Latest News
We regularly update our web site, and you'll find all our latest news on this page.
Update: 15 June 2009
Redwing's biggest ever coach hire project!
The Mini celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2009.
During May, Redwing Coaches completed the biggest and most intensive coach hire project ever undertaken in the company's history.
We planned, organised and executed a complex schedule of 453 vehicle movements in 6 days for a single client.
The event was BMW Mini's International Mini Dealer Conference 2009. More than 1,700 BMW Mini car dealers and salespeople from around the world attended the activities at the ExCel conference centre in London's Docklands, and at the Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire.
Redwing worked closely with the event organiser, international destination marketing company George P Johnson, one of the biggest and most prestigious event organisers in the industry, with offices in 9 countries across 4 continents.
Key elements of the project included:
- 186 transfers in 2 days from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City airports to hotels in London.
- 1,700 delegates collected simultaneously from numerous hotels and delivered to the ExCel conference centre minutes before the scheduled conference start time.
- Afternoon coach transport for delegates' spouses.
- 1,400 delegates returned to their hotels after the conference within a 40 minute period.
- Complex evening and late night shuttle services returning additional delegates to their hotels.
- 35 coaches to and from Silverstone racing circuit.
- 15 coaches reserved for Press delegates.
- Dispatchers stationed at all locations.
Redwing's Sales and Operations teams, under Project Manager Neil Bourne, spent many hours planning the operation in minute detail.
If your organisation requires complex, large scale, time-critical coach tranfer facilities then Redwing Coaches is the answer. We are very experienced in handling complex projects like this. Our clients depend on us to get the job done efficiently without trouble or fuss.
Call our experienced Sales Managers, Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, on 020 7733 1124 to discuss the possibilities for your next large scale event.
Update: 03 June 2009
Bargain evening rates for next 6 weeks
We have coaches like this available for evening bookings at bargain rates right now!
For the next six weeks or so, we can offer you super-cheap rates for evening coach hire bookings, typically between 17.30 and 23.00.
We have firm daytime bookings for these coaches during this period, but nothing to keep them occupied in the evenings, so we're more than happy to offer you a great deal.
This is an excellent opportunity to organise theatre trips, evening sightseeing trips or evening airport transfers at bargain rates.
Just call Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, our friendly Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 and find out how much you can save.
Update: 03 June 2009
We already have ski trip bookings for 2010
Redwing Coaches have many years of experience with ski trips to destinations all over Europe.
Sure, it seems early to be talking about ski trips, when Summer is just getting under way.
But we already have bookings for ski trips in 2010, so if you're thinking of going skiing by coach, please book as early as possible to secure the dates you want and avoid disappointment.
Spring half term is traditionally the busiest time, with Easter a close second.
We're very experienced at servicing the European ski resort market. Check out our Skiing page for more details, or call our helpful Sales Managers, Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, and ask them about all the possibilities.
Update: 03 June 2009
Weekend deals in June and July
We have great deals on weekend bookings during June and July.
Weekdays are busy as we handle lots of work for our corporate clients - teams of business people attending trade exhibitions, making site visits and attending business functions, for example.
Weekends are busy too, as we have many clients working seven days a week in the tourism industry. But the corporate bookings naturally drop off at weekends, so we have spare capacity.
And spare capacity means great deals for weekend bookings!
Just call Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, our friendly Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 and find out what a great price we can offer you right now for weekend bookings in June and July.
Update: 22 May 2009
The joys of air conditioning
Avoid this kind of situation! All Redwing coaches have sophisticated Climate Control Air Conditioning systems.
Now the sun is shining with a vengeance, people of a certain age will remember the days when coaches didn't have sophisticated Climate Control Air Conditioning systems.
It got hot in those old coaches as the sun beat down on their huge, single-glazed, untinted panoramic windows.
Back then, before even basic air conditioning was introduced, the summer ventilation option consisted of spring-loaded push-up windows in the roof above the central gangway. Brave (and tall) passengers would jump up and open the overhead windows, then other disgruntled passengers would promptly shut them again. Sometimes group leaders took a vote on whether the windows should be open or closed. Many coach drivers ruthlessly enforced a 'no touching' policy, and everyone had to put up with the driver's definition of 'too hot'.
