Taxi Driver Online

Couldn't even be bothered reading this when it appeared over a week ago, but curiosity got the better of me

And you'd class this sort of stuff as advertorial, except for the fact that it's after the event

And the statement from the 'competitor' may be genuine enough, but somehow I doubt they'd be saying that when the firm was still in business

But my thread title is based on a below-the-line comment, which sounds implausible on one level, but maybe a grain of truth in it - see posts below...


Popular taxi service in Cornwall closes for good

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/popul ... s-10588108

Customers and even a competitor have expressed their shock and sadness - but there's no explanation

A popular taxi service in Cornwall has suddenly disappeared for good, leaving customers devastated. Ace Cars in St Ives announced the closure, thanking customers for their support in a heartfelt message.

It said: “After many years of serving our community, we would like to let you know that ace cars is now closed. We want to extend our sincere thanks to all of our customers for your loyalty and support over the years. It’s been a pleasure getting you safely where you needed to go, day and night.

“Your trust and kindness have meant so much to us, and we’re truly grateful to have been part of your journeys. Thank you once again for riding with us — we couldn’t have done it without you.”

It is not yet clear why the St Ives business, which has been operating in the area for over 20 years, has closed. Customers, however, have been quick to express their sadness, with many noting it as a huge loss for the area.

One person wrote: “I’m so gutted for you guys. I will miss each one of you. You have all been truly amazing over the many years I’ve known you all. The service and your support and generosity have been outstanding.”

Someone else said: “So sorry to hear this. Ace have looked after me and my family for over 20 years. We have seen and been through it all. We will miss you all greatly."

Another added: “Really sad to see you all go. The phone operators and all the drivers have always been absolutely cracking.”

A fourth wrote: “A huge loss for the community. Very sad. Great service from all.”

Competitor A1 Cars St Ives and Hayle added: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the closure of Ace Cars. Our thoughts are with JT, his dedicated staff and all the longstanding drivers during this difficult time. Although Ace Cars were our competitors, their contribution to St Ives and the surrounding areas over the past 25 years has been truly invaluable.

"They provided reliable, friendly service and have been a trusted part of local community, their presence will be greatly missed."

Ace Taxis has been approached for comment.

The comments are in keeping with the stuff above, but noticed this - can see how the cross-border school contract thing might be a factor, but the other stuff here sounds a bit far-fetched

I've tried to tidy up the post a bit to work out what the contributor is on about, precisely, so see edited post below, but in the interests of accuracy this is the original:

_________________
IDFIMH

24x7 ltd i take it?
new cars every 12 months
Head office buy the cars ON FINANCE and charge branches £40 upwards per day for a car
(ponzi scheme?)
never replate a car
recruit drivers COUNTYWIDE, each driver has car at home
bids the same rate "for car" per day
each of the 45 individual "24x7" branches are seperate (but group) companies
drivers and PA's are paid NMW from door to door
minimum 2.5hrs per day
holiday pay and standby if no work (30 hrs per pay period)
branches subsidised for 3 years to get established, under cut everyone then up the daily rate
2024 the rate was £84 per day for a 5 seater

heres the thing.....
so despite going from nil in 2019 they were the biggest supplier by 2023 (£275,000 per month)
Then all theyve done is lost 50 routes and won 5

Staff are being screwed by hours being cut (do 5hrs get paid for 4hrs)
Staff eith 4 years service not needed are being dumped, no redundancy, TUPE being invoked where not applicable, ACAS have open cases, every cost cutting possible is being forced on staff
one PA with 4 years service just got told she wont get SSP for being off for hip replacement

How do I know?.....guess



I dont believe the income from work would be enough to offset the first year depreciation on a new car and sell it at a profit

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

24x7 staffordshire ltd

2019 NIL
2020 £19,000
2021 £44,000
2022 £130,000
2023 £230,000
2024 £264,000
2025 £191,000

These are Septembers invoiced amounts inc VAT

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

At least Staffordshire have a local office and local licensing....

24x7 Derbyshire ltd was disoolved at company house in 2024 yet Derbyshire County council paid them £300k in July

Drivers and cars are licensed by Uttlesford in Exxex with an office in Wirksworth
24x7 Warwickshire has no local office Licensing is Uttlesford or Solihull and managed from a desk in Essex

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most