Stanford Coachworks Magazine - Edition 5

THE STANFORD COACHWORKS MAGAZINE EDITION 5

STAR OF THE CV SHOW: OVER A DECADE WITH TRELOAR SCHOOL & COLLEGE BEHIND THE SCENES AT STANFORD COACHWORKS SUPPORTING THE NHS WITH OUR MEDICAL SERVICE VEHICLE CONVERSIONS EXCITING NEW BESPOKE BUILDS & VIRTUAL TOURS

MINIBUS CONVERSIONS LUXURY CONVERSIONS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES AMBULANCE CONVERSIONS

WELCOME! After a very strange couple of years, we are so pleased to finally be getting back to normal. We have had an incredibly busy two years, converting wheelchair accessible vehicles, medical service vehicles, mobile clinics, a bespoke barber bus and even our 12,000th minibus, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

We’ve packed our first ever interactive magazine full with our specialist conversions, exciting events, industry news, walkaround videos and much more, giving you a real insight into Stanford Coachworks.

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12,000 STANFORDS MINIBUSES This year we converted our 12,000th minibus.

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES Find out what our most popular options are for local authorities.

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A TAVERNERS TRIBUTE We are honoured to share a very special minibus with you.

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AN ENTERPRISE FLEET It’s been a busy few years with one of our loyal fleet customers.

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25 YEARS WITH SMT Take a look at our 25 year long relationship with SMT.

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BEHIND THE SCENES Find out what the Stanfords team get up to behind the scenes!

THIS MAGAZINE IS DEDICATED TO JONNY WIGGINS & DAVID THATCHER We would also like to dedicate this magazine to Jonny Wiggins and David Thatcher. Jonny Wiggins founded Stanford Coachworks in 1995 and sadly passed away in 2019 after spending four wonderful years enjoying his retirement in Thailand. David Thatcher was part of the SCW team for almost 20 years and many of you may remember him coming along to deliver your new minibuses. David sadly passed away in 2021 and will be greatly missed by us all.

CONTENTS PAGE 22 Supporting the NHS with medical service vehicles

PAGE 24 Our 12,000th minibus: Treloar School & College

PAGE 26 Dawsongroup Bus & Coach with Paul Dedman

PAGE 28 A fourth Monaco Sprinter for Oracle

PAGE 30 Bespoke conversions: The mobile barbers

PAGE 32 On tour with Civilised Car Hire

PAGE 34 We get adventurous with Hireco Group

PAGE 36 Q&A with the Stanfords sales team

PAGE 38 A mobile demonstration unit for BraunAbility

PAGE 40 Our Flat and Super Flat Floor conversions

PAGE 42 A mobile training centre for Bostick Adhesives

MAGAZINE PRODUCED BY MADI WIGGINS

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OVER THE PAST 27 YEARS WE’V OVER 12,000 MINIBUSES!

3,060,000 nuts & bolts

2,400,000 screws 60,000 panes of glass 144,000 passenger seats

360,000m of carpet 120,000m of lino

1,200,000m of wiring

2,000,000 passengers

A MESSAGE FROM JESS & LEE We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our valued clients and suppliers for their continued support over the past few uncertain years. With a global pandemic and worldwide vehicle shortages, it has not been easy, but with your much appreciated custom and the hard work of our excellent team, we have managed to pull through.

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During this time, we have ventured into new markets, converting a number of bespoke minibuses for the medical industry and we have expanded our specialist team even further. We have finally started to receive a flood of base vehicles and have just converted our 12,000th minibus!

VE CONVERTED

If each vehicle was lined up end to end, it would equate to a massive 72km! Following our route through London, and delivering some vehicles along the way, that would take us right to Heathrow Airport.

YOUR KEY STANFORDS CONTACTS Click below to contact each team member

MIKE GASPER Sales Director

PAUL DEDMAN

Corporate Sales Manager

ALAN HOLLIER Production Director

KAREN EDWARDS Accounts Manager

LEE TUPPEN

NIGEL POVEY Sales Executive

DAVE WIGGINS Production Manager

Purchasing Manager

MADI WIGGINS Marketing & ISO

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LOCAL AUTHORITY MINIBUSES WHAT WORKS BEST FOR OUR LOCAL AUTHORITY CLIENTS? We have a number of different features available which can be incorporated into our conversions, but here’s a few that we have found to be popular with our local authority clients.

• Removable seats upholstered in a moquette with wipe clean bases and lower back • Choice of manual, electric and SCW exclusive fold out side steps • Choice of front or side entry options • Rear saloon heating and air conditioning • Interior LED blue / white lighting • Option for ambient LED colour changing roof lighting 06

• Full length driver’s screen with option for night blind • Variety of external or internal tail lifts • Custom-made wheelchair restraint storage boxes • Upper cant rail tracking for highlevel wheelchair anchorage • CCTV systems • Cycle warning system • Personalised exterior signwriting

At Stanford Coachworks we don’t provide our clients with pre-designed minibuses. Each of our vehicles are bespoke and custom-built to every local authority’s specific requirements. Our vast variety of minibus options are what makes our conversions one of a kind. Over the past couple of years, we have converted a number of colourful minibuses for multiple local authorities and each features a similar specification specially adapted to transport a range of passengers.

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SERVING THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY WITH SVS

Throughout the pandemic, we have been working with one of our longstanding clients, Specialist Vehicle Sales & Hire, to supply the medical industry with a variety of bespoke ambulances and PTS’s. Much alike Stanford Coachworks, SVS are a family-run business who pride themselves on quality and excellent personal service.

Towards the end of 2021, we completed conversions on the last of five L3H2 Renault Masters for Specialist Vehicle Sales and Hire’s private ambulance clients based in the South-East. These new vehicles all feature emergency blue lights and sirens, full wipe clean interior, a heavy-duty fold-out ramp, emergency medical equipment and more!

