Ashcrofts Mini Travel has expanded its fleet on an operating lease basis to allow it to expand into scheduled express work
Ashcrofts Mini Travel says it has been ‘amazed’ by the service received from Asset Alliance Group after the vehicle finance specialist facilitated the addition of two new Yutong GT12 coaches to its fleet.The Wigan-based business has taken the 53-seat PSVAR compliant executive coaches on multi-year operating leases, ahead of the start of two new routes in partnership with Flixbus this August.
Managing Director of Ashcrofts Mini Travel Chris Ashcroft said: “For me, what set Asset Alliance Group apart was their personal touch. They were great and did exactly what they said they would in a personable manner. When I’ve dealt with finance companies in the past, they’ve typically only cared about your bank balance. Asset Alliance Group was different. They took the time to visit, have a coffee, ask questions and really understand the business before making a quick funding decision.”
Ashcrofts will be running services from Warrington to Hull (Flixbus route 72) and from Liverpool to York (route 74) for Flixbus. The new Yutong GT12 coaches were supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach and are finished in full Flixbus specification.
Ashcrofts says that taking the coaches on an operating lease has allowed it to minimise its capital outlay, with the option to offset rental payments against taxable profits as a business expense. “It’s an affordable way to do things and has allowed me to grow the business. The whole process with Asset Alliance Group was drama free. I can’t fault them,” added Chris.
National Sales Manager at Asset Alliance Group Scott Burke commented: “It’s been a pleasure to deal with Chris, and I’m delighted to have been able to facilitate these two new vehicles for Ashcrofts. The team and I wish him every success with the new FlixBus services.”
Set up in 2006, Ashcrofts Mini Travel provides a range of passenger services, including holidays and travel through its Memory Lane subsidiary. Its fleet now comprises 16 minibuses and 10 coaches, including the new additions, supported by a staff of 26. The firm operates from Leigh in Wigan and has a depot in Golborne, Warrington.
