
A private hire and taxi company covering Market Harborough has triumphed at a regional awards ceremony.
Harrisons Taxis, operating across West Northamptonshire and the surrounding area, was named Taxi Business of the Year for the East Midlands following a public vote in the My Local Awards programme.
Founded in April 2024 with a modest team of just two drivers, the company has experienced rapid expansion. The private hire business now operates three offices, serving customers in Market Harborough, Wellingborough and Northampton.
General manager Adam Smith shared his pride in the achievement, stating: “We were absolutely over the moon. To win Taxi Business of the Year 2026 just over two years after starting with only two drivers was a very proud and emotional moment for the whole team, particularly knowing how many challenges we had overcome along the way.”
He added: “More than anything, it felt like recognition for every member of staff, every driver and every customer who believed in Harrisons and helped us get to where we are today.”
The firm credits its community-focused ethos for part of its success, highlighting a memorable emergency where a driver stepped in to help a passenger whose partner was suffering a heart attack on a bus while facing a lengthy ambulance delay. Driver Seb rushed the patient to Kettering General Hospital, waived the fare and assisted them inside, later learning from the family that the prompt journey likely saved a life.
Reflecting on this rescue, Mr Smith said: “For us, that story represents what Harrisons is about at its core, local people looking after local people and a driver recognising that sometimes the person in the back of the car matters far more than the fare.”

Council officers noted that these modifications, combined with a rise in the additional passenger charge from 30p to 40p and the dog transport fee from 20p to 30p per animal, represent a ten per cent increase in overall 

The scheme provides practical financial support to help local drivers transition to cleaner cars, while leaders simultaneously press the Government for legislative change on out-of-area licensing.

PC Joseph Passby had consumed alcohol prior to his shift and was on duty around 9am on 15 June 2026, when the collision with the taxi occurred.

Chris Pearson, a passenger assistant for Spalding Smart Cabs, said that traffic in the area had become "a nightmare" for local transport providers trying to get around.
Hundreds of black cab drivers could lose their jobs because it has become so difficult to obtain a new vehicle after their current one reaches its 12-year expiry date and must be replaced under TfL regulations. 

The Government has reaffirmed its intention to introduce a draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Bill, with improved accessibility for disabled passengers identified as a key objective. 

The meeting brought together the North Northants Hackney Carriage Trade Alliance and local councillors, including regulatory services lead Cllr Kirk Harrison, to discuss the council's harmonised licensing policy.

Lucas Simpson ordered the cab to take him and his girlfriend from Blackburn to Darwen late in July 2024, at the destination, Simpson got out without paying the £40 fare.

The move follows widespread public outrage after convicted rapist David Brown was allowed to keep his operator’s licence following a majority decision made behind closed doors.

Daniella Shellard approached the Royal Cars cabbie on June 16 near Newport Bridge while he was parked up and waiting for a customer to return.=

Chris takes over the position from the outgoing Master, Leigh Dargan, whose year-long tenure in office has now come to an end. Leigh will however continue her service to the company in the role of Deputy Master.

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

The system operates through WhatsApp and is intended to allow passengers to book directly with local black cab drivers.

The latest National Taxi & PH Driver Survey found over a third of drivers reported their job negatively affects physical wellbeing, while over a quarter reported a negative impact on mental health.

John Matkin was a true pioneer of Derby’s taxi industry and the founder of the business that became Chads Cars. 

Under the new structure for journeys taken between 6am and 9pm from Monday to Saturday, the initial charge for the first 440 yards or first two minutes will jump from £4 to £4.50. 

This financial recovery occurred even as overall turnover dropped from £88.1m to £59.5m, driven by a strategy to control manufacturing costs, which fell by over 24% compared to previous year.

The upcoming change aims to replace the varied pricing structures left behind by the legacy councils of Allerdale, Carlisle, and Copeland, which were combined when the new authority formed on 1 April 2023.

Plans to increase taxi fares in Blaenau Gwent have stalled after only three out of 118 licensed drivers responded to a public consultation.

The passenger's partner shared details on social media - the post stated the driver made the comments during a journey home, leaving the lone woman "terrified" and "scared for her life".
