Steve Whiteway Email & Phone Number

Retired after 45 years full time working and retained by a number of clients on various projects. • Review of long established coach operating company, with report prepared and recommendations as to future strategy. Report recommendations accepted and company now enjoying an upturn in trading performance.• Acting for a major coach operator as expert witness in a case against a vehicle manufacturer. Resulted in vehicles being modified • Appointed as clean air ambassador for Optare, the leading UK bus manufacturer. The company have achieved major orders, including, the first order for 31 electric double decker’s for London, 5 diesel double decker’s for Reading Buses, export orders including 100 buses for Dubai and 130 buses for New Zealand. Optare are currently the only UK bus manufacturer with a full order book.• Retained consultant for a south-coast-based coach operator, overturning a loss-making operation, into a diverse and innovative operation.

Provided non-executive support and revised systems, ensuring the company were aware of wider opportunities and implemented best practice.• Oversaw acquisition of long established Selwyn’s Travel on behalf of RATP Dev UK and its Paris based parent. This has enabled to company to move into new markets including local buses and to provide its expertise across sister companies within the group. One example is the introduction of National Express contracts in a sister company, resulting in annual revenues of circa £1.5 million with commensurate profitability through mitigation of general costs and maximising fleet utilisation.• Integrated company into group entity, benefiting from access to reduced supply costs, whilst maintaining the family feel of the firm, retaining the reason for buying the business. Added value, without detriment, and maintained profitability during a period of severe recession in the bus and coach industry.

Responsibility for research and acquisition of companies across the UK, with successful acquisitions on behalf of RATP Dev group, as Northern Region Director. • Further developed the company profile and involvement in the community, with the highest regard for the company as part of the fabric of Epsom and further afield. This had considerable benefit in growing the business, becoming the default choice for transport in the region and being seen as a benchmark even amongst its peers. This saw revenue grow from £14m to almost £26m over a 10 year period.• Developed a staff association, reinforcing the family values of the company which was judged as Best Employer in Surrey in 2012.• From 2012, further expanded the business from £14 million to £26 million revenues and a fleet of 150 vehicles, serving all sectors of road passenger transport, with 400 staff.

Led the business on behalf of the founding family.• Prepared the company for sale, given the founding family’s wish to retire, taking it through due diligence and selecting the best buyer from a long list of potential purchasers, given the company’s formidable reputation. • Designed and project managed the compete redevelopment of the company’s operating site. Enabling expansion in vehicle fleet of 60% coupled with a reduction in facilities cost. Provided best in industry facilities for staff. Annual savings of circa £300,000 were achieved.• Developed innovative staff transport services within the public and private sector, reducing car use and uniquely replacing courier services for transport of medical records and samples.• Responsible for procurement of vehicle fleet and all aspects of the company’s purchasing policy. Low cost, high quality ethos providing the company with a significant competitive advantage through lower fuel consumption and leading in innovative environmental credentials.

• Grew the business from £4 million to £14 million revenues, increasing diversity of operation to include contract hire, private hire of coaches, London and local bus services and a complete holiday and day trip programme.• Developed industry leading systems of work, which have been imitated across the sector. This particularly concentrated in staff management, with minimal turnover of staff. An old-fashioned service with leading technology approach.

Undertook complete review for expansion of the group business in the UK. Developing and reporting back to world HQ, on potential acquisition target’s and new markets. Active advisor and liaison with worldwide group companies and colleagues.• Shared best practice with other group companies, including conference presentations, leading to further expansion across the group, as part of a proactive approach. Resulting in growth of the group worlwide.