5/30/2023

A family-run taxi firm that has doubled the number of drivers in a year has moved to bigger premises in Chelmsley Wood.

Local Radio Cars, which was acquired by Andy Williams in March last year, has opened its doors at unit 16a, a 2495 sq ft unit in Coppice Way, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, after moving from a small office in Chester Road, Smiths Wood.

It has agreed a five-year lease with national commercial property and investment company LCP, which manages the shopping centre on behalf of M Core.

Andy said: "This move will allow us to be at the heart of the community and allow our customers to put names to faces.

"We want to retain the personal touch as we grow. Since acquiring Local Radio Cars, our team has invested heavily in advertising and incentives for customers and drivers.

"This has led to job count doubling and the onboarding of more than 40 experienced local taxi and private hire drivers. Not only that, but we also managed to create nine new jobs for call centre and administration staff over the past 12 months."

The taxi firm has more than 100 drivers, who service Chelmsley Wood, Smiths Wood, Castle Bromwich, Coleshill and the surrounding areas, and it is looking to grow further over the next couple of years.

"Our ambition is to improve on our recent growth and create more opportunities for our community, either on the road or in the office," said Andy.

"Even with the popularity of ridesharing apps, such as Uber, we strongly believe that there will always be a place for independent, family-run taxi services."

Rakesh Joshi, lettings director of LCP, said: "We're delighted Local Radio Cars saw the benefit of moving into the heart of the community and wish it all the best as it embarks on the next chapter in its growth plans."

M Core acquired Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre - the main retail centre in the town - earlier this year. Anchored by an ASDA superstore, the centre comprises 461,012 sq ft of open convenience retail, with retailers including Wilko, Iceland, Home Bargains, New Look, Sportsdirect, Poundland and Boots.

Offices and leisure accommodation include a library, community housing offices and an advice centre, and there is also a multi-storey and surface car park for a total of 583 vehicles, making it the primary parking provision in the town centre.