I agree, there is an agenda. It seems to me that the obsessive poster is trying to provoke Rhys into a reaction on here. All very odd.
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Snowdonia Travel "acquired' by Cityfox
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TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Indeed - at least half of NESW's posts are Cityfox related.
That aside, as I put in my earlier missive, there are some areas of genuine interest and the past does naturally taint some current perceptions.
However, there are ways of enquiring and certain innuendo is not appropriate
Just to attempt to stop you in your ever long journey of trolling, I took the decision that as Mr Stockley wasn't directly involved in Snowdonia Travel Ltd at the moment, it would be wrong for him to be a director of that business. Mr Stockley is currently working closely with my taxi division. I wouldn't ever allow an individual or employee to be legally responsible for a company they're not dealing day to day with, it's common sense and practice in any business and it's the law!
I think TheGrandWazoo has summed things up nicely. It is hard to say for certain who is most "at fault" for the cynicism that has developed around the "Fox" operations.
There has been a certain amount of unprofessionalism from the Fox group, but likewise there seem to be certain people who are unwilling to accept young people can also run a business.
Giving the example of a change of directors means nothing - in some companies simply having a certain position gives you a directorship, and it comes with responsibilities. This is the exact same sort of "lobbing hand grenades" that makes me dislike the VOSA database so much. So many assumptions have been drawn from a change of license or cancellation of service that turn out to be completely false, it would be easier just to wait until the actual story comes to light.
I would add the following points to TGW's summary
1. Look at the recent adverts from Barclays. It is not that you are not allowed to act your age, just be very wary that people can and will investigate further (and a long way back). 80% of young people may have posted something they have regretted, but a large number of employers are now investigating social media profiles. I'd give both personal and company profiles a severe scrubbing.
2. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but beware of imitating too much, lest you be accused of plagiarism. Have a word with either your marketing team or your solicitors. You seem creative enough to come up with your own ideas not to need to "copy" from others. Changing a few words here and there will not suffice were anyone inclined to take action.
3. Hold back before responding to criticism. Think of Virgin Trains vs. Jeremy Corbyn. Virgin's reaction was measured and evidenced, unlike the hysteria created by the original story. Even the newspaper that originally published it revealed it went against its own guidelines to do so! Reactions often end up being the bigger story.
4. Keep your claims measured. Don't make claims you can't back up. Hype can be a good thing, especially in these "social media" days. But too much overhype and you become the Boy that Cried Wolf.
Hopefully we'll be seeing CityFox owning buses and operating services in esteemed publications in the future.
There has been a certain amount of unprofessionalism from the Fox group, but likewise there seem to be certain people who are unwilling to accept young people can also run a business.
Giving the example of a change of directors means nothing - in some companies simply having a certain position gives you a directorship, and it comes with responsibilities. This is the exact same sort of "lobbing hand grenades" that makes me dislike the VOSA database so much. So many assumptions have been drawn from a change of license or cancellation of service that turn out to be completely false, it would be easier just to wait until the actual story comes to light.
I would add the following points to TGW's summary
1. Look at the recent adverts from Barclays. It is not that you are not allowed to act your age, just be very wary that people can and will investigate further (and a long way back). 80% of young people may have posted something they have regretted, but a large number of employers are now investigating social media profiles. I'd give both personal and company profiles a severe scrubbing.
2. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but beware of imitating too much, lest you be accused of plagiarism. Have a word with either your marketing team or your solicitors. You seem creative enough to come up with your own ideas not to need to "copy" from others. Changing a few words here and there will not suffice were anyone inclined to take action.
3. Hold back before responding to criticism. Think of Virgin Trains vs. Jeremy Corbyn. Virgin's reaction was measured and evidenced, unlike the hysteria created by the original story. Even the newspaper that originally published it revealed it went against its own guidelines to do so! Reactions often end up being the bigger story.
4. Keep your claims measured. Don't make claims you can't back up. Hype can be a good thing, especially in these "social media" days. But too much overhype and you become the Boy that Cried Wolf.
Hopefully we'll be seeing CityFox owning buses and operating services in esteemed publications in the future.
THarris123
Established Member
I don't know that nesw is necessarily against Cityfox, nor is he trying to find faults on a young entrepreneur. I'm sure he finds his entrepreneurship commendable, but, as I find, maybe a little too unprofessional and overly ambitious. There are certain things that Rhys really needs to think on and although publicity is publicity, some of the recent things to come up are maybe a bit too damaging to their reputation and really need to think on this.
I do think however that nesw has took much time on his hands to find all the faults that are potentially out there.
I do think however that nesw has took much time on his hands to find all the faults that are potentially out there.