When in use, the ambulances will be run by a crew to provide non-emergency transport to patients around the UK and Europe. The organisation offers a range of services including patient transfers, European repatriation, bariatric transport and event / film / TV cover.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CONVERSIONS? • • • • • • • • • • •

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Full wipe clean interior Tracked flooring for seating & a stretcher Heavy-duty ramp & electric operated winch system Piped oxygen & oxygen bottle storage points IV drip rail Suction unit 230 V plug sockets with USB 12 V incubator outlets Rear saloon heating & air conditioning Emergency blue lights & sirens Overhead lockable storage compartments

‘We had very specific requirements to enable us to have a multipurpose vehicle. The team at SVS and Stanfords were excellent at designing and building the vehicles with us.

Clearly a huge amount of knowledge and experience. The vehicles are in service and exceed our expectations.’

- Dr Aaron Pennell, EDMS Medical As opposed to standard yellow or white PTS ambulances, SVS’s next clients wanted their newest medical service vehicles to really stand out from the crowd. Finished in a striking red with yellow ‘emergency ambulance’ signwriting, these two L3H2 Renault Masters feature an array of specialist medical features transforming them into emergency mobile treatment rooms.

Inside, the PTS’ feature a full wipe clean interior to help provide a completely sterile environment. These hardwearing specialist materials can easily be kept clean after each journey. Both Masters include three passenger seats, two of which are removable to make more space for the stretcher, in the rear saloon. Each seat has been upholstered in a blue wipe clean fabric which matches the vehicle’s interior and features red piping, seatbelts and open head rests.

We would like to say thank you to Specialist Vehicle Sales and Hire for their continued custom throughout the past few years. We look forward to continue working with them in the future to provide the medical industry with more bespoke conversions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CONVERSIONS? • • • • • • • • • • •

3 x fully wipe clean passenger seats Space for one stretcher Full wipe clean interior Lockable lower and upper side compartments Heavy-duty fold-out ramp Storage compartments with securing straps 1600-watt inverter to run electrical equipment Oxygen bottle storage points IV drip rail Rear saloon heating & air conditioning Privacy tinted windows & blackout blinds

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We are honoured to share with you a very special minibus that we converted for The Lord’s Taverners.

We have worked closely with The Lord’s Taverners for a number of years and when the opportunity arose to convert a vehicle for the Castledon School in Wickford, we knew that we had to do something special.

Vehicle Specification • Based on L2H2 Ford Transit • 7 x rear saloon fixed passenger seats upholstered in a premium wipe clean material with Kawasaki Green diamond stitching and piping • Interior trimmed in a contrasting grey soft feel material • Ebony wood-effect premium lino flooring • Manual pedal operated side step • Kawasaki Green lower window panels and head protection pads • Diamond stitch Kawasaki Green centre roof panel • Interior comfort blue and bright white LED lighting • Modesty screen upholstered in grey soft feel material • Exterior signwriting with special plaque in memory of Jonny Wiggins 10

A TAVERNER’S TRIBUTE TO JONNY WIGGINS T

he Lord’s Taverners supplied us with a L2H2 Ford Transit base vehicle which we decided to convert free of charge in memory of Stanford Coachworks’ founder, Jonny Wiggins. Jon sadly passed away in 2019 after spending four wonderful years enjoying his retirement in Thailand.

To make this happen, Dave and Steve who usually convert the Lord’s Taverners vehicles, volunteered their time to build the vehicle free of charge. Along with the help of our seating upholsterers and valeters, everyone at Stanford Coachworks came together to do their bit, which we are incredibly grateful for.

Of course, the vehicle featured accents of Jon’s favourite colour - Kawasaki Green, which pays tribute to his adventurous motorbike racing past. These custom Kawasaki Green accents include a diamond stitch roof panel, lower window panels and door protection pads. Recessed into the roof, we have installed blue and white LED lighting.

We are so pleased that the vehicle is being delivered to a local school as it gives us the chance to hopefully see Jon’s minibus on the road!

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CLICK TO WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE

BESPOKE CONVERSIONS: THE MOBILE CLINIC T

hroughout the pandemic, we ventured into new areas of the conversion market by designing a variety of bespoke minibuses, particularly for the medical industry.

Our one-of-a-kind conversions appeal to many due to the flexibility of the designs that we can create.

Because of this, we caught the attention of our latest customer who was in need of a custom-built mobile doctor’s clinic.

Doctors of the World UK (DOTW) has been a registered charity in England and Wales since 1998 and run clinic and advocacy programmes that provide medical care, information and practical support to people unable to access

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NHS services. They opened their first clinic in London in 2006 but since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they decided that they needed to make their services more accessible by going mobile.

Based on a L4H2 Peugeot Boxer, the conversion has been designed to feature three specialist individual compartments. This includes a waiting area, separated by a door, which leads into an examination area with a washroom. The vehicle features an array of electrical outlets for DOTW’s equipment which is all powered by a1600 watt inverter. For easy cleaning, the entire vehicle has been lined and upholstered in wipe clean grey and white materials. This allows the volunteers to quickly

sanitise the vehicle after each patient.

We are incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to convert a fantastic vehicle for such an amazing organisation.

We really hope that the mobile doctor’s clinic contributes towards making the COVID-19 vaccination programme and other healthcare services available to a wider range of people. We wish them all the best in the future with the incredible work that they do.

Want to find out more about Doctors of the World?

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

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Specification • Based on a L4H2 Peugeot Boxer • Exterior scene lighting • Limo tinted rear windows • Diamond stitch comfort seating area • Fold up desk with fold-away chairs which can be secured safely when not in use • Full-height lockable storage unit which houses the 1600 watt inverter • Fixed bottle holders for sanitiser • Manual pedal operated side step • Heating and air conditioning • LED interior lighting • Rubbish bin

• 240 V power sockets with USB charging points • Fixed custom-built desk area with hot & cold water sink • Blackout privacy roller blind • Examination bed with wipe clean memory foam mattress • Overhead storage lockers • LED touch-sensitive blue / white lighting • Multiple lockable storage units • Wheelchair accessible ramps with custom storage area • Skylight • Washroom with chemical toilet • Extraction fan unit • Fold-away hot / cold water sink • Wall mounted mirror • LED ceiling light

Doctors of the World UK: Who are they?

