On Friday 27th March 2009, almost 250 industry movers and shakers helped celebrate all that’s best in the UK Coach Industry, at our presentation ceremony at the Tower Hotel in the City of London. And raised over £1,000 for charity in the process!

Awards were presented in eighteen categories covering the whole range of activity in coaching and coach tourism, including coach operations, marketing, accessibility and travel programmes. Industry suppliers were rewarded with the "best industry support solution" and Coach of the Year categories. Meanwhile, tourist attractions, shopping attractions, local authorities and service suppliers who adopt coach friendly policies were also honoured.

The awards were presented by Wilben Short, Head of Transport at LOCOG, the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in London in 2012.

The ceremony compere was BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood, and the evening also featured video presentations and some surprise entertainment in the form of excerpts from the smash hit West End musical Mamma Mia and top illusionist Nigel Meade.

The evening kicked off with a reception in the Bridge Suite at the Tower Hotel, with its stunning views over the River Thames and Tower Bridge.

Dinner was served in the Tower Suite followed by the awards presentations and ther entertainment. The awards were presented by Wilben Short, Head of Transport at the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

After the show, guests were able to relax with drinks at their table,  network with friends and acquaintances - or move back into the Bridge Suite for dancing and a disco until 1.00 am.

The charity for the evening was the Rainbow Trust, which specialises in looking after terminally ill children and their families. After a presentation and a prize raffle, just over £1,000 was raised for the Trust.