Following on from the purchase of Worthing
Coaches in 2005 after the previous owners decided to retire
from the business, the Lucketts Group soon went on to take over
Flagship-Eastbourne, a small coach business operating from
premises in Eastbourne. Operating a small Day Excursion
programme and General Private Hire work, the business has now
been integrated into Worthing Coaches and runs under its own
brand.
Lucketts was started in 1926 by Harry Luckett, the current
Chairman's father. The business was predominantly a haulage and
storage business but other activities were entered into,
including keeping chickens and other farmyard animals.
David Luckett joined the company in 1963 and took over shortly
after in 1966 when Harry died unexpectedly. The companys
haulage business continued and went from strength to strength
in the late 60s and early 70s, working for major names such as
Ready Mix Concrete and Schweppes.
David purchased the companys first coach in
1976, choosing to drive it himself. It proved a very enjoyable
and successful venture and the second coach was soon on its
way. By the mid-80s the coach fleet had outnumbered the haulage
fleet and it was clear which way the company was
proceeding.
The 3rd generation of Lucketts joined the company; Steve in
1983 and Ian in 85. Since then the Lucketts Travel Group
turnover has grown to over £12 million per year
and employs more 140 people. The latest venture has seen
the start of a 12 vehicle per day contract for National Express
running out of Portsmouth via multiple towns throughout the
South of England to London, making Lucketts the largest
National Express operator in the South.