This category is designed to recognise young managers involved in coaching and coach tourism with a proven record of commitment and success.

Winner, Gold Award: Kevin Walker, York Pullman Bus Company

Kevin Walker has a thorough knowledge of the business having started working for York Pullman straight from school at the age of 16. He passed his PCV and CPCs when he was 18 years old and started rising through the ranks becoming a driver, and eventually to his current post as Operations Manager. His main role is the planning and organisation of the company's 110 vehicles and 120 drivers for the 67 daily educational transport contracts as well as private hire work and short-notice rail replacement services. Kevin's role has grow with the company and he represents it at external events and meetings. "Kevin has worked tirelessly to grow the business, establish himself as a young manager and earned the respect of many industry professionals," says his employer.

The judges thought that Kevin definitely has star quality and is a career bus and coach person. They noted that he has grown into his various roles and then increased his responsibilities. The industry needs good operations people and so were pleased to make Kevin the Gold Winner.

Winner, Silver Award: Ben Bhattal, The Kings Ferry

Twenty-five year old Ben Bhattal has been working at The Kings Ferry in Kent for three years, and according to his employer "has had an extremely positive impact on our business." Ben has quickly become an integral part of the senior management team looking after all aspects of sales and revenue generation, as well as playing a key role in marketing and business development. He has excellent project management skills and recently took on the deployment of a CRM system which is enabling the company to track the ROI on its marketing campaigns. Ben has built up a strong team around him and conducts his own sales training, which has brought a 7% increase in conversion rates.

The judges noted that Ben spends a lot of time mentoring and developing individuals within his team and has adopted The Kings Ferry professionalism to what he does. The entry showed good outcomes and was a good demonstration of his achievements. The consummate professional.

Who could be nominated?

People aged 30 or less who exercise management responsibility in:

• the provision of coach services including charter, tours, contracts or scheduled services
• services sold mainly or solely to coach operators
• lead an organisation or major business unit in a professional capacity
• own and operate their own business employing more than five people

and by whom?

We welcomed nominations from all eligible organisations, both of their own employees and of outstanding young managers with whom they work in partnership or as stakeholders. Self-nomination is NOT appropriate for this category.

Criteria and Entry Requirements

The judges reached their decision on the quality of the written submissions made by the nominating organisation and by the nominees themselves. Short-listed entrants may be required to make a presentation to the judges and be interviewed by them.

Nominating organisations must be able to demonstrate that the nominees have shown excellence in management and leadership and that this has been recognised by them. Nominations must be able to demonstrate that the nominee has:

• An ability to manage complex tasks, people, processes and the environment in which their organisation operates
• Effective communication skills with both staff and stakeholders
• A commitment to mentoring or other leadership activities
• Demonstrable ability to perform to a budget.