But nowadays everything is miraculously different. Modern coaches have double-glazed, tinted windows which offer excellent thermal insulation. And sophisticated climate control systems mean that everyone now travels in considerable comfort, whatever the conditions outside.
If you haven't travelled by coach for a while you'll be impressed by how comfortable it is nowadays. Perhaps it's time to give it a try? Things have changed!
Update: 6 May 2009
CPT to address London coach parking concerns
Redwing's Colin Miller chairs the CPT National Coach Parking Committee (London Sub-Committee).
Colin Miller, Redwing's Assistant General Manager, chairs the inaugural meeting of the Confederation of Passenger Transport's (CPT) National Coach Parking Committee (London Sub-Committee) on 12 May at the CPT headquarters in London.
Coach parking in London is a complex issue, with differing regulations applying across the 32 London boroughs. The new London Sub-Committee aims to work closely with Transport For London, local boroughs and councils to firmly establish exactly what coaches can and can't do when setting down, picking up or parking in London.
It's an issue of great importance, not only to coach operators and drivers but also to the continued success of the London tourism industry, in which the coach hire industry and the CPT play important roles.
Update: 20 April 2009
John O'Groats to Land's End Charity Cycle Ride
Terry Pyper, 27 (left) and Kevin Peck, 46 (right) training for their 1,000 mile charity cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End departing on 26 July 2009.
Redwing engineer Kevin Peck and his nephew, Terry Pyper, are raising money for Cancer Research UK by cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End in July 2009.
The trip is in memory of Kevin's mother, Terry's grandmother, Winnifred Peck who died of cancer in July 2007.
Kevin and Terry decided to do something positive to help fight this killer disease and this carefully planned project is the result.
They've set up a Blog called EndToEndJuly09 at www.endtoendjuly09.blogspot.com. Take a look!
On 26 July 2009 Kevin and Terry depart from John O'Groats on their bikes, aiming to cover the 1,000 miles to Land's End by 8 August 2009. Their support team, consisting of Terry's sister Lesley and her friend Hazel, will transport baggage, equipment and spares, and assist with tent pitching and accommodation.
It's a tough challenge! You can follow Kevin and Terry's progress before and during the trip on their blog called EndToEndJuly09 at www.endtoendjuly09.blogspot.com
Update: 20 April 2009
Please sponsor Kevin and Terry's Charity Trip!
Kevin Peck works for Redwing. In July he's cycling 1,000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End with nephew Terry, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
You probably don't know Kevin Peck. But we know Kevin and everyone at Redwing Coaches is right behind him. He has worked for us for many years.
Take it from us - this is a well-organised, worthwhile charity project that deserves your support!
Will you consider making a donation to Cancer Research UK to support Kevin and Terry's cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End in July 2009?
It's easy to read requests for charity donations like this and just pass them by. But sometimes it's great to take positive action - right now - and make a donation, because every sum, however small, helps fight this killer disease that affects so many people's lives.
Please go to the team's JustGiving page at www.justgiving.co.uk/terrypyper and you can make a donation quickly and securely by pressing a few buttons. It's as quick and easy as that. And if you're a UK taxpayer the value of your donation is boosted by a whopping 28% - find out how on the JustGiving page. Help make a difference!
If you can help out with supplies, equipment, accommodation or other practical services, Kevin and Terry would love to hear from you too. Visit the EndToEndJuly09 blog for details of logo opportunities and trip details.
Please take action right now, while the idea is fresh in your mind!
Update: 27 March 2009
More new coaches on order for June delivery
A Neoplan Tourliner factory demonstrator.
We've ordered a further 7 brand new luxury coaches for delivery in June 2009.
They are Neoplan Tourliner 53 seater coaches from Germany, powered by MAN diesel engines that comply with the tough Euro 5 emissions standard.
The Euro 5 level of emissions performance will not be required by the regulations in the UK for several years to come. This means we are now well ahead of the game, taking advantage of the very latest technology to offer comfortable and environmentally efficient coach travel.
