EDWARDS COACHES WINS BEST COACH OPERATOR FOR GROUPS AT THE GROUP TRAVEL AWARDS 2020

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Award winning South Wales based company Edwards Coaches has added another trophy to its cabinet as it wins BEST COACH OPERATOR FOR GROUPS 2020.

In different circumstances this year, the awards were broadcast live on YouTube TV. The Group Travel Awards are the highlight of the group travel industry year.

Competition was particularly strong but ultimately it is the travelling public who decide the winners by voting for the travel companies they consider the best in the business. 

Edwards said: “In this difficult year we are delighted to have the honour of calling ourselves Group Travel Award winners once again. Being the only Welsh Company to win an award is both very exciting and humbling.
We cannot thank our incredible customers enough for their support over the years and for voting for us in the awards, they’re all amazing!”

Ends.

Company Overview:

  • Edwards Coaches Ltd was established in 1925
  • Celebrating 95 years in business this year
  • Award winning National Express operator, including the Gold Standard Operator
  • Winner of its second British Travel Award in 2019
  • Winner of ‘Livery of the Year’ at the 2019 Wales Transport Awards for its Red Dragon coach and local service bus vehicles
  • Still family owned and run, now in its 5th generation.
  • Owners of 3* The Portbyhan Hotel in Looe, Cornwall

Notes to Editors:

  • Edwards Coaches are a well-established family business and one of Wales’ leading premier tour operators boasting a history of innovation that began in 1925.
  • The company has grown from a small operator of 18 vehicles in 1970 to 60 vehicles by the year 2000. Today (2020) there are 270 vehicles operated.
  • Edwards continues to operate a popular local bus service which operates from the Pontypridd to Cardiff area, including the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
  • Edwards transport over 54,000 clients on their own holiday programme
  • In addition Edwards boasts a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable group travel experts, who give large groups the opportunity to tailor their own tours and can assist them in making their ideas a reality. They also have an extremely busy private hire department that provides coaches for not only local clubs and societies but the Wales rugby and football teams, Cardiff City football club, The British Lions and most of the visiting teams to the Principality Stadium. Edwards boasts an unrivalled educational tour department called Edwards Education and Youth Tours, which provides high quality tours and travel for schools and colleges. In addition they own and run the Portbyhan Hotel in Cornwall.

AM Congratulates Students on Green Christmas Card Designs

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Mick Antoniw AM, Ellie Rees, Senior Marketing Executive, Edwards Coaches, runner-up Lorna Doyle, Sophia Andrews with her winning design, Jo Gold, Head of Art at Y Pant and Headteacher Bev Cheetham.

Mick Antoniw, Assembly Member for Pontypridd has congratulated the winners of the annual Pontypridd AM & MP Christmas card design competition.  The theme of this year’s competition was ‘the environment at Christmas’.

The Christmas card competition, which is now in its sixth year, has proved popular with primary schools across the Pontypridd constituency and this year, for the first time, secondary schools were invited to participate.

Mick Antoniw said:

“I visit local schools on a regular basis and I am always impressed by the students’ enthusiasm about the environmental projects they are working on, so it was very easy to decide the theme of this year’s competition.

“Once again the standard of the artwork submitted was absolutely fantastic and choosing the winner was a very difficult decision.  I’d like to congratulate everyone who entered and in particular Sophia Andrews, whose winning design has already been made into a Christmas card and sent to hundreds of people, including Wales’ First Minister.”

Receiving a framed copy of her winning design and her prize of a £50 book token, Year 9 student at Y Pant Sophia Andrews said:

“I really enjoyed the challenge of presenting environmental issues alongside a Christmas theme.”

Explaining the inspiration behind her design Sophia said:

“The hand represents us on Earth.  The Bauble Represents the Earth.  The thread between us shows the Earth hanging on after all the damage we have caused to the Environment.”

Head of Art at Y Pant school Jo Gold added:

“Many of our students have a keen interest in environmental issues, so they were particularly pleased to be given the opportunity to participate in an art competition, where the theme allowed them to express their views in a creative way.”

Since its introduction the Christmas Card competition has been generously sponsored by Edwards Coaches, who are based in Llantrisant.  Nathan Griffith-Williams, Head of Marketing at Edwards said:

‘We are absolutely delighted to once again support this fantastic competition which we have done for a number of years. The standard of artwork was fantastic and all entrants should be extremely proud of their efforts.’

The competition runners-up were Ben Watkins, year 9 from Tonyrefail Community School and Lorna Doyle, year 9 and also from Y Pant High School.

