Well this is quite simple, here's why we think we're the best coach company for you and why even if you go elsewhere you'll end up dissapointed:

• Facilities: All operations are overseen from one of the most modern coach operations centre in the West Midlands and North Wales.

• Quality and Safety: All aspects of health & safety are certified to Citation PLC standards. We are BS EN ISO 9001:2000 quality assured via external audit by QMS UK. In addition our own in-house quality and compliance co-ordinator will provide all risk assessments and documentation for you to examine should you require it.

• Experience: We've been in this industry for nearly 30 years.

• Back-up: Should a problem arise you can speak to the on-call member of the management team 24hrs a day

• Modern Coaches: The most modern fleet in the county of Shropshire, with 3 brand new vehicles delivered in the last 18 months alone.

• Flexibility: We have 9 different sizes of vehicles, with differing specifications allowing us to be your sole provider regardless of your numbers.

• Stability: We're ever-present with nearly 30 years of secure trading behind this expanding, totally family owned company.

Well for peace of mind, the Guild of British Coach Operators have a document on their website called 'Chartering Coaches with Confidence', this includes a list of questions potential hirers should ask a coach operator they are thinking of using.

We have filled in the blanks with respect to Lakeside Coaches.

How old is the coach?

We are proud of our fleet age profile, with the average age of the fleet being 5.5 years old.

The main reason for this is every coach in the fleet bought since 2001 has been brand new, only 4 coaches out of our 22 strong fleet being over 10 years old.

What type of vehicle is best?

We are able to provide coaches with a range of sizes and specifications from standard to executive, depending upon the customers needs.

Does the operator provide a range of vehicles?

We can provide coaches of both varying specifications and sizes.

Does the company comply with drivers hours regulations?

1. Drivers duties are arranged such that they should not breech the regulations.

2. Procedures are clearly stated in our Code of Conduct to prevent breech of regulations and it also highlights that this is a serious matter.

3. We encourage the customer to fully disclose their proposed itinery to us well in advance so that we can devise a route/schedule that will prevent a breech of regulations.

4. We voluntarily analyse all our drivers tachograph records using our own digital and analogue readers actually in-house. This allows us to ensure compliance and recognise problems before they occur.

What if events make it necessary to change route details or times?

As always the customer should inform us well in advance of alterations, however sometimes a price alteration accordingly will occur if the journey is changed.

Any Special Needs?

Unfortunately we do not operate wheelchair accessible vehicles, however should the need arise then we would only be too happy to put you in touch with a specialist coach operator in this field.

Otherwise we will aim to accomodate any other specific needs you should have.

What are the standards of staff training?

At least 2 management staff hold the Certificate of Professional Competence, all coach drivers are trained to minimum DVLA category D or D1 standard.

By 2012, all staff will have the new CPC training required to hold a vaild lisence. 35 hours training have to be completed over five years, every five years as long as the driver wishes to keep their lisence.

In addition to this, we hold regular training sessions in our our own training room on manual handling and drivers hours compliance.

Also a number of staff have attended disability awareness, first aid, health & safety and NVQ levels 2 and 3 customer care courses.

What about unseen staff?

All our office staff have years of experience and are trained to a high standard.

All vehicle maintenance is outsourced and is carried out off site by Russell Williams & Sons Commercial Vehicle Repairs and at Vehicle Main Dealers, with which we have long standing relationships.

All maintenance though is scheduled and monitored by our management team.

Who is paying for the drivers accomodation?

Should an overnight stay be required, then it is usually the responsibility of the customer to provide or pay for accomodation for the driver, this will be made clear when a quotation is given.

Can they deal with emergencies?

All drivers and customers are backed up by the office team during the day and the on call manager out of office hours.

Should a problem occur then it can be dealt with swiftly, we usually have spare vehicles and drivers on call to provide back up.

Also we can summon the help of other operators nationwide or in Europe and also the Confederation of Passenger Transport of which we are members.

Is there a guarantee in the event of breakdown?

Although rare, we aim to deal with all breakdowns promptly and in a professional manner.

The on call manager will make the decision as to whether to dispatch a replacement coach or arrange rapid repair of the vehicle affected, so that the party can continue with their journey without further delay.

Can I look around your vehicles and premises?

Of course, we are very proud of our fleet and we welcome visits from customers.

You are welcome to take a guided tour of our vehicles, during which comfort and safety features can be demonstrated.

Please arrange visits in advance though to ensure there is a vehicle of the same size or specification you require at the depot when you visit.

What about references?

References from customers are available on request.

The schools, sports and corporate hospitality pages of this website include examples of many satisfied customers.

Is insurance in place and valid licences held?

All our vehicles are covered by a fully comprehensive insurance policy, we also have public liability and employers liability insurance in place.

All drivers are qualified to at least the minimum DVLA standard for the vehicle they are driving. We hold an International Public Service Vehicle Operators Licence No. PD1020869.

NB. Lakeside Coaches Limted is not a member of the Guild of British Coach Operators, this page merely demonstrates how we aim to meet their principles.