Thursday 16 February 2017

Technology isn't "Fashionable" in the Transport Industry


With technology advancing daily, it is very difficult to keep up with the ever progressing world of digital technology.

A1 Coaches are a forward thinking company and try their very hardest to keep up to date with ever changing times without becoming consumed or overwhelmed by the digital world around us.
Going back to my first months in the company, there was neither real structure nor computerized systems in place. However, the systems that were in place worked for the work load A1 Coaches had at that given time. We were working from good ole pen and paper!

As the company grew and more staff and vehicles were introduced, it was clear that we needed to pay more attention to our company structure to ensure maximum fleet utilization and the only way around that was to change from working manually to introducing computerized structured systems.
In 1997, I had a conversation with my Granddad about us buying a computer and possibly looking for some software that would help us manage the operations side of the business; he reluctantly agreed and we bought a Dell Computer system, we had the Internet installed and before long we had a reasonably well constructed computerized way of working.

I myself had no real computer skills as I always chose to skip I.T. to go to P.E. Department but I did know back then that computers were the way forward. At school I never sought I.T. as one of my learning priorities as I always wanted to become a Fitness Instructor or a PE teacher, I never saw myself working in our Family Business, however I did know computing was the correct choice and I knew that I could learn, then teach anyone else who needed to learn the system(s).

After a short period of time and a steep learning curve of trying to familiarize myself with using a computer system, e-mails and logging hires on the computer system, my Granddad saw the impact it had on the business and the reduction of man hours in operations.  He then told me to go ahead and look for all necessary software that would help manage operations even better.

In 1998, we introduced a transport operating system by Distinctive Systems called "Coach Manager PHC". This software was a turning point for A1 Coaches as this freed up time from the manual data input and allowed for a more automated operation, resulting in more time to focus on Sales and Marketing, which of course had a very positive impact on the business, letting us grow more.
You often find that businesses in the transport industry have elderly managers/owners, generally older people who are not interested in the digital world as they know the manual systems better.

Normally, the people who own transport businesses have grew up in the industry and it is not really a massively evolving industry, keeping up with technology is not really "fashionable" in the transport industry but I know the impact it has had on our own business.  Even Taxi companies were not really into using technology, up until a around 2011. I remember when we decided to add a taxi service to our existing business (not our brightest idea) we decided to incorporate hand held devices for the drivers and a digital dispatch operating system, no other taxi company in the area had this system but after a short time of us being operational other companies were deciding to go down the systematized route too.



This is what I mean by technology isn't fashionable, unless you make it fashionable.  You must be a trend setter in your industry and dominate the changes you would like to see happen. One of the changes I would like to see happen in the transport industry is for companies to become more involved with technology to help improve the transport service they offer.

I think if we were still to be operating manually we would not be in business today. I know there are many coach operators who have failed as they have not been able to move with the times and sometimes are not able to comply with legislation because most things are computerised nowadays, including tendering for work.

A1 Coaches have moved from working manually to becoming a completely computerised and system dependent company rather than being people dependent, If something isn't working it should be the system that is re-visited rather than the people.

Over the last 18 months we have been getting custom software developed for our business, times have changed drastically since 1998 and the way we were working with Coach Manager, we now have a new system in place which is called E Coach Manager. This software offers vehicle/driver allocation/tracking and a complete customer CRM system.

Today we have done some staff training with our new Driver app, our drivers were learning how to log in and accept/decline hires straight from their mobiles. The drivers have a complete record of their hires at their finger tips along with directions. All our vehicles and drivers are now tracked straight from our operations and maintenance office; we have a "one glance" system in place to find out where our whole fleet of vehicles and drivers are. Drivers can notify our maintenance team of any difficulties in real-time and be kept up to date with any road accidents or events that may cause delay to their journey.

We have also had another Driver/Vehicle Performance device fitted to most of our vehicles but I will write another blog post about this. Exciting times lie ahead for A1 Coaches.

Each system/process we implement within the company always has a clear purpose behind it. We always trial things out before we roll them out. If things don't quite go to plan then we re-visit and re-direct accordingly!

What are we trying to do? How are we going to do it, and more importantly, Why are we doing it?
The “why”, that is, the purpose of our structured systems is to improve customer experience by creating flawless operational systems.

A1 Minibus and Coach Services LTD want to make technology fashionable in the transport industry!



