Yelloway Coaches celebrating 100th anniversary

Yelloway Coaches celebrating their 100th anniversary

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Robert Holt became the pioneer of long distance travel when he decided to borrow a purpose built char-a-banc from his friend to travel from Rochdale to Torquay, full of excited holiday makers - one of which was 13-year-old Gracie Fields.

In 1915, Mr Holt officially commenced trading as Holt Bros (Rochdale) Ltd, which later became Yelloway Motor Services Ltd.

As Yelloway grew, it absorbed several other transport businesses in the North West. But Yelloway say, just like a stick of rock, the history of the company still has ‘family values' running the whole way through it.

Throughout its 100-year existence Yelloway has been a popular choice of travel with its coaches becoming an iconic part of the town.

Yelloway is now under the leadership of managing director Mark Brook, whose parents established Courtesy Coaches in 1972.

The company was initially based in Woodhouses, then moving to Werneth and finally to Stock Lane. The company initially operated a number of Mercedes minibuses and two large coaches. In 2008 Courtesy Coaches bought the rights to the Yelloway name.

Mark said: “As a young boy my parents gave me the responsibility of luggage handler for customers; payment wasn't required because I just loved travelling on the coaches.

“The solid belief in taking a very personal pride in serving our customers well is still firmly embedded in everything Yelloway does.

“We believe that when you are known for quality, customers are more likely to come back; we would rather explain the value of quality than have to apologise for something less. We think you've got to give customers something more; its added value which we are really keen on and this is why we believe we are still trading in today's economic climate and are celebrating our 100th anniversary this year”.

“Come and join us as we celebrate our centenary on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July at The Esplanade, Rochdale where there'll be fun for all the family”.