commercial that we will be looking to continue.” Director for East Midlands Trains. Praise for Clapham Junction celebrates anniversary life savers Passengers using Clapham Four South West Trains Junction station were treated to a host of employees went beyond the call of commemorative celebrations as South duty when they found a young man West Trains teamed up with Wandsworth unconscious and unresponsive on Council to mark the 150th anniversary their way home from their night shift. of the world-famous station. Neil Cassidy, Ryan Hutchison, James Passengers were invited to look back at the West Beard and Keith Barnes – who have history of the station as copies of The Times recently undertaken First Aid training – newspaper from 2 March 1963 were given used their new skills to assess the man and away by employees dressed in traditional care for his well being while waiting for Victorian costume. paramedics. Jake Kelly, Customer Service Director for the Route Safety Manager Stuart Brown said South West Trains – Network Rail Alliance, of the event: “These guys have probably said: “It’s not easy to last 150 years; Clapham saved a man’s life and that deserves our Junction has had to constantly reinvent itself to utmost respect and admiration.” meet the needs of modern passengers.” Damaged train gets back on track Excellence for South West Trains is re-launching a train that was severely damaged in an incident in 2010, East Midlands following a complex £1.6 million rebuild project. The train operator’s Class 455 train suffered significant Trains damage after a cement mixer lorry fell on to it from East Midlands Trains has been a bridge in in November 2010. As a result, a awarded 5 stars by the British comprehensive and challenging rebuild was required in Quality Foundation (BQF) in the order to bring it back into service. That work has since Recognised for Excellence (R4E) been carried out at Railcare in Wolverton and the train has The train suffered serious damage in now been completely repaired. It is expected to go back the incident but has now been fully programme following an extensive repaired. week-long assessment covering all into passenger service in late spring. areas of the company. David Horne, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram provided extra early morning tram East Midlands Trains, said: “This is a clear Get services to help runners taking part in the Sheffield Half Marathon demonstration of the commitment our in May this year. employees have made in striving to deliver set, Supertram Managing Director Margaret Kay said: “We were delighted to be significantly improved services for our able to provide extra services to help people get to the starting line by using customers.” greener, smarter public transport instead of taking their cars and we hope go! everyone had a great day.”

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New board Improving customer service Stagecoach has fully recognised its obligation to customer service by member becoming part of the Institute of Customer Service, the UK’s professional body. Stagecoach already holds a very highly-rated customer service record, which is at the heart Stagecoach of the company and its success, and this new partnership reaffirms that commitment. In Group has recent National Passenger Surveys, South West Trains and East Midland Trains have seen an announced the 85% and 89% increase in customer satisfaction respectively. appointment of Stuart Giddings, Head of Customer Service for Stagecoach Rail, said: “With customers’ Gregor Alexander expectations continually rising, we are increasingly focusing on the value and role that an as a non-executive excellent standard of customer service plays as part of our offer to the passengers.” director of the Company. Gregor Alexander is the Finance Director of SSE plc (formerly Scottish and Going for gold in the South Southern Energy plc), one of the largest has energy companies in the UK. At SSE, launched new Stagecoach Gregor has Board-level responsibility for Gold routes to bring luxury finance, human resources, IT, procurement travel to passengers in the and other group services. He is Chairman local area. of Scotia Gas Networks, a company 50% Andrew Dyer, managing owned by SSE plc. director of Stagecoach South, Gregor will chair the Company's Audit said: "We have invested more than Committee from 1 July 2013. £1 million in seven new high specification buses to operate this important route from Selsey to Chichester. This will be one of only 10 Gold fleets in the UK and the vision behind this investment is to demonstrate how a luxury L-R Cllr Mike Beal, Chair, Selsey Town Council; Cllr. bus service can be better for the J. Connor, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, environment and better for the Chichester District Council, and Andrew Dyer, MD of community." Stagecoach South. Stagecoach relaunches ‘Spirit of London’ bus

