SOLD : Combined Minibus and Garage Business Changes Hands After 23 years

Allens Travel was established in St. Austell in 1988 by Terry and Carolyn Allen and they built up a fleet of eight minibuses specialising in the provision of transport services to both adults and children with special needs. They established a loyal workforce of drivers and, with the special requirements of the passengers, they employ transport assistants and have vehicles adapted including five vehicles with wheelchair lifts.

Looking towards retirement and with health considerations, the owners decided it was time to sell their businesses of the minibuses operation and also their garage services business. Considering that the two sides to their business would probably appeal to different people they initially decided to offer their minibus business for sale. They chose to instruct specialist business transfer agency, Beardsley Theobalds of Exeter (01392 253071) to act for them to handle the sale of this business. A national marketing campaign was conducted and the business was also advertised on their own and other industry web sites. The business attracted interest from right across the South West.

Nick Austin from Devon was initially interested in just the minibus side of the business but when learning that the other side of the Allens’ operation, the garage services side, was also going to be available and how well the two sides work together for repairs, maintenance and overnight storage, he spoke to a friend, Alan Coy, who has great business experience and they offered to buy the two businesses. Nick and Alan are now business partners after acquiring the two businesses together and Nick has moved from Devon to be able to run the business locally. Between them they have a wealth of business experience and Nick plans to be involved hands-on as a driver as well as getting the relevant operator’s licences.

Terry and Carolyn Allen chose to concentrate on just the work through Social Services and so there is a lot of potential to expand the business outside during the hours where care homes and schools require the buses with opportunities such as evening work, party bookings or airport transfers.

There will be a smooth transition of the business with a handover from Mr. and Mrs. Allen before they take a back seat but the minibuses the minibuses with the name of Allens Travel will still be seen.

Charles Webb, Beardsley Theobalds