About us
31 Years ago in 1994, Ray and Joan Heather established R&J Coaches.
Their fleet consisted of 2 vehicles; a DAF Jonckheere P599 and a DAF LAG Panoramic SB3000.
The company initially operated out of Ashford Town football club.
Ray had over 25 years coach driving experience all over the UK and Europe before starting R&J. He was famously known for driving round Paris without a map! His son Michael joined him in the year 1999, taking his PSV test not long after so he could drive and carry out maintenance of the vehicles. Ray and Joan took retirement in 2014, and Michael then took over the business as managing director.
Sadly, Ray passed away in 2020, but Joan still pops into the yard for a cup of tea, and we continue the family business with the same high values and family ethos Ray and Joan started over 30 years ago.
Their fleet consisted of 2 vehicles; a DAF Jonckheere P599 and a DAF LAG Panoramic SB3000.
The company initially operated out of Ashford Town football club.
Ray had over 25 years coach driving experience all over the UK and Europe before starting R&J. He was famously known for driving round Paris without a map! His son Michael joined him in the year 1999, taking his PSV test not long after so he could drive and carry out maintenance of the vehicles. Ray and Joan took retirement in 2014, and Michael then took over the business as managing director.
Sadly, Ray passed away in 2020, but Joan still pops into the yard for a cup of tea, and we continue the family business with the same high values and family ethos Ray and Joan started over 30 years ago.
MEET OUR TEAM
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Michael
Managing Director Michael joined his parent’s business straight out of school after doing his mechanical apprenticeship. He passed his PSV test at 20 years old and was soon out coach driving. A year later he drove his first European tour, and many more followed. |
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Gary
Operations Director
Gary joined us in September 2016, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his previous operations experience of running over 65 vehicles. He has helped us grow from the then 9 vehicles we had, to the 25 we have today.
Operations Director
Gary joined us in September 2016, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his previous operations experience of running over 65 vehicles. He has helped us grow from the then 9 vehicles we had, to the 25 we have today.
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Dave
Workshop Manager Dave joined us in July 2022 and brings 20 years of knowledge and experience in the PSV maintenance and engineering industry, including 11 years working in a Mercedes main dealership. Dave looks after our fleet of Mercedes vehicles at our in-house workshop. |
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Leigh
Compliance Manager Liaising closely with our in-house workshop and operations team, Leigh ensures complete compliance across the fleet with DVSA regulations and PCV standards, supporting the smooth running of our fleet of 25 coaches and minibuses. Leigh previously worked within the coach industry as an engineer and his strong attention to detail, combined with his engineering background makes him an invaluable asset. His expertise helps maintain seamless communication between the workshop and operations team ensuring vehicles are safe, compliant and operating to the highest standards. |
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Paul
Private Groups Manager Paul brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles and will be supporting our customers to plan and organise British and European group coach travel. With many years experience, Paul specialises in arranging ground services, hotel accommodation, channel crossings as well as meet and greet services and professional tour guides. In 2012 Paul was responsible for the procurements of over 600 coaches and drivers for the London 2012 Olympics. Paul's extensive industry connections are invaluable in helping us develop a highly professional and cost effective service to our customers. Personal service Professional pride. |
Grahame
Accounts Administrator
The voice at the end of the phone, Grahame joined the business in 2012 working alongside Michael and Gary in the office. Grahame is a vital cog of our day-to-day runnings.
Accounts Administrator
The voice at the end of the phone, Grahame joined the business in 2012 working alongside Michael and Gary in the office. Grahame is a vital cog of our day-to-day runnings.
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Leighton
Operations Supervisor Leighton has worked with us since 2017 starting as a full time driver and now as our operations supervisor. Working closely with Gary our operations director, Leighton is responsible for the day-to-day running's of the business. Regularly liaising with the team and our customers there isn't much Leighton doesn't know about R&J. |
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Liv
Tours Coordinator Liv has been with R&J for just over 18 months and has proved herself invaluable with her knowledge and enthusiasm for all things bus and coach. Liv has driven coaches on European Tours herself, with destinations including Bruges, Paris and northern Italy. This, coupled with her exceptional attention to detail and strong organisational skills, make her the perfect fit for her role as Tours Coordinator. From liaising with customers to organising the legal paperwork for cross channel bookings, Liv is always on hand to answer any questions you may have. |
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Graham
Operations Assistant Graham has been with R&J for the past 2 years. He works closely with the operations team, coordinating vehicle allocations and liaising with the drivers. Graham previously worked as a controller for a national company and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from driving across both the UK and Europe and day to day operations of the company. He is always on hand to offer guidance and answer any questions in order to ensure the smooth running of our 25 vehicles. |
Winston
Our office dog, he enjoys his day laying in the front of the heater in the office after a walk and greeting all the staff with a very loud bark! He sometimes can be heard in the office background during a phone call.
Our office dog, he enjoys his day laying in the front of the heater in the office after a walk and greeting all the staff with a very loud bark! He sometimes can be heard in the office background during a phone call.
