The three-way split

The coach operator of the year awards are split by size of fleet, into three categories:

• those with fewer than twenty vehicles
• those between 21 and 100
• the large operators with more than 101 vehicles.

Each business size has its own challenges in terms of maintenance, what happens if things go wrong, and managing the overhead. The winner in each category will be able to demonstrate sustained success over the long term, delivering excellent customer service.

For this award, we're once again asking group organisers, tour operators and other coach industry customers to name the operators from whom they've received outstanding service during the previous twelve months. In each of the past ten years, we have had over 100 nominations from a whole variety of organisations including corporate clients, small social clubs, WIs, big sports clubs and care homes who need operators skilled in looking after their clients' special needs. However, we're also seeking self-nomination from operators themselves.

From the winners of the three sub-categories, the judges each year choose one company to win the premier award - and who will be named...

UK Coach Operator of the Year

Preeminent amongst coach operators throughout the country, the UK Coach Operator of the Year, more than any other, will deliver consistently excellent customer service, as well as achieving financial viability and high operational standards. And do not run away with the idea that big is not always best: over the last nine years, the overall title has gone to companies from each of the small, medium and large operators in the different years.

In 2017, the winner of the main title was Maynes of Buckie, the Abderdeenshire family firm celebrating its 70th anniversary during the year.