Steve's Taxis Ceases Operations After 46 Years

The familiar sight of Steve's Taxis vehicles navigating the streets of Cambridgeshire has been a constant for nearly five decades. However, after a remarkable 46-year journey, the company has officially ceased its taxi operations. This significant shift marks the end of an era for a business that not only provided essential transport but also became deeply ingrained in the local community, supporting numerous charities and forging lasting relationships.

The Humble Beginnings of a Local Giant

Stephen Woodham, the driving force behind Steve's Taxis, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in January 1977. Reflecting on his start, he wryly noted, "I started at probably the worst time." The post-Christmas period of 1977 was a challenging economic climate, yet Steve took the plunge. His very first fare was a modest 50 pence, and in his inaugural week, he grossed £12, followed by £20 in the second. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a thriving enterprise.

Expansion and Diversification

As demand grew, Steve's Taxis strategically expanded its reach. The company established a base at Alconbury and soon operated taxi stands in several key towns, including Huntingdon, St Ives, Ramsey, St Neots, and March. This widespread presence ensured accessibility and convenience for a growing customer base. Over the years, the company diversified its services, securing several rewarding contracts that showcased its versatility and commitment to serving the community's needs.

Key Partnerships and Community Contributions

Steve's Taxis played a vital role in supporting various sectors within the community. A significant contract involved operating between 30 to 40 cars dedicated to transporting disabled children to schools, a testament to the company's social responsibility. Furthermore, the business forged strong partnerships with local institutions. These included Hinchingbrooke Hospital, HMP Littlehey from its inception, and providing machinery transport for Papworth Hospital. These collaborations highlight the integral role Steve's Taxis played in the operational fabric of the region.

Celebrity Encounters and Charitable Endeavours

The passenger manifest of Steve's Taxis boasts an impressive list of celebrity clients. Notable among them were Ruth Maddock, who resided in Sawtry before moving to Huntingdon, and Sid Owen, a resident of Alconbury Weston. Even members of the cast from the popular television soap opera EastEnders, specifically The Mitchells, were among their clientele, with one of them having lived in St Neots some years ago. Beyond its commercial success, Steve's Taxis was deeply committed to charitable causes. The company famously participated in the Live Aid appeal many years ago, dedicating all fares for an entire day to the cause, which successfully raised over £4,000. Their philanthropic efforts extended to donations for Blind Dogs, contributing to the annual Christmas party for the elderly in Huntingdon, sponsoring the local boxing club, supporting numerous children's football teams, and the bowling clubs in Sawtry and Huntingdon. In a more recent display of generosity, during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic, Steve's Taxis donated 10p for every journey made to support the NHS at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, an initiative that raised an incredible £20,000.

A Loyal Workforce

The success of Steve's Taxis was undoubtedly bolstered by its dedicated and long-serving staff. Many employees demonstrated exceptional loyalty, with individuals like Sue Fielding, Angie Brighton, and Alan Howlett remaining with the company for an impressive 35 to 40 years. This longevity speaks volumes about the positive working environment fostered by Steve and his commitment to his team. When asked about his greatest professional satisfaction, Steve simply stated, "I just like dealing with people," underscoring the human element that drove his passion.

The Decision to Move On

After 46 years at the helm of Steve's Taxis, Stephen Woodham has made the difficult but necessary decision to transition into new ventures. This decision stems from his concurrent 25-year involvement in car sales and nearly as long a period operating garages. Having established garages in Sawtry, Wood Walton, Huntingdon, and Stukeley, Steve found it increasingly challenging to manage the complexities of running garages, car sales, and a taxi business simultaneously, especially with a workforce of 160 people. "It’s been interesting, but it’s difficult to run garages, car sales and taxis; we had 160 people working," he explained. His primary focus now is to expand his car sales business and to allow younger individuals to take over the operations of the taxi side of the company. "I want to focus on the car sales business and let young people take over on the taxi side of things," he stated.

Reflections on an Evolving Industry

Stephen Woodham's tenure in the taxi industry spanned a period of significant transformation. He observed, "From 1977 to 2018 it was all ok - and then it started to change." The advent of new technologies and business models undoubtedly impacted the traditional taxi service. He fondly recalled the past, noting, "It's not like it used to be, when you would know about the customer’s life as they would keep coming back." This suggests a shift away from the more personal, relationship-driven service that characterized the industry in its earlier years.

The Future of Stephen Woodham's Ventures

With the taxi business now sold, Stephen Woodham is poised to concentrate his efforts on his car sales enterprise. His ambitious plans include expanding his forecourt at Alconbury to offer over 120 vehicles of various types. Additionally, his MOT garage at Little Stukeley continues to provide MOT testing and customer repairs. Stephen expressed his gratitude to both his loyal customers and his dedicated staff: "I would like to thank all the customers and staff for supporting us through all these years and look forward to welcoming you at my garages." This sentiment marks a hopeful transition, acknowledging past achievements while eagerly anticipating future endeavours.

A Look Back: Steve's Taxis Milestones

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Steve's Taxis?

Steve's Taxis has ceased its taxi operations after 46 years in business. The owner, Stephen Woodham, is transitioning to focus on his car sales and garage ventures.

When did Steve's Taxis start?

The company was founded in January 1977 by Stephen Woodham.

What were some of the key services provided by Steve's Taxis?

Steve's Taxis provided general taxi services, specialised transport for disabled children, and contracts with institutions like HMP Littlehey and Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Did Steve's Taxis support any charities?

Yes, the company was very active in charitable work, including donations to Live Aid, Blind Dogs, local community events, sports clubs, and the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic, raising significant funds.

What is Stephen Woodham doing now?

Stephen Woodham is now focusing on expanding his car sales business and continuing to operate his MOT garage. He plans to offer a larger selection of cars at his Alconbury forecourt.

The closure of Steve's Taxis represents more than just the end of a business; it signifies the conclusion of a chapter in local history. The dedication, community spirit, and philanthropic endeavours of Stephen Woodham and his team have left an indelible mark, and their contributions will be remembered fondly by many.