Latest news with #McGill'sGroup
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish billionaire brothers acquire historic bus company
Over the last month, I have covered the expansion, the performance and the concerns of the bus firm owned by former Rangers directors Sandy and James Easdale. The firm that describes itself as the UK's largest independent transport operator moved to take over 'one of Scotland's longest-established, family-run coach companies with more than 70 years of experience'. McGill's Group said the acquisition of Prentice Westwood, which also operates bus routes, is part of its continued expansion in the coach travel sector. The deal will see the respected West Lothian-based business join the portfolio of McGill's Group companies owned by the brothers. The brand is retained. (Image: McGill's) Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said the acquisition strengthens the company's offering in central Scotland and brings further expertise into the business. Mr Williamson said: 'Prentice Westwood has a terrific reputation as a quality transport provider in central Scotland, and we are very pleased to welcome them into the McGill's Group. 'During our discussions, I was very impressed by their team, ethos and operational standards - all of which made this an easy decision. 'We believe Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business.' All Prentice Westwood employees will become part of the McGill's Group, and it is anticipated the well-known brand will be retained following the completion of the deal. Robbie Prentice, owner of Prentice Westwood, said the move was an exciting next step for the business and its staff. Mr Prentice said: 'We are incredibly proud of what Prentice Westwood has achieved over the past 70 years as a family enterprise. 'Joining McGill's Group represents a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of the business and for our team to be part of one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious transport operators in the UK. 'The values and vision of McGill's align closely with our own, and I'm eager to see the development of the business in the coming years.' I also exclusively revealed that McGill's has doubled its profits. READ MORE: The firm said: 'McGill's Bus Group is Britain's largest independently owned bus company and a pioneer in fleet decarbonisation, with over 110 zero emission electric buses. 'Our wide and diverse portfolio includes local, city, rural and interurban quality bus services across Scotland under the McGill's, Midland Bluebird, Xplore Dundee and BrightBus brands, as well as open-top hop on and hop off tours, airport connections, expansive coach touring and private hire. 'We are also a key strategic partner to global intercity coach brand Flixbus across the UK.' The new results cover the period from January 2, 2023 to December 31, 2023. It said turnover increased from £57.6 million to £91.2m 'due to the full year impact of the business in Stirlingshire and the Lothians acquired through the acquisitions from First Group Plc'. McGill's also said: 'These businesses have added substantially to group revenue, fleet size and headcount and following a period of integration will contribute to future profitability. 'Operating profit increased from £720,000 to £1.88m.' I also had an exclusive interview with McGill's chairman Raph Roberts who outlined challenges around a new franchising model for bus services. He said: 'The publication this week of McGill's 2023 accounts told a story of a business that had weathered the Covid pandemic and through tight fiscal controls was in good shape. "Fast forwarding to 2025 the story is much the same – fiscal control, investment, consistency of service delivery and the Easdale brothers' belief that buses have a critical role to play in our economy. "That is only part of the story though." THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN BUSINESS HQ MONTHLY Also this month, it was a mixed bag for the billionaire drinks family behind William Grand & Sons, who celebrated the completion of the acquisition of the Famous Grouse, the UK's best-selling blended whisky. However, the firm posted a drop in profits of nearly a third in new annual results. The Lanarkshire-based firm said revenue was down 6.5 per cent. It posted profit before tax of £388m, down 30 per cent, and turnover of £1.834 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. The company said: 'In a year marked by industry-wide challenges, the decline in revenue compared to 2023 is in line with market trends, including the continuation of significant destocking. 'The reduction in profit reflects both these market conditions but also continued investment in the company's brands and infrastructure, demonstrating confidence in the future of the spirits industry.'
