Success Story
Ember is the UK’s first all-electric intercity bus operator, launched in 2020 to deliver sustainable, zero-emission travel.
| Region/Nation | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Sector | Transportation and Storage |
| Programme | Growth Guarantee Scheme |
| Partner |
With support from Triodos Bank, Ember secured a £490,000 loan through the government’s Recovery Loan Scheme, which has since been relaunched as the Growth Guarantee Scheme enabled the fleet to grow to 38 vehicles, supported by Ember’s proprietary tech platform, EmberOS.
Now transporting over 25,000 passengers weekly, Ember is redefining eco-friendly travel across the UK.
In 2020, Keith Bradbury, a visionary entrepreneur with a background in the fintech industry and a passion for transforming the transportation sector, together with his co-founder, Pierce Glennie, launched Ember, the UK's first all-electric intercity bus operator.
The mission to revolutionise zero-emission travel and get people out of cars.
Starting in Scotland with just two coaches operating between Dundee and Edinburgh, Keith embarked on a journey fuelled by innovation and a commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Through his own experience of public transport across the globe, Keith noticed a pressing issue in the sector and envisioned a future where environmentally sustainable travel solutions could thrive.
This vision led to the creation of Ember, a pioneering venture that aimed to reshape the way people travelled while reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices in the industry.
Facing the challenge of scaling up Ember's fleet and infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for sustainable travel options, Keith encountered initial hesitancy from lenders in providing the necessary financial support.
Undeterred, he sought out alternative funding solutions to propel Ember's mission forward and bring their vision of zero-emission intercity travel to fruition - ultimately finding a supportive partner in Triodos Bank.
When approaching a lender, delve into the financial intricacies, understanding the business's revenue streams and growth potential. Clarify how the business will generate income and expand. Ensure a comprehensive grasp of these aspects. - Keith Bradbury Co-founder, Ember
Determined to overcome these obstacles and drive positive change in the transportation sector, Keith and his team successfully secured a £490,000 loan under the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), which helped Ember to buy its first two coaches.
A year later, Ember returned to Triodos for a significant loan through the Recovery Loan Scheme, which has since been relaunched as the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
This crucial funding directly enabled Ember to expand its fleet with an additional 22 coaches, bringing the total to 24 vehicles, and indirectly allowed Ember to invest in its technology platform, EmberOS, to fundamentally improve the passenger experience whilst scaling its fleet.
The journey with Ember has been remarkable, witnessing their growth during challenging times, particularly amidst the pandemic. It's a truly exceptional success story. - Norrie Cruickshank Triodos Bank UK
With over 25,000 passengers transported weekly, Ember's latest achievements include the purchase of 14 more coaches funded by Triods, expanding the fleet to 38 vehicles.
These latest vehicles are a new generation which Ember has customised to provide a best-in-class passenger experience.
With an increase in passenger capacity from 38 to 53, three times the luggage capacity and the provision of 5G Wi-Fi on-board, Ember is delighting passengers every day.
The combination of real-time route information and demand responsive stops are a core feature of EmberOS which allows Ember to serve many more passengers than otherwise possible.
Ember's growth trajectory exemplifies the power of strategic financial collaborations and sustainable initiatives in reshaping the transportation sector. The Growth Guarantee Scheme, and its predecessors, are designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow. - Sean Hutchinsons British Business Bank
Looking ahead, Keith envisions a significant expansion, aiming for the largest electric coach fleet nationwide, doubling their service rollout, and extending their model and product offerings both in the UK and internationally.
This growth trajectory aligns with Keith's goal of transitioning more individuals from cars to Ember's comfortable, reliable and 24/7 services.
One customer even got in touch to say they had sold their car and were now using Ember every day.
Ember's success story, driven by Keith's vision and determination, serves as a testament to the transformative power of strategic financial partnerships and sustainable initiatives in revolutionising the transportation industry.
Through innovation, commitment and a focus on environmentally conscious practices, Ember continues to lead the way in providing high-quality, affordable zero-emission transport options and shaping a more sustainable future for all.
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