The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources experts and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Holly Dore
Owner, Driver & many other hats!
Voyage Travel Solutions
Tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming a coach driver
My family have been operating PSV since 1957 in the Oxfordshire area. Transport is in my blood and goes back to my great-grandparents, then to my grandparents and mother, until I set up my own operation in 2015.
Although I saw my family in the industry when I was younger, my background is actually in finance and pensions. However, a spinal injury in 2013 led me to explore other career opportunities at the same time that my grandma was slowly winding up her PSV operation. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment!
How did you get to where you are today?
I initially got going with minibuses, and over the past 10 years I have built up to a fleet of larger executive coaches. After meeting my husband in 2022 and bringing him into the business with his 22 years of coach business experience we continued to improve and solidify the business to where we are now.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
Covid was the biggest challenge by far. I fell into a grey area as a director who couldn’t claim furlough, and with the coach sector not eligible for business continuity payouts, it was a very challenging time.
Also, having twins nine years ago whilst trying to keep the business afloat and operational was somewhat testing, but I’m so glad that I did it. I now have a business to be proud of that my whole family are involved in.
If so, how did you overcome then?
I was determined not to lose the business and I decided to utilise what I could by turning the transport business into parcel delivery services in the area, contracting for Hermes, and supporting another local operator by transporting cleaners to Redhill in Surrey during the lockdown.
What do you like about the sector? What inspired you to get involved?
I love the fact that we operate a business that is predominantly working on demand so we never know what kind of work we are going to be doing next, We do some contract work, but for the most part we are taking work as it comes in, This isn’t for the faint hearted But it means that we get to go all over the country And have lots of variation in our work.
I also love that we are a small family business, and the other staff are amazing, committed individuals who we consider as family. We work together as a close-knit team to get the job done and constantly improve our offering.
What does a typical day look like?
As a mum of nine-year-old twins, and as owner, coach driver, accountant and transport manager, my days are varied and busy!
A typical day involves overseeing staff, dealing with the logistics of mechanical work, liaising with clients, handling financial matters, sometimes being out on the road, marketing, and all the while ensuring that I stay present as a mother as much as possible which involves trying to keep me off the road when the children are not at school.
It’s a juggling act, but we are managing it well and nothing matters more than family!
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus, coach or community transport sector?
I would say that there are so many opportunities other than just driving a vehicle. Whether you want to be involved in compliance, management, mechanical work, hands-on driving or administration, it is an ever-changing landscape where you are always learning and have the opportunity to grow within an organisation and really involve yourself in the bus and coach industry, which is varied.
It is not just a man’s world anymore. I see more and more women on the road these days, and even more women in the compliance sectors.
What has been your bus, coach sector or community transport career highlight?
This year we were featured in Bus and Coach Buyer magazine celebrating over a decade of business, which was a proud moment. We were also nominated in the Route-One Awards in 2024.
What three things could the sector do to improvement the industry for women?
Schools should include more about bus and coach career opportunities in career development, as there is so much more outside of being a driver.
Women in the industry need to encourage other women to come into the industry and share the good experiences and opportunities.
I think women’s coach driver uniforms need to be looked at with a modern eye. Some companies have women in rather masculine-styled uniforms, and I’m sure that with female input something practical and stylish could be introduced to the industry.
What changes have you seen since in the sector since you joined?
Over the last decade I have seen so many more women on the road as drivers. I’ve seen the Women in Bus and Coach organisation established, and I’ve seen coaches included for the first time within the RHA. These are all positive and exciting steps forward for women and for the industry.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would just like to add how much I adore my career. Not only do I get to work with my loved ones every day, but I am continuing the legacy of independent women in my family before me, who would be very proud to see where the business is today – and also how women are progressing within the industry.
Thank you for sharing Holly, your story truly makes a difference.
To find out more about who Holly works for, and career opportunities visit: https://voyage-travel.co.uk/
