Veezu expands East Anglia presence as Ipswich operators Avenue Taxis and CabsSmart rebrand following acquisition
- Perry Richardson
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Private hire operator Veezu has expanded its footprint in East Anglia after acquiring two established Ipswich-based operators, Avenue Taxis and CabsSmart, with both firms now set to rebrand under the Veezu name.
The acquisition, completed in February 2026, forms part of Veezu’s strategy to strengthen transport networks outside London and scale its national private hire operations. The integration of the Ipswich firms is expected to deepen the company’s presence across the East Anglia region, where it already operates in Cambridge and Norwich.
Avenue Taxis, founded in 1955, is Ipswich’s longest-established taxi company and has provided local transport services for nearly seven decades. The firm has supported a wide range of journeys including daily travel, airport transfers and group bookings across Suffolk. CabsSmart, another well-known private hire operator in the region, has developed a reputation for reliability and involvement in community initiatives.
CabsSmart received two Gold QSi Awards in 2021 for Private Hire Company of the Year and Community Award, alongside a Bronze award for Business Diversification. The recognition followed work including its support for local charities and the introduction of Katch, an electric on-demand taxi-bus service operating in the area.
Private hire firm Veezu integrates two established Ipswich operators into its national network as part of its regional growth strategy.
Veezu said the acquisitions strengthen its operational base in Ipswich, a transport hub connecting coastal communities, market towns and key employment centres in southern Suffolk. Private hire services in the region play a significant role in supporting access to work, healthcare, education and leisure travel, particularly in areas with limited public transport connectivity.
Under the rebrand, passengers will continue to use the same services previously offered by the two operators while gaining access to Veezu’s national booking platform and technology. The company said its app-based system includes real-time vehicle tracking, improved address search functions and multiple payment options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, card and cash.
Founded in Wales in 2013, Veezu has expanded rapidly through a series of acquisitions and partnerships with local operators. The business now works with thousands of self-employed drivers and completes more than 25 million passenger journeys each year. It operates across hundreds of towns and cities and holds licences from 61 local authorities across England and Wales.
Nathan Bowles, CEO of Veezu, said: “CabsSmart and Avenue Taxis are highly respected local operators with deep community ties and a reputation for quality service. These acquisitions by Veezu represent our commitment to investing in a stronger regional network that supports seamless travel across East Anglia. Veezu’s expansion in this area reflects our long-term commitment to building a truly national network of local hubs across the UK, while continuing to deliver the reliable, community-focused service passengers depend on every day.”
