National Express owner's UK revenue falls amid turnaround effort
Mobico said turnover in its UK coach business was down 6% in the three months to March, compared with the same period last year.
The company, which also runs some bus services across Britain, said bus revenues were slightly higher than last year, with passenger volumes remaining roughly the same.
Mobico's previous chief executive Ignacio Garat left last month after a series of profit warnings.
The company recently welcomed back chairman Phil White, who was chief executive between 1996 and 2006.
The company announced a 9% bump in first quarter revenue overall after a strong performance from its Spanish business ALSA.
But the group is part-way through a 'large scale, complex turnaround' of its UK business.
Mr White said: 'In my first weeks in the role I have met with many of our shareholders and spent time with our many businesses.
'I can see that considerable value and momentum exists across the group, and 9% revenue growth in the first quarter is evidence of continuing growth in demand for our services, particularly in ALSA.
'Our priority remains in strengthening our balance sheet and accelerating the pace of operational and financial improvement to drive the change that is necessary to creating a business that can take advantage of the opportunities ahead.'
Shares have fallen nearly two-thirds this year, amid Mr Garat's departure at the end of April.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
38 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Fans stunned at empty stadium for Andorra vs England with Lionesses' game vs Spain at same stadium hosting TWICE as many
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOMAS TUCHEL'S England side attracted just half the support garnered by the Lionesses as the Three Lions played in RCDE Stadium. England's men took on Andorra in the La Liga Stadium on Saturday afternoon, seeing 6,945 England fans make the trip for the World Cup qualifier. 4 The RDCE Stadium looked empty as England played Andorra Credit: Getty 4 England's stars had few fans cheering them on Credit: PA 4 Sparse supporters were dotted around the stands Credit: Getty The RCDE stadium, home of Spanish side Espanyol, looked noticeably empty during the match between England's men and Andorra. Sparse pockets of fans spread across the stands in Barcelona with just shy of 7,000 tickets sold to England fans for the match inside the 40,000-seat stadium. That is just half of the 14,000 fans that piled into the same stadium to watch England Women take on Spain in the Nations League on Tuesday - a match the Lionesses ultimately lost 2-1 as they prepare for this summer's Euros. Fans online were quick to notice how empty the stadium looked, reacting on social media. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL LIONESS LOVE SPLIT England's Millie Bright leaves fiancé & falls for married gym trainer One wrote: "What a joke to have a 40,000 seater stadium be that empty when England fans could of had the tickets". While another added: "I'm sure everyone is having a lovely time in Barcelona, but a half empty stadium does look rubbish". A third asked: "Why is the stadium so empty?" And a fourth posted: "Must be weird for the England players playing in an empty stadium, looks like an U21 game." 4 England Women played Spain in front of a much larger crowd at the RDCE Stadium on Tuesday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS It's no surprise that the stadium wasn't packed with Andorra fans, with the 40,000 capacity roughly the same as half of the nation's entire population. The match, which is considered as Andorra's home fixture, should have been played at Andorra's national stadium but was moved to Barcelona - a three hour drive through the Pyrenees. England star Ivan Toney hits back at Bruno Fernandes with blunt reply after Man Utd star's Saudi transfer snub That's because Andorra's Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella holds just 3,000 fans, meaning a move to Espanyol's ground accommodated even more supporters for the clash. Andorra are moving into a new stadium in the town of Encamp which hosts 5,600 fans, but the ground wasn't ready in time for this fixture to be arranged there.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Luis Diaz comments after Liverpool stung Barcelona with £90m transfer premium
Barcelona were planning to swoop for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz this summer, but the Colombian has pledged his future to the Reds, who insist he's going nowhere Luis Diaz has reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool, rejecting advances from Barcelona in a move that underscores the Reds' newfound dominance in the transfer market. It also signals a seismic shift in their rivalry with the Catalan giants, who were hoping to lure Diaz to the Camp Nou this summer. Once upon a time, Barcelona held an almost magnetic pull over Liverpool's top players, particularly those from South America. Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Javier Mascherano all traded Merseyside for Catalonia, with their dreams of donning the Blaugrana shirt proving irresistible. So frequent were these raids that Liverpool, stung by Coutinho's £142million departure in 2018, inserted a cunning £90m premium clause into the deal, forcing Barcelona to pay a hefty surcharge for any future Anfield signings. This stipulation meant that the club would have to pay an additional £90m on top of any agreed transfer fee for future Liverpool players. The clause only lasted until the end of the 2019/20 season, but it was a defensive measure born of necessity, a way to protect their stars from the Spanish giants' grasp. It proved particularly valuable as Jurgen Klopp's squad blossomed, with standout talents like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Alisson Becker, and Virgil van Dijk rising to prominence in that period. Fast forward to 2025, and the tables have turned. Diaz, who has two years remaining on his Liverpool deal, has made it clear he has no intention of leaving Merseyside, even if a contract extension isn't agreed this summer. "I'm very happy at Liverpool - I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well," the Colombian told to beIN SPORTS ahead of Colombia's clash with Peru on Friday. "If Liverpool gives us a good extension, or I have to see out my two-year contract, I'll be happy." His words carry weight, not just for their sincerity but for what they reveal about the shifting dynamics between the two clubs. Diaz's contentment at Liverpool is a testament to the club's resurgence under Arne Slot, who guided the Reds to just their second Premier League title last month. Diaz contributed 17 goals and eight assists in 50 appearances across the season - his best return since joining from Porto in 2022. His growing importance to Liverpool is clear - underscored by the club's firm stance that he is not for sale. Even if he were, Barcelona no longer wield the same allure they once did, particularly when it comes to prying talent from Merseyside. Liverpool are evidently no longer a stepping stone but a final destination - a far cry from the observation made by club legend Steven Gerrard in 2015. In his autobiography 'My Story', Gerrard correctly predicted Barcelona would go after Coutinho, and reckoned Liverpool might find it "tricky" to keep hold of the Brazilian because "the lure of going to [Barcelona or Real Madrid] is so strong for any South American player." But Diaz appears to have resisted the urge, even in spite of Barcelona's La Liga-winning campaign and the high-octane football they were showcasing in the Champions League prior to their semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan. The £90m premium clause from the Coutinho deal is now a relic of a bygone era, a reminder of when Liverpool had to fend off Barcelona's advances with contractual ingenuity. Today, they do so with the confidence of a club at the pinnacle of European football. Diaz's decision to stay, coupled with Liverpool's swift rejection of Barcelona's approach, sends a clear message: Anfield is where dreams are made rather than imagined, and the Reds are no longer anyone's feeder club.
Metro
8 hours ago
- Metro
Peru should be your next travel destination – and not for Machu Picchu
While most of us are familiar with Machu Picchu, the country that lays claim to this wonder of the world has only recently come to the fore of global travel consciousness. Drawn by the ancient Incan citadel, a growing number of travellers are waking up to the wealth of attractions that Peru has to offer. Blending indigenous, Spanish, and international influences, the rich cultural fabric of this South American destination rewards visitors with breathtaking landscapes, wondrous wildlife and fascinating history — plus top-tier hotels and some of the finest cuisine in the region. Here, Metro makes the case for Peru, with six reasons it should be next on your holiday hit list. Kicking off with the obvious big ticket item, this stone fortress is perched some 2,500 metres above sea level, shrouded in clouds, and ringed by a crown of mountain peaks. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, Machu Picchu is UNESCO-protected and was chosen as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' in a worldwide internet poll in 2007. Cut through the queues and get to the heart of it by joining a Mountain Lodges of Peru walking journey to this historic icon. The prestigious locally owned and operated Andean Lodge travel organisation offers a unique route paired with expert guides to facilitate the best possible experience, traversing uncrowded trails and traditional communities before reaching the jaw-dropping ruins themselves. For proximity to these ruins, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is your check-in of choice. Sitting in the shadows of the Lost City, the luxury lodge resembles a quaint Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and only 83 whitewashed suites tucked into the lush cloud forest. The idyllic eco-resort also offers the perfect pre or post-Machu Picchu experience: a traditional Andean sauna. Constructed from bamboo and fresh eucalyptus leaves, hot stones are heated in a fireplace at its centre, over which more eucalyptus leaves are placed. Guests sit in candlelight, inhaling the vapours. Post-sweat, you can jump into the natural spring water pond outside for a refreshing dip. Winning the 'world's leading culinary destination' title for six years running, Peru and its food – a fusion of tradition and exciting ingredients – has exploded onto the world stage. And at the centre of this explosion is the country's capital, Lima. Legitimately a global gourmet hotspot, the 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' guide puts Lima in the same league as New York and London after featuring it more times than any other city. To experience the lauded fare firsthand, book a table at Kjolle. The first solo restaurant from celebrity chef, Pia Leon, who rose to fame as the head chef of Central (named the 'World's Best Restaurant' in 2023) a tasting menu here is truly money well spent if you want a celebration of Peruvian produce and its culinary history. For a double whammy of haute hotel and haute cuisine, base yourself at the prestigious Hotel B. Easily the coolest check-in in town — and Lima's only Relais & Chateaux property — this restored colonial mansion turned 20-suite, boutique hotel is set in the bohemian, artsy district of Barranco. True to its location, the hotel houses a unique art collection with over 300 original installations. Food-wise, the in-house restaurant focuses on native ingredients and local delicacies (including crispy guinea pig). After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace bar and sink a few pisco sours while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. For a grassroots look at the culinary aspect of the capital, book a spot on Viator's Food & Art: Lima Colours and Flavours Walking Tour. A half-day walking tour through the city's Chorillos and Barranco neighbourhoods takes in top sights and local markets, with pit stops to sample delicious, authentic Peruvian snacks and staple dishes. Situated in southeastern Peru among dramatic Andean panoramas, the culturally rich city of Cusco is one of Peru's most popular destinations. