The winners of these awards deliver consistently excellent customer service. The operators demonstrate their success through sustained effort.

They show that they:

• are financially sound
• maintain high operational and engineering standards
• give priority to the Health and Safety of staff and passengers through comprehensive risk management
• invest in their fleet and staff
• form effective partnerships
• identify with and respond to the communities they serve
• always strive to sustain and grow the market for coaches and coach services.

As well as this award for the smaller operators, there are two others for buisinesses with fleets of between 11 and 50 and over 51 vehicles. There are three awards depending on fleet size, being:

From the winners of these three awards, the judges chose an overall winner, named UK Coach Operator of the Year.

For each of the categories, customer nominations were sought from group organisers and other industry clients. Nominated operators are also  invited to submit further information to the judges.The judging process also includes 'mystery shopping' of the nominated operators to test their commitment to customer service.

Who could be nominated?

The awards are open to all operators of coaches for hire to the general public or used on tours and excurions.

... and by whom?

Group organisers and other clients who hire coaches on an occasional or regular basis were asked to nominate the coach company which has delivered the best service to their groups.

Best Operator, Small Fleet

Winner: Carol Peters Coach Travel, Ramsgate, Kent

Established 13 years ago, this family firm runs 10 coaches (mainly Setra plus new Volvo 9700, all under 7 years old) on own day trips and charter work. All drivers have CPC and office staff are doing NVQ in office management.

The company has an enthusiastic following and the numerous club/society nominations we received all mentioned good service, helpful drivers and flexibility; one sums it up as 'friendly, accommodating and value for money'. The company has clearly built a reputation as a quality operator in its locality, resulting in regular repeat business and hence is already fully booked for much of this year.

RUNNER UP:     Grahams Coaches, Colchester, Essex

Grahams Coaches Ltd, Colchester, Essex is a family business, trading for over 40 years, providing executive air-conditioned coaches, mini-coaches, mini-buses and cars for the local community to meet all manner of transport needs.

The firm has a close working relationship with many of its customers who show their appreciation by making Grahams their preferred travel solution.

All the company's staff now hold professional qualifications in the form of Certificates of Professional Competence.