Doctors of the World (DOTW) is part of the Medecins du Monde international network, an independent humanitarian movement, that works in the UK and abroad to help excluded people access healthcare.

During the pandemic DOTW have been offering support to vulnerable people and launched a project to ensure that everyone in the UK has access to COVID-19 vaccinations, regardless of immigration status. Their new mobile clinic will be utilised by the project along with providing GP style healthcare consultations and social advice to reach those who find it difficult to access mainstream health services.

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STANFORDS & ENTER FLEX-E-RENT We are incredibly proud of our seven-year long relationship with the UK’s largest vehicle rental company, Enterprise Flex-E-Rent. Over these seven years, we have supplied Enterprise Flex-E-Rent with almost 700 specially adapted minibuses for a whole range of welfare, local authority and private clients.

SCW company directors would like to say a special thank you to Enterprise Flex-E-Rent for their continued support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, we converted a number of medical service vehicles, modified to encourage social distancing, for the organisation. We hope to continue working with Enterprise Flex-E-Rent for many more years to come.

A PERSONALISED SPECIFICATION

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Throughout our relationship, Enterprise & SCW have designed a set of specialist specifications on various vehicles to meet client requirements.

For the medical sector, full wipe clean interiors are amongst just a few of the features whereas conversions for welfare or local authority clients usually include a moquette soft finished interior, both of which are instantly recognisable by Enterprise’s signature green accents.

WHO ARE ENTERPRISE FLEX-E-RENT?

RPRISE

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent is the commercial vehicle rental division of Enterprise in the UK. They provide the UK’s widest range of specialist commercial and accessible vehicle solutions, available for both short and long-term rental to commercial companies and community care operators.

COVID-19 SOLUTIONS Throughout the pandemic, we worked closely with Enterprise and remained open with a skilled group of key workers to help support the medical sector by converting multiple ambulances and PTS vehicles. Enterprise FlexE-Rent’s were the first minibuses to feature our COVID-19 solutions including retro-fit bulkheads, covid screens and extraction fans to help keep patients safe from the virus.

A NEW SOLUTION FOR OUR CLIENTS Some of our clients, who’s minibuses are in constant use, prefer to upgrade their fleet every couple of years, so for them, the hire route works best. We worked with Enterprise Flex-E-Rent to convert this fleet of Sprinters for one of our long-term clients DABD (right). We worked off their original specification, knowing what works best for them, to personalise their minibuses.

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25 YEARS WITH SPEC MEDICAL TRANSPOR With medical service vehicle conversions dating back to 1997, we’re celebrating our 25-year long relationship with family-run business, Specialist Medical Transport.

A Fleet of PTS Vehicles for SMT Towards the end of 2020, we converted a fleet of PTS vehicles for SMT which would be used for a variety of different services including a door to door transport service for outpatient appointment transfers and out of hours hospital discharges.

Conversion Specification: • • • • • • • • • • 16

Full wipe clean interior Green feature panels throughout Removable seating Lockable overhead storage Piped oxygen Oxygen bottle storage points Heavy-duty ramp Driver’s screen with a blind Manual rear window blinds Privacy tinted rear windows

The mobile command unit CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE SMT PHOTOS!

This multi-patient command unit will mainly be used at large events and includes a high-resolution camera mast to seek out individuals who may be in need of emergency medical care. In the front, surveillance staff have a comfortable office area with desks and monitors. The rear is configured as a mobile hospital which can facilitate two patients.

Conversion Specification:

CIALIST RT

• • • • • • • • • •

L-shaped desk space with map reading lights 3 x smart TV’s with HDMI & USB input Memory foam bench seats in front & rear High resolution camera & exterior cameras Fischer Panda generator in front cabin Remote controlled climate control 2 x stretchers & disposable privacy curtains 2 x suctions units & piped oxygen Underfloor tail lift Hot / cold water fold-out sink

How did it all begin?

Specialist Medical Transport was our first ever customer to request a medical service vehicle conversion, which at the time introduced us into a completely new market. Back in 97, we had never converted an ambulance or PTS vehicle before but with SMT’s trust, we sure were willing to give it our best shot!

25 years and over 150 ambulance, PTS, secure cell and specialist conversions later, our relationship is still going strong and most recently we converted a bespoke Iveco Daily mobile command unit and a fleet of striking green PTS vehicles for SMT.

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MEET THE TEAM

Keith & Craig - Coachbuilding team How long have you been at SCW for? K: I have been here for 10 years! C: I have been at SCW for 9 years now.

Favourite SCW vehicle: We have converted a number of Crafter, Master and Boxer tour buses for Civilised. These are our favourite vehicles because they include some great features and are used by a range of clients including musicians, sports people and comedians. They have also featured on the telly!

What made you want to work for Stanford Coachworks, especially as you’re not local to us?

In the past I have worked for

Mike - Sales director How long have you been at SCW for? I have worked with the team at Stanfords for 14 years!

Favourite SCW vehicle: My favourite has to be the Vauxhall Movano that we converted for Help for Heroes. It was designed to transport injured service people, undergoing rehabilitation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, out for trips. I got the chance to meet some of the service people and it was incredibly moving to see how much the vehicle helped them.

companies such as DawsonGroup and Gowrings Mobilty neither of which were local to me so I don’t really find the travelling an issue. I met with Stanford’s at many of the various

Tim - Specialist vehicle electrician

exhibitions that I attended with my previous employers and loved the flexibility of the vehicles that they produce. In my last role we primarily focused on smaller WAV’s that

Joe - PDI team

How long have you been at SCW for? Wow 16 years - I joined in 2006?!