The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Green MSP pledges to 'take on' billionaire bus boss
The owner of McGill's Group accused Mr Greer of waging a 'cynical ideological war' on Scotland's bus services - and seeking to squander taxpayers' money in the process. This morning, Mr Easdale criticised the West of Scotland MSP's renewed push for bus franchising in Strathclyde – a policy now central to his bid to become co-leader of the Scottish Greens. Mr Greer is calling for bus services to be brought back into public ownership to improve reliability and meet community needs. The bus group owner said the move could cost the public purse up to £400 million every year – without adding a new service, according to figures obtained by McGill's. However, Mr Greer has now told The Herald he is not surprised Mr Easdale does not like his plans as he criticised the bus boss for 'rinsing' commuters by hiking fare prices. READ MORE: Bus company slams MSP over Glasgow franchising proposal Billionaire brothers acquire historic Scottish bus company Mr Greer said: 'It's no surprise that billionaires like Sandy Easdale don't like my plans to put public transport back under public control. "He's made a fortune by rinsing passengers with ever-increasing fare prices, all while collecting millions of pounds of government subsidies from the taxpayer. My constituents are sick of putting money in Sandy's pockets every time they buy a McGills ticket. "If privatised bus services are so successful, will McGills refund taxpayers the £18.6 million of public money they pocketed to buy themselves new buses over the last five years, or the £59 million they collected in 'operator subsidies' over the same period of time?" Mr Greer has used the public fallout to platform his calls to increase taxes on who he previously described during his leadership bid announcement as "the super-rich". He added: 'If I'm elected co-leader of the Scottish Greens, I will take on the billionaires raking in taxpayers' money while ordinary people struggle to get by. "I'm proud to have already secured tax rises on Scotland's highest earners, raising billions of pounds to invest in our schools, trains and NHS. As a socialist, I think public services and public transport should be run by and for the people, not the Easdale brothers.' Mr Greer also posted on X: "It looks like I've deeply upset one of the UK's thinnest-skinned billionaires by pointing out how much his company pockets from the taxpayer. If privatisation is such good value, why does it always seem to need so much public subsidy?" Mr Greer recently highlighted the case of a man from Skelmorlie who must take eight buses in a single day to reach Crosshouse Hospital for his regular appointment. The MSP said the current model is failing the West of Scotland and called for a return to public control and ownership to improve reliability, affordability, and accessibility. Yet, Mr Easdale has now said the anecdote only exposed the wider failings of public service planning – not the transport network itself. Mr Easdale said: 'If Greer had any compassion for this old gentleman he would have picked up the phone to NHS Scotland and asked why he couldn't have his treatment at Inverclyde Royal, a mere 30 minutes away from his home. Indeed, I have instructed my advisers to contact NHS Scotland to ask that very question. He added: 'Ross Greer needs to stop playing student politics and start living in the real world. 'Bus franchising is an outdated, expensive and unnecessary experiment that will take control away from people who understand how to run services efficiently and hand it to layers of council bureaucracy already under strain. 'Instead of asking why this man wasn't treated at a hospital just seven miles away in Greenock, Mr Greer used him as a pawn to score cheap political points. That's not leadership – it's opportunism. 'Scotland's bus services need investment, innovation and real partnership – not another Green vanity project funded by the taxpayer. 'The operation of Scotrail has cost nearly £600 million more in the first two years of nationalisation than it did under private control. 'Thanks to the actions of his party when they got their foot in the door of government, taxpayers are now facing the prospect of a £160million bill from legal action in the wake of the disastrous deposit return scheme. 'Every time the Greens get their hands on a public service, it ends in chaos and a massive bill. If Ross Greer gets his way on buses, the only thing arriving on time will be the invoice for Scotland's taxpayers.'
The Herald Scotland
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Family sells 'respected' Scottish bus firm after 70 years
McGill's Group said the acquisition of Prentice Westwood, which also operates bus routes, is part of its continued expansion in the coach travel sector. Businessmen James and Sandy Easdale. (Image: McGill's) The firm said that the "seven-figure deal will see the respected West Lothian-based business join the portfolio of McGill's Group" companies owned by former Rangers directors, Sandy and James Easdale. Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said: "We believe Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business." Read the full story here Methil yard chief reveals renewables jobs hope There is hope for a positive future. (Image: Navantia) The head of Navantia's fabrication yard at Methil in Fife has revealed hopes of at least doubling the workforce from less than 180 to between 350 and 400 within the next two or three years. Matt Smith also highlighted a possibility that the headcount could rise as high as 600, depending on the work that comes into the yard. Mr Smith, who has been at the Methil yard for 12-and-a-half years under various owners, highlighted 'ups and downs' over this period and described the current trajectory as 'probably the most significant up we have been on with the acquisition by Navantia this year'. He flagged the boost to the local economy when the Methil yard was busy, as well as underlining the scale of the opportunities in the renewables sector and the site's capacity to undertake defence work. Read Ian McConnell' exclusive interview here Fanny By Gaslight sets re-opening date The well-known pub is to open again. (Image: Google) One of the oldest pubs in Kilmarnock is set to re-open a year after mysteriously closing down. Fanny By Gaslight on West George Street in the East Ayrshire town has been a public house since 1846, previously going by names including Railway Tavern, The Saddle Bar and Fifty Waistcoats. The Victorian pub was known for its traditional feel and Friday night rock gigs, but closed suddenly in June of 2024. It was put on the market by Iona Pub Partnership and new tenants have been found, with Fanny By Gaslight to re-open later this month. Read Gabriel McKay's exclusive story here AROUND THE GREENS ⛳ 'That's plenty': The revival of golf at Eastwood Twelve The course opened for play last month. (Image: Eastwood Twelve) This article appears as part of Kristy Dorsey's Around the Greens series Play has resumed at Eastwood on the south side of Glasgow with a new 12-hole format that owners of the course say is proving popular among golfers who are short on time.