Swimathon driver Following £60,000 of repair work, Ron Steele. Stagecoach London has relaunched the ‘Spirit of London’ bus that was damaged in an arson attack last year. In at the deep end The bus was originally launched in October 2005, to replace the double deck bus destroyed in the London Driver Ron Steele from 7/7 bombings, but was damaged by two arsonists in Kettering is doing his eighth annual October 2012. Swimathon in support of Marie Curie Stagecoach London Managing Director Mark Cancer Care. Threapleton said: “The upper deck of the bus was He has been a bus driver with Stagecoach almost completely burnt so it has taken a lot of work. for over eight years and the company However, there was never any question of us retiring supports his fundraising efforts. the bus – it remains a tribute to the 13 people who lost “Last year I raised £700 for the charity L-R: Transport for London Managing Director of Surface Transport, their lives when the original bus was destroyed in 2005.” and Stagecoach contributed a further £700. Leon Daniels joins Stagecoach George Psaradakis, driver of the 7/7 bus, said: “When I really appreciate the support they have London Managing Director, Mark I was told what had happened to the Spirit of London I given me over recent years. It is such a Threapleton, and driver of the 7/7 was sad but, looking at the vehicle after restoration, that worthy cause,” Ron said. bus George Psaradakis. has been offset with happiness.”

Stagecoach South East is 3 and is run by Stagecoach, which took over celebrating ’s place in the operation of in 2008. A record Guinness Book of World Records Paul Southgate, Managing Director of following the 110th anniversary of the Stagecoach in , said: “As well as breaking world’s first ever municipal bus service. celebrating the history of buses in Eastbourne, Eastbourne’s pioneering bus service started on we are also looking forward to the future, and service 12 April 1903 and ran between the railway station we will soon be investing £1.3 million in and Meads. Today, that service is known as route brand new vehicles to improve services.”

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WIN A Charity of the year £50 Picture of VOUCHER has announced Pilgrims Hospices as its charity of the year and unveiled a the Season charity branded bus. This edition’s winning Pilgrims Hospices offers care and support Picture of the Season was taken for individuals and families dealing with by John Berrington, who works life-limiting illnesses. Steve Auty, Chief for Midlands at Executive of Pilgrims Hospices, said: the Mansfield depot. It shows the “I’m delighted Stagecoach has chosen to Service 1 during a blizzard at support us as charity of the year and we Mansfield Bus Station. very much look forward to seeing its staff Congratulations to John, who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers. taking part in our fundraising events.” If you think you have a picture that captures one of the four seasons, please send your image to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to African cycling [email protected] Two Supertram employees are preparing for the challenge of a lifetime in aid of a women’s health Fishing for heroes charity. Lindsay Horsfield and Treana Hudson Jason Stagecoach South East driver Scott will cycle 350 kilometres through Africa Jason Scott endured freezing conditions with a in November 2014 in aid of the Genesis on a 24-hour fishing trip to raise around small Research Trust, a trust which helps to £300 for Help for Heroes. catch of improve the lives of women and babies Scott, an avid fisherman, said: “Leaving the the day worldwide. military can be a very daunting time and H4H from his Anyone wishing to sponsor the assists ex-service personnel in gaining the 24-hour ladies should go to:www.justgiving. skills needed to lead a normal life outside the fishing com/lindsay-treana forces.” trip. Masterchef Customer service award winners on board The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Managing has celebrated its annual Customer Service Director of East Employee of the Year Awards. Midlands Trains, The overall winner announced at the awards was Maria David Horne, Atfield, a Meet and Greet Passenger Assistant based in recently donned London Waterloo, who received £250 in vouchers for a chef’s hat and her hard work and dedication to her role. Five highly whites to support the commended runners-up received £100 in vouchers. Railway Children’s David Horne They were: Abdi Ahmed (Woking Station), Andrew Big Breakfast event. cooks up a storm Mclachlan (Tisbury Ticket Office), Allison Dunn He said: “Railway in the kitchen. (WICC), Phil Williams (Salisbury Commercial Guard ) Children is such an and Danny Mailey (Customer Service Centre). important and worthwhile charity and we Customer Service Director Jake Kelly said: "It’s fantastic are always happy to take part in fund-raising Customer Service winner Maria to see so much competition for this important award, Atfield with Customer Service initiatives to support their work". with so many impressive nominations. Maria Atfield Director Jake Kelly (left) and Head of was a very worthy winner and all of the finalists showed Customer Service Andy Naylor. exceptional commitment to serving our customers.” A good read A right royal tour Ashford controller Peter has launched an open Smith always knew top bus route for the summer season in Royal what he wanted to Deeside, serving Braemar, Crathie, Ballater and do when he retired. Loch Muick. He wanted to write The route will operate every Saturday and Sunday until science fiction, and September, and every day during the school summer has recently had his holidays. first novel published, a fantasy tale Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert entitled ‘Strange Moons Rising’. Montgomery said: “Our Bluebird company is blessed with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country and “I wanted to create a fantasy adventure Guests at the launch of the that would appeal to all ages,” Peter said. what better way to experience it than on an open top bus!” new open top bus.

