A RAY OF SUNSHINE

The Big Lemon has continued to expand throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, taking over the commercial bus and coach operations of Seaford & District. JAMES DAY speaks to CEO Tom Druitt about his company’s ambitious expansion and future plans.

The Big Lemon is quickly outgrowing its current depot and seeking a new location to move to in the near future.
FINN WHELAN

The Covid-19 pandemic has of course been an extremely difficult time for bus and coach companies across the UK. While bus operators have had to deal with changing government advice, social distancing measures and dramatically lower patronage, coach operators have scarcely received any support beyond the national furlough scheme, despite being unable to operate most services.

Brighton-based The Big Lemon (TBL) has both a significant coach operation and a growing local bus network. Paradoxically, though, it has made the news several times throughout the pandemic because of its expansion and investment, most notably its acquisition of Seaford & District.

Inception 

The Big Lemon is a community interest company, set up by Tom Druitt and Graeme Simpson in 2007 following a public meeting in late 2006 discussing what an ideal community bus service would look like. Druitt remains the company’s CEO.

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