First cunningly chose my absence from the country to announce the latest in its series of management reshuffles. This one will effectively see the end of management at Stoke on Trent, present in the city since the erstwhile Potteries Motor Traction days.
First Potteries is soon to split into two. Chester and Rock Ferry (Merseyside) operations pass to Soper’s First Manchester. If the distance from Chester or Birkenhead to Manchester seems a large one, remember that Arriva’s Aintree regional managing director still looks after its Manchester area operations.
Staffordshire and Stoke area operations move under Leicester’s control within the so-called First Midlands group. This creates an interesting geographical area, encompassing the rich pickings of the former Leicester municipal operation; the former Worcester-based Midland Red West; the once quite profitable rump of the former Northampton municipal; and now Stoke and Staffordshire. It’s quite an eclectic mix of seemingly diverse operations, in fact.
These changes run somewhat counter-cultural to moves at the other major UK industry players. Only First is consistently applying management and back office changes of this nature, with others (notably Stagecoach) opting for a different business model. Arriva has settled on a regional/area structure; Stagecoach has opted for smaller and often split-down regional operations; and Go Ahead has chosen rather more locally devolved management.
What may happen next at First? If it’s of any interest, I need to be out of the country for a few days towards the end of August…
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Shuffling the Deck(er)
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11 comments:
Next up is the merger of Bristol and south Wales operations, announced yesterday...
Although it makes sense not to duplicate functions the thought occurs to me - what do First do as a next step to having merged its regions?
I would have thought that, despite the benefits of automation allowing some contraction, they are fast approaching a situation where the law of diminishing returns starts to apply.
With each consolidation how far away are they moving from their source of business and revenue - the passenger?
There is a rumour that First is looking to divest all or some of it's Devon and Cornwall operation. I wonder if there is any truth in that and would they just close it down or sell it?
Seems more like re-arranging the deckchairs on the Titanic then a strategic way forward!
To be honest, I would have thought the creation of large regional groups such as this removes management more away from the day to day operations, and presumably less inclined to local initiatives, then if they had local companies, like Stagecoach does. Perhaps First should just give up on road transport since they seem to be heading in the entirely the wrong direction to the other large groups. I’m jut glad I don’t have First running my local bus services.
Wonder if this great new idea is connected with some top-level departures from the ranks recently ?
Time for a new leader perhaps ?
First Devon & Cornwall is merging with First Hampshire & Dorset - announced yesterday
Thanks, I would think that will mean Plymouth HQ will be going and hence the rumours that something is happening
Why First are messing about with another round of mergers is beyond me - why not just give power crazed Aberdeen everything and have done with it?
After all they have been stifling local management from day 1...
Change at the very top of First is long overdue!
First Northampton is already steadily dwindling away to virtually nothing left, so that will go as soon as they can find a way out without losing face. First Leicester may well now manage Potteries as well but it would help a lot if they didn't get through new MD's at the pace that's been achieved in recent years.
Reports from some First staff are that MDs have too little authority to make decisions of any real significance. Most issues have to be authorised by Aberdeen.
This must be quite demoralising for any MDs who are truly motivated.
FIRST - Terrorising Travel!!
Can't they leave anything alone for five minutes?
I am one of those who have to suffer from their so called service!
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