The winners of the Coach Operator 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.

From the winners of the three awards for different fleet sizes, the judges chose an overall winner, named Belmont International 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: Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire

Johnsons Coach Travel is very much a traditional family business and indeed celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The company has been run by third generation family members, Peter and John Johnson for 30 years. During this time the company has increased from 5 coaches and a removal lorry - to what it is today, with 40 coaches, 30 buses and 10 'door to door' feeder minibuses,

The company now employs over 200 staff and is extreemly well established, with an excellent trading record, a strong balance sheet, a first class reputation with its customers and modern and spacious freehold premises close to the M40/M42.

The judges praised Johnsons' all-round success in marketing, staff relations and health & safety as well as a strong financial performance.

For more information, visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Runners Up: Anthony's Travel

Anthony's Travel was established in 1985 by Anthony, Anne & Richard Bamber.  From the modest beginings of our first mini-coach to an extensive fleet of 18 coaches & mini-coaches and over 40 members of staff.  From their base in Runcorn, Cheshrie, the firm provides coach transport for a wide range of clients, businesses, educational establishement, sports teams, tour operators & local authorities.  Anthony's Travel pride themselves in offering high quality service and vehichles with a family touch using their fleet of coaches and mini-coaches.

The customers who nominated them praised the helpfulness of staff in making bookings, the cleanliness of coaches, friendliness of drivers, and value for money. The judges agreed, and rated the company’s staff and safety policies very highly indeed.

Full details can be found by visiting the company's website at www.anthonys-travel.co.uk