5 the green scene

Top carbon Bus fuel additives cut down on CO2 Stagecoach Group has cut CO2 emissions from its bus fleet in the UK by performance more than 188,000 tonnes over the past eight years through use of a hi-tech fuel additive. Stagecoach Group is among This saving equals the same emissions output by roughly 25,000 UK residents in one year. the top 10% of large companies in the The fuel additive, Envirox™, which was developed by Oxford scientists, has seen a 5% UK for its performance in reducing yearly decrease in fuel consumption and associated emissions. Stagecoach released the results the carbon emissions from its business, as it confirmed a future three-year supply agreement for the Envirox™ fuel saving additive. according to new Government figures. Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Fuel is one of our Figures compiled as part of the biggest costs and these factors have a direct impact on the cost of travel for our customers.” Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme show that Stagecoach Group cut carbon emissions from its UK operations by Sustainability winners 10% in 2011-12 compared to the previous Stagecoach has been named as winner of the year. Sustainability Award, for the second consecutive year, at the Stagecoach was ranked 157th out of nearly 2013 Scotland Plc Awards. 2,100 organisations covered by the scheme. Awarding the honour to Stagecoach, the judging panel stated that Steven Stewart, Director of “Sustainability is clearly within the DNA of Stagecoach”. Communications for Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach Group Director of Communications Steven Stewart said: “The latest significant reduction in said: “Our staff are at the heart of making us a greener business our emissions reflects the hard work of our and it’s great to see their efforts recognised through this award.” employees, from our bus and train drivers to our management teams. UK Bus Managing Director Robert “But we know we have further work to Montgomery collects the Sustainability Award. do and we are already developing plans for the next phase of our sustainability strategy.” New

Melonie Magee vehicles loads up her car with recycling. in a The flash mob in action in Sheffield flash to promote the new hybrid buses. Stagecoach has doubled the size of its electric hybrid fleet in Sheffield following the launch of 19 new vehicles. The introduction of the new vehicles was celebrated with a day of green activities in the city. There was a chance to tour one of the new buses and members of the public were treated to a series of green-themed flash mob performances. Meanwhile, Stagecoach in Sheffield was recently crowned winner of the Environmental Impact category at the Sheffield Business Awards held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. A very green team Hybrid investment Coach USA Butler Motor Transit goes the extra mile to be kind to the Stagecoach is investing around environment. £500,000 in three new hybrid vehicles for The company collects the plastic water bus operations in Aberdeen, with additional bottles office staff empty and Melonie funding of £311,000 from the Scottish Magee from the Dispatch Department Government’s Green Bus Fund. takes them home to recycle with her home The three ADL Enviro 350H single-deck hybrid- garbage. electric vehicles – which produce up to 30% less The team also collects waste paper emissions than standard buses – will run on a route products and takes them to a local school within Aberdeen. to be recycled, as well as saving local Stagecoach Regional Director for Scotland, Sam newspapers for bus cleaning staff to use as Greer, said: “We are a leading investor in low-carbon One of Stagecoach Bluebird’s existing buses and we’re delighted to be ordering these floor protectors when cleaning, thus giving hybrid buses. them a second life. Butler Motor Transit vehicles, with support from the Scottish Government.” facility also acts as a used oil collection location – staff burn used motor oil in their Stagecoach’s UK Bus division is a finalist in the 2013 recycling furnaces during the winter months Travel Eurostar Ashden Awards for its ‘Where you want to be’ marketing to keep the garage warm. award campaign, encouraging car users to switch to public transport. Finally, when lost property items are not The direct marketing campaign uses postcode mapping to target people most claimed, the team gives them to charity and shortlist likely to shift from car to bus or coach. Elaine Rosscraig, Stagecoach UK Bus good causes wherever possible. Head of Customer Insight, said: “The project informs non-bus users of the finalist advantages of travelling by bus and we have seen good results.”