Legendary Edwards Coaches Matriarch Sadly Passes Away

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It is with a very heavy heart that Edwards Coaches announce the passing away of Mrs Jean Edwards, 3rd generation of the family business. Mike Edwards’ mother was fondly known by all as ‘Mrs E’ and peacefully passed away on Monday 27th May at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital with her family at her side. Jean was aged 91 years young.

Jean worked for Edwards Coaches as a minder/escort on home to school transport for many years, only finishing because of the cold winter mornings whilst in her eighties. She was an unstoppable lady and just last year when asked what she wanted for Christmas she replied with “a new pressure washer”.

She was a Bus and Coach person through and through, consistently reading the local newspapers to check on Edwards’ adverts and wanting to know why the windows were dirty on a local service bus going past.


Managing Director, Jason Edwards said: “My nan was an absolute legend of a lady and will be greatly missed by many. Her passion and love of life was infectious. She would always give a very straight answer followed up with a laugh and a dance around the kitchen. She was truly a remarkable lady.” She leaves 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have been made for a cremation at Glyn Taff on Friday 14th June at mid-day and then refreshments at the Llantwit Sports and Social Club (The Spit).

Jean and Jason Edwards

EDWARDS COACHES ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS CHARITY COMPETITION

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Award winning South Wales company Edwards Coaches Ltd. has announced ten winners of its recent charity competition despite initially intending to offer the prize to four charities.

The competition was launched via Facebook on 1st April 2019 offering charities a free advertising space on the back of one of its brand new local service buses.

A total of 84 charities entered in quick succession and, overwhelmed by the response, Edwards has decided to award ten charities with a space on a selection of its school and local service buses.

These buses are seen throughout South Wales, particularly in the Pontypridd and Cardiff areas, and each charity advertising space will last for one year.

Jason Edwards FCILT, Managing Director of Edwards said: “When we launched this competition we did so with the aim of helping four fantastic charities gain excellent exposure across our network. However, we were so genuinely overwhelmed by the response that we decided to help more brilliant causes and increase the number of charities to ten and give them publicity for 12 months. We want to help as many people who help people in communities as we can.”

Rhian Mannings, Founder and CEO of 2 Wish Upon a Star said: “2 Wish was established after the sudden death of my son George. Five days after his death his father Paul took his own life traumatised by his loss. There was no support available and our family were left alone to cope. 2 Wish Upon a Star has helped over four hundred and eighty families, many in the South Wales area, but we know there are still suddenly bereaved parents in Wales that need and deserve our support. We desperately need to raise awareness and being selected to feature on an Edwards bus will be instrumental in helping us to achieve this goal. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and very much look forward to working with Edwards.”

A full list of the winning charities:

• 2 Wish Upon a Star
• Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale
• Believe Organ Donor Support
• Blood Bikes Wales
• CF Warriors
• Cariad Defibrillators Wales
• ELITE Supported Employment
• The UK Sepsis Trust
• Thrive Cardiff
• Y Bont

EDWARDS COACHES PARTNERS WITH ABER VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR

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Award winning company Edwards Coaches is pleased to announce its partnership with the renowned Aber Valley Male Voice Choir.

The partnership builds upon Edwards’ continued support and investment in its local community, including transport for fundraisers at Velindre Cancer Hospital and its competition to offer free advertising for a charity.

Aber Valley Male Voice Choir celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and has sung across the globe including performances in the USA, Canada, France and Spain. In 2015 and 2016 the choir was invited to sing at the InterCeltic festival in Lorient, Brittany, which was the largest ever.

The choir have used Edwards’ coach hire department for years and so it’s very fitting that the two have now joined forces.

Geraint Evans BEM, musical director said: “Our motto ‘Have Song, Will Travel’ is certainly an apt description of the choir’s relationship with Edwards Coaches. We have hired their coaches for many years and found the company very accommodating to our needs. The choir’s relationship with the company couldn’t be better.”

Jason Edwards FCILT, Managing Director of Edwards Coaches said: “The choir is as much a part of the DNA of South Wales as daffodils growing on the hills and so they are a natural fit for us at Edwards to partner with. Both organisations have a long history in the area and the opportunity to support such an institution is nothing short of an honour. Not to mention that they’ve promised us a free performance at head office!”

EDWARDS COACHES WINS OPERATOR OF THE YEAR AT NATIONAL EXPRESS AWARDS

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South Wales based company Edwards Coaches adds another award to its arsenal as it scoops ‘Operator of the Year: 21+ Vehicles’ at National Express’ annual Operator Awards.

