
Avenue Taxis, Ipswich’s longest-established taxi company, and CabsSmart, the award-winning private hire operator, are rebranding as Veezu.
The move follows the acquisition of both operators by the Veezu Group in February 2026 and marks the next step in the company’s mission to support transport networks outside London and deliver smarter, more sustainable transport services across East Anglia.
Both companies have long been key players in Ipswich’s transport scene. Avenue Taxis, founded in 1955, has supported everyday journeys, airport transfers and group travel for nearly 70 years. CabsSmart, meanwhile, has built a strong reputation in the region for its reliable service and support of local initiatives.
Together, the acquisitions further strengthen Veezu’s East Anglia footprint, complementing its established presence in Cambridge and Norwich. As a dynamic gateway to Southern Suffolk, Ipswich connects coastal communities, market towns and key economic hubs, with reliable private hire services playing a vital role in supporting access to work, healthcare, education and leisure.
By combining both operators' trusted local expertise with Veezu’s ongoing investments in technology, compliance, and lower-emission vehicles, the company will continue to support communities across Ipswich, Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and surrounding areas, while also enhancing connectivity across the region.
Passengers will continue to receive the same trusted local service, now enhanced by Veezu’s national scale and app-based booking platform.
The company now operates across hundreds of towns and cities nationwide and is licensed by 61 local authorities across England and Wales.
Nathan Bowles, CEO of Veezu, said: “CabsSmart and Avenue Taxis are highly respected local operators with deep community ties and a reputation for quality service. These acquisitions by Veezu represent our commitment to investing in a stronger regional network that supports seamless travel across East Anglia.
"Veezu’s expansion in this area reflects our long-term commitment to building a truly national network of local hubs across the UK, while continuing to deliver the reliable, community-focused service passengers depend on every day.”

The decision, made by the New Forest District Council’s general purposes and licensing committee on Friday, March 6, comes despite warnings from the trade that drivers are already struggling with a "spiralling" cost of l

Abdulhamid Alammar, 34, of the Baldslow area in St Leonards, was convicted following a trial at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, March 6, in relation to a 2024 attack that came to light during a separate investigation.

The decision follows growing frustration over out-of-town drivers working in the city under licences issued by other authorities, such as Wolverhampton.

A report by consulting firm Jacobs suggests a series of increases to account for inflation and rising costs, including a plan to raise the terminal drop-off and pick-up fee from £6 to £7.

The crash, which involved a BMW and a Saab on Pleasley Road, left both drivers trapped inside as fire began to break out.

Mr. A, who has spent over 15 years in the trade, faced a review of his suitability after he hit a member of the public on what was described as a “dark and dangerous corner” in April 2025.

Shabir Sultani, 27, targeted his victim after a night out in Sheffield city centre in early 2025 lying to her by claiming he was a licensed driver who would get her home safely.

Katie Lam, the MP for Weald of Kent, has formally asked Ashford Borough Council to rethink its decision to stop pub landlord Paul Hartfield, from driving his customers home.

Cabbi’s Women in Taxi event, sponsored by Veezu, took place in Bristol on 6 March, bringing together female leaders, operators, industry partners and entrepreneurs from across the UK taxi sector.

Qamar Farooq faced a city council licensing committee following allegations that he refused to use his meter and instead attempted to charge passengers a fixed price.

With women representing less than 7% of all private hire and taxi drivers in the UK1 - and less than 2.5% in London – the industry faces a significant gender imbalance.

Hundreds of Derby private hire drivers are waiting on a high-stakes council decision next week that could determine the future of the local trade.

Founded by 26-year-old Martyna Kalarikkal, "Monroe" currently operates with eight female drivers under licenses from Middlesbrough and Stockton Councils.

Official documents set to be discussed at a licensing meeting on Thursday 5 March, reveal deep concerns that increasing licence fees for a second year in a row could cripple the industry further.

The incident, which took place on February 23 along the popular seafront promenade, left a 65-year-old Irish tourist with serious head and facial injuries.

James Hutton appeared before city councillors on 3 March following a series of complaints, including allegations of "aggressive or threatening behaviour" and failing to display his official badge.

When they reached the destination and he asked for the fare, the thug sitting in the back seat hit the poor driver on his head with a glass bottle and ran off without paying.

Thomas Caswell proves neurodiversity is no barrier to the open road.

An Uber driver, 33-year-old army veteran Tim Letts, donated one of his kidneys to his 71-year-old passenger, Bill Sumiel.

Uber’s chief product officer, Sachin Kansal, stated he would be “very disappointed” if the 2030 milestone was not met, noting that “London is going to be a very high priority market.”
