Former Norfolk Green MD Ben Colson and SMMT Communication Manager Janet Wilkinson receive MBEs, while CPT Chairman Ian Morgan is awarded an OBE
Several individuals from the coach and bus industry have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The former head of Norfolk Green, Ben Colson, has been awarded an MBE for services to the economy and community in Norfolk.
Ben said the award had come as a great surprise, but was delighted to have been considered worthy of such recognition.
He added: “I’m very, very humbled and proud of that fact.”
Under his management, Norfolk Green became a leading operator in West Norfolk, growing from having three staff to around 160 when it was sold to Stagecoach in 2013.
Ben said the decision of his fellow shareholders not to take dividends and plough all profits back into services had helped the compan to better serve the community over the years.
He said of the award: “I feel proud for them. It feels like it’s for all they have done too.”
As well as his work with Norfolk Green, Ben Colson is also well known for his role as Chairman of the organising committee for the Wolferton scarecrow festival, which was last staged two years ago, and has raised thousands of pounds for good causes. He continues to work in the transport industry today, representing small independent bus operators in discussions with government officials.
SMMT’s Communications Manager, Janet Wilkinson, has also been awarded an MBE for services to the motor industry and charity.
Janet, who has spent virtually all her career at the SMMT, has been responsible for many of the activities and events the organisation runs to help promote the industry to media and other stakeholders. She has also mentored dozens of young people who have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the industry. Janet said: “I am thrilled and humbled to receive such an award. I never thought the work I did would merit recognition but to have been honoured today is a tribute to all the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues in the industry.
“The automotive sector is a great industry with fantastic, committed people and a hugely professional and passionate automotive media. The UK industry has had its ups and downs but is now re-established as an international success story and I am delighted to be a small part of that success.” Chief Executive of the SMMT, Mike Hawes, said: “Janet’s award is richly deserved and will be applauded by everyone who knows her. To have given a lifetime’s work to one sector is increasingly unusual but to devote that career to a single organisation is even more special.
“Everyone at the SMMT and across the industry will be delighted, especially as she is someone who has given so selflessly for a number of charities, especially WOMAC (Women on the Move Against Cancer).”
Meanwhile, CPT Chairman Ian Morgan has been awarded an OBE.
Ian Morgan is the Deputy Chairman of Wellglade, an independent group of five local bus operators in the East Midlands including Trent Barton, and a partner in the Tramlink Nottingham consortium. He was CPT President in 2009, and has served as Chairman since 2011.
CPT CEO Simon Posner said: “This is a highly deserved honour and I am extremely pleased for Ian. He has made an enormous contribution to the bus and coach industry and to the work of CPT over many years.
“I know I speak for everyone at CPT and our entire membership in wishing Ian many congratulations.”
