Sheffield taxi firm expands to 'protect and defend jobs against Uber'

Sheffield’s City Taxis is now the UK’s third largest independent operator after buying Chesterfield-based Club Taxis.

City, who merged with Sheffield’s Mercury Taxis just over a year ago, bought Ace Taxis, Barnsley’s second biggest firm in July, preserving all 55 drivers and call centre staff.

The Sheffield firm confirmed other acquisitions across Sheffield City Region 'were in the pipeline'

City’s managing director Arnie Singh said: "Consolidation is happening in our industry on a national scale right now- this is just the start in our local area as we introduce our efficiencies into other taxi firms. With technology making such mergers easier, we believe the industry will see many more over the next five years.

"Our directors are keen to expand across the city region, to protect and defend local jobs for local people against the resources of Google-backed US global brand, Uber."

“Our first Derbyshire acquisition is the well-regarded Club Taxis in Chesterfield, Derbyshire’s market leader and another long established family business with 170 cars and 19 call centre staff. Club operate to our own high service levels by embracing the latest technology in taxi dispatch and telephony services.

Club’s managing director Scott Ashmore welcomed the deal. He said: “We see this as a progressive move for Club.

"All local jobs will be preserved and customers will find the same friendly, knowledgeable drivers and contact number they are used to. Plus, customers in neighboring towns will receive an improved service. The company will adopt the City name and livery but prices will stay the same.”

City Taxis now has a turnover of £7.7 million and completes over 100,000 miles each week across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.