D&K Coaches & D&K 1st Team Travel

The Team

Darren Meekings

D&K Coaches is owned and managed by Darren Meekings; Darren has gained his extensive knowledge of the Passenger Transport industry over the last 8 years. His journey started in Seaford as a local Bus Driver and then took him into the smog driving a number of Bus routes in and around the Heart of London, driving the  buses was a great start but Darren soon realised that to progress he needed work in all aspects of this industry. Coach Driving seemed to be a logical next step little did he know this would see him working for one of the most prestige’s Coach Companies in the UK. Rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous soon became common place as he Transported Premiership  Football & Rugby Clubs, Singers & Pop Groups, Mps and VIPs all over the UK often this would mean staying in the same hotels and dining with people that most of us only get to see on TV or in the News.

Certain Managerial & Operational skills are essential to successfully run a Coach or Bus company as well as in-depth knowledge of the many strict rules & regulations that apply to this industry. The opportunity for Darren to learn these very skills arose when a new Operations Manager was appointed at the dept from which he was working. The new manager was a young man who had himself started in the industry as a Bus driver. The appointment of a senior manager of a similar age was all the motivation Darren needed to set his sights higher. After successfully applying for a Night supervisory position the next 3 years was a steep learning curve. The new Operations Manager also called Darren was so impressed that subsequent promotions followed and before leaving the company’s employment to start D&K Coaches Darren had worked his way up the ladder to Assistant Operations manager 2nd in command overseeing a depot with some 60 Drivers 8 coaches 20 buses and 10 chauffeur cars. His old employers are one of D&K Coaches Top Clients and the two Companies now work closely together.
Darren is assisted in the running of D&K Coaches by his Partner of some 12 Years Kirsty.

Neil Ayling

Neil Ayling is the man who keeps the wheels turning at D&K. Although this is a part time position Keeping the fleet safe and reliable is a job Neil takes very seriously, Just one look at his CV and the numerous qualifications that he has achieved over the years working on commercial vehicles and you will understand why Neil was also chosen as the Nominated Transport Manager CPC holder on the companies Operators Licence.
Neil’s is employed full time by a local Volvo commercial garage who also provide us with National Breakdown cover & carry out  maintenance & repairs on our vehicles when he is on his holidays or busy times when servicing is best done at night.