Page 6 - Route One Article 2024

PROFILE/Sharpes of Nottingham
LEFT:
The latest addition to
the heritage fleet is
this 1952 AEC Regal
IV with Burlingham
Seagull bodywork,
originally with Scott’s
Greys of Darlington
BELOW:
The imposing livery,
and 20th anniversary
logo, on a TX21 Altano
// This family works
so well together.
We’re a close-knit
team, not just the
family of course, but
every member of the
50-strong Sharpes
family //
remaining 18 members are Sharpes’ well-regarded fleet of heritage
vehicles.
“We have six in our heritage fleet that are available for private hire,”
says Neil. “We do a lot of wedding hires as well as enthusiast bookings.
The heritage fleet ranges from concourse original and restored vehicles
to vehicles awaiting restoration. We’re often asked why we have
them. The vehicles help raise the profile of the Sharpes name whilst
preserving the heritage of our industry.”
More selective, more efficient
In 2020, and with Sharpes approaching 16 years in business,
the COVID-19 pandemic could have dealt a major blow.
“We were in a good place financially,” explains Neil. “Cash reserves
were in place. We refunded trip and private hire bookings if the
customer wanted it. People were fair with us and we with them. Our
bank manager was very supportive. He had our back. But as the two
lockdowns came and went, we found ourselves re-prioritising our
lives. We changed how we worked. We evolved.
“There’s been a reset in how we approach quoting as well as driver
and vehicle allocation. We’ve become more efficient. We’re more
selective in what we take on and how we do it. When the diary is full
it’s full. We have a very low turnover of drivers. We try to give them
the work they want. We recently treated all our staff to a fish and chip
lunch to say thank you for helping deliver a very busy and prosperous
season. Our tour drivers are equally at home driving a bus as they are
driving coaches, as can be said for the directors who lead by example.”
A close-knit team
Post-pandemic has seen the ending of Sharpes’ holiday programme.
However, this is balanced by the continuation of a successful day
excursion programme.
“The tours side had been Trevor and Joy’s department,” says Neil.
“Since the pandemic they’ve wanted to step back. Our last holiday
tour was in 2023. It seems harder to attract new customers, although
our social media activity is extensive. We still operate domestic
and continental tours for our private hire customers, but finding
enough quality tour drivers remains a challenge. Interestingly, since
the pandemic, our day trip numbers have increased. That’s often
down to word of mouth. We’re organising more day trips for other
organisations too.”
Looking ahead, Neil has a positive outlook.
“Today, turnover has increased, with fewer vehicles and fewer staff.
The pandemic was a good example of every cloud having a silver
lining. The pauses gave us time to reflect and re-prioritise. This
family works so well together. We’re a close-knit team, not just the
family of course, but every member of the 50-strong Sharpes family.
We’ll keep doing what we’re doing. We have high standards. That
won’t change!”
118 / ROUTE-ONE.NET OCTOBER 2024