A UK coach operator that provided school transport services and private hire travel has entered liquidation after ceasing trading amid challenging economic conditions. Lighthouse Travel Ltd, formerly known as Island Coach Services Ltd, stopped operating in November after serving customers on the Isle of Wight and across the south coast since 2020.
The company, which specialised in executive private hire and school transport contracts, confirmed its closure in a statement published on its website, citing the difficult economic climate. The business said: "We would like to thank all of our loyal customers over the years and all of your continuing support through this difficult time."
Lighthouse Travel officially ceased trading on November 17, 2025, bringing an end to half a decade of operations. Newly published insolvency records show the company has now entered creditors' voluntary liquidation. A notice published in The London Gazette confirmed that creditors appointed a liquidator on June 9, 2026.
The company operated under the name Island Coach Services Ltd before rebranding as Lighthouse Travel. According to insolvency filings, its registered office was located at Robin Hill, Downend Road, Newport, Isle of Wight. The liquidation notice lists the nature of the business as "other passenger land transport."
According to Companies House records, Caroline Duke-Glover was appointed director of the company in October 2022. It is not yet known how many jobs have been affected by the closure. However, the firm's most recent accounts show it employed an average of 11 members of staff during 2024.
The collapse highlights the ongoing pressures facing transport operators across the UK, with rising operating costs, fuel prices and broader economic challenges continuing to impact businesses in the sector. Natalie Hughes of Simply Corporate Limited has been appointed liquidator and will oversee the winding up of the company's affairs on behalf of creditors.
The closure marks the end of a business that had become a familiar provider of school transport and coach hire services on the Isle of Wight, leaving customers and local communities seeking alternative transport arrangements.