Our fleet size will remain at 75 coaches, as the new coaches will replace 7 existing coaches.
Update: 27 March 2009
Tell us if you find us on Google Street View!
With 75 luxury coaches based in London it's quite likely that several Redwing coaches have been filmed by Google Street View camera cars. We've found one example (below).
Can you tell us about any others? We'd like to know!
The Redwing coach captured on Google Street View above was in Buckingham Palace Road at the junction with Victoria Street, SW1.
If you haven't tried out Google Street View, go to Google Maps at www.maps.google.com and give it a try. Click the Help link if you're not sure how it works.
But be warned - Street View is seriously addictive and you may find yourself 'walking' the streets of major cities in the UK, USA, France, Italy, Holland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand for hours on end!
Update: 27 March 2009
Book now for Summer. Yes, really!
Book early to make sure you secure the dates you want.
Bookings for the summer months are coming in steadily now, despite the current economic climate.
The message is clear - please don't delay finalising your summer coach travel plans in the expectation that there will be plenty of last minute availability. You may be disappointed!
Some Fridays and Saturdays in June and July are already fully booked.
Call Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, our friendly Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 to discuss your travel plans and make a booking before it's too late.
Update: 27 March 2009
Double rear axles for extra load capacity
Double rear axles for extra load capacity.
Four of our newest coaches have a little something extra - an additional rear axle.
These tri-axle coaches are slightly longer than our other coaches, measuring 13.7m compared to the usual 12m. Their primary advantage is an increased luggage capacity, mainly in terms of weight rather than volume.
They are ideal for large groups of passengers with heavier than usual luggage, for example cruise ship passengers.
The cabin layout is slightly more spacious too as, despite the extra cabin length, we have opted to retain the same 49 seat configuration as our other coaches, rather than adding an extra row of seats.
To find out more about our tri-axle coaches just call Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, our helpful Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124. They'll answer all your questions and give you an immediate quote for your trip.
Update: 12 February 2009
Busy start for our new coaches
Travel to Europe for your skiing trip on a luxury Redwing coach.
We've only just taken delivery of our new coaches (see story below) and already most of them are out and about all over the UK and Europe.
Tomorrow alone, we have twenty two coaches departing for skiing trips in Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and Andorra. This year's weather conditions promise a fantastic skiing season across Europe.
Wherever you want to go in the UK or Europe, Neil Bourne and Tanya Matthews, our helpful Sales Managers, can tell you everything you want to know and give you an immediate quote for your trip. Just call Neil or Tanya on 020 7733 1124.
Update: 12 February 2009
£2.5 million investment in new coaches
Redwing Coaches operates a fleet of 75 luxury coaches. Here's a driver's eye view of one of our newest coaches.
They're here!
During the last three weeks we've taken delivery of eleven brand new luxury coaches, built to our own exacting specifications and representing an investment of about £2.5 million.
Seven of the new coaches are in our traditional bright red Redwing livery, while the other four are in the predominantly black livery of our parent company, Addison Lee.
Visit our Coaches page for full details of all our coaches.
The new coaches are among the most comfortable and most technologically advanced luxury coaches available today.
Redwing Coaches has traditionally lead the coach hire industry by regularly and systematically replacing our coach fleet, ensuring that we always have one of the youngest, most modern fleets in Europe.
As a result, you know you're travelling with a coach company that makes an extra special effort to provide a top quality service in every respect.
Update: 12 February 2009
Tanya Matthews joins Redwing
Tanya Matthews.
Tanya Matthews joins Redwing Coaches this month.
Tanya has a dual role, assisting our Sales and Key Accounts Manager, Neil Bourne, and our Reservations Manager, Leslie Okyne, strengthening the sales team and streamlining coordination between the two departments.
Prior to joining Redwing Coaches, Tanya was an Account Executive with Travel2, one of the largest tailor made travel specialists in the UK.
We are looking forward to working with Tanya in her new role as Sales and Marketing Manager.
Update: 7 January 2009
EXOR accreditation renewed
Redwing Coaches is an EXOR Accredited supplier.