Edwards has operated the National Express service from South Wales as well as Bristol and Avonmouth for 2 years, picking up a number of awards along the way including the High Achiever Award, Gold Standard Operator and Engineering Gold Standard.

A variety of factors contributed to this year’s win. In 2018 the company carried a total of 1,460,194 customers, received 78 direct driver praises and underwent 133 vehicle audits. This was in addition to Edwards achieving the ‘Gold Engineering Standard’ and ‘Rolling Gold Operator’.

Chris Hardy, Managing Director at National Express UK Coach said: “We wouldn’t be National Express without any of our operators. Edwards Coaches helps to keep us on the roads on a daily basis and I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognise their efforts and celebrate them as a valued partner.”

Jason Edwards FCILT, Managing Director at Edwards Coaches said: “Operating a National Express service comes with a lot of responsibility and gravitas, which we welcome wholeheartedly. Therefore, awards such as these are extremely important to us as they recognise the hard work that our staff put in twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. National Express is highly respected across the country and so it is a huge honour to be able to work with them.”

National Express Coach Awards photography 28th March 2019. .Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix

Brexit Announcement

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In these uncertain times as a result of the UK’s relationship with the European Union, Edwards Holidays are delighted to offer some clarity and certainty. With the 29th March fast approaching, it’s understandable that you may have questions when it comes to booking your next holiday, especially to Europe. That’s why we at Edwards would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that when you book your holiday with us, you are completely protected, whatever the outcome.

Once you have booked your holiday and paid your deposit, we guarantee that whatever happens as a result of Brexit the price of your holiday will not increase.

It is important to check the date that your passport expires. When travelling to the EU after the 29th March 2019, the UK Government recommends that you have 6 months left on your passport on the date you arrive in the EU. You can use the Government’s website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules. https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport

We look forward to welcoming you on-board an Edwards Holiday very soon.

Edwards Partners with Scarlets

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Award winning travel company Edwards announces partnership with Scarlets.

Edwards are delighted to support the famous West Wales regional team for the 2018/2019 season by supplying team transport for their upcoming matches. This follows on from Edwards providing numerous coaches in the past for Scarlets’ away games and fan transport.

Jason Edwards FCILT, Managing Director of Edwards Coaches said: “We could not be happier to be joining forces with the Scarlets and look forward to supporting them in the upcoming season. As a business with its roots firmly in Wales, rugby is in our blood and we relish the opportunity to partner with such a great club.”

Nathan Brew, Head of Commercial at Scarlets, said; “We have been working closely with Edwards over the last few years and we’re pleased to announce an official partnership with the company.

“Edwards, like the Scarlets, are very much a community based company that have built their business and brand from small beginnings within its own communities in Wales. We are delighted to partner with such a reputable company and entrust our team travel needs to them.”

Edwards boasts an extremely busy private hire department that provides coaches for not only local clubs and societies but the Wales rugby and football teams, Cardiff City football club, The British Lions and most of the visiting teams / artists to the Principality Stadium.

 

Edwards Coaches In The Driving Seat With Ponty Rugby

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A core sponsor of Pontypridd RFC, locally based but internationally renowned company Edwards Coaches has confirmed the continuation of its partnership with the club.

Welcoming the renewed deal, Ponty Rugby Ltd Commercial Manager Emma Rogers commented: “We are thrilled that Edwards Coaches, who are a vital part of our extended rugby family, have pledged their support as sponsors of Pontypridd RFC.
“The Edwards family – Mike, Diane, Jason and Kelly – are regulars at Sardis Road and we are proud of their involvement with our club.”

Jason Edwards FCILT, Managing Director of Edwards Coaches said: “We are absolutely delighted to have renewed our partnership with Pontypridd RFC for the 2018 – 19 season.

“Like us, the club is an integral part of the local community and it is our privilege to support it to be the best it can both on and off the field. Our partnership not only supports the senior team but also the Pontypridd & Valleys Rugby Initiative which is ensuring a clear pathway, helping to develop potential players for our community clubs, schools, colleges, University, Premiership and Regional Rugby. I would like to wish Pontypridd RFC every success for this season and beyond.”

 

29.04.15 – Edwards Coaches –

Hop on Merthyr Tydfil’s free Saturday Hoppa bus!

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From next weekend, visitors to Merthyr Tydfil will be able to take a tour of its shopping, leisure and heritage attractions on a free Saturday shuttle bus.

The Merthyr Hoppa coach will link the new Trago Mills store to Cyfarthfa Park, the historical Redhouse in Pontmorlais, Merthyr Leisure Village, the town centre and Cyfarthfa Retail Park.

