Manchester Community Transport (MCT) has been acquired by HCT Group.
HCT Group, one of the UK’s largest social enterprises, operates bus services and other transport contacts in London, Bristol, Yorkshire and the Channel Islands, with over 1,200 staff and a fleet of 625 vehicles. It then reinvests the money it makes from those contracts back into its community transport services.
Announcing the news, HCT Group Chief Executive, Dai Powell, said: “We are delighted to welcome a community transport provider of such renown into the Group. We believe that we can help MCT really achieve its potential, growing the organisation and increasing services.
“Making a positive social impact where we work is our reason for being, so a tie-up with a community transport provider that has its finger on the pulse of what’s needed in Manchester is great news.”
By joining the Group, MCT said it aims to make its operations more financially sustainable over the long-term, safeguarding the services that it provides. It also said it will be able to better access investment and the wide range of operational and business expertise of HCT Group.
As the tie-up aims to support MCT with its plans for growth, it will see MCT maintain all of its current services, with no jobs under threat.
Commenting on the news, Nigel McKinney, Managing Director of MCT, said: “By joining one of the largest and most successful social enterprises in the UK, we have the opportunity to expand our services and build on our track record of delivering for the community in Manchester. It makes sense for us to partner with a like-minded organisation such as HCT Group, who share our values and who are committed to improve transport for all.”