It takes only a few moments & others provide the material. I work in the industry and actually have very little spare time. As I've mentioned there's nothing personal against Rhys. I'll let time pass and I'm sure things will become clearer.
You clearly have something against me, for the avoidance of doubt, I really don't care. I am happy to cooperate with enthusiasts that actually show a positive interest and answer their questions. People on here have expressed your ever growing list of digs at me and my company and even my solicitor agrees this is personal. How I choose to run my business is of course, my decision, it's done me good so far!
backontrack
Established Member
Saying that you don't care while talking to your solicitor about it seems, well, strange. I don't think we're talking about digs, just your own tweets and statements. Run your business how you like of course, but don't expect not to have criticism and scrutiny levelled at you.
So can you let me know how many vehicles Snowdonia Travel had/has in North Wales and what services it operated? I take an interest in N Wales buses and can't place the operation.
Thanks.
Not sure what, if any, services were previously operated but the current Wales traffic area operating licence details are here showing 3 vehicles authorised from an operating centre in Porthmadog but contact address in Bristol and currently trading as Splendour Coaches and CityFox.
SWTH
Member
I wonder if Cil de Gwynedd know about the vehicles operating from the same units?
The only vehicle they appear to have operated recently is the one used on the Christmas/Boxing Day service in Bristol, apparently operating at the time from the HCT Group yard in Bristol but according to Phil Stockley in post #61 "the bus has to go back to its Operating Centre in Wales regularly" so presumably that means it came to Bristol from there and will go back again (for maintenance) fairly soon so should have been seen in Porthmadog at some point.
I also note that Stephen Morris is still listed as the nominated Transport Manager on the operating licence even though I thought he no longer worked for the company?
Details from their website:
http://www.cildegwynedd.co.uk/partners.html
Bus services and community transport services are mentioned but no mention of Snowdonia Coaches...
SWTH
Member
I do find it difficult to believe that it is considered cost-effective to have a vehicle which on a good day does around 8mpg travel up the M5, M6, M54, A5, A494, A4212, A470 & A487 (the route I would take with a large slow vehicle) regularly. That's over 200 miles each way. It's also £275 in diesel, assuming 8mpg with a cost per litre of £1.20.9 (£5.49.61 per gallon). There is also at least a days wages to take into account, my day rate for such jobs is £125, it's not going to be much less for a driver on £10p/h for what will be a ten hour day at least - given the need to average 55mph (easy on the motorway if the vehicle is capable, impossible on the A-roads, and I know the roads very well) to do the round trip in one day and remain within the driving hours (EU hours would apply) I suspect it's more likely a two day job which puts the wage and lodging bill somewhere close to £300. So that's a £575 bill in total, which the bus has to earn time and time again.
What is the definition of regular with regard to a vehicle returning to its operating centre? I should be very surprised if it is beyond 28 days.
As can be seen from the information below my avatar, I am in Porthmadog regularly. I used to live there and know the area well. I have to say I've never seen a Snowdonia/Splendour/CityFox/etc vehicle anywhere in the area, even when I've stayed in the Travelodge just off Penamser Road.
Before anyone from CityFox gets upset over this post, it's not meant to criticise. It does however highlight why many industry folk and outside observers have perfectly valid questions over the validity and sustainability of the operation.
What is the definition of regular with regard to a vehicle returning to its operating centre? I should be very surprised if it is beyond 28 days.
As can be seen from the information below my avatar, I am in Porthmadog regularly. I used to live there and know the area well. I have to say I've never seen a Snowdonia/Splendour/CityFox/etc vehicle anywhere in the area, even when I've stayed in the Travelodge just off Penamser Road.
Before anyone from CityFox gets upset over this post, it's not meant to criticise. It does however highlight why many industry folk and outside observers have perfectly valid questions over the validity and sustainability of the operation.
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winston270twm
Established Member
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I wouldn't worry about Cityfox, Rhys is busy on twitter:
https://twitter.com/creatingdesire/status/818527125665943552
I'm pretty sure outstationed vehicles for both operators in my area visit the main depot once every 28 days, presumably for compliance as well as servicing,
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Aren't the First Kernow outstations are listed as operating centres?
Obviously, they rotate through the main depot at Camborne but not certain which other depots have maintenance cover?
freetoview33
Established Member
Yes the are listed.
Not all of them are listed on the DVSA site.
PCB also rotate vehciles stationed at Liskeard roughly monthly
TheGrandWazoo
Veteran Member
Which ones aren't? IIRC, even places like Padstow are on there?