The County Borough Council initiative sponsored by The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil Business Improvement District (BID) will begin on Saturday 23 June as a pilot exercise for six weeks through the summer, continuing for the rest of the year if successful.

“We’ve seen a significant footfall increase in the town centre since Trago Mills opened in April,” said County Borough Council Cabinet member for Regeneration and Public Protection Cllr Geraint Thomas.

“So we’re taking advantage of that popularity to make it easier for shoppers and visitors to travel between our retail areas, recreation facilities and also our wonderful tourist attractions.

“We’re very grateful to our partners The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil and all the businesses that support it for making it possible to run this exciting new service, as a partnership.”

The Hoppa bus is low floor and Disability Discrimination Act-compliant to cater for wheelchair users and prams. It will also have a range of local tourism leaflets, and drivers will be able to inform passengers which attractions to alight for at each bus stop.

Jason Edwards, Managing Director of Edwards Coaches, which is running the Hoppa service, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and other partners on this really exciting project. We were thrilled to be chosen as the operator and we look forward to it being a great success.”

Antonia Pompa, BID Co-ordinator, said: “We are keen to maximise the benefit of so many new people coming to the area and want to encourage them to visit the town centre’s retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

“This pilot will link the town and surrounding attractions with an easy to use and highly visible service, providing visitors with an excellent way to enjoy a Saturday in Merthyr Tydfil.”

Look out for the bus, with its distinctive ‘Visit Merthyr’ branding, running from 9am to 6pm every Saturday.

 

For further media information, please contact Jackie Huybs on 01685 725155/07814 070239 or Nathan Griffith-Williams at Edwards on 07484 683794

 

Edwards Coach Driver gives up his time for Home Leone

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Andy Lloyd, a National Express driver with Edwards Coaches, has recently returned from Sierra Leone in West Africa where he spent a month volunteering with UK charity Home Leone. Andy is the regular National Express driver of the 508 service from the coastal communities of West Wales towards London.

The aim of Home Leone is to relocate the poorest and most vulnerable people from horrific slums in the capital Freetown to newly built communities outside the city. The first such community, named Destiny Village, will home 2,000 people on its 22 acre site at Newton, providing six foundational elements to ensure sustainability – low cost homes, employment and skills, education, healthcare, water and waste management, and power.

Andy was involved in providing assistance to local teams of construction workers – brick makers, bricklayers, plasterers, plumbers, electricians, decorators and labourers. He said; ‘This was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience set in a beautiful tropical landscape but in a country that suffers from much deprivation. I am really grateful to my employer Edwards for allowing me the time off work to participate and make a small difference.’

Jason Edwards, FCILT, Managing Director of Edwards said: ‘We are so proud of Andy for all of his selfless hard work and effort. Andy and his co workers have made a real difference to people’s lives in a relatively short space of time and they all deserve the utmost credit.’

Edwards Coaches nominated for Six ‘Best in UK’ Industry Awards

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Edwards Coaches are delighted to announce that they have been nominated for no less than 6 ‘Best in UK’ Routeone Awards. Nominations are received only from those in the industry, so it is huge recognition to all at the Company that fellow Industry professionals have put them forward for so many awards.

Edwards have been nominated in the following categories:

Operator Training Award
Best Use of Technology
Environment Award
Excellence in Minibus Operation
Coach Operator of the Year
Bus Operator of the Year

Jason Edwards, FCILT, Managing Director of Edwards said: ‘I am delighted that we have been nominated for no less than 6 ‘Best in UK’ Routeone Awards. It is a fitting testament to the effort and hard work that everyone puts in here at Edwards and I couldn’t be more proud of my team.’

The announcement of the winners will take place at a Gala Presentation Evening, Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 31 October.

 

Edwards Coaches’ Brett Skyrme wins Apprentice of the Year Award

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Brett Skyrme, Apprentice Engineer at UK award winning company Edwards Coaches Ltd has just walked away with a Quality Standard Award for Apprentice of the Year in the heavy vehicle category at Cardiff and Vale College.

Brett joined Edwards Coaches back in 2014 and comes from and lives in Cross Keys.
He is only 19 years of age and absolutely loves Motocross, His Manager Jason Campfield, Fleet Engineer for Edwards said: “Brett is an extremely hard working and talented Engineer and I am absolutely delighted that he has won this prestigious award.”

Brett said: “I love what I do and I love doing it for Edwards. It is a fantastic, family owned and run business and that comes across in our working environment. I am extremely proud to have won this award and I would like to thank Edwards for all of their help and support over the years.”