6 uk bus / north america

New coaches for Top feature on the Today show megabus.com was recently featured on a slot on the Today show, the daily North America American morning TV programme on NBC. The show said megabus and other city-to-city low-fare express buses are growing in popularity. Stagecoach Group has "Travel is direct, city to city, no stops in between. It's super cheap and offers free Wi-Fi. confirmed a $20 million investment in There are a handful of $1 fares available on every trip so you really can go from Point A to a fleet of new coaches for its growing Point B for $1," the show heard. operations in North America. The Group’s North America division is introducing a fleet of 51 state-of-the-art Woman of the Year Award coaches in three subsidiaries based in Ohio, Chicago and New Jersey. All of the new coaches have quieter, for co-founder more fuel efficient engines. They will Stagecoach co-founder and be equipped with three-point passenger non-executive director Ann Gloag seatbelts, wheelchair lifts, Wi-Fi, and power OBE recently became recipient outlets. The coaches also have a host of of the first SaintA ndrew's Society safety features, including electronic stability of New York Woman of the Year control, tyre warning and fire suppression Global Award in recognition of her systems, and GPS tracking. extensive charitable work in Africa and around the world. A share of the funds raised at the gala A tasty bite of will go to support children's health at New York Presbyterian Hospital and The promotion Royal Children's Hospital at Yorkhill in Glasgow, Scotland, renowned for its work To build with sick children, where Ann Gloag brand awareness worked as a nurse in 1959. of Coach USA Lenzner Coach Line's daily Dan has Pittsburgh Retirement for been sightseeing training services, last Routemaster hard for his tough Kathleen Nye, Kathleen sporting The last Routemaster bus built for 44-mile ultra Lenzner Tour & a Lenzner London is heading for semi-retirement in marathon Travel Manager, PittsBURGHER Hat. when it begins a two-year loan to through the created the the London Bus Museum, based on the dramatic attention-grabbing Lenzner Trolley Museum site near . Cornwall Tours “PittsBURGHER" logo which The bus was countryside. is popular with visitors to the city. built in 1968 and was first allocated to A sad occasion Upton Park Dan’s challenge Coach USA has received thanks garage but also Exeter controller Dan Hart is for providing a vehicle to help a local spent time at taking on a gruelling Ultra Marathon community pay tribute to soldier Chalk Farm, challenge in June to raise money for the Lance Corporal William Taylor Wild Hanwell and charity BlindveteransUK. IV, who was killed in an explosion in Uxbridge The course runs along 44 miles of the South Nevada. garages. Over West Coast path from the Lizard Point in The donation of a coach for Lance the years the Cornwall to Lands End. Corporal Wild’s interment was appreciated bus has travelled Donations can be made through Dan’s by the whole community, including his extensively to bus rallies and special events. Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/ family. Daniel-Hart5 Public relations success rewarded COACH USA and megabus.com US PR agency Hanser & Associates recently won two Public Relations Mark of Excellence (PRIME) awards – in the Integrated Communication Campaign and Media Relations Program categories. The awards – recognizing the media relations, social media, events and advertising that propelled the Texas Triangle expansion in 2012 – were presented by Public Relations Society of America (Des Moines chapter) at an annual awards banquet. President of Hanser & Associates, Ronald Hanser said: “We are especially honoured by awards, presented The two recent awards. by industry peers, recognizing our team’s work for our distinguished clients such as Coach USA.”

