Case Study

Providing Executive Leadership

Core Services

Operational Turnaround & Stabilisation Enterprise & Operating Model Transformation Commercial Growth & Customer Transformation M&A, Integration & Value Creation Interim Executive Leadership

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Providing Hands-on Executive Leadership

Organisation

Stagecoach Group – UK Bus Division Operating 19 companies with annual turnover of £1.4bn

Role

Carla Stockton-Jones, UK Managing Director – Stagecoach Bus Member of the Group Executive Committee, reporting to the Group CEO This case study reflects the direct leadership and delivery experience of Carla Stockton-Jones prior to founding SJS Impact Consulting

This case study reflects the direct leadership and delivery experience of Carla Stockton-Jones prior to founding SJS Impact Consulting.

The Challenge

Stagecoach’s UK Bus division faced a period of unprecedented complexity: post-pandemic recovery, fragmented operations, workforce shortages, major public-sector franchise opportunities, ageing technology platforms, and increasing pressure to decarbonise — all while maintaining service reliability and financial performance.

Leadership Approach

Carla provided hands-on executive leadership, combining strategic direction with direct operational delivery across:

  • • Post-crisis recovery and performance stabilisation
  • • Commercial growth through franchising, M&A and new business models
  • • Workforce and technology transformation
  • • Deliverable sustainability and net-zero planning

What was Delivered
  1. 95% patronage recovery following the pandemic.
  2. Secured a £400m+ Manchester Bus Franchise contract (5 years, 7% margin).
  3. Delivered 30% revenue growth in the largest operating company through acquisitions and integration.
  4. Launched a new events business with £60m revenue potential over 5 years at 15% margin.
  5. Stabilised 2,000+ driver roles, delivering £2m in workforce benefits.
  6. Delivered a cloud-based technology transformation generating £10m in savings.
  7. Implemented a sustainability strategy achieving 14% carbon reduction and a 2030 net-zero fleet roadmap.
  8. Worked directly with government leaders, metro mayors and local authorities to co-create national and regional transport strategies.
The Impact
  • £400m+ contracted revenue secured
  • £12m+ savings and benefits delivered
  • £60m future revenue pipeline created
  • Operational stability restored at national scale
  • Credible net-zero pathway established