Monday 13 February 2017

Last minute St Valentine's day surprise

On the drive up to St Valentine’s Day I was trying to think of something special to celebrate yet another year together.  A card and a present are already taken care of, so now I need to think about a nice candle lit dinner in some glamorous restaurant.

Where?  All around Fife there are picturesque nooks to visit. For example, there is a variety of fine restaurants in beautiful St Andrews.


I would like to find somewhere picturesque, or glamorous and romantic.

How about Edinburgh? I love discovering its secrets, the quiet paths along the canals, the buzzing life in the streets, the variety of shops, cafes and restaurants...

This year St Valentine ’s day falls on a Tuesday.  Both my partner and I are busy during the day, so I’ll have to make the most of the evening time.



I came up with an idea: My partner and I get dressed up for dinner. Then, a chauffeur will pick us up and take us to the restaurant, while enjoying a glass of bubbly on the way to the restaurant.

Once at the restaurant, I will order some nice wine, while revealing the card and the St Valentine’s present to my partner...

After dinner our chauffeur will take us back home...





We will travel to and from the restaurant in an iconic car, enjoy some bubbly on the way and our favourite wine with the meal, and be returned safely at home at the end of the night.

So romantic, creating an everlasting memory, and so easy!





It has actually been so easy to plan our St Valentine’s night thanks to the Chauffeur Driven Packages from A1.







A1 Coaches will pick you up and take you to your chosen destination.








Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

Sunday 12 February 2017

Transport to 80's Rewind Festival @ Scone Palace

Getting to and from any event can be stressful, we are providing transport to Scotland's biggest and best festivals this year including 80's Rewind Festival.

Friday 10 February 2017

History

Scotland’s effervescent history has given us amazing gifts in the form of landmarks like castles, abbeys, cathedrals, churches, manor houses... even “walls” like Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall.  Each one of these landmarks holds fascinating chapters of the history of Scotland.

These two famous walls, Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall were originally built by the Roman Empire to “contain” the ferocious tribes of the northern end of the Roman province “Britannia”.  Caledonians, Picts and Gaels or Scoti, were too tough for the Romans so they built these walls to avoid being harassed by the northern tribes.

There are still traces of the Antonine Wall that have survived over time. The Antonine wall was intended to be a stone wall, although it was only its foundation that was built in stone, the actual wall being built with turf. The configuration was a 13 feet bank made of turf, with a deep ditch in the northern side and a military way in the southern side.

It is remarkable that there are still surviving traces of the structures accompanying the wall, like forts (i.e. the Rough Castle Fort in the Falkirk area), garrisons and even a military bath house (in Bearsden).  The buildings didn’t survive the passing of time, but their foundations have been discovered in modern times when digging to set foundations for new buildings.

The Antonine wall owes its name to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius who ordered its construction, north of the already existing Hadrian’s Wall (which owes its name to the Roman emperor Hadrian), as an advance position into the Caledonian domains. It was very soon abandoned and the Romans retreated to the original Hadrian’s Wall.

Wallsend, historically Wallsend on Tyne, is a large town in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, North East of England. Historically part of Northumberland, Wallsend derives its name as the location of the end of Hadrian's Wall.

To find out more about Hadrian’s Wall, follow these suggested links:

https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk/

http://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/

Information about Hadrian’s Wall walks:

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrians-wall-path

Fast forwarding to more contemporary times, although still a beautiful “vintage experience” we find a phenomenal attraction: Vintage Steam Trains.

You can explore the majestic landscapes of Scotland while travelling on a steam train, enjoying the experience of the golden days of steam train travel.

There’s a choice of itineraries to pick from, for steam train journeys in Scotland:

http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours/#



Castles and manor houses

Scotland’s natural beauty is home to the most unique castles and manor houses you could ever find.

Buildings with an eventful history behind, castles and manor houses speak volumes of Scottish heritage. Either on holidays or business, you can find jaw-dropping, stunning accommodation all throughout the country.

Majestic, seigniorial manor houses and hotels are there for you to lodge, on a holiday or business trip, to organise an event of sorts, a wedding, a training course, an international conference, a business event...

The possibilities are endless in Scotland, and all of this splendour will add for an everlasting memory of any event that you could plan for.

