The Cheshire-based coach and bus supplier, finance and vehicle rental specialist is celebrating three decades of service to the industry
This summer, Mistral Group will be celebrating its 30th year of business. From its roots as a small-scale Cheshire bus operator, the business has grown into a nationally recognised brand in the industry, offering financing, rental and sales of new and used coaches and buses to a wide range of clients across the UK.
A strategy of consistent year on year growth, combined with a strong depth of knowledge and industry expertise has enabled Mistral to remain at the forefront of the market, managing the challenges presented by the recent pandemic; the company says it is now looking to move forward dynamically to meet the rapidly developing changes in the industry. Mistral says it continues to pride itself on a culture of customer service, repeat business and a wide-ranging offer designed to assist its nationwide customer base with all their fleet upgrade needs.
Looking into the near future, and especially towards the era of zero-emission technology, the team at Mistral says it is excited to be able to spearhead a new generation of products, embracing every innovation as the firm looks towards an evolving market of alternative fuels, electric and hydrogen buses.
Steve Low, Group Managing Director, commented: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to see the business grow and develop to the level that it is at now. The industry in which we operate has undergone considerable change and it has been vital that we have kept up with the speed of innovation that has been experienced. Now more than ever we are on the cusp of another wave of change with the move towards a net zero transport system, and once again we are looking to lead the way in finding innovative ways to get this technology cost effectively into the hands of operators around the country.”
Sales Director Martyn Bellis added: “When I re-joined Mistral in late 2021 it was clear that there had been significant growth and development since I last worked for the business some eight years earlier. I’m excited to be part of the ongoing evolution of the business as it transitions with the industry to zero-emission, we grow our rental fleet, continue to support customers with rental and asset finance solutions, and diversify into new complimentary markets. The business benefits from an enthusiastic and experienced sales and support team ready to take Mistral on to the next stage of its journey.”
Looking back at the firm’s history, Mistral Group founder Simon Fawcett commented: “What a journey we have had! It is incredible to see how times have changed since I was a small bus operator and saw an opportunity in the market to become a supplier to the industry. It has been a big learning curve and I have been blessed by a brilliant team of people around me, who have dedicated such a lot of time, energy and real expertise to our business; they have dreamt up ideas that we have been able to put into practice, become bus spotters and industry nerds, and above all poured their enthusiasm into everything that we have achieved so far. Just as the last few years have presented us with issues that we had never anticipated, the next few years are set to bring us many more exciting challenges and we look forward eagerly to see where the new advances in the industry will take us.
“It would also be impossible for us to celebrate this milestone without not just celebrating the staff but by thanking all our customers, partners, and suppliers who have played a part in the journey which has brought Mistral to where we are today – we are extremely grateful. Here’s to a solid, strong and fruitful next 30 years!”
Mistral timeline
1992 Thirty years ago, Cheshire Bus & Coach Ltd (CBC) was founded as a side business to Starline Travel, a Knutsford-based bus operator owned by Simon Fawcett.
1998 To recognise its growing nationwide fleet, CBC rebranded and launched as Mistral Group plc
2000 The firm experienced a period of rapid growth as the low floor bus revolution took hold, driven by the implementation of the PSVAR Act 2000. This legislation paved the way for increased investment as operators transitioned from step-entry vehicles to low-floor ones with wheelchair access. Mistral positioned itself to take advantage of this change, supplying the Dennis Pointer Dart and Optare range.
2008 Fast forward ten years to the global financial crisis which saw several mainstream banks scale back their lending activity, leaving a gap in the market for a specialist funder to the PCV sector. Mistral Asset Finance was born and began offering hire purchase finance agreements to the market.
2013 Alexander Dennis was looking to consolidate its position as a leading supplier to the large operating groups by re-entering the SME retail market. Mistral partnered with the manufacturer to offer the Enviro200, which rapidly became the bus of choice for many small and medium-sized operators.
2018 Mistral diversified and grew further by introducing the Volvo Plaxton Panther and Leopard ranges to its rental portfolio with instant success.
2020 The industry was rocked by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw Mistral, with the support of its underlying funders, respond to the challenge by giving payment holidays and increased flexibility to its customers.
2022 The launch of the Bus Shop, Mistral’s dedicated new initiative for used vehicle sales, led by National Used Vehicle Sales Manager Andy Biggs. Initially conceived as a direct route to market for the disposal of low mileage, late-registered ex-rental fleet assets, the Bus Shop has since evolved to incorporate both the remarketing of finance return equipment and an assisted sale provision for the disposal of third-party vehicles.
