Matt Barnes's 2021 Business Growth & Plans

Today we're talking to Matt Barnes who is the director of Barnes Coaches. Barnes Coaches offers coach day trips and holidays across England and has been in operation for over 100 years. FInd out more about Barnes Coaches and book your May trip.

It's April, how does this month fit into the ebb & flow of your year? 

April is normally when our holiday programme kicks up to full speed and we also always do at least three trips per day during the Easter Holidays to the seaside and other places of interest. 

Are you in a business which is either opening up this month – or preparing to open up? 

Due to COVID restrictions being relaxed we are able to offer day trips from this week and holidays from Monday 17th May.

What are you most looking forward to as the country tries to ‘open up’?

Seeing our coaches on the roads going to destinations throughout the UK. This year is going to be huge for day trips and holidays in the UK, we are calling this 'Staycation by Coach'.

It’s also Stress Awareness Month, what measures have you taken in your business to reduce the stress on yourself & your team?

We are aware of the extra stress COVID19 has caused, our management team have always had an open door policy and we have made sure we have kept this going throughout this period, even if the open door has been changed to a zoom or phone call!

What do you do personally to support your health and wellbeing? 

Exercise is key for me so dog walks, bike rides, golf and badminton. I also treated myself to a Peloton to get me through lockdown which I am fully addicted to.

Do you see your product/service as one which supports the health and wellbeing of others such as your clients? 

Not directly, however after a year of being locked up offering people a value for money and easy way to get out and see the country is a huge boost for many.

As the year goes on, will you take health and wellbeing more seriously going forward?

Yes, it has always been important to me and the last year has brought it into even sharper focus.

Have you got any big events - personal or business - you are preparing for later this year?

Getting our day trip and holiday programme back up and running is what we are all focused on.

And finally:

A big thanks to all of our customers and staff for sticking with us through the last year. We can’t wait to be busy again and doing what we are best at!

For more information visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk