Nippy Bus owner given 10-year ban after showing 'utter contempt' in shock company shutdown

In October, Sydney Hardy shocked his staff and service users when he sent a four-letter rant to Nippy Bus' 27 full and part-time drivers telling them to "consider themselves dismissed/redundant."

Earlier today (January 24) Mr Hardy's case went before a public inquiry.

During proceedings, Kevin Rooney, where the West of England Traffic Commissioner, said: "In closing his business as he did, Mr Hardy showed utter contempt, not just for his staff who were laid off with no notice, but also for the community which he served."

The inquiry heard that Nippy Bus Ltd failed to give the Traffic Commissioner 56 days’ notice of its decision to stop running nine local bus services, which is a legal requirement.

The industry regulator added that Mr Hardy was perfectly entitled to bring the services, which covered routes to Ilminster, Yeovil and Wincanton, to an end but he should have given the proper notice.

Nippy Bus was also found to have issues with the safety of its vehicles.

The company’s licence was revoked at the hearing, with Mr Hardy – who didn’t attend – disqualified from holding another licence for 10 years.

The Traffic Commissioner said he hoped the decision would persuade other operators in a similar situation to manage the closure of their business in a better way.

Prior to the hearing, Mr Hardy had written to the regulator to explain why his business had come to an end, highlighting issues with rural bus operations and driver shortages.

In addition to writing to his staff when he shut down Nippy Bus, Mr Hardy also contacted the traffic commissioner and said: "As you read this, we have ceased to trade and are surrendering our licence.

"Whilst I will be left with personal debt due to director’s personal guarantees that will cost me everything I own and more, at least I know I will never have to work in this industry again.”

Mr Rooney added that the law requires bus operators to give proper notice of changes or cancellations so other firms can come in to replace the services or, where they don’t, passengers can make alternative arrangements for their travel.

The regulator also identified concerns over safety standards for the company’s vehicles.

He cited one example of a vehicle prohibited by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for a defective door.

When it was taken to one of the agency’s sites to have the prohibition cleared, it received another prohibition for a brake pad defect.

When the vehicle returned later the same day, the agency found the previous issue hadn’t been fixed properly and so another prohibition was issued.

A total of 19 prohibitions had been issued to the company’s vehicles in a five year period.

Alongside revoking the company’s licence and disqualifying Mr Hardy, the Traffic Commissioner also disqualified him from acting as a transport manager for 10 years.

Sydney Hardy's controversial message to staff read: "There is a difference between giving up and knowing when you have had enough. I have had enough and realise I cannot work with you, the people I employ, a moment longer.

"There comes a time in any relationship when you just have to say "**** It", say goodbye and move on. This is my time!

"I am quitting to pursue my dream of not having to work here.

"Nippy Bus has ceased operational activity with immediate effect, October 29, 2017.

"All staff should now consider themselves dismissed/redundant.

"The gates are now closed and will not open so you can stay in your scratches Monday and have a lie in.

"The company has appointed agents who will now work to realise the company's assets and discharge its liabilities."