Two of Wirral’s biggest taxi companies – Argyle Taxis and Wirral Satellite Cars – have signed a deal to create a new firm.

"Argyle Satellite" has an existing fleet of 600-plus vehicles with a plan to expand to 800 within the next 18 months.

Plans are also in place to further develop the existing academy, which will deliver training for drivers as well as supporting recruitment and training of new drivers in-house.

Chris Jordan, director at Argyle Satellite, and former chairman of Wirral Satellite Cars, said: “In Argyle Taxis we have found a partner which shares a similar vision and ambition to provide Wirral with the best local knowledge and customer service we possibly can, while providing local drivers a greater opportunity to earn, as collectively we provide 250,000 journeys every month.

"We are excited about our combined strengths as we work together to establish a taxi firm of choice for residents, businesses and visitors across Wirral.”

Terry Wilson, director and shareholder at Argyle Satellite, previous director of Argyle Taxis, added: “This deal between two already established taxi firms will bring about an efficient, streamlined and dependable taxi service that the people of Wirral deserve.

"Our individual visions are aligned, and we are excited to see how this new chapter evolves as we continue our ambitious growth plans to extend our company into hard to reach communities, which will both unlock the leisure and tourism economy and provide service to local people across Wirral.”

The board of directors at Argyle Satellite is made up of the shareholders of Argyle Taxis and strengthened with the addition of Chris Jordan - managing director of CabFind, Davy Liver Taxis and chairman of Wirral Satellite Cars - who will lead the growth strategy for the new company.

The former Argyle Taxis headquarters in Birkenhead will be the home of the new call centre for Argyle Satellite, and the Wirral Satellite headquarters will become the training academy and admin office.

The existing Wirral Satellite office in West Kirby will remain open, while a new Argyle Satellite office will be opened in Eastham to serve south Wirral.