This category is presented every year to one or more individuals known for their hard-work, loyalty and devotion to duty.

In many cases, the ‘unsung heroes’ are the ones who keep the wheels turning against all the odds; no transport operator can do without such people – even though they often slave away for years with no recognition save their own satisfaction in a service delivered and a job well done. In other cases, the heroes are people who help the wider industry through their work for supporting companies and organisations.

Results 2019

Winner, Gold Award: Belle Vue Manchester

George Docherty

The old saying is that if you want a job done properly do it yourself. But staff at Belle Vue Manchester go to Transport Supervisor George Docherty. There is seemingly no end to his talents - driving, cleaning, fuelling, washing, digging, repairing, moving, shifting, delivering, cooking, baking, decorating, climbing, organising, mapping, training, praising, assisting, fixing, finding, researching, painting, gardening, varnishing, sweeping, shunting, negotiating, co-ordinating, dressing up, dressing down - these are just a few of the requests George has fulfilled on behalf of the Belle Vue team over the last 12 months! This is why George is being nominated for a second time, despite being a silver winner in this category last year. His employer says that George is truly an inspiration to all the staff and is the driving force behind its operations and driver team. His determination to get the job done leaves people in awe of his capabilities.

In what the judges considered to be a heartfelt and compelling submission, George is shown to be someone who is happy to get stuck into whatever job is needed. He has a good eye for detail, even for tasks that he's given at short notice. He regularly goes above and beyond and is a true unsung hero.

Specially Commended: Peter Godward Coaches

Andrew Church

Thirty three year old Andrew Church is Operations Manager at Peter Godward Coaches in Basildon. He was born into the industry and followed his father, who is a coach driver of over 40 years. Andrew began his career at Peter Godward Coaches as a schoolboy helping clean vehicles at the weekend, eventually joining full time after leaving school at 16. He passed his PCV licence at the age of 20, and after a stint of local operations and empty journeys,he went on to enjoy a very extensive driving career that took him to all corners of the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and even Russia. Andrew's approach to his work reflects his above and beyond attitude and is driving for continuous improvement. He leads on modernisation within the company as well as the brand image, alongside vehicle tracking, remote tachogragh analysis, driver apps and providing a top quality compliant operation. Andrew's dedication and attention to detail is the backbone of the business. His customer service delivery is second to none retaining clients and also bringing in new clients. He has a great work ethic and enjoys a fantastic rapport with all of the staff.

The judges praised Andrew for his 'can do' attitude and how he spans both the operational and administrative sides of the company. He plays a key role in the family business and is helping to build and expand it.

Who could be nominated?

Any person working for a coach operator continuously for the last 12 months, who can show service in a management and/or supervisory role of more than five years.

… and by whom?

Employers and other people active in the coaching industry were asked to nominate people within their own organisation or with another operator who, in their view, qualified for this recognition.