Meet Robert

Since 1928 the Bullocks’ family coach company has been happily school-running, day-tripping and holiday-making across the North West. Almost 100 years later, this iconic family-owned leisure and lifestyle business is still fiercely independent and still family owned, with four generations of Bullocks protecting a single customer promise - to bring joy to every journey.

We chatted to Robert about his partnership with HURST, and the different ways we’ve helped to support and influence their plans for the future.

"Our company was started by my Grandad Ralph almost 100 years ago, so we’re a long-standing business, and we’ve prided ourselves on long-standing relationships too… both with our customers and our partners.

Our previous accountant was very much one of those long-term partnerships. Through different generations, we’d actually worked with them  for 60 years. They’d played an incredibly important part in our business, so when we decided we needed fresh ideas and expertise, we went out to the market with quite a heavy heart. I can easily say it’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve made in business.

That was five or six years ago now. And although it was one of my toughest decisions, on reflection moving to HURST was also one of the best. They’ve proven to be an absolutely invaluable strategic partner, and to be honest, I wish we hadn’t procrastinated quite so long.

I know I can share my challenges or frustrations with them, and I know I’ll come away from that kind of conversation with a fresh perspective, a clear mind and a positive outlook.

Robert Bullock, Bullocks Coaches

Overall I’d say they’ve really opened our eyes to all manner of new opportunities. They’ve introduced us to great people, and every bit of advice they’ve given has had a positive impact on our business.

It’s not just about them though. It’s about the mindset changes they’ve instilled in us. They’ve helped us to modernise, to see the business differently, they’ve improved our strategic planning and focus, and they’ve helped us to improve our customer relationships too.

None of those are things you’d expect of a typical accountancy firm, which is exactly why we value them so highly.

From a personal perspective, they’ve taken a huge burden away from me. I know I can share my challenges or frustrations with them, and I know I’ll come away from that kind of conversation with a fresh perspective, a clear mind and a positive outlook. That kind of partner is hard to find."

Hurst in three words? Excellent Business Advisors.

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To find out more about Bullocks (or to book your next trip), click here to visit their website, or check-out their Facebook page here.