Somerset Passenger Solutions in partnership with Clarke Willmott
“The project and journey for all … has involved a lot of dedication, perseverance and belief.”
Somerset Passenger Solutions (SPS) was formed because of the vision of Jonathan Jones-Pratt. Nearly 10 years ago in 2011, Jon through his company Crosville Motor Services based in Weston Super-Mare first engaged with EDF to provide bus services for the planned building of Hinkley Point C. In 2014 Crosville was awarded an interim contract initially starting with 2 minibuses.
Later In 2014 Crosville Motor Services invited First Bus one of Britain’s largest bus operators to join the venture, in response to the release of the scope of the main contract by EDF. SPS was formed in 2016 as a 50:50 joint venture between First Group and JJP Holdings South West Ltd the parent company of Crossville Motor Services.
Successfully winning the 10 year contract with EDF, SPS has been contracted to provide high quality and frequent bus and coach services to Hinkley Point C, from dedicated park and ride sites, the HOST accommodation campus along with key locations in the area. From small beginnings SPS now has a fleet of over 100 buses, employing over 300 staff making it the largest UK independent bus operator, operating to exacting standards of service.
We have became formally involved with SPS early 2016, assisting initially with the legal set up of the joint venture. Shortly after, instructions were given to assist with winning the main NEC3 contract with EDF, along with advising on sub-contracts including commercial property, vehicle financing and maintenance, IT, and payroll. The relationship has developed into a long-term working partnership. We support SPS with their business aims to achieve ongoing efficiencies in contract operations, provision for HR support and guidance, as well as creating legacies as part of the general project aim.
Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Chairman of JJP Holdings commented “The project and journey for all connected with SPS has involved a lot of dedication, perseverance and belief. It was clear from the very outset that this project was going to be incredibly special and it is amazing to think where started from, what we have achieved so far and what the future could bring. We are all proud to be working with EDF and have our name associated with them. The support we have had from Clarke Willmott in many areas of their business has been first class to help navigate us through the process to deliver a complex contract with high expectations.”
Our team commented “We are proud of our strong partnership developed with SPS. Sharing the same organisational values of openness, trust, and mutual benefit we have been able to support in a myriad of ways. We have been able to call on the expertise from other departments of Clarke Willmott including corporate, commercial property, finance and employment to ensure we can continue to support SPS in a timely, professional and proactive manner, enabling SPS to meet and achieve their objectives.”
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