SERCO GROUP PLC Media Release
Guests set to unwind with Arran Aromatics' Caledonian
Sleeper collection
28 July
Serco has appointed Arran Aromatics, Scotland's leading provider of luxury hair and body products, to create a collection of toiletries for the new Caledonian Sleeper service.
Guests are able to unwind with a range of Arran Aromatics amenity products, including a hair and body wash, pillow spray and hand and body lotion, fragranced with lavender and chamomile.
Crafted and hand-finished on the Isle of Arran, the exclusive toiletries are the latest feature in Serco's plans to transform the Caledonian Sleeper service into an exemplary hospitality offering representative of Scotland's finest. This includes all aspects of the operation of the Caledonian Sleeper franchise; marketing, sales, hospitality service on the trains, vehicle maintenance and the provision of facilities at stations for guests.
Based on the Isle of Arran in western Scotland, the toiletries supplier already works with a portfolio of luxury hospitality clients, including Macdonald Hotels and Cameron House on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Commenting on the partnership, Andrew Russell, Brand Director Arran Aromatics, said: "As an Ayrshire company, we are excited to have been awarded the contract for such an emblematic Scottish brand. While we work with a number of hospitality clients globally, this is a fantastic opportunity to be associated with a service steeped in Scotland's history and to bring our product range to a new audience."
Peter Strachan, Managing Director of the new Caledonian Sleeper said: "When identifying a toiletries partner for the new service, Arran Aromatics, with products inspired by the natural beauty of Scotland's landscape and made from locally sourced ingredients which evoke the brand's island heritage, were an ideal fit.
"Arran Aromatics have worked with us to create a range which invites guests to escape their daily stresses, indulging with deluxe products which recreate a soothing spa experience onboard and which will ensure they arrive refreshed on arrival at their destination."
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: "The new contract between the Caledonian Sleeper service and
Arran Aromatics is great news for Scotland.
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"The Caledonian Sleeper brand is established on the global stage as a world-class train journey and we are confident the transformation of the service will prove valuable in delivering increased travel between Scotland and London."
The franchise, which is worth up to £800m over the 15-year contract period sees Serco manage all aspects of the Sleeper service including marketing, sales, the on-train hospitality service, vehicle maintenance and the provision of facilities at stations for Sleeper passengers. The franchise has been split from the main ScotRail franchise to meet Transport Scotland's vision of transforming the Sleeper service into a truly emblematic and guest focused service for passengers travelling between Scotland and England.
A fleet of new carriages will be introduced in 2018 which include a range of new features; ensuite berths, Pod flatbeds - used for the first time in rail, and a brasserie-style Club Car. Passengers can also now benefit from a new website to book their tickets and will be offered a broader range of fares, earlier boarding of trains and the ability to manage their journey virtually. Over £100m will be invested in the new fleet which is part funded by a £60m capital grant from Scottish Ministers and will be built by leading rolling stock manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF).
For more information about the Caledonian Sleeper visit sleeper.scot
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Julie Brander, 01224 806600 jbrander@webershandwick.com
About Serco
Serco is an international service company, which combines commercial know-how with a deep public service ethos.
Around the world, we improve essential services by managing people, processes, technology and assets more effectively. We advise policy makers, design innovative solutions, integrate systems and - most of all - deliver to the public.
Serco supports governments, agencies and companies who seek a trusted partner with a solid track record of providing assured service excellence. Our people offer operational, management and consulting expertise in the aviation, BPO, defence, education, environmental services, facilities management, health, home affairs,
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information and communications technology, knowledge services, local government, science and nuclear, transport, welfare to work and the commercial sectors.
Arran Aromatics
Arran Aromatics create bath, body and home fragrance collections on the wildly beautiful Isle of Arran, using the finest ingredients available.
Founded in 1989 by Janet Russell and her husband Iain, the company began making simple soaps from the couple's cottage kitchen. Now having recently celebrated their 25th year, Arran Aromatics extensive range of products can be found in a network of stockists, in more than 40 countries and in some of the finest hotels worldwide.
For further information about Arran Aromatics, contact:
Sarah Mckeeman +44 (0) 778 829 2572 / sarahmck@arranaromatics.com
www.arranaromatics.com
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