Snapshot

• Client: Robert Sinnott, Owner of Acme Bus Company Ltd
• Business:Established bus and coach operator
• Transaction:Purchase of Shipton Bridge Farm
• Challenge: Commercial mortgage funding to support the purchase
• Outcome:Property secured, long-term operational stability achieved and new income created

Challenge

After 22 years running a successful bus company, Robert Sinnott faced a growing risk to the stability of his business: reliance on rented operating sites.

With a fleet of 30 buses and coaches alongside 50 smaller vehicles, and responsibility for transporting over 2,000 students across three counties, continuity of location was critical. However, repeated issues with landlords – including planning permissions being granted, new tenants and significant rent increases – created ongoing uncertainty.

For a business delivering large council contracts, this reliance on a couple of landlords for security was becoming untenable. With operations spread across two rented yards, Robert needed an option that gave him and his business long term security that he could control.

The opportunity arose to purchase Shipton Bridge Farm, where the business was already operating as a tenant. Ownership would remove external risk and provide long-term certainty, but arranging suitable mortgage funding for a commercial transport operator purchasing a working yard proved far from straightforward.

Solution

Rob Lister at Rural & Business Specialists became involved from the outset of the purchase discussions in April 2024, working closely alongside Paul Walker at Whirledge and Nott, the chartered surveyors overseeing the transaction.

Rather than just approaching standard high street lenders, Rob navigated the specialist commercial lending market, identifying lenders with minimal covenant requirements suitable for Robert’s circumstances.

Rob supported the preparation and positioning of the proposal, ensuring the business, property income potential, and affordability were clearly presented in a way lenders could assess easily.

Throughout the process, Rob maintained constant communication with Robert, providing guidance at every stage and helping him understand what could be achieved financially. This hands-on approach enabled informed decision-making with confidence at each stage and helped the transaction progress smoothly from initial discussions through to completion.

Outcome

The purchase of Shipton Bridge Farm has brought benefits beyond securing a permanent operating base. Robert now owns the property, using approximately one-third of the yard for his own operations while letting out the remaining office and storage facilities.

This has created a valuable additional income stream alongside reducing rental payments to third parties. Importantly, the property now plays a meaningful role in supporting his overall financial position, with rental revenue contributing towards mortgage commitments rather than relying solely on the trading performance of his business.

The site benefits from existing planning permissions for offices, storage, workshops, and vehicle facilities. With tenants already in place and marketing underway for additional lettings, the property investment strengthens both business stability and long-term financial security.

Robert Sinnott says:

“Rob was there from the start, always on hand throughout the process. I could pick up the phone anytime, and Rob was always present with sound guidance to help get the transaction agreed and over the line.”