How long have you been at SCW for? I’ve worked at Stanfords for 6 years.

Favourite SCW vehicle: For me it has to be the Citroen Relay fleet support unit that we converted for Specialist Medical Transport. It had loads of electrical equipment in the rear saloon and although it was a challenge, it looked great once it was finished and the customer was really pleased with it.

Favourite SCW vehicle: We converted a mobile doctor’s clinic for Doctors of the World and it took us a while to valet as it had to be spotless! The vehicle would go on to help loads of people and it looked great when it was finished. I was really proud of my work on it.

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BEHIND THE SCENES AT STANFORDS Family-run business founded in 1995

Over 12,000 minibuses converted

A team of over 40 skilled individuals

NSSTA & ISO accredited company

Get a real insight into a day in the life of a Stanfords team member on our YouTube channel. Click below to watch now.

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MULTIPLE MINIBUSES FOR LARGE HEALTHCARE GRO We have been working with Voyage Care for a few years to help supply specially adapted Peugeot Boxer & Citroen Berlingo accessible minibuses into their various care homes. Many of the minibuses will also be used to transport individuals to and from their range of day support services across the country.

Peugeot Boxer conversions:

Citroen Berlingo conversions:

• Based on L2H2 & L3H2 Peugeot Boxers • Various removable seating capacity depending on vehicle size • Passenger seats upholstered in a patterned moquette with a wipe clean base & lower back curve • Space for up to 3 wheelchairs • Manual pedal operated side step • Rear saloon heating • Overhead lockable storage compartment • Wheelchair restraint storage box • LED interior lighting

• • • •

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• • • • • •

Based on Berlingo Flair XL L2 4 x passenger seats Space for 1 wheelchair Specially designed fold-out ramp which sits inside of the original vehicle flooring Heavy-duty winch Electroreels Koller wheelchair restraints Sat-nav Parking sensors & reversing camera IVA test approved & certificate supplied

RA OUP

Voyage Care are a large healthcare group with over 30 years of experience providing specialist care and support services. They offer their quality services to over 3,500 people with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries and complex needs whether it be in their own home, supported living or in a registered care home.

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MAJOR LONDON HOSPITAL TAKES A SCW DELIVERY L2H2 MERCEDES SPRINTERS Compared to the rest of Barts vehicles, the L2H2 Mercedes Sprinters are significantly larger and have been converted in two different layouts. These Sprinters have been configured to transport either eight seated patients, plus up to three wheelchairs with seats removed, or with four tip & fold seats and space to transport a patient in a stretcher.

STRETCHER CONFIGURATION: • • • • •

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4 x tip & fold seats with space for 1 x stretcher Full wipe clean interior Piped oxygen & IV drip rails Overhead lockable storage units Internal tail lift

EIGHT SEAT CONFIGURATION: • • • •

7 x rear saloon removable passenger seats (1 in front) or 3 x wheelchairs with seats removed Full wipe clean interior Piped oxygen, IV drip rails & overhead lockers Internal tail lift

During this past year, we have been converting a range of medical service vehicles for a returning NHS client, St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London.

St Bartholomew’s Hospital is a centre of excellence for both cardiac and cancer care however, they also provide additional services such as endocrinology, fertility, thoracics and minor injuries. Barts is the oldest working hospital in the country and will celebrate its 900th year anniversary in 2023. We are incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with the famous hospital in order to help upgrade their Patient Transport Service fleet.

BARTS PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE St Bartholomew’s hospital have their very own patient transport service which provides assistance to over 10,000 patients each month. Due to a vast increase in users, Barts required a range of specially adapted medical service vehicles to add to their fleet for a number of different non-emergency situations.

After getting a good understanding of what the hospital required, we worked with Barts to design bespoke specifications on three completely different vehicles - L2H2 Mercedes Sprinter PTS vehicles, wheelchair accessible Mercedes Vitos and hybrid Toyota Corollas.

HYBRID TOYOTA COROLLAS:

ACCESSIBLE MERCEDES VITOS:

Being in central London, the hospital required a greener transport solution for their patients so they opted for some new hybrid Toyota Corollas.

The Corollas will mainly be used for nonemergency patient transport.

For patients requiring wheelchair access, we have converted a number of Mercedes Vitos.

Each Mercedes Vito features a specialist winch & restraint system and can carry one wheelchair plus four seated passengers.

• •

•

• •

Greener transport solution for the Hospital All staff members are able to drive these vehicles without specialist driving licences Non-emergency transport which will be utilised by the patient transport service Easy to manoeuvre around a busy city

• • •

Space for 1 x wheelchair plus 4 x seated passengers Low roof - easy to park in height restrictions Electric winch & restraint system Specially designed fold-out ramp which sits inside of original vehicle flooring

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A VARIETY OF CONVERSIONS FOR

DAWSONGROUP BUS & COACH During the past couple of years, we have been working with returning client, Dawsongroup Bus & Coach, to convert a range of accessible minibuses and medical service vehicles.

Dawsongroup PLC is a group of companies specialising in the supply of commercial assets. The group covers nine distinct asset groups, utilised by the largest corporates. Dawsongroup Bus & Coach have a long history associated with all aspects of passenger carrying vehicles but have recently expanded into the rental of PTS vehicles and HDU’s.

