ONE of the UK’s biggest independent coach firms has appointed two new depot managers as it continues to expand across the south.

Lucketts Group has made the hires as it cements its acquisition of Little London-based Mortons Travel and Solent Coaches and sets its sights on growth in 2019.

Stewart Isaac joins the team to head up the depot at Mortons Travel - he has worked in the coach industry for 30 years.

He will be responsible for the commercial and operational running of Mortons Travel, which boasts a fleet of 32 vehicles and was acquired by Lucketts Group in April 2018.

Mr Isaac said: “Lucketts has an excellent reputation in the industry and when the opportunity arose to join its team at Mortons I leapt at the chance. It’s such a forward-thinking company with ambitious growth plans and I’m very excited about the future.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Havers joins the Worthing Coaches team as depot manager.

Tony Lawman, managing director of Lucketts Group, headquartered in Fareham, said: “We saw significant growth in 2018, particularly with the acquisition of Mortons and Solent Coaches. That said, will never rest on our laurels and we are entering 2019 full of ambition.

“These two senior appointments will help to elevate our service even further in two important areas and we are thrilled to have Stewart and Daniel on board.”