42 | Tees Business
Coatham celebrate 35 years of transporting Teessiders
Coatham Coaches has marked its 35th year by investing in a £ 180,000 state-of-the-art midi-coach .
Trusted Tees firm Coatham Coaches has marked its 35th year in style by fittingly adding a 35-seat , state-of-the-art midicoach to its fleet – complete with reclining leather seats , climate control , wi-fi and USB points in every seat .
The £ 180,000 Yutong TC9 adds to Coatham ’ s growing cleaner , greener fleet of coaches , with frontline vehicles all under three years of age and engines that meet stringent Euro 6 emission levels .
The Euro 6 standard helps towards the government ’ s targets for clean air zones , banning heavy-polluting vehicles from city centres , a scheme initially launched in London and now extended to cities such as Leeds , and proposed for 16 UK cities including Newcastle by 2020 .
It was back in 1982 that , looking for a business to supplement his non-league football managerial career , Mick Hodgson “ stumbled ” into a new role as a minibus operator , buying a second-hand 12-seat Mercedes 307 . It began a journey that has seen Coatham Coaches evolve into a 16-strong fleet ranging from 19 to 57-seaters , and now with the addition of a fledgling taxi business .
Mick and wife Barbara built the foundations on which members of their extended family have gone on to build a successful business , whilst ensuring
the firm remained focused on providing modern coaches with a quality service , from the booking through to the final journey .
Managing director Mark Hodgson says : “ We take great pride in what we do - from the work that goes unseen such as our robust safety schedules , risk management and our proactive approach to our customers ’ needs , to quality staff training and continual investment to make our fleet of vehicles not just the envy of our competitors but what Teessiders deserve . “ By investing in green vehicles such as the Yutong , we are future-proofing our fleet and can actively aid our corporate customers in reducing their carbon footprint . Euro 6 vehicles drastically cut the harmful emissions produced by coaches . As an example of what this means , soot has been reduced by 99 % and nitrous oxide by 81 %, so we are the ideal travel partner for heavy industries and renewable energy industries alike .”
For more details about Coatham Coaches email mark @ coathamcoaches . co . uk
Tees Café is a Lilli gem
Italian restaurateur Roberto Pittalis prides himself on creating the right culture and nurturing his staff at the ever popular Café Lilli . So getting national recognition in Waitrose ’ s latest Good Food Guide – the bible for foodies and described as ‘ the UK ’ s most trusted and comprehensive restaurant handbook ’ – comes as one of his proudest moments .
The guide , well-known in the restaurant industry , is a compilation of top eateries throughout Britain .
And Café Lilli is one of only three restaurants in the Tees area to make the cut in Waitrose ’ s 2017 edition , along with The Bay Horse in Hurworth and The Raby Hunt in Darlington .
“ We ’ re in good company !” smiles Sardinian Pittalis , who opened Café Lilli on Norton ’ s busy High Street 13 years ago .
“ It ’ s the first time we ’ ve made the book , and it ’ s probably the biggest accolade we ’ ve had since the North East restaurant award in 2009 , as Teesside ’ s best restaurant .”
Roberto Pittalis , previously co-owner of Sassari , once of Durham ’ s Sadler Street and later on Middlesbrough ’ s Linthorpe Road , owes his latest success to his employees .
“ When people ask what is our secret , I think the most important thing for us now is the team ,” he said .
“ My investment in the restaurant is all in people . I spend a huge amount of time and energy trying to find the right team .
“ Our managers now are on the same level as me , the rest is cosmetic .
“ What makes me really proud is the team is very eclectic and dynamic with ideas , they participate in the running of the business .
“ I think we have some future restaurateurs
Owner Roberto Pittalis outside Café Lilli in Norton , which has made Waitrose ’ s Good Food Guide 2017 .
here within our team . I love to pass on my skills and knowledge to them .”
Café Lilli , with its staff of 27 , has built up a loyal customer base and welcomes new customers daily , offering a fusion of modern cuisine with an Italian influence .
Bookings aren ’ t available after 7pm on weekends , but you can just pop in and have a drink whilst they prepare your table after this time . Bookings available all night Tuesday to Thursday . Call 01642 554422 or visit www . lillicafe . co . uk