PEUGEOT BOXER PTS VEHICLES • • • • • •

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8 x passenger seats OR 3 x wheelchairs Driver’s screen with night blind Wipe clean grey / red interior Heavy-duty ramp & electric winch Piped oxygen & bottle storage points Rear saloon heating & air conditioning

RENAULT MASTER PTS VEHICLES • • • • • •

7 x passenger seats OR 3 x wheelchairs Driver’s screen with night blind Wipe clean blue interior Internal tail lift Piped oxygen & bottle storage points Rear saloon heating

PAUL DEDMAN: A LONG-TERM WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH DAWSONGROUP Since joining us in 2018, Corporate Sales Manager Paul Dedman, has worked closely with Dawsongroup to help them decide on bespoke specifications for their variety of conversions. Paul has been in the minibus industry for almost 15 years, so holds a great wealth of knowledge. He previously worked for Dawsongroup Bus & Coach, leasing and renting wheelchair accessible transport, ‘because of this, I have a great understanding of what Dawsongroup’s clients require, making it easier for us to come up with a base specification which all of their conversions stem from’ says Paul. ‘Although there may be changes to the vehicle chassis, layout or interior, each Dawson’s vehicle follows a similar suit and all include their personal colour scheme which features striking red accents.’

For clients who may like to upgrade their fleet often, renting or leasing minibuses could be a good option for them, so our relationship with Dawsongroup Bus & Coach can help make this happen.

Paul states, ‘My experience at Dawsongroup has really helped when it comes to advising clients of the routes to take if they have a leasing or rental requirement.’ ‘It’s great to see our high-quality Stanfords minibuses on their fleet.’

Have an enquiry that you would like to speak to Paul about? Click here to contact Paul.

DAWSONGROUP & STANFORDS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our team worked incredibly hard to prioritise all medical service vehicle conversions, many of which were for Dawsongroup, in order to help support the NHS and private medical organisations throughout the crisis.

This included PTS and blue light conversions on multiple Peugeot Boxers and custom-built bulkheads to isolate drivers from their patients.

FORD TRANSIT PTS VEHICLES • • • • • •

8 x passenger seats OR 3 x wheelchairs Covid bulkhead OR driver’s screen Wipe clean grey / red interior Heavy-duty ramp & electric winch Piped oxygen & bottle storage points Rear saloon heating & air conditioning

MERCEDES SPRINTER MINIBUSES • • • • • •

16 x passenger seats OR 5 x wheelchairs Wipe clean seating & soft feel interior trim SCW exclusive fold-out side step Underfloor tail lift Cycle warning system Rear saloon heating & air conditioning

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OUR 12,000th MINIBUS: HONOURED TO WORK WITH TRELOAR’S FOR ALMOST A DECADE M

ike Gasper has been a valued member of the Stanfords team for over 14 years and during his time he has worked on a number of different projects but the relationship that he has built with Treloar School & College is one that stands out for him.

Introductions initially took place at the Commercial Vehicle Show, but Mike and Treloar’s relationship blossomed almost a decade ago when we converted their first wheelchair accessible minibus.

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Over the years, Mike has established a close friendship with Treloar’s transport manager Mark Copping and together they have perfected a high-standard specification for four of their minibuses. Mark is incredibly passionate about his clients and the service that Treloar’s offers, he recalls one of his favourite memories, ‘Mike arranged for a group of students to be driven around the race circuit at Brands Hatch in a Mercedes minibus, by a professional driver dressed as the stig! An incredible experience for our students.’

With Mike’s help, the pair ensure that each minibus is enjoyable to travel on and most importantly, does not magnify the fact that it is wheelchair accessible. ‘We work closely with Mark to achieve a vehicle more akin to a mini coach than an accessible minibus.’ says Mike, ‘I really enjoy working with Mark, Treloar’s vehicles are always a pleasure to spec and build.’

4x4 for Treloar’s: Treloar College is based in quite a remote location that can be difficult to access in Winter conditions.

During a harsh Winter, the college struggled to transport students to the site so required a specialist wheelchair accessible vehicle.

After two years of planning and design, we delivered a superior 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter to Treloar’s.

Mike puts the handover of the 4x4 Sprinter up there with one of his favourites, ‘The finished vehicle was delivered in 2014 and received a rapturous welcome. It was fantastic to see how excited everyone at Treloar’s was.’

Most recently, Treloar’s ordered a second 4x4 vehicle, this time being the brand-new Ford Transit. Their new minibus made its debut staring as our 12,000th minibus conversion at the 2022 Commercial Vehicle Show. Inspired by the young people at Treloar’s, Mike and the Stanfords team were determined to go the extra mile.

Treloar’s latest minibus is based on the new Ford Transit 350 L3H3 AWD Trail model and includes five luxury diamond-stitch wipe clean passenger seats with personalised embroidered headrests. With seats removed, there is space for up to three wheelchairs which can be loaded on board via the BraunAbility internal tail lift, fitted at the rear of the vehicle.

Treloar’s transport fleet undertakes around 3,500 journeys per year, so the experience that each vehicle provides to its passengers is incredibly important. Ambient colour changing roof lighting, premium green interior accents to match Treloar’s branding and multiple USB / USB-c power points throughout are amongst just a few of the special features that we have included in Treloar’s vehicle.

Who are Treloar School and College?

Treloar’s is a specialist school and college founded in 1907 by the Lord Mayor of London. They provide a number of services including education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training to young people with physical disabilities from all over the UK and overseas. Treloar’s offer both residential and day services to help prepare young people for adult life, giving them the confidence and skills to achieve to their full potential.

“Stanford Coachworks’ aftercare, servicing and warranty arrangements are outstanding. We know we can trust them to look after every detail.”

- Mark Copping, Transport Manager at Treloar’s

Treloar’s and Stanfords over the years We spoke to Mike about some of Treloar’s previous conversions, including his favourite.

‘I really enjoyed working with Mark on both of the Sprinter and new Transit 4x4’s, but a personal favourite of mine has to be the Ford Transit Custom which we converted in 2020.

It featured Treloar’s premium green diamondstitch interior and just looked really executive when finished. If you saw it on the road, you would never believe that it’s a wheelchair accessible vehicle!’ Treloar’s Ford Transit Custom even made an appearance at Guildhall Yard in the City of London for the annual cart marking ceremony.

