Limousine hire feels impact of credit crunch

Limo hire companies in Norwich not only transport pop stars to their concerts and leading actors to the premieres of their films, but they also give ordinary people a taste of the good life when they’re headed off to their wedding or some other special celebration.

A significant drop off in customer numbers has left limo companies in the city reeling as the credit crunch takes a toll on this luxury service.

Several hire firms in Norwich have gone out of business already, and others are looking at selling vehicles - which can cost £100,000 or more – as custom is failing to meet operating costs.

In the 2008-09 Yellow Pages directory for Norwich, there were 11 limo hire companies listed, and six of those are either no longer trading or are planning to sell their vehicles.

Although new firms have emerged, others are seeing a very steep drop in bookings.

The bosses at Dolphin Autos, a coach and taxi firm based in Swanton Road, bought a limousine that seats 13 passengers just two years ago, and have been promoting it under the trade name Dolphin Limousines.

In the last three months, however, they have seen the demand for the limousine service decrease dramatically, with only two enquiries about hiring coming in during that period.

Dolphin is now putting the vehicle up for sale.

www.dolphinautos.com