The as yet un-named group of young coach industry professionals profiled in last week’s CBW gained another member over the weekend in the form of Lakeside Coaches’ casual driver Joe Hall, who took part in the UK Coach Rally at Blackpool.
Another milestone for the group over the weekend was the offer by VDL of a trip to its factory in The Netherlands.
Maurice in ‘t Groen, Area Sales Manager at VDL told CBW: “It’s vital to encourage young people and drive their enthusiasm for the industry. We want to do our bit by hosting a factory visit for the group. We’re planning to make it a two-day trip in August, which will include the opportunity to see the wider group and and our coach and bus factory.”
Group members were naturally delighted at the prospect of the trip. York Pullman’s Matty James enthused: “Not only is it very generous of VDL to offer to arrange this trip, it’s also rare opportunity to get to see inside a coach factory. I am certainly looking forward to it.”
Jacob Marshall from Marshalls of Sutton-on-Trent said: “I too can’t wait to visit the factory.
However, we must not lose sight of the fact that it’s thanks to the rally that this opportunity has arisen – that’s how we’ve got to know each other.”