Treloar’s new 4x4 Ford Transit: • • • • • • • • •

Ford Transit L3H3 AWD Trail model 5 x diamond-stitch luxury wipe clean seats Embroidered headrests and green interior accents to compliment Treloar’s branding Space for up to 3 x wheelchairs with seats removed Wood-effect non-slip flooring Ambient LED colour changing roof lighting BraunAbility internal tail lift Webasto rear saloon heating and air conditioning USB / USB-c charging points throughout

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CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS AND FOUR MONACO SPRINTE

ORACLE CHAUFFEUR SERV Since ordering their first Monaco in 2017, Oracle Chauffeur Services have grown to become a loyal client of Monaco by Stanford and much to our delight, Oracle returned to us in 2022 for two new Monaco Sprinters.

Back in 2017, Oracle Chauffeur Services became the first company to offer the luxury Monaco Sprinter Jet Star to the UK chauffeur market. Following its success, Oracle decided that in 2020 it was time for an upgrade to their new generation facelifted Monaco Sprinter. With their brand-new Monaco, Oracle then went on to win a specialist QSI award and due to this fantastic achievement, demand once again increased for their professional services, meaning that it was time to grow!

ORACLE’S MONACO SPRINTERS: • FOLLOW ORACLE ON INSTAGRAM

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• • • • • • • • • •

Eight seat layout with luxury stitched electric reclining / heated passenger seats Apple TV with a variety of streaming services Premium cinema surround sound system PlayStation games console (new include the PS5) Full on-board Wi-Fi Ambient LED colour changing roof lighting Climate control Individual plug sockets & USB / USB-c charging points Electric tables Electric window blinds Nespresso coffee machine & chiller drawer

ORACLE CHAUFFEUR SERVICES: WHO ARE THEY?

ERS WITH

VICES

Based in London, Oracle Chauffeur Services offer a personalised first-class experience to a number of different clients from sports stars and TV personalities to corporate businesses and the general public. Pete, owner and personal chauffeur, has been in the business since 1982 and his company, Oracle, were the first to offer the luxury Monaco Jet Star to the UK chauffeur market.

ORACLE’S MONACO SPRINTERS OVER THE YEARS

2017

2019

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2022

2022

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THE ULTIMATE BARBER BU A

fter seeing our luxury Monaco conversions, Barber X Box approached us looking for something completely new!

Barber X Box is a professional mobile barber shop designed to travel directly to customers. They offer a personalised service in their brand-new Fiat Ducato, fully kitted out by us with all of the latest supplies and technology.

Even though somewhat smaller in size that Steve’s original barber shop, clients definitely won’t be disappointed by his new mobile service. To compliment the Barber X Box brand, we have trimmed the vehicle’s interior in a premium black bio-leather with striking yellow accents.

Taking pride of place in the centre of the barber bus is the Takara

Belmont barbers chair, upholstered in matching black bio-leather with luxury yellow diamond stitching and piping. Two additional seats, upholstered in the same design, have also been included to create a comfortable waiting area. Our bio-leather interiors are frequently requested by clients as the material is incredibly durable yet still gives the same high-quality effect as genuine leather but lasts much longer.

We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to design this bespoke barbers for Barber X Box and it has been incredibly exciting venturing into a new market for our conversions. We wish Steve all the best with his new vehicle and hope that his clients enjoy this personalised experience.

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Take a full tour around Barber X Box by watching the video above!

FOLLOW BARBER X BOX ON INSTAGRAM

US

With businesses all over the world evolving due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our latest client decided that it was time to go mobile with his popular barber shop.

Steve’s Barber Shop recognised that their customers were looking for a more convenient and hassle-free experience when getting their hair cut. Steve Pavlou, owner of Steve’s Barber Shop, understands that there is nothing worse than travelling to your trusted barbers with little time to spare only to be met by a queue of people, so he decided to launch Barber X Box.

Conversion Specification: • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Based on a L3H2 Fiat Ducato Takara Belmont barber chair & sports waiting area seats upholstered in black bio-leather with yellow diamond stitching and piping Hot water hair washing basin Chequer-plated work stations LED illuminated mirror Tool chest for professional tools Product display cabinet Microwave to heat towels Hair vacuum and hair broom Custom built bar Nespresso coffee machine Smart television with soundbar Apple TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sports PlayStation 5 Wireless charging station Colour changing LED roof lighting Blue / white LED interior lighting Heating & air conditioning Water heater system 3000-watt inverter 240 V power sockets & USB charging

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Stanford Coachworks have now been working with London-based Civilised Car Hire for almost 15 years. In this time we have converted over 60 bespoke vehicles for the industry-leading specialist hire company, from flaming hot-rod inspired tour buses to luxury Pro-Monaco’s which occasionally feature on the TV! In 2021 our relationship with Civilised went global when we converted two left-hand-drive production vehicles for one of their clients in Paris.

A PRO-MONACO EVEN FEATURED IN BILLY MONGER’S BIG RED NOSE DAY CHALLENGE FOR COMIC RELIEF!

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ON TOUR WITH CIVILISED CAR HIRE This year we have been helping Civilised upgrade their fleet by converting three new Mercedes Sprinter production vehicles for them. Each Sprinter featured our much loved professional layout which sees the rear saloon split into two cabins, separated by a custom-built bulkhead. With every fleet upgrade, Civilised love to offer their clients new and exciting features. The 2022 Sprinters include wireless charging stations, smart glass rear tinted windows and three-tone LED illuminated beauty mirrors.

• 7 x passenger seats, 6 x in rear upholstered in black e-leather with colourful piping • 2 x televisions with Apple TV and bluetooth soundbar • Large centre table with six cup holders, wireless charging station and main control panel • 2000-watt inverter to power all electrical

• • • •

equipment including hair tools 240 volt power sockets and USB / USB-c charging points throughout Production area accessed via a code lock door with fold-out dressing table and three-tone LED illuminated beauty mirror Roof mounted clothes rail Rear saloon heating 33

STANFORDS GET ADVENT WITH HIRECO GROUP Who are Hireco Group?

