South Yorkshire taxi firm takeover will '˜protect' jobs

South Yorkshire firm City Taxis continues to expand with its third company takeover in a year, as it acquires Wath's Skyline Taxis under its Northern Taxis brand.
Arnie Singh and Mehmood HusseinArnie Singh and Mehmood Hussein
Arnie Singh and Mehmood Hussein

Skyline’s Mehmood Hussein said the move is in part a defence mechanism against the wider resources of global competitors.

He said: “we are pleased to have struck a deal with City Taxis, and hope that moving forward our drivers and staff will see a real benefit from working within a much larger organisation.”

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He added: “Our directors are keen to continue to expand across the city region, to protect and defend local jobs for local people against the resources of companies like the US global brand, Uber.”

City, one of the UK’s largest independent taxi firms, bought Chesterfield’s Club Taxis in September 2016, and acquired Ace Taxis of Barnsley in July last year.

Skyline has been in operation for nine years, with 35 cars in its stable currently. All its call centre staff and drivers will become part of the much larger Northern Taxis, which handles around six million journeys a year.

Of City Taxis’ 1750 drivers, 175 live in Rotherham.

Arnie Singh, managing director of Northern Taxis Ltd, said: “We are pleased to announce another acquisition, furthering our services around South Yorkshire by expanding into the Rotherham area from our new headquarters in Greasborough.

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“We look forward to offering our services to the people and businesses of Rotherham.

“Customers booking journeys will be able to do so through our user-friendly app, and businesses will be able to open corporate accounts, giving access to a modern, efficient, friendly and safe taxi service which makes a huge contribution to the economy and community of South Yorkshire.

“All our Rotherham drivers will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and will have CCTV in their cabs, reassuring drivers and customers alike, and rebuilding confidence in the private hire sector in the town.”

All jobs will be protected, added Mr Singh.

City has a full range of cabs with wheelchair accessible taxis, luxury vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and it employs both male and female drivers. Services include contracts to transport vulnerable and looked-after children and young people,