And here are a few links to manor houses:

http://www.scottishbusinesscentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Western-Manor-Hotel-2011-web.pdf

http://www.manorhouseoban.com/

The following links display a big selection of manor houses to find luxury accommodation all throughout Scotland:

https://www.scottscastles.com/large-holiday-houses/sleeping-10+/in-scotland.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA_eXEBRDP8fnIlJDXxsIBEiQAAGfyofd2uuPkd_PPH5xngVyFm6PR339BFh-hTDNjCBTvNUUaAt5T8P8HAQ

and:

http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/Chatelaine/accomm.htm

To get a taste of castles and manor houses, click on the link below:

http://www.castlesandmanorhouses.com/photos-scotland.htm

The sheer beauty of the Scottish landscapes combined with the impressive architecture of these venues will make for an unforgettable experience.

A1 Coaches will pick you up at the airport or your preferred pick up point and take you to your chosen destination.

Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com


Doing Business? Conference Centres and Unique Accommodation

Doing business. Conference centres, Unique accommodation.

Scotland’s industrious people will add value to your business activities in every way, from doing profitable business with your organization to facilitating your business activities with impressive venues and services.

Majestic, seigniorial manor houses and hotels are there for you to lodge on a business trip, to organise an event of sorts, a training course, an international conference, any business event... the possibilities are endless in Scotland, and all of this splendour will make for an unforgettable experience.

Here are a few links to conference and venue centres:

http://www.carnegieconferencecentre.co.uk/ 

http://www.edinburghconferencevenue.com/edinburgh-conference-centre/?gclid=Cj0KEQiA_eXEBRDP8fnIlJDXxsIBEiQAAGfyoTWNWMNqcYWHizpTqllausjZ_mPDdMiTlp0yKan__AMaAvO08P8HAQ

http://www.eicc.co.uk/

And here are a few links to manor houses:

http://www.scottishbusinesscentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Western-Manor-Hotel-2011-web.pdf

http://www.manorhouseoban.com/

The following links display a big selection of manor houses to find luxury accommodation all throughout Scotland:

https://www.scottscastles.com/large-holiday-houses/sleeping-10+/in-scotland.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA_eXEBRDP8fnIlJDXxsIBEiQAAGfyofd2uuPkd_PPH5xngVyFm6PR339BFh-hTDNjCBTvNUUaAt5T8P8HAQ

and:

http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/Chatelaine/accomm.htm

To get a visual idea of castles and manor houses, click on the link below:

http://www.castlesandmanorhouses.com/photos-scotland.htm

The sheer beauty of the Scottish landscapes combined with the impressive architecture of these venues will make for an unforgettable experience.

Doing business? Scotland is the answer!  A1 Coaches will pick you up at the airport or your preferred pick up point and take you to your chosen destination.

Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com





First Class Golf courses, Fife and beyond


According to Wikipedia, the origins of the modern game of Golf can be traced to written records of as early as 1457. Golf has written fascinating chapters of history, and the profusion of golf courses, some of which are places of truly historic relevance and value, makes of Scotland a sought after destination of golfers from around the world. 




The “Old Course” at St Andrews dates back to 1574 and is considered a pilgrimage place, a ‘bucket list’ indispensable, for golf enthusiasts, with free access to the public.  Also a beautiful historic place is the Royal & Ancient Golf Course of St Andrews, which came to be the “home of Golf” and that would codify the rules of golf and it used to be the foremost governing authority for golf, well until 2004.

If you’re thinking how would you get started in the art of golfing, there is also room for beginners; there are many “golf schools” available, very famous and prestigious one is the St Andrews Links Golf Academy, having the privilege of being located in the very place golf originated.

Fife and beyond

Fife has an exquisite variety of golf courses practically everywhere, with nothing less than 50 “Golf Experience” available. 

And Fife is also strategically well located for access to all other golf courses in Scotland, with famous courses renowned around the world, perhaps the most famous being the Royal Troon Golf course, having held important tournaments as The Open Championship, the PGA tour and the European Tour. 

Famous too, are Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen. While Turnberry is a modernization effort made on an already existing golf links, the Trump International Golf Links is a brand new development designed by renowned links golf architect, Dr. Martin Hawtree. 