Based down the road from us at the London Gateway Port, Hireco Group supply clients with an extensive range of modern trucks, trailers and light commercial vehicles. The vehicles can be financed, serviced and supported by Hireco with the latest technology, helping to keep both theirs and their customer’s fleet on the road and moving efficiently. They also provide the opportunity to recycle older assets into their used sales, giving a genuine total transport solution.

Adventure Vans!

Recently, Hireco have expanded further into selling and renting a variety of vans and in 2021, they worked closely with us on their latest project to design a brand-new range of Adventure Vans!

These stylish Adventure Vans feature a large boot space to transport equipment for an array of different activities from water sports to outdoor treks and everything else in between.

Although practical, passengers won’t have to compromise on comfort as we have upholstered each seat, including the drivers, in an executive diamond or custom stitch style e-leather which matches the exterior colour of the van. In the rear passenger saloon, we have installed USB / USB-c charging points and comfort blue / reading white LED roof lights.

For a sporty exterior finish, we have fitted 20” alloy wheels, a black front splitter and rear tailgate spoiler, black roof rails and side bars and a chrome lower grille cover.

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TUROUS CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIRECO

Conversion Specification: • All seats reupholstered in custom stitch e-leather with piping to match the exterior vehicle colour • Soft feel interior lining • Lockable rear storage compartment • Upholstered rear shelf • Black suede roof lining & rear tailgate panel • Black / white LED interior lights • USB / USB-c charging points

Vehicle Specification: • Based on a new model Volkswagen T6 Highline • 20” premium alloy wheels • Black front splitter • Black rear tailgate spoiler • Roof rails • Lower side bars • Chrome lower grille cover 35

SCW SALES TEAM:

MEET OUR NEWEST MEMBER! We are excited to introduce you to the newest member of the Stanford Coachworks family, Nigel Povey. Nigel joins Mike Gasper and Paul Dedman of the SCW sales team and brings with him over 25 years of experience. He will be representing Stanfords from the West Midlands up to the North of England and Scotland.

How did you first get into the minibus industry?

“When I left school, I began as an apprentice engineer then had a change of direction into the minibus industry around 25 years ago. I mainly specialised in selling minibus accessories such as tail lifts

but recently made the jump in 2021 to sell full minibus conversions for Stanford Coachworks.”

What made you want to work at Stanford Coachworks?

“I have known Jess and Lee for around 20 years and was delighted

to receive a call from them asking if I would like to join the sales team.

Over the years I have watched Stanfords grow massively during my time in the industry and the products that they offer are second to none. Stanford Coachworks have a great reputation for high-quality conversions, so I didn’t have to think twice about my decision!”

What would you say is your favourite part of your job as a Stanfords sales executive?

“I would probably have to say that it would be the many exhibitions that we take part in. The shows give me the chance to meet new customers, showcase our bespoke vehicles and see what new things the industry has to offer. The 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show was great as it was

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my first show. At the time, I had not long been at Stanfords and it gave Paul (our corporate sales manager) and I the chance to bond and work together as a team. The 2022 CV Show was brilliant too as we launched a brand-new 4x4 Ford Transit for one of Mike’s long termclients, Treloar School and College and everyone seemed to love it!

We all had a fantastic time showing off our latest conversions.”

So far, what has been your favourite minibus conversion?

“My favourite vehicle has to be the first Peugeot Boxer that we converted for a community transport local to me in Birmingham. It was great to bring the customers to the factory in Stanford le Hope so that they could get a real insight into how our vehicles are built. They especially enjoyed meeting their build team and choosing out materials to match their company branding.

As a personal touch, we added a custom embroidered panel with the company’s logo to the modesty screen - this really did make them smile!”

Give us an Insight into what your daily working routine is like?

“Covid has seen a complete change in my daily working routine.

My approached used to be more ‘old school door knocker’ whereas now I’m more IT focused. A lot of my leads now come from internetbased communications but I still love to get out on the road and visit people. I find that I tend to see things that I never would from behind a laptop when I’m out and about.”

Q&A WITH THE SCW SALES TEAM What would you consider to be Stanfords most popular conversion features?

Mike: During my 14 years at Stanfords, we have converted a wide range of vehicles and some of our most popular features have included handy removable seating, passenger climate control and our fold-out side step, specially designed for assisted access.

We have also had a number of specialist requests from custom storage compartments to embroidered headrests and even designed a seat for a client’s dog!

Read Mike’s full Q&A by clicking here.

Do you offer conversions on electric vehicles?

Paul: Yes we do! Unfortunately, we cannot offer conversions on smaller single WAVs, such as the Citroen e-Berlingo, due to the battery placement, but we can offer conversion on anything mid-range and up! Our current range includes the Maxus e-Deliver 9, Volkswagen ABTe, Fiat e-Ducato, Ford e-Transit and Renault Master ZE. Many manufacturers are working hard to bring us more options and we have a team dedicated to sourcing new low-energy features.

Read Paul’s full Q&A by clicking here.

Why should I choose Stanford Coachworks, what makes you different from your competitors?

Nigel: The quality of our conversions are second to none. Each minibus is converted by a team of two highly skilled coachbuilders who take great pride in their work. As for our conversions, we only use components that are tested and quality checked by our team. All of our vehicles meet strict safety regulations and each undergo either an IVA test or are built to high NSSTA standards. Safety is our number one priority.

Read Nigel’s full Q&A by clicking here.

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BESPOKE MOBILE DEMONSTRATION UNIT After a new and exciting way to showcase your range of products? Our latest Peugeot Boxer conversion does just that for one of our long-term suppliers, BraunAbility.

This bespoke mobile demonstration unit will be used by the BraunAbility sales team to exhibit a number of their latest accessible products including tail lifts, removable seat fixings and tracked floor systems all whilst on the road.

