Respected coach operator Parrys International is to shut its doors at the end of the year. CBW has known about the story for some time but respected MD Dave Parry’s wishes not to publish it until now.
Mr Parry said the decision to close was made due to increasing regulation and spiralling costs in the coach tour industry.
“While we’re not afraid to implement them, it’s like working with one arm behind your back,” he told CBW.
“It’s difficult for me personally – this firm has been part of my life for 40 years. Aside from closing a business down yourself, the only other way to exit this industry is in a wooden box or bankruptcy. I want to go while I still can. I couldn’t just have managers in – I’m a hands on sort of person. It’s knowing every single aspect which makes it tick.
“I anticipate the assets will be sold, unless someone makes an offer I can’t refuse.”
The company owns all its assets. The fleet includes 11 impressive MAN-powered Van Hools and a brand new Neoplan Starliner is due in March. “It’s a proper one – not a cheap one,” stressed Mr Parry.
“The original idea was if the Starliner went well, we would change the fleet accordingly. In the light of our decision on the business, however, we will have the coach for just nine months – but then again, we have done that in the past. I’ve already had two approaches but I think we’ll go with the disposal option.” Mr Parry said he: “Won’t be retiring – there are a lot of things in the pipeline.”
Poignantly, he concluded: “We’ve made our impact but it’s now time to say goodbye. We will still be at the rally this year though.”
