History

Charles Fingland worked for Rolls Royce as a test driver until 1907 when he started Finglands Hire Cars and Bookings. Originally running luxury limousines demand gave him the opportunity to expand into coach hire.

Scheduled coach services followed and Finglands became the first coach company to run a scheduled service between Manchester and London with a coach having an on board toilet and radio. Bookings were taken at the head office in Manchester and also at an office in Southampton Row in London. As the service grew in popularity it culminated in a sale of the licences to the much larger concern of North Western Road Car Company.

As early as the 1920's Finglands developed a relationship with Manchester City Football Club and still continue to provide some of their transport today.

Always a company with an eye on the future Finglands Airways took to the air in 1949 operating two Avro Ansons. The main use for these was an operation called "Combined Ops" where passengers were collected from their homes in Manchester taken to the airfield and transported by plane to Newquay. There a Finglands coach waited and would convey passengers to their hotel and provide outings during their stay. It also gave the opportunity to make excursions to see Blackpool Illuminations from the air! One of the pilots was Robert Fingland who had gained his experience with the Royal Air Force.

However, the cost of operating airplanes was substantial and Finglands Airways ceased operation in 1952. The Fingland's family decided to sell the business following this and a sale took place to Mr Robert Bunning, the General Manager in 1954.

The coach business was expanded and a number of local companies were acquired. C Holt Coaches, South Manchester Coachways, Corkhills Coaches and Fieldsends Coaches. Eventually the Finglands Group of companies comprised of Finglands Coachways Ltd, Finglands Travel Agency Ltd and Finglands Garage Ltd.

One of Finglands consistent customers has been The University of Manchester. Finglands have carried students all over the UK and Europe during this association and to the majority of sports events. Given the number of buses working the busy Wilmslow Road corridor it may come as a surprise that Finglands started running a private hire service for students between Owens Park and the University in the early 1980's. At that time it was quite usual for students to have to stand in the rain watching full buses pass them on their way into Manchester City centre. The Owens Park residents committee approached Finglands for help and as we were not allowed to run buses at that time (the bus industry was regulated) a private hire agreement was reached. In fact Finglands applied to run buses for students but were not allowed because the fares we wanted to charge were too low.

In 1986 the bus industry was deregulated which gave Finglands the opportunity to run proper buses for students along the main Wilmslow Road. Finglands was the first to offer dedicated buses for students at low prices and were also the first bus company to run late night buses. The success of the business brought it to the attention of other bus companies and in 1992 the company was sold from the Bunning family to Hull based EYMS Group Ltd. Other Group Companies include East Yorkshire Motor Services Ltd, East Yorkshire Coaches and Whittles Coach & Bus in Kidderminster.

With deregulation came more opportunities and services were started to a number of local schools - Manchester Grammar School, Manchester High School for Girls, Withington Girls School, St Bedes College and William Hulmes School. More bus services started in and around South Manchester centred along Wilmslow Road. The location of the Finglands depot being on Wilmslow Road has proved perfect for running services on one of the busiest roads outside London.