Think Golf?  Scotland is the answer!  A1 Coaches will pick you up at the airport or your preferred pick up point and take you to your chosen destination. Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

Distilleries in Scotland

Distilleries in Scotland are unique in that some of them possess a rich history and tradition behind them while other distilleries are born to the vision and passion of entrepreneurs that bring together the best of the Scottish Water of Life heritage and the creative spirit of finding new flavours and aromas. The majority of distilleries and the families and owners who run them will welcome you for a tour of the facilities and a ceremonial “taste” of the malts.


Amateurs and connoisseurs alike will enjoy the distillery tour experience for all it has to offer:  On the way to the distillery Scottish landscapes are of a dramatic beauty. On site, at the distillery, often times its buildings speak of a rich past, noble history and traditions. The enthusiasm of the master distillers, who devote their knowledge and passion to creating the exquisite elixir, is patent in every step of the process, in the delicacy of the results, a gift to the senses.

In and around Fife, there are very interesting distilleries. They encompass history, the best of Scottish tradition and the fruitful ingenuity of new generations of master distillers who select the best possible combination of elements to achieve a distinct whisky.

The list of distilleries in Scotland is a long one... The history of Scottish distilleries is very rich: The distilleries that are now, the distilleries that once were. Just to name a few, easily accessible as they are in Fife:

Daftmill Distillery

A brand new distillery, although based on the most genuine Scottish distillery tradition. The whisky is still ageing in the casks and not yet for sale; this small distillery is not open to the public, it’s a family run farm and it has not a visitor centre or suitable facilities, although they will offer a tour if your party is particularly interested, by appointment. .  Cupar KY15 5RF  http://www.daftmill.com


Kingsbarns Ditillery

Located 6 miles from  St Andrews and 3 miles from Crail, this distillery offers guided tours of around two hours and it is an all round experience for anyone interested.

Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre
East Newhall Farm
Kingsbarns
Fife
KY16 8QE

Telephone: 01333 451300
Email: info@kingsbarnsdistillery.com
Website: http://www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Eden Mill

Distillery and brewery of noted creativity, located in St Andrews, with four different tasting experiences to choose from:  Beer Tour, Gin Tour, Whisky Tour and Rusacks Tour, which is a Gin tasting experience hosted at the Rusacks Hotel, overlooking the 18th hole of the famous golf course.

Website: https://www.edenmill.com

A1 Coaches will pick you up at the airport or your selected pick up point and take you to your chosen destination. Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com





THINK SCOTLAND!

The beauty and singularity of the British Isles, the rich culture and historic heritage all make for a popular tourism destination.  Scotland possesses all these attributes, where unspoiled nature blends with villages and cities in perfect harmony. All throughout Scotland there are astonishing bits of history and breathtaking scenery, “secret” nooks and crannies waiting to be “discovered”.


Golf? First class golf courses...










Calanish Stones, Isle of Lewis
History?  World famous landmarks. Distinct culture, traditions and trade, think of whisky, think of tweed... Holidays? Unspoiled natural sceneries and the most picturesque ever places to visit and find accommodation. Doing business? Scotland’s industrious people will add value to your business activities in every way, from doing profitable business with your organization to facilitating your business activities with impressive venues and services.

Milburn House in Kilbirnie




Majestic, seigniorial manor houses and hotels are there for you to lodge, on a holiday or business trip, to organise an event of sorts, a wedding, a training course, an international conference, a business event... the possibilities are endless in Scotland, and all of this splendour will make for an unforgettable experience.


Gatliff Trust Hostel at Rhenigigdale

As for those wanting to make the most of Scotland and keep within a budget, there is also a marvelous selection of backpacker’s youth hostels.








Fife displays all this beauty and accommodating temper throughout its territory. Ideally located, Fife offers unique features and easy access to all surrounding regions.

Distilleries in Scotland are unique in that some of them possess a rich history and tradition behind them while other distilleries are born to the vision and passion of entrepreneurs that bring together the best of the Scottish Water of Life heritage and the creative spirit of finding new flavours and aromas. The majority of distilleries and the families and owners who run them will welcome you for a tour of the facilities and a ceremonial “taste” of the malts.


Themed Tours

Outlander TV series
There is abundance of possible themed tours in Scotland, as the magic, picturesque places and breathtaking landscapes of Scotland are home to the imagination of writers, script writers, even video game creators. The mysterious charm of Scottish landscapes and villages is the axis around which the TV series Outlander revolves, evoking the rich history of these lands and the renowned determination of its people. Such is the magnetism of this land, capable of inspiring whoever goes on a journey across the country; a feeling that greatly contributes to the popularity which drives the newest trend of organising Outlander tours and gatherings, along with other “themed tours” like “Braveheart” and “Brave”...

