National Express UK Coach recognised the hard work of its partner operators at its recent annual National Express Operator awards event held in Coventry.
Walsall-based Travelstar European was crowned Overall Operator of the Year – the firm also having won Operator of the Year six to 10 vehicles.
Oldham-based E Stott & Sons won Operator of the Year one to five vehicles. Operator of the Year 11 to 20 vehicles went to Stagecoach Chesterfield and Operator of the year 20 plus vehicles was awarded to Edwards Coaches of Llantwit Fardre.
Steve Lea of Travelstar European was crowned Driver of the Year. Engineer of the Year went to John Bruce Jnr of Bruces Coaches.
The Gold Standard Achievement – meaning three plus consecutive ‘Gold’ statues for three consecutive years and over – was awarded Edwards Coaches, Bennetts of Gloucester and Stotts of Oldham. The latter also gained the Best Fleet 2015. Parks of Hamilton was awarded the Driving Out Harm prize – and the Most Improved Operator title was won by National Express Stansted.
The Golden Spanner Awards for best practice engineering were given to Lucketts Travel; Parks of Hamilton (Scotland); Bennetts Coaches; Travelstar European; E Stott & Sons; Edwards Coaches; Stagecoach Chesterfield; Mike de Courcey Travel;
Bruces Coaches; Johnson Brothers Tours and The Kings Ferry.
Sustained High Achievement Awards were picked up by Lucketts Travel; Parks of Hamilton (Scotland); Travelstar European; E Stott & Sons; Bennetts Coaches; Stagecoach Chesterfield and Mike de Courcey Travel.
Tom Stables, Managing Director National Express UK Coach told CBW: “Our operators quite literally keep the wheels of NX turning and we couldn’t be prouder to recognise their achievements in 2015 and publicly thank them as valued partners – both large and small – for their fantastic contribution to our business. The work showcased and best-practice shared at our annual operator awards is truly inspirational and we look forward to building on success in 2016 and beyond.”
Commenting on the awards, Jason Edwards, Commercial Director at Edwards Coaches said: “It’s such a great honour for Edwards Coaches to be recognised by NX. Our partnership continues to grow and develop – and with these awards, it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our staff and NX on improving passenger safety and comfort.”
