This award is presented to the coach driver who works wholly or mainly on charter, day excursion and touring duties who has best demonstrated excellent performance from the customer perspective in the 12 month period to the end of September.

To win the title of Top UK Coach Touring Driver, entrants need to go that bit further in order to provide the customer’s ideal: a driver who is friendly, helpful, conscientious and mindful of passengers’ comfort and well-being – in short, a true professional and worthy ambassador for the industry. 

Winner, Gold Award

Adrian Waine - Pulham and Sons (Coaches)

Adrian Waine drives for Pulhams and Sons 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 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 with is passengers.

Winner, Silver Award

Frank Turner - BusyBus

'Fun' Frank Turner is a tour driver and guide for Cheshire-based BusyBus, a company that specialises in exploring areas and routes not accessible to full-size coaches using minibuses. Frank has in devised many of the tours, promoting BusyBus with some excellent photography through the company's Facebook page and working to bring in new customers. He is also a solid team player, stepping up to the plate whenever a job needs to be done. He is always happy to pass on his knowledge and train the other drivers whenever and where ever he can. Frank a superb tour driver and whether it is raining, snowing, gale force wind or glorious sunshine, he has a way of making the best of any weather and ensuring that his passengers have a wonderful day. His enthusiasm is infectious - and the company's clients love him!

Clearly a popular driver with other staff and especially his passenger, the judges were impressed with the high number of very positive customer comments.

Winner, Bronze Award

Daryl Cooper - Shearings Holidays

Daryl Cooper is one of Shearings' most experienced tour drivers and receives excellent feedback from his passenger and managers. He always presents himself in a professional manner and promotes the virtues of wearing full corporate uniform. Daryl is passionate and cares about the job, constantly looking to improve the service he gives to his passengers. He is always happy to make suggestions and offer new ideas to enhance his tours well as others. He was part of a team of drivers that suggested a new tour to Lido di Jesolo near Venice, which is now in the brochure.

The judges noted Daryl's willingness to always look at ways of improving his tours and demonstrates a genuine passion for his work.

Who could be nominated?

Any licensed PCV driver working full time, who was in continuous employment on for a coach company for the 12 months ended 30 September 2016, who works wholly or mainly on day excursions, private charter or extended tour work.

…and by whom?

Nominations were sought from employers or from customers for the coach touring drivers they consider worthy of this award.

Where staff were nominated by customers, UKCA organisers sought further information and endorsement from employers and the consent of the driver concerned to their name being put forward for the award. 

Criteria and Entry Requirements

As well as nomination by customers, entrants will be assessed on their technical and professional skill. Evidence of this will be required and could include:

• Technical and professional skills as evidenced by: 
  • The nominee’s accident record
  • Number and duration of safe driving awards won by the nominee
  • Internal driver assessment reports including fuel monitoring systems when employed by the company
  • Marks achieved in a company, regional or national competition held at coach rallies or other events.
• Disciplinary and attendance record
• Customer care skills
• Planning and research work to enhance customer experience

In addition to the skills section, short-listed entrants for the Top UK Coach Driver award will be assessed on: 

• Public Commendations
• Disciplinary record

In short, the winner of the Top UK Coach Touring Driver prize will be the individual who best represents the whole range of professional and customer care skills required for this important and highly demanding job.