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Centenary celebrations on the buses Star Walk for the Managing Director Steve Burd was the guest of steel women honour as Wellingborough Museum Stagecoach in Sheffield and staged a celebration marking a century Stagecoach Supertram provided of United Counties in Wellingborough, support to the Star Walk at which is now part of Stagecoach UK Hillsborough Park, Sheffield. Bus. The event aimed to raise over £150,000 During the weekend event there were free for a statue in honour of women working bus rides around Wellingborough and buses in the city's steelworks over the two world were parked in front of the museum, where wars. a special exhibition had been mounted. Participants were allowed to purchase The 1913 Leyland Bus originally used on special £3 Sheffield bus & tram dayrider service in Wellingborough. tickets for the day. Siobhan takes Travellers on the Hop the plunge Siobhan Belshaw, receptionist has rebranded a network of at head coastal bus routes to appeal to office in Lincoln, recently undertook both locals and holidaymakers. a bungee jump to raise more than Launching the new brand name – £700 for the Children’s Brain Tumour Hop – Managing Director Michelle Research Centre. Hargreaves said: “We really wanted Siobhan’s leap was in memory of Leah to raise awareness of what a fantastic Brockbank, the daughter of Marketing way it is to get around the English Officer Louise Wright. Leah sadly passed Riviera. away in January after a long battle with “However, we see Hop as much cancer. more than just a logo and a livery Money can still be pledged at www. – it’s also about us finding ways to justgiving.com/leahbrockbank work with regional stakeholders Managing Director Michelle Hargreaves (black and white to deliver something a little bit jacket) with colleagues and guests at the launch of the new unexpected from a bus company.” Hop brand. Cherry pies promotion Lucky win for Sasha megabus.com US came up North East bus customer Sasha with a new marketing method – by Moriz reaped the benefits of clicking sending boxes of cherry pies to 1,000 online to purchase her seven-day Stage- meeting planners in the Washington, coachSmart travel card after winning DC area. an iPad. The pies went complete with flyers to Dave Bambrough, Walkergate Depot inform and motivate meeting planners Assistant Operations Manager, Stagecoach to list megabus.com on their convention North East, commented: “We were delighted websites as a safe, affordable way to travel to with the success of the campaign, which a DC convention, trade show or conference. aimed to raise awareness of the many advantages of purchasing bus tickets online, Sasha received her prize from Dave Bambrough. such as the speed, savings and convenience.” Exeter Travelshop wins award Across the line Staff at Stagecoach South Stagecoach operations West's Exeter Travelshop are manager Richard Tandy and driver celebrating winning the nationwide Jane Dicker helped raise £1,000 for National Express award for Best St Michael’s Hospice by taking part Point of Sale 2012. in the Half Marathon. The busy Travelshop beat off The pair raised nearly £500 by taking competition from 3,500 agents, and staff part in the 13-mile run and Stagecoach were presented with a framed certificate doubled the amount. and a large box of chocolates each. Jane Dicker and Richard Tandy.

8 Charity fundraising

As always, our staff have been out raising money for worthy causes. Here is just a small selection of some of the activities employees took part in on Red Nose Day as well as some other impressive fundraising efforts. Charity gets online Stagecoach Midlands recently helped Rugby-based community charity New Directions get online by purchasing much-needed additional computer equipment for its day care centre. Lisa and Steve Burd, Managing Director of Stagecoach Gemma in Midlands, said: "We are delighted to support this their PJs. very deserving project, which plays such a very important role in the local community.” Red wig day MD Steve Burd presents the charity with a bus cheque for its computer equipment. driver Lisa Hewitt drove her bus in her pyjamas and a red wig all day to raise A close shave money for Comic Relief. Joined by her sister Jemma, they collected £525 from held a passengers, which Stagecoach matched fundraising day at Ayr depot to raise £800 for the to take the final total to £1050. Ayrshire Hospice. A number of drivers and depot staff dressed up and carried out their duties as a variety of characters such as Superman, Minnie In the driving seat Mouse etc. Driver Morris Johnson went as far as to Stagecoach in Fife held an do a sponsored head shaving! exciting driving challenge for the family and friends of company employees, Morris Johnson gets his head shaved for charity. raising more than £2000 for Comic Relief in the process. The event was organised by the Aberhill Funny money for and St Andrews depots in East Scotland and entrants were able to experience what it’s like to drive a double decker bus while following Comic Relief a planned, marked route, complete with Employees from South Western Railway obstacles. Customer Service Centre in Southampton joined the Comic Relief fundraisers this year to ‘do Raising cash something funny for money’ by styling some outrageous head gear in an effort to encourage Staff at donations from their customers. swapped their work clothes for fancy Denise Van Outen and Kate Thornton also travelled on TV star Denise Van Outen gets dress – and some even swapped jobs for South West Trains accepting silly dares via Twitter in an acquainted with a South Western the day – to raise more than £500 for effort to raise money for the cause. Railway employee. Comic Relief. The cash was raised through a variety of activities including staff dyeing their hair, cake Alan’s special day sales, fancy dress, job swapping and competitions on Red Nose Day. Alan Christie from PSV Claims Paul Lynch, Stagecoach Yorkshire managing in Perth underwent a complete director, said: “We’re so proud of the team’s transformation into that of his alter efforts – from job swaps to ‘Superman’ dropping ego 'Alice' to raise money for Comic in at the depot, Red Nose Day at Stagecoach Relief. Yorkshire was varied to say the least!” His efforts raised more than £185 and helped Group HQ raise more than £700 in total for the charity. Thanks Vintage relief to everyone who Stagecoach London put a vintage donated. London Routemaster bus (pictured) South Yorkshire staff out and about on Red Alan Christie spent into service for Red Nose Day and Nose Day. the day as ‘Alice’ for collected £220 for Comic Relief through Comic Relief. donations from passengers.

