Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
This project saw Volvo working in a combined consultation process involving Skills of Nottingham and the East Midlands football club’s chiefs, to specify and deliver an accommodating, versatile and state-of-the art coach.
Pete Hallam, Operations Director at Skills Group broke-down some of the key features of the Volvo coach: “A number of significant modifications were made to suit the team’s requirements, including a full kitchen, tables with built-in cupholders, plugs and USB ports, monitors, full Wi-Fi and much more.
“These specifications were outlined and agreed with Nottingham Forest Football Club to allow the players to enjoy the utmost comfort when travelling and to reduce any unnecessary distractions. The concept is the transport allows the players to focus solely on what happens on the football pitch.
“AD Coach System also added a personal touch – Forest-Red LED lighting on the bottom of the coach, to add to the ambience when players disembark for evening fixtures.”
UK and Eire Sales Manager Dave Porter spoke on the project: “The Volvo B11R 9900 obviously possesses ideal features that would be ideal for use as a team coach. For example, the 9900 boasts outstanding passenger comfort. The interior is inviting and spacious with illuminated pathways, which add to the luxurious atmosphere.
“The ergonomic design and wide range of adjustments mean that the seats in the Volvo 9900 suit the teams needs and provide a comfortable space in which they can relax and unwind ahead of the matchday.
“We’re delighted that we could work together in partnership with the teams at Skills Group and at Nottingham Forest Football Club to find a specification that would suit all parties. We’ll certainly keep a close eye on how the team gets on this season.”
Skills’ Pete Hallam outlined his admiration for his boyhood club and how Skills Group first started working with the two-time European Champions.
“I first met the club visiting the training ground to see my grandson play for the Academy. Forest spoke highly of wishing to work closely with local businesses. Nigel Skill and I discussed providing a coach for the Academy and travel for the clubs’ supporters. This then led to providing travel tailored to the first team, which is extremely exciting. Volvo were always our number one choice for this project as we knew they’d deliver.
Nigel Skill, Managing Director at Skills Group said: “We are delighted in the outcome of this Volvo coach conversion, it has come out exactly as we had hoped, and the players and staff have assured us that they are extremely satisfied with the outcome. Volvo have met our specifications perfectly and Nottingham Forest are thrilled with the vehicle, and it has surpassed expectations.”
Speaking about the relationship with Nottingham Forest, Skill said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club wanted to work with local businesses and we both share the family-run history and values – it was a match made in heaven.
Founded in 1919 by Arthur Skill, today Skills is still a family owned and operated company. Services include designated route coverage, corporate contracts, day trips, luxury tours and short breaks, group travel and event support. The operator has its own dedicated driver training school and dedicated travel shops in Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough and Beeston.
For further information, please contact: David Leatham or Joe Worrall at Cogent: 0121 627 5040. david.leatham@cogent.co.uk or joe.worrall@cogent.co.uk