At Stanford Coachworks, we have worked closely with BraunAbility for a number of years and we were delighted when they asked us to help with their latest project. Their new vehicle, based on a L4H2 Peugeot Boxer, includes four of BraunAbility’s wheelchair accessible entry options: an underfloor tail lift fitted beneath the rear of the vehicle, an internal tail lift inside the rear of the vehicle, an internal split platform tail lift at one of the twin side load doors and a fold-out ramp at the other. Each tail lift has been made easily accessible so Braun can replace them when required.

We have made sure that BraunAbility will be able to carry out demonstrations at any time of day by installing highlevel scene lighting and high-intensity LED load lamps to illuminate the exterior of the vehicle.

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Specification: • Based on a L4H2 Peugeot Boxer Professional • Includes 4 x BraunAbility entry options: underfloor tail lift, 2 x internal split platform tail lifts & a foldout ramp • Electric side step • Innotrax floor system • Blue diamond-stitch memory foam bench seating area with table • Wood-effect flooring & soft feel interior lining • Diamond-stitch roof panel • 32” smart television with HDMI auto switchover • Fold-out desk table • 240 V plug sockets & USB / USB-c charging points • 800-watt inverter • Interior blue / white LED roof lighting & blue lowlevel lighting • Exterior scene lighting • LED load lighting • Runlock system

‘An on the road sales office’

Inside, we have installed another of Braun’s products to demonstrate to their clients - the Innotrax tracked flooring system. Enabling it to double as an on the road sales office, we have overlined the flooring with an executive wood-effect lino and upholstered the Boxer’s interior with a soft-feel grey material. Above each wheel arch, we have custom-built two comfortable seating areas centred around a removable table. Both benches feature a premium blue diamond-stitch topper to compliment Braun’s branding.

BraunAblity specialise in a huge range of accessible products so we couldn’t fit all of them into one vehicle! Instead, we installed a 32” smart television into the custom-built bulkhead. Beneath the television, we have included a HDMI port which allows the Braun team to easily mirror their laptops and access even more products, training videos and digital brochures. A fold-out desk with a double 240-volt plug socket, USB and USB-c charging points have also been installed below the television.

We would like to say thanks to BraunAbility for involving us in their latest project and we hope to see the mobile demonstration unit in action very soon! For more information on BraunAbility’s products, please click here.

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CLICK TO WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE

Our Super Flat Floor conversions, exclusive to Stanford Coachworks, are designed to maximise passenger space in the rear saloon. This additional space is achieved by eliminating all wheel arch intrusions and installing an underfloor tail lift between the original vehicle floor and the SCW Super Flat Floor. The protected tail lift position ensures that no corrosion or damage occurs.

S FLO

Features of Super Flat Floor conversions: • Available on the extra-long wheelbase, extra-high roof Mercedes Sprinter • Underfloor tail lift encased between the original vehicle flooring and the SCW Super Flat Floor • SCW M2 tested super flat floor system • Seating capacity subject to vehicle layout • Lift position results in no corrosion and increased ground clearance • National Small Series Type Approved (certificate supplied) • Front or side entry options • Choice of manual / electric side steps • Rear saloon climate control 40 34

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SUPER FLAT FLOOR & FLAT OOR SCW CONVERSIONS Our Flat Floor conversions are designed to eliminate any wheel arch intrusions allowing for unrestricted wheelchair and seating space in the rear saloon.

Features of Super Flat Floor conversions: • Available on extra-long & long wheelbase Mercedes Sprinters • Seating capacity subject to vehicle layout • National Small Series Type Approved (certificate supplied) • Front or side entry options • Choice of manual / electric side steps • Rear saloon climate control 41 35

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MOBILE TRAINING CENTR FOR BOSTICK ADHESIVES After showcasing our mobile youth club at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show, the demand for our bespoke mobile style conversions has increased drastically. Since then, we have converted multiple vehicles that follow a similar suit such as mobile classrooms, doctor’s clinics, barbershops, demonstration units and mobile training centres.

Bostick Adhesives approached us after seeing our bespoke conversions at the show and online with a requirement for a specialist mobile centre in which they could train staff members and showcase new products.

We worked closely with Bostick and invited them to visit out site in Stanford le Hope to help them get a full understanding of what they required. During their visit, Bostick took a look around at some of the vehicles that we currently had in build and gained some great ideas about the features that they wanted to include in their conversion. After much discussion and planning, we decided on the perfect specification.

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RE S

Bostick’s mobile training centre is based on a Mercedes Sprinter 314 L3H2 and has been designed to include plenty of storage space for tools and equipment whilst providing a professional on the road environment to undertake training sessions and present new products. Accessible via a pedal operated side step, the training centre features an executive interior with a large desk and stools. For ease, we have positioned a HDMI socket right beside the desk - a laptop can quickly be plugged into this socket and mirrored onto a large presentation screen. For storage, the entire rear wall features a full-height custom tool station.

Vehicle Specification: • Based on a Mercedes Sprinter 314 L3H2 • High-level centre table with four integrated stainless steel cupholders • Lockable storage cupboard beneath centre table • Three metallic black stools with D-rings & straps to secure when travelling • Full-height tool station with work bench & drawers • 40-inch smart television for presentations • HDMI socket for mirroring laptops & other devices to television screen • 2000-watt inverter & battery capacity monitor • External hook up system • Rear saloon heating system • LED white / blue interior lighting • Exterior awning • Boot space for additional storage

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SCW’S MINIBUSES IN ACTION COMPETITION Congratulations to Chris & Leah on winning our ‘Minibuses in Action’ competition!

The family spotted Oracle Chauffeur Services brand-new Monaco Sprinter at work in London and their photo was judged best by the Stanford Coachworks team. Chris & Leah will be enjoying a thrilling Virgin Experience Day, congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition - we loved seeing all of your brilliant Stanfords minibus photos.