Family-Run Gloucestershire Travel Company Invests In Luxury Coaches

A Gloucestershire travel company has added ten new coaches to its fleet following £3.9m of funding from Lombard.

Bennetts Coaches, one of Gloucestershire’s leading coach operators, has significantly enhanced the sustainability of its operations by acquiring the energy-efficient, lower-emission coach models. This move aligns with the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting greener travel options.

The new coaches are the latest Euro 6 engine models, meaning they have better fuel efficiency than the eight-year-old models they replaced. They are also customised to meet National Express requirements, featuring luxury amenities such as leather seats, charging ports, air conditioning, heating, and TVs.

The business provides coaches for school transport as well as private hire for school trips, weddings, days out and corporate events.

It is National Express’s chosen provider of coaches for the Heathrow Airport route—a crucial contract that has driven the need for more modern, environmentally friendly coaches.

The business regularly works with the local men’s and women’s rugby teams, and has previously seen high-profile contracts for major US presidential visits, including a visit from Donald Trump in 2018.

Lombard supported the business through deals worth a combined £3.9m to fund the new coaches.

Gavin Bennett, Managing Director of Bennetts Coaches said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Lombard for the funding towards our new coaches and for helping us to fulfil our biggest contract with National Express. Making our fleet greener was a key deliverable for us, so to have Lombard’s support was essential."

“This marks a significant step forward for Bennetts Coaches, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable transport solutions in Gloucestershire, while continuing to serve our wide-ranging customer base.”

Jason Holness, Senior Relationship Manager at Lombard said:

“It’s been great to support Bennetts Coaches to become a greener business through the introduction of these new energy-efficient coaches. Lombard’s funding is helping the business to thrive as well as improving its sustainability. Who knows what big names the business will have on its brand new coaches!”

Lombard is the UK’s largest asset finance provider. The company has been supporting businesses for over 160 years; whether investing in vehicles, equipment or cutting-edge technology, Lombard's business finance solutions give businesses the tools to help them grow and thrive.

Part of the NatWest Group, Lombard has been funding renewable energy projects since 2010. It has a dedicated team providing specialist funding support for businesses looking to invest in renewable energy projects. Please contact sustainability@lombard.co.uk to learn more about the funding support available.