Historic bus operator Hulleys of Baslow has received a £100,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to protect its vital service for Peak District residents.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a severe reduction in passenger numbers across the entire public transport sector. Despite the challenging circumstances, Hulleys of Baslow continued to maintain its much-needed bus service in the Peak District and neighbouring areas throughout the pandemic which has meant that Peak District school children and key workers have had access to public transport.
Hulleys of Baslow has also facilitated access to remote areas of the Peak District for tourists from surrounding urban areas such as Manchester and Sheffield once restrictions were lifted. The company will use this loan to prepare for the Spring/Summer season of 2022 when passenger numbers are anticipated to increase.
Andy Tyas, investment manager at Mercia, said: “We are delighted to support Hulleys of Baslow with our investment. The pandemic has had a significant impact on passenger numbers, but throughout, the management and staff of this long established company have worked incredibly hard to provide vital and much needed bus services enabling passengers to continue to travel to work, local schools and, when allowed, local tourist and leisure facilities. As the restrictions continue to ease gradually it is expected that passenger numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels.”
Alf Crofts, owner of Hulleys of Baslow, said: “During the COVID pandemic, we retained remote rural services to help kids get into schools, people to work and the elderly to their doctors’ appointments and shopping. This loan from Mercia – NPIF Debt Finance allows us to continue that work during a difficult time.
“We’re in a much healthier position now, coming out of the pandemic, and things are set to improve so we can build on what we’ve got and grow, going forward.”