Once again, Redwing Coaches has successfully been granted Exor Accreditation for the tendering of Local Authority business. We've now been accredited for several years.
If you don't know what 'EXOR' is, here it is in a nutshell: Local Authority buyers are obliged to tender for the purchase of many products and services. The tendering procedures are strict and thorough and, as a result, they can be costly and time consuming to implement, both for the local authority and the supplier.
EXOR is a commercial organisation that vets potential suppliers, subjecting them to detailed research and questioning. Suppliers who pass the tests are Accredited for the tendering of Local Authority business. Most local authorities accept Exor's ratings and this simplifies and speeds up the tendering process, with obvious benefits for all concerned.
By taking the trouble to become EXOR accredited we're providing Local Authority buyers with independent proof of the quality of our business operations, and making it quick and easy to purchase our coach hire services. As the EXOR website explains: 'A business with EXOR accreditation is known to be financially stable, compliant with legislation relevant to the work carried out by the business, and reliable, with a trading history checked by the sourcing of independent references.'
If you are a Local Authority funded buyer please give our friendly Sales Managers, Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, a call on 020 7733 1124 to discuss all your coach hire requirements for the coming months.
Update: 7 January 2009
Schools Prize Draw winners announced
We're delighted to announce the winners of our Schools Prize Draw for 2008:
- 1st Prize - Hornsby House School, SW12 - £650 off school coach travel
- 2nd Prize - Oliver House Prep School, SW4 - £250
- 3rd Prize - St Joseph's Infants RC School, SE5 - £100
Every school that booked coach hire over a certain value during 2008 was automatically entered in the draw.
We've already contacted the winning schools and they're in the process of booking their reduced price coach travel with Redwing Coaches. What a nice surprise to start the New Year!
If you're in charge of organising school trips please check out our School Trips page and then call Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, our helpful Sales Managers, on 020 7733 1124 to find out how we can offer you top quality coach travel at cost effective rates.
Update: 7 January 2009
There's a Redwing coach behind you...
Redwing are transporting thousands of children to the PwC pantomime.
For the 23rd year, Pricewaterhouse Coopers are staging their Charity Pantomime. This year it's Sleeping Beauty and it's at the Peacock Theatre, just off Kingsway in central London.
And once again, PwC have booked their travel requirements with Redwing Coaches.
Every year PwC bring in children from boroughs all over London to enjoy the pantomime. Thousands more children in childrens hospitals all over the country also get to see the pantomime thanks to a televised link, including the nearby Great Ormond Street hospital. More than 200 PwC staff contribute to the show in their free time.
We'll operate a total of 75 coach movements over a 6 day period. Monday 26 January will be the busiest day of all, when we'll transport about 900 children to and from the theatre for the matinee performance.
The pantomime is open to the paying public too, from 29-31 January 2009. You can book here, directly with the theatre.
This type of large scale, time critical coach transfer must be run with military precision otherwise it will turn into a pantomime itself. Extensive forward planning is required in cooperation with the local authorities and the police.
Redwing are specialists in this type of operation. If you need to move large numbers of people quickly and efficiently from point A to point B please give our Sales Managers, Neil Bourne or Tanya Matthews, a call on 020 7733 1124 and they'll help you organise a painless and cost effective large scale transfer.
Update: 7 January 2009
Shrug off freezing conditions with Redwing
Travel door to door in a warm Redwing coach.
Unless you are a polar bear you've probably noticed how COLD it is right now.
'Britain is in the grip of the longest cold snap for more than 10 years, as forecasters predict another week of freezing temperatures', according to the Daily Telegraph.
So don't stand on freezing railway platforms, or walk in Arctic conditions from the car park to your final destination. Hire one of our warm, climate controlled luxury coaches and travel literally from door to door in complete comfort. No stress, no worry, and highly cost effective too.
We're prepared for almost any weather conditions - indeed many of our drivers routinely use snow chains on their coaches during harsh conditions in Europe so, by comparison, a chilly snap in England doesn't present much of a problem.
Call our Sales Managers, Neil and Tanya, on 020 7733 1124 to discuss your next trip.