I wasn't planning on posting for a while or until there had been any new developments and I suppose there has been a development with CityFox Taxi Plymouth tweeting a rather tempting offer
'Afternoon tea for two? Book with us between 12pm and 8pm Monday to Friday and we'll give you £2 off your taxi fare! Call 01752 606060 ^SP' https://twitter.com/cityfoxtaxisply/status/819200332291067906
Sounds like a deal to me!
I 'phoned the number and was greeted by 'Plymouth Taxis, can I help you?' When I mentioned the tempting offer it certainly got a response! 'Where did I hear about it and what account?'
To cut a long story short , I was told that for the past few weeks Plymouth Taxi's director has been rather concerned that Cityfox are using their 'phone number and they are not associated with Cityfox.
I did mention that Cityfox Plymouth are listed at Companies House, as are Plymouth Taxis Ltd and that they will investigate further.
I'm sure it's all a simple misunderstanding and maybe the tweet was sent by mistake! Then again, the @Cityfoxtaxisply discription does state the number and link to the website http://www.cityfoxtaxi.com/ and other tweets ask for drivers to apply for jobs at the Plymouth branch.
He doesn't have to but I'm sure Rhys or Phil can explain? I'm missing my two quid off and afternoon tea.
'Afternoon tea for two? Book with us between 12pm and 8pm Monday to Friday and we'll give you £2 off your taxi fare! Call 01752 606060 ^SP' https://twitter.com/cityfoxtaxisply/status/819200332291067906
Sounds like a deal to me!
I 'phoned the number and was greeted by 'Plymouth Taxis, can I help you?' When I mentioned the tempting offer it certainly got a response! 'Where did I hear about it and what account?'
To cut a long story short , I was told that for the past few weeks Plymouth Taxi's director has been rather concerned that Cityfox are using their 'phone number and they are not associated with Cityfox.
I did mention that Cityfox Plymouth are listed at Companies House, as are Plymouth Taxis Ltd and that they will investigate further.
I'm sure it's all a simple misunderstanding and maybe the tweet was sent by mistake! Then again, the @Cityfoxtaxisply discription does state the number and link to the website http://www.cityfoxtaxi.com/ and other tweets ask for drivers to apply for jobs at the Plymouth branch.
He doesn't have to but I'm sure Rhys or Phil can explain? I'm missing my two quid off and afternoon tea.
The same offer was tweeted today by CityFox Bristol, and with a Bristol phone number, but it's clearly rather strange that they're using the Plymouth Taxis number but they don't know anything about it.
I've just tried calling Cityfox Taxis in Bath and again they know nothing about any offers. They also answer the 'phone as Bath Spa Taxis and state 'they have nothing to do with Cityfox' & ' we have tried to contact them but they don't respond.'
I'll avoid making any further comment for now however, it doesn't look good ;particularly when the companies also ask for drivers & controllers to work at Bath & Plymouth.
By the way, this isn't an obsession, simply taking five minutes to respond to their social media posts, presumably what a business wants?
I'll avoid making any further comment for now however, it doesn't look good ;particularly when the companies also ask for drivers & controllers to work at Bath & Plymouth.
By the way, this isn't an obsession, simply taking five minutes to respond to their social media posts, presumably what a business wants?
mattpharrison
Member
Evening all. Long time lurker here, first time poster. I can confirm that I too gave Plymouth Taxis a call this evening, purely out of academic interest because I find this whole thing very strange. And guess what? They've heard of Cityfox, because they've had several phone calls this evening from people trying to claim free cups of tea. But they were very quick to stress that they are not affiliated, very much less owned, by Cityfox taxis. In fact, they seemed very annoyed at the whole thing - and are 'taking action'. Shall be watching with interest.
On the Cityfox Bath page it states:
They also posted a job advert with Bath Spa Taxis branding in February 2016 and posted a photo showing an office being repainted from red to blue (red being the colour of Bath Spa Taxis).
Bath Spa Taxi Ltd was dissolved in July 2016.
Another company called Bath Spa Taxi Limited was established in Trowbridge in May 2016.
All a bit odd and I've no idea which company you spoke with..
Bletchleyite
Veteran Member
The Tweet has now been deleted...
mattpharrison
Member
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxqsNxisFjp6NThLNFNSSmw3UTA
That's ok, I thought it might - tweets do have a habit of being deleted. Here's the original.
That's ok, I thought it might - tweets do have a habit of being deleted. Here's the original.
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It's happened before as well with Claribels, but was blamed on a former employee.
http://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?topic=204.msg70273#msg70273
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I'd refrained from commenting until today but the above is truly baffling.
Why pretend to be a company which you aren't? I can understand creating your own publicity for ventures which aren't quite off the ground yet but pretending to be another business??
Also, from the link above, in 2013 Rhys claimed to be aged 18 and had worked in the bus industry for SIX YEARS! They start them off young these days..
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