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Double quickfire round – Martin Griffiths Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Favourite place? Who are you? Martin Griffiths, Islay Stagecoach Group Chief Executive What can’t you What is the best thing about your live without? My job? The people and the variety; no two wife and kids (and my days are the same. Blackberry!) What are your hobbies? Golf, football What makes you and rugby L-R: Edward Hodgson, Managing Director; angry? People who What was your first job? Managing a don’t make decisions Kate and Jim McAllister; Hugh Fowler sports shop, aged 16 Operations Manager. What’s the best advice you can give? What is your favourite music? Tell it as it is Take That Jim says goodbye Favourite food? Indian Stagecoach West Scotland has bid farewell to driver James McAllistair, who retired after 22 years with the Gerry Madsen company. Jim is well known within the area and well liked by all staff. He is married to Kate and West Coachlines, Inc, Sacramento, California both are now happily retired. Everyone at Most embarrassing Who are you? Gerry Madsen, Manager the company wishes them well. moment? When I of Safety and Training for All West passed out cutting the Coachlines, Inc Sacramento, California. cord when my son Sarah moves on What do you like about your job? The was born. interaction with all levels of employees and Dream job? To build Stagecoach management, learning regulations and how classic cars full time. East Scotland’s to comply with them within our scope of Favourite animal? Operations work . Cats – they are Director Sarah What do you least like about your independent like I am. Boyd (nee job? The paperwork and keeping records. Most like to be stuck in a lift with? Longair) is to leave I find myself forgetting steps and having to Don Garlits (professional drag racer from the company after go back to complete them. the 60s). over 10 years with Favourite TV show? Overhaulin – I’m Stagecoach. restoring a classic car, a 1972 El Camino ss, The Quickfire Round features in every Sarah joined the Stagecoach graduate and building a 1940 Mercury with my son. edition of On Stage and we want to hear programme in 2002, training in Fife, then Biggest achievement? Becoming a from as many staff as possible. carried out three years in Manchester before certified SPAB (School Pupil Activity Bus) To suggest the next participant, email returning to West Scotland as Operations instructor for the state of California. [email protected] Director in 2006 and then continuing this Worst job? Being a janitor for a fast food position in East Scotland from June 2010. restaurant while in high school. Sarah, who lives in Edinburgh, will take up a new role with Lothian buses from June 2013. UK Bus management appointments Stagecoach has announced a number Managing Director, Stagecoach Bluebird in of management appointments at its UK addition to his current post, from 1 June 2013, CONTACTS Bus division following the promotion of becoming Managing Director, Stagecoach Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director North Scotland. Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Gary Nolan to the role of Stagecoach UK Bus • Andrew Jarvis, currently Managing Director, Perth, PH1 5TW Regional Director North. Stagecoach Bluebird, has been appointed Email: The announcement also follows the planned Managing Director, [email protected] retirement of two regional bus company Managing from 1 July 2013. Directors. Stagecoach South East Managing Director A recruitment process is now underway for the www.stagecoach.com Paul Southgate and Charlie Mullen, Managing Managing Director posts at Stagecoach South Director, Stagecoach East Scotland, are both due to West and Stagecoach South East. Stagecoach If you have a story for On Stage, retire in October 2013. is also recruiting for a newly-created post of please contact Lindsay Reid as above. The following appointments have been made: Operations Director for North Scotland as The copy deadline for • Michelle Hargreaves, currently Managing well as the Operations Director position at East the next edition of Director, Stagecoach South West, has been Scotland, following the departure of Sarah Boyd. On Stage will be appointed Managing Director, Stagecoach East Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Friday, 14 June, Midlands, effective from 1 July 2013. Robert Montgomery said: “I would like to 2013. • Steve Walker, currently Managing Director, congratulate Michelle, Andrew and Steve on Stagecoach Highlands, will take on the role of their new appointments.”

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