Sponsored by

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

They have shown 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 medium operators of fleets between 16 and 50 vehicles, there are two others for buisinesses with fleets of 15 or fewer and over 51 vehicles.

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.

The Winners: Excelsior Coaches, Bournemouth, Dorset

Worthy winners in 2012, Excelsior Coaches has an excellent reputation and was awarded CPT's prestigious Coach Marque quality award in 2004. The company boasts a modern fleet of 38 vehicles and employs around 100 people.

Excelsior is widely known for its quality and this includes its operations for National Express, which has presented the firm with a number of awards in recent years. The judges were once again impressed by the company’s professionalism and determination to remain among the market leaders, even in difficult trading conditions.

Runners Up: Bibby’s of Ingleton, North Yorkshire

Established more than half a century ago, Bibby’s is one of the best known names in the coach industry. All staff are polite, friendly and courteous and follow the directors’ example of the ‘hands on’ approach to business.

The large number of written testimonials received each year confirm the excellent level of service provided to customers. The judges noted the company’s desire to remain at the forefront of quality coach travel by embracing new thinking and maintaining its enviable reputation.

Highly Commended: Anthony's Travel, Runcorn, Cheshire

Established in the mid-1980s, Anthony's Travel has grown from a single vehicle operation to an impressive modern business with a  fleet of 16 coaches and over 40 members of staff.

A previous award winner, the company provides coach transport for a wide range of clients, businesses, educational establishments, sports teams, tour operators and local authorities.  The judges noted the company’s emphasis on high quality vehicles and service with a family touch and that the firm is an approved member of Coach Marque.