Cotswold coach driver Adrian Waine and his employers celebrating after being named as winners in the 2017 UK Coach Awards. The ninth annual awards were presented before an audience of 250 industry movers and shakers in a glittering ceremony at Manchester's Mercure Piccadilly Hotel on the evening of Thursday 4 May. Adrian was named as Top UK Coach Touring Driver.

Adrian Waine drives for Pulham and Sons, based in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, and is well liked and respected amongst his colleagues due to his professionalism, route knowledge, impressive driving skills and awareness of driving regulations.

He is described by his employer as being a thoroughly nice chap and can always be relied upon to do an excellent job of whatever task he is given. He always conducts himself without any fuss, being flexible, conscientious and with good humour. He takes great care of his passengers being attentive and helpful, especially those who may need a little extra support, treating them with respect and discretion so as not to draw attention.

He always prepares for tours by thoroughly researching the route and points of interest. He prides himself on punctuality and in giving every passenger a smooth ride, with steady driving into the corners and gentle braking, whilst doing his very best to get his passengers to their destination at the planned time.

He is an excellent role model and mentor for new drivers, passing on his advice and experience to others in an appropriate manner, and an outstanding ambassador for Pulhams Coaches, taking a pride in his personal appearance, the customer service he delivers and in keeping his coach immaculate inside and out.

With such glowing recommendations from both customers and his employer, the judges thought that Adrian satisfied all the criteria to be the Top UK Coach Touring Driver. His smooth driving and attention to detail alongside his excellent customer service make him a big hit all round!

Congratulating all the winners, UK Coach Awards chairman John Gilbert said, "Our awards are recognise and reward excellence and good practice at all levels in the industry, amongst all operators, large or small, and in all types of work from express through contracting to coach touring."Awards were presented for high quality operation, and for a range of professional disciplines such marketing, travel programmes and passenger facilities.

The biggest cheers of the night were reserved for the people awards, which provide recognition to a range of different staff categories, including both customer-facing and back office personnel. Some 200 nominations were received for this year's awards from all over the country, including coach customers, operators and attractions.

“Coaching is above all a people business,” explained John Gilbert. “Our customers demand improved quality both in terms of vehicles and staff. We cannot meet these demands without good business organisation and excellent staff, and to retain good staff, we need to recognise and reward them, and this is why I believe this event has a major part to play in recognising leading operators, business innovation, excellent managers, staff and operating crews .”

ENDS