Wrightbus, maker of ‘Boris Bus’, close to rescue deal

Jo Bamford of Ryse Hydrogen announces he has agreed “in principle” to buy the firm

(PA)

Wrightbus, best-known for building the ‘Boris Bus’, is close to being rescued out of administration after a sale has been agreed “in principle”.

The Northern Irish firm made the New Routemaster buses, introduced in London in 2012 by then-mayor Boris Johnson. His successor Sadiq Khan cancelled further orders of the buses four years later. Wrightbus collapsed last month, with the loss of around 1,200 jobs.

On Friday Jo Bamford, executive chairman of Ryse Hydrogen, announced he will buy the company.

“This morning I have agreed terms on a deal in principle with the Wright family for the Wrightbus factory and land. We are still to conclude a deal with the administrators but are pleased to report this important step in the right direction,” he said.

Deloitte, the administrators, declined to comment.

George Brash, the regional officer for Wrightbus at the Unite trade union, said the news of the sale was greeted “with a wave of celebration and relief by workers”.

But he added: “Much remains to be resolved and the hard work will continue. We need to maximise the number of jobs safeguarded, as well as seek guarantees in regard to pay and workplace terms and conditions.”

Wrightbus was one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers and provided more jobs through its supply chain.

The firm was co-founded by Sir William Wright, a prominent Brexit supporter, and is also known for manufacturing zero-emission buses powered by hydrogen.

Demand for Wrightbus vehicles has fallen in recent years as broader sales of new buses and coaches in the UK have declined.

When the firm went into administration, Owen Smith, a Labour MP and former Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, said the advocates of Brexit must take “their share of the blame” for the failure of Wrightbus.

“Brexit is hitting even world-leading manufacturers like Wrightbus hard. Brexit has created massive economic uncertainty in the UK and effectively closed off overseas markets,” he said.