ODD COUPLE ON RIGHT ROUTE THANKS TO BUSINESS GATEWAY FIFE

Jonathan Matheson-Dear and Jonathan Matheson-Dear
  • Company:
  • Route 66 Travel
  • Contact:
  • Jonathan Matheson-Dear
  • George Cowan

A lawyer and a painter/decorator may form an unlikely partnership but their business, Route 66 Travel, is on the road to success since opening in March this year.

Jonathan Matheson-Dear is a family lawyer working with Ross & Connel in Dunfermline but after seeking advice from Business Gateway Fife he now also runs a bespoke minibus hire service along with business partner, George Cowan.

“George and I got to know one another attending Fife Business Breakfasts. He mentioned that he was keen to supplement his job as a painter and decorator so was looking for ideas for a business. As keen football supporters we travel a lot to watch our teams play which made us think about a minibus service to take fans to games and it grew from there,” said Jonathan.

“Initially I was advising George while he was trying to get his operator’s licence but then we decided to go into partnership and set up the business together. A lawyer and a painter/decorator might make for an odd couple but we’re pleased with how it’s all going although life has been a whirlwind since we launched. We’ve been very happy with the help we’ve had from Business Gateway Fife. Our Adviser, Graeme, has given us really good advice on getting grants and reviews our business plans as events progress.”

Graeme Allan, Business Adviser, Business Gateway Fife, said: “Jonathan and George are doing well with Route 66 Travel. They’ve been kept busy since starting up and have a growing client list. They’ve both attended the Business Gateway start-up workshops and we’ve helped with their website and provided financial advice. Our support is an on-going process and we’ll continue to help as their business develops.”

Route 66 Travel offers their minibus hire service to customers across Scotland and the UK. They cover group outings and special occasions such as stag and hen parties, birthdays and weddings, pub crawls, and sports events including football, rugby, golf and athletics. They place an emphasis on comfort and provide a prompt, efficient and friendly service.

“We aim every time for a positive customer experience. If you’re heading off to a concert, or festival or to do some sight-seeing then the journey should be an equally enjoyable element, making the whole day a memorable occasion. And a run that has particular significance for us is a booking on Saturday, 21 September for members of Aberdour Business Group as that was the Breakfast Club where George and I became friends.

“We operate mainly within Fife but want to expand this and already do trips to Dundee, Inverness, and Ayr for the races, airport runs and recently we completed a stag run to Newcastle and back. The Commonwealth Games next year will open up opportunities for us and Fife’s extensive tourism market is in our sights also,” added Jonathan. Being self-employed makes it easier for George to fit in week day bookings but as most runs take place in the evening or at weekends both men are able to fit their new roles around their main jobs.

“It helps that there’s a bit of competition in this industry because we can help each other out during busy periods. Our rates are flexible and negotiable depending on distance and time involved and we’re scrupulous about vehicle and passenger safety. We are fully insured, licensed and trained, and our vehicles are in immaculate condition with speed limiters to enhance customer safety and equipped with full Vehicle & Operator Services Agency approved certificates of fitness.  We recently invested in a new trailer for the larger bus to carry luggage for airport transfers or sports equipment such as golf clubs. This extra capacity will be an asset to the business and we look forward to offering an enhanced service to future customers.” said George.

To find out more out Route 66 Travel visit their website at www.route66travel.com or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/route66travel.

For more information on how Business Gateway can help your business grow and prosper visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively contact your local office on 01592 858 333.