Operations Manager Martin Walker said: "Since Chads Cars was acquired by the JEM Group in 2022, our strategy has been to grow the business and deliver better services and benefits for customers and drivers alike.

"Throughout that journey, the legacy of Chads Cars has always been appreciated, understood and respected—and it will never be forgotten. The recent passing of John Matkin, and the stories shared at his funeral last month, reminded us all just how significant his contribution was to the taxi industry in Derby. John’s achievements also demonstrated the importance of adapting, evolving and embracing change.

"We are now taking the next important step by formally bringing Chads Cars together with our sister company, Star Cars Birmingham, under a single brand, website and passenger app.

"This will allow us to offer a much broader range of services and opportunities, including:

• Local taxi services

• Airport transfers

• Executive business travel

• Minibus and coach hire

• Coach holidays and selected day excursions

• ?More account work, including Amazon, with improved driver pricing

• Additional work shared between Birmingham and Derby through the app’s Job Pool

"For the first time, our complete Star Tours holiday programme will be available to customers in Derby for the 2027 season. Customers booking these holidays will receive a free door-to-door service, provided exclusively by Chads Cars drivers.

"Moving everyone onto a single app will make our operation more efficient and create additional earning opportunities.

"When Star Cars or Chads Cars cannot cover a booking in either direction, that work will no longer automatically be lost to a competitor. Instead, it can be offered to our growing fleet of driver-partners through the Job Pool.

"We also want to expand our relationship with the wheelchair-accessible Hackney Carriage community. Helping us attract more WAV drivers and improve the service available to passengers.

"To achieve this growth, we must come together under one strong and recognisable brand. Chads Cars will continue to exist as a legal business entity and, most importantly, within the hearts and minds of its founders, the Matkin family, and the loyal drivers and staff who built its reputation. Operationally and publicly, however, we will move forward as: Star Cars – previously known as Chads Cars."

MESSAGE TO DRIVERS:

"Next week, we will hold Driver Days at our office in the Revive Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday. During these sessions, we will issue:

• New vehicle door signs

• New ties for executive drivers

• ?New receipt books

• Updated price charts

• Other replacement branded materials

"Please attend to meet the team and collect your new materials. This is important so that we can comply with the council’s rules and complete the transition correctly. Once the change takes effect, the existing Chads Cars vehicle signage will no longer be permitted.

"Please also begin directing passengers to download the Star Cars App. To restore access to our complete range of services—including cash and card payments, ASAP and advance bookings, loyalty rewards, and our full choice of vehicle types—customers must move across before the Chads Cars App closes.

"Customers should also request the transfer of any existing Chads Cars Loyalty Points to their new Star Cars account.

"Thank you for your attention, your continued loyalty and everything you do for our customers. We are extremely grateful for your commitment to Chads Cars, its proud legacy and the entire Matkin family.

"We hope you will join us as we begin this exciting next chapter together as Star Cars.”

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