Adrian Morton talks to Mike Elkin about his three decades in the industry and his latest success story on the south coast
It’s been three months now since the 2025 UK Coach Rally was held in Blackpool and one of the stars of the show for me was the 1971 Southdown Plaxton Elite bodied Leyland Leopard which rightly took away the trophy for the top coach 25 years old or older. Owned by Mike Elkin of Portsmouth City Coaches, a brand new Temsa HD13 was also exhibited by the operator, albeit in the livery of his grandfather’s former company, Priory of Gosport. The design was eye-catching, utilising its former colours of white, brown and yellow but with a modern twist and to the same layout as those adorned with the Portsmouth City Coaches name. These wear light and dark blue stripes on a white base and incorporate a shape that reflects the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth that opened in 2005. This maritime-inspired structure was created to be instantly recognisable to anyone who visited the city, and it has certainly achieved its goal.
The Portsmouth City Coaches livery is simple but highly effective and thus is also instantly recognisable. Although operations are not confined solely to the area, it has become a highly respected brand locally. To those looking for coach hire, the livery portrays a sense of pride and local ownership. 16 O-licences are held and with a very low fleet age profile, the company has come a long way since its inception in 2018; more of which later. Having known Mike for a good many years and wanting a catch-up after the UK Coach Rally in April, I decided it was about time I took a trip south to refresh my memory on Mike’s past and discover his aspirations for the future.
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