Harris Bus & Coach appoint Dave Porter as M.D.

Dave Porter has been appointed as Managing Director of Harris Bus & Coach, with 
responsibility for the business across the UK and Ireland. The appointment follows 
Bill Laidlaw’s move to Chief Operating Officer of Harris Group. 
Dave joins Harris Bus & Coach with almost 40 years of experience spanning 
manufacture, customer service, operations, sales and senior leadership roles across 
some of the industry’s most respected organisations. 
Dave began his career as an apprentice coach builder with Yeates in 1987, 
progressing through the ranks at Volvo, ultimately leading its UK and Ireland coach 
sales operations. He subsequently held senior positions with Van Hool and 
Wrightbus, gaining extensive experience across premium coaches, zero-emission 
technologies and the introduction of new products into the UK market. 
As Managing Director, Dave will spearhead Harris Bus & Coach’s ambitious plans for 
HIGER in both the UK and Ireland markets, leading continued investment in the 
dealer networks, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring the business 
delivers exceptional support for operators. 
Dave’s appointment comes at a defining stage in the company's growth, with further 
additions to the HIGER product portfolio planned, an expanding nationwide dealer 
footprint and the introduction of a market-leading five-year/500,000km warranty 
across the HIGER V-Series coach range. 
Dave Porter believes Harris Bus & Coach is uniquely placed to capitalise on changing 
dynamics within the market. “There is a huge opportunity for Harris Bus & Coach in 
the UK and Ireland,” he said, “Operators want more than just a good product; they 
want honesty, consistency and the confidence that they'll be supported long after the 
keys are handed over. Trust isn’t given in this industry; it’s earned, and that's exactly 
what we’re here to do. 
Dave went on to say, “We’re proud of our partnership with HIGER. It is a world-class 
manufacturer with exceptional capability, and together we’re bringing something 
genuinely different to market. By investing in our dealer network, listening to 
customers and backing every vehicle with outstanding support, we can build a 
business that people genuinely want to work with.” 
He added, “This is an ambitious business prepared to invest, challenge convention 
and think long-term. The foundations are already in place, but I believe the best is 
still to come. I’m excited to work alongside our colleagues, dealer partners and 
customers as we build something very special together.”