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain town is a medley of ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture and modern buildings. A destination in itself, it's also a great base for exploring nearby Inca sites such as the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Base yourself at Inkaterra La Casona, a 16th-century, former colonial manor (one of the first Spanish buildings in Cusco) that is now a 5-star hotel located steps from the main square. The 11 suites are set around a Spanish courtyard, replete with antique furniture, pre-Columbian textiles and original murals. Each room features plush touches such as freestanding tubs and heated floors to soothe tired feet after a day of trekking. A small yet perfectly formed spa offers bespoke treatments. Top tip: the 'De-Stress' treatment comes highly recommended. A small dining room and terrace serves a delectable menu showcasing local ingredients, including slow-roasted merlot lamb shanks and Andean trout. For an immersion into Cusco's best street grub, snack and sightsee on a Curious Monkey Food Tour. Locally owned and operated, this small group tour offers a tasty lesson in the culture and traditions of Peru. Over half a day, expert guides connect you with food vendors, from the oldest empanada stand in the city, to a lauded, local Peruvian coffee and chocolate emporium. Come evening, meat-lovers should beeline to Cusco's best steakhouse, Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse where a selection of meats — including 20 hour slow-cooked pork ribs and delicious alpaca — are presented on volcanic hot stone platters and marinated in drool-worthy sauces. While Machu Picchu gets all the hype (and the tourist traffic), there are ways to get off the tourist trail to visit small, relatively unknown Incan temples, that you'll likely have to yourself. Peru is set for a record-breaking tourist year in 2025, and it pays to plan ahead. Viator offers a horseback tour that takes in four temples in the nearby Sacsayhuaman Archeological Park. The half-day guided adventure follows a portion of the Inca Trail and traverses spectacular Andean countryside and temples. You'll learn about religious sites and Andean culture from your guide, and even join in an ancient ritual to experience the mysticism of the Andes yourself. History lessons and cultural encounters aside, exploring near-deserted temples on the back of a horse will make anyone feel like Indian Jones. Machu Picchu is the most visited site in South America and the iconic Inca Trail to its boundaries is, by proxy, heaving with tourists. Annually, millions upon millions flock to the mysterious citadel via the well-worn hiking trail. It's crowded, pricey and hectic. For those who want to experience the dramatic and unspoiled Peruvian Andes without jostling for elbow space, look no further than the Lares trail. Mountain Lodges of Peru offers the ultimate crowd-free multi-day alternative to reaching Machu Picchu on their Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu experience — a journey that takes guests through the ancient history, living culture, and magnificent landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Expert guides tailor your experience from a daily list of activities and cultural exploration options as you wind through remote communities, farms and friendly faces. Next, as the afternoon hits, you will settle into one of the eco-lodges that sit along the route. Here, your luggage awaits you, along with a specially prepared dinner made using fresh ingredients, alongside spacious beds and personal hot tubs with views overlooking the landscape. It's post-hike pampering at its absolute best. For nature lovers, a journey to Peru is not complete without exploring the Amazon. Winding through countless jungles, it is the world's largest rainforest. No river is bigger in volume than the mighty Amazon; its banks are home to some 40,000 plant species (with 16,000 types of trees alone) and over 5,000 animal species. It's this immense biodiversity that makes the Peruvian Amazon an absolute must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. And you don't need to have the prowess of Bear Grylls to do it. Delfin Amazon Cruises offers visitors the chance to sail the waters of the Amazon on three and four-night cruises on its 42-passenger ship, the Delfin III. More Trending If you've always wanted to see this storied jungle, this is the way to do it — with great food, expert naturalist guides, activities such as piranha fishing, and a private cabin where you can rest and refuel. Skiffs carry passengers out on jungle hikes, bird-watching expeditions and even river swimming and kayaking. All the while, guides will help you spot everything from endemic pink river dolphins and piranhas, to sloths and jaguars. No machete or mosquito netting required. MORE: Europe's 'nowhere place' is a quiet Italian gem with flights from £17 MORE: TUI relaunches UK flights to forgotten year-round sunshine destination after 3 years MORE: I tried to do Cannes on £30 a day – a champagne town on a Fanta budget
