Pulhams appoints area engineering manager as part of major expansion and growth of business

Pulhams has appointed Peter Graybrook as area engineering manager as part of its network expansion.

Mr Graybrook brings a wealth of experience to the Cotswolds-based transport provider at an exciting time for the business and joins from within the Go-Ahead Group.

Pulhams has significantly expanded its operating network, increased its fleet, invested in electric technology and grown its team.

Mr Graybrook began his career as an apprentice at Crosville Motor Services, spending more than 30 years with Crosville, Midland Red and Arriva before stints as engineering manager at Go North West in Manchester and head of engineering at Go East Anglia.

Mr Graybrook said: “I’m pleased to have joined a famous brand with ambition to grow its network and invest in its fleet and people to deliver an ever-improving service for passengers.

“I have joined at a busy time for the company with the introduction of both new service buses and coaches into the fleet. My focus initially has been on recruitment and continued vehicle compliance, while ensuring we have sufficient vehicles available to serve our customers.

“Ensuring all vehicles are maintained not only for safety but reliability and comfort is an important part of my job. We need to be comfortable that when a vehicle leaves the workshop it won’t let us or our customers down.

“Working with coaches can be so different to stage carriage service with no two days being the same. There might be anywhere between 40 coaches required today and 60 tomorrow, therefore we have to be ready for all eventualities.

“In the longer term, my role will be to ensure that we recruit and retain highly trained engineers to maintain the fleet and supply our engineering teams with the latest training and diagnostic equipment which will reduce vehicle downtime. Also ensuring a safety and compliant culture is the number one daily priority.”

Pulhams recently announced an £8.17 million investment in 15 electric buses and significant improvements to its Golden Valley depot in Staverton.

The investment will save more than 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, while the depot has benefitted from 16 electric charging points, a new bus wash, a new fuelling system, refurbished offices and improved driver rest facilities.

That followed a £1.5m investment last year to introduce five new executive coaches for use on tours, day trips and private hire.

Since the Go-Ahead Group acquired Pulhams into the Oxford Bus Group in June 2023, more than 60 vehicles have been added to the fleet, taking it to more than 150. Pulhams has also recruited more than 60 new staff to support network expansion.

Mr Graybrook added: “It’s a really exciting period of growth and modernisation at Pulhams, so a great time for me to join the business.

“Significant investments are being made, with work too taking place at the Bourton-on-the-Water depot, where a bigger workshop is being created.

“A lot of good things are happening and there are a lot of good people who really care about their jobs and the vehicles, and it still has the feel of a family owned business.

“It’s a really nice part of the world too, and one I’m keen to explore further in the coming weeks and months.”