Brave 3D Cartoon movie
In a similar way, the gracious and sweet depiction of “ginger power”, Brave, is a fantastic motivation for children to enjoy the magic scenery you find in the highlands of Scotland.






Ian Fleming’s original James Bond character was a Scotsman, and James Bond movies feature impressive filming locations throughout Scotland. And even J.K. Rowling has been known to find inspiration for her writings in Scottish manor houses.

Vintage Steam Trains

You can explore the majestic landscapes of Scotland while travelling on a steam train, enjoying the golden days experience of steam train travel.

There’s a choice of itineraries to pick from, for steam train journeys in Scotland:

http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours/#

Eiliean Donan Castle
The word “Scotland” immediately brings to anybody around the world images of, castles with sheep peacefully grazing in the green fields, whisky, kilts, tartan and golf.

Be it medieval castles, picturesque villages full of history, the breathtaking beauty of the highlands and islands or all the possible activities Scotland has to offer, you can tailor your transportation requirements with
A1 Coaches by calling 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com


The Positive Road to Change


Hi, I’m James David Campbell, 28 year old. Previously, as a very young lad, my life was sort of “unsettled”, to put it mildly.  You ken how it is when being young: you think of yourself as the king of the pack, but unfortunately “being the king of the pack” seems to overpower any trace of common sense.



 I would engage into a few relationships, but they would eventually fail: I was full of good intentions but I had not acquired any wisdom or maturity, I was not an adult quite yet. When I was young I thought I could get away with anything but I realised that wasn’t the case any longer. Fortunately it dawned on me that I had to put some work and effort into becoming the person I wanted to be, not the thug I was becoming so far. So it took hard work for me to go from being a thug, to grow up into an adult.

I’ve always liked buses and dreamed about taking my professional licence. To achieve this I thought it would help try and find a job within the industry, and luckily enough, a few years ago I took on a job in the garage with A1 Coaches assisting the mechanics in their tasks and carrying out general duty jobs. It was a good start; I liked my new job and was happy enough to be earning money.  And I was lucky in the sense the story didn’t end there:  Before I messed it all up again, I was accumulating good work experience, training, and I was encouraged to improve and achieve my goals.  Very much thank to the encouragement I felt from my fellow mechanics and the management, namely Transport Manager of the company David Goodsir,  I took on the college apprenticeship programme, that would “round off” my experience working for the company, getting valuable training along the way.

 “But”...And here comes the “but”: After several months I got used to my surroundings, started getting comfortable (in the bad sense) and started pushing my luck, namely, arriving to work late, going home early, sometimes even not turning up at all for work. I was easily distracted, and started treating the place like a playground I didn’t care much about teamwork or even had a clue there was a team. There I was: the king of the pack again!  I realised I was going to lose the job, so I quitted before I had to go through the shame of being fired.

I then took other different jobs, and all the while I was missing the buses and the job I had with A1. My experience with them had been a good one; it had been me to muck up with them.
At that time I started going out with my current partner. My new partner had everything going for her: she had a job, she liked going on holidays, going out with friends and enjoying herself.  If I wanted to keep her and also keep up with her, I had to grow up once and for all and man up. Get a job. Make money. Get settled. Start a future.


When I saw an ad on Facebook that A1 Coaches was looking for drivers, I didn’t think it twice:  I went to see David Goodsir and asked him for a job. After a brief, ‘man to man’ type of conversation with David, I started my probationary period and since then I can proudly say my life has changed for the better. I really enjoy my work around the garage fixing and maintaining the fleet and working with great people, so it was only the natural thing to do if I took my professional driving licence. I threw myself into it and got my licence on December 2016.





I think any young lad or lassie, or anybody of any age for that matter, wanting to find out about job opportunities with A1 Coaches, should get in touch and find out how working on the A1 Team can advance their careers.

As for me... this St Valentine’s Day we will celebrate two years together (I have planned for a wee surprise already). So, fingers crossed, I’ve managed to keep both my partner and my job for the last two years and I intend to keep things going that way.  


I love working with the A1 Coaches Team, my experience and life lessons I have gained are priceless!