One of Eden’s most driven entrepreneurs has followed his dreams by setting up his own coach company.
Jonathan Dixon is the man behind JD Coaches, Eden’s newest luxury coach holiday business. Having built up a solid reputation driving coaches locally for the last 11 years, the 30-year-old has decided to branch out on his own.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Jonathan. “I’ve lived in Lazonby all my life, so ever since I took the bus to school I’ve been interested in buses.
“I’ve got severe dyslexia so it took a bit of work to pass my coach holiday exams. It was a difficult process but it’s all in place now. I’ve got my coach, I’ve got the holidays sorted and I’m ready to go.”
With his first taste of being behind the wheel coming at the age of eight, Jonathan said it had always been a case of “the bigger the better” when it came to
vehicles.
Having grown up in the countryside, he used to keep vintage tractors. Then, as he went to Ullswater Community College in Penrith, he used to sit at the front of the bus on the school run and watch the driver change gears, always learning.
This inspired him to take up driving as soon as he left school and join a local firm.
When Jonathan gained his public service vehicle licence — the equivalent of a driving licence for buses — at the age of 18, he was one of the 10 youngest people to have ever gained the qualification.
“Don’t get me wrong I’m no bus-spotter,” he joked. “Its the driving I like, it’s just always been a passion of mine.”
A self-described “one-man-band”, Jonathan will both run the company and drive his 48-seat Mercedes Setra coach. With that said, his main priority will be the customer.
“I’ve picked up a lot over the years,” added Jonathan. “I like being with the customers and chatting to guests. I think quite a few people will know my face by now.
“We’ve got a good team and I’m confident in the experience behind me that I should be successful.”
Looking ahead, Jonathan hopes to add another vehicle to the business next year, but he said he will have to walk before he can run.
Before this, his maiden trip will be on April 4 with a special midweek outing to Bournemouth.
From there, a range of trips have been arranged throughout the year. From Cheltenham to Swansea and Fort William to Kent, Jonathan said he would be visiting “basically every county” before the year is out.