The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Billionaire brothers build new bus empire in Scotland
This week, McGill's Group hailed the seven-figure takeover of a coach company operating for seven decades in central Scotland with the acquisition of Prentice Westwood. The West Lothian-based business comes under the umbrella of the group of companies owned by Sandy and James Easdale. Bus billionaires Sandy and James Easdale. (Image: Jeff Holmes/JSHPIX) The Prentice Westwood employees will become part of the McGill's Group, and the brand will be kept. The brothers, reportedly worth £1.46 billion, have, over the past five years, they say, significantly grown their coach operations. Their company's Fly services connecting Edinburgh Airport with Dundee and Aberdeen 'have proved immensely popular', while its private coach hire business 'continues to thrive across Scotland'. McGill's also launched Loch Lomond Travel, a coach holiday division 'that has seen rapid growth and strong demand among holidaymakers', in 2023. The company is also the operator of the successful FlixBus network in Scotland and across the UK, with the international intercity service 'flourishing since its 2021 launch'. Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said that 'Prentice Westwood has a terrific reputation as a quality transport provider in central Scotland'. READ MORE: 'During our discussions, I was very impressed by their team, ethos and operational standards, all of which made this an easy decision.' The McGill's group of companies' turnover increased from £57.6 million to £91.2m and operating profit increased from £720,000 to £1.88m in its most recent accounts, for the year ended December 31, 2023. Robbie Prentice, owner of Prentice Westwood, said: 'We are incredibly proud of what Prentice Westwood has achieved over the past 70 years as a family enterprise. 'Joining McGill's Group represents a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of the business and for our team to be part of one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious transport operators in the UK. 'The values and vision of McGill's align closely with our own, and I'm eager to see the development of the business in the coming years.' Of course the Easdale family is not the first to build a substantial transport empire in Scotland, with siblings Brian Souter and Ann Gloag founding Stagecoach, originally called Gloagtrotter. The Easdales' business interests also include real estate and housing development. Also this week, a manufacturing business which supplied bus maker Alexander Dennis has collapsed, with administrators declaring the 'withdrawal of this key contract' rendered the company 'unsustainable'. The vast bulk of the staff have been made redundant following the appointment of administrators, business editor Ian McConnell wrote. Callum Carmichael and Michelle Elliot of FRP Advisory, together with Shona Campbell of Henderson Loggie LLP, were appointed as administrators of Greenfold Systems Ltd, a specialist manufacturing business based in Dunfermline. Greenfold Systems had built longstanding relationships across the industry, with a significant proportion of its operations supporting Alexander Dennis Ltd, the administrators noted. Alexander Dennis earlier announced it was entering into a consultation around moving its Falkirk operation south of the Border.
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Billionaire brothers acquire historic Scottish bus company
The company that describes itself as the UK's largest independent transport operator said it has taken over 'one of Scotland's longest-established, family-run coach companies with more than 70 years of experience'. McGill's Group said the acquisition of Prentice Westwood, which also operates bus routes, is part of its continued expansion in the coach travel sector. The seven-figure deal will see the respected West Lothian-based business join the portfolio of McGill's Group companies owned by former Rangers directors, Sandy and James Easdale. Businessmen James and Sandy Easdale. (Image: Jeff Holmes/JSHPIX) Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said the acquisition strengthens the company's offering in central Scotland and brings further expertise into the business. Mr Williamson said: 'Prentice Westwood has a terrific reputation as a quality transport provider in central Scotland, and we are very pleased to welcome them into the McGill's Group. 'During our discussions, I was very impressed by their team, ethos and operational standards - all of which made this an easy decision. 'We believe Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business.' READ NEXT: Renowned Scottish chef sells historic landmark restaurant READ NEXT: This beloved Glasgow indie retailer is making a comeback All Prentice Westwood employees will become part of the McGill's Group, and it is anticipated the well-known brand will be retained following the completion of the deal. Robbie Prentice, owner of Prentice Westwood, said the move was an exciting next step for the business and its staff. Mr Prentice said: 'We are incredibly proud of what Prentice Westwood has achieved over the past 70 years as a family enterprise. 'Joining McGill's Group represents a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of the business and for our team to be part of one of the most forward-thinking and ambitious transport operators in the UK. 'The values and vision of McGill's align closely with our own, and I'm eager to see the development of the business in the coming years.'
