David Jordan finds out more about the intertwined histories of Vectare and Central Connect
“Vectare. Who on earth are they?” I questioned my Commercial Team colleagues having just been read the tender result for the Swaffham Flexibus service in Norfolk back in the autumn/winter of 2021.
“Oh, they’re just a couple of school kids running buses from their dad’s shed in Loughborough,” came the response, at which I thought little more of it, other than to ponder for a moment as to how it was remotely feasible, or even sensible, to commit to operating a single minibus contract from a location over two hours’ drive away.
Fast forward to April 2024 and word quickly spread that these same two ‘kids’ (presumably now teenagers and with a number of other tender wins and acquisitions under their belts – and possibly a bigger shed) had bought long-established independent operator Simonds of Diss. It was reasonably well known locally that the previous owners of this highly regarded business wished to retire, but the main question from all with whom I spoke in the days after this news had broken was where on earth had they found the money?
“Must have a rich uncle…” seemed to be the most common hypothesis offered, usually accompanied by words to the effect of “…anyway, it’ll all end in tears sooner or later!” Not exactly the warmest of welcomes into the local bus scene but in the absence of any information to the contrary, tall tales and urban myths were created to fill the void.
So, when I was approached with the opportunity to meet one of the owners of Transport Made Simple (the name for the newly formed holding company for the bus operations of Vectare), naturally I couldn’t resist. What would I find? Would the meeting have to happen between lessons? Was there a rich uncle? Was there actually a shed?
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