North West transport firm to welcome international cricket teams after securing £450k funding

North west transport company Goodwins Coaches is preparing to welcome a host of international cricket teams to the UK as part of a lucrative contract after securing a £450k funding boost.

Goodwins Coachesis based in Eccles, Salford, and provides a full range of services including public transport, excursions, holiday packages, and vintage coach hire.

The group received the funding package from Yorkshire Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Manchester.

The money was used for the purchase of an Astronef 17 from Van Hool, a 37 seater Executive Coach with rear lounge.

The coach, reputed to be the only one of its type on the roads in the UK, will primarily be used to service the England and Wales Cricket Board contract to transport visiting international teams to play fixtures against England. The deal was made by Helen Miller, Relationship Manager.

Geoff Goodwin, managing director, said “My father, Alan Goodwin, Carol Goodwin and myself, started the company in 1977, so have almost 40 years expertise, and with another generation onboard with Wesley Goodwin, we will continue to move forward. We are still evolving as a company, and this latest development is a great example of the quality of our services.

“The new coach will provide a first class experience for visiting squads with the first to use the luxury vehicle being the India Cricket Team this summer.

“We welcome the support of Yorkshire Bank which has taken the time to understand the way we work and has helped us to start working towards realising our long term ambitions.”

Goodwins Coaches employs more than 40 full and part-time staff.

Its current turnover is approximately £3 million. The latest round of funding will allow the company to develop its businesses which could mean an extra five staff being taken on, with turnover expected to rise to in excess of £5m in the next five years.

According to Manchester Evening News, Ian Walkden, head of commercial and small business, West of England said: “As a long standing customer Goodwins Coaches are an excellent example of a company with a solid business plan which can deliver to a niche market through the provision of a quality product.

“The experience, drive, and commitment shown by Geoff and his team, represents all that is good about the entrepreneurial spirit of businesses in the North West.

“As we begin to see signs of economic recovery, Yorkshire Bank remains focused on investing in the growth ambitions of the local business community.”

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