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This award is presented annually by UK Coach Awards to somebody in the world of coaching who has devoted a lifetime to the industry, and delivered exceptional service in the provision and/or delivery of coach services.

The award is designed to recognise a significant and sustained contribution to the success of the industry by an individual who has gone consistently beyond the call of normal duty to improve and promote the coach industry for its users or the wider community.

The Winner in 2016: David Steele

David started his career in the motor trade as an office junior and moving through the ranks to sales management. He first became involved in tourism when he joined Thames Launches as Sales and Marketing Manager. Until his retirement in 2009, he worked continuously in the river cruise business - with Catamaran Cruises from 1976 until 1993, and then with City Cruises. Throughout that period he was an active campaigner on behalf of coach tourism, serving on committees with the London Tourist Board, the Group Travel Organisers’ Association and other industry bodies. Since his retirement, he has remained involved with GTOA (now AGTO), acting as associate membership secretary, and as part of the team that oversaw the introduction of its new governance structure.

David has always been a powerful advocate for the advantages of coach travel, and his campaigning, hard work and leadership have been of huge benefit to the whole industry over forty years.

The judges were delighted to recognise an amazing track record of hard work and achievement. Though David does not work directly for a coach operator, there will hardly be a coach operator in the country to whom the name will not be known, either through having done business, or encountered him in his tireless work to promote the cause of coach tourism. Certainly, every operator has benefitted from all his hard work over the years.

Who could be nominated?

Individuals working in any coach-related environment and at any level of seniority.

… and by whom?

Nominations will be accepted from operators, local authorities, other bodies involved in the planning and provision of coach services and other organisations working with the industry or on behalf of its users.

The Criteria

Given the broad spread of individuals that might be nominated for this award, the UKCA organising committee uses its discretion in considering nominations for this award and will seek the necessary verification. The following will be taken into account:

• The level of service delivered
• Any special circumstances
• Consistent record of achievement
• Sustainability of the entrant’s contributions