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This category recognises young managers involved in coaching and coach tourism who can demonstrate a proven record of commitment and success.

Winner, Gold Award

Richard Johnson - Whittles Coaches

As Assistant Manager of Kidderminster based Whittles Coaches, Richard Johnson is no stranger to the coach industry as he is the fourth generation of the Johnson family from Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel. He joined the team at Whittles Coaches when Johnsons acquired the company in 2015. Since then, Richard has hit the ground running, learning many complex tasks and processes and also rescuing the reputation of the Whittles brand which was at an all-time low. Through driver mentoring, building customer relationships and office management, Richard has increased sales and helped to put Whittles Coaches firmly back on the map. It is Richard's industry passion and drive that really sets him apart though. He is a great ambassador for the company whether he is welcoming a new client to the office, visiting travel agents, attending an industry exhibition, or even driving the coach. His enthusiasm and welcoming personality is a key motivator for the company.

The judges were extremely impressed with how Richard has revitalised Whittles Coaches, working through every aspect of the business including mentoring drivers and building relationships with customers leading to increased sales.

Winner, Silver Award

Daniel Almond - R S Tyrers

Daniel Almond has been Assistant Operations Manager at Chorley based RS Tyrers for less than two years and initially joined the operations department straight from university where he studied to be a PE teacher. He has a wide range of responsibilities from dealing with telephone enquiries and complaints to co-ordinating lost property and putting through DBS checks for drivers.

At 23 years of age, Daniel is the youngest member of the Tyrers management team but has a great understanding of his role and is keen to learn. He constantly strives to improve the service provided and also increase the level of information given to the driver team ensuring they are fully prepared for each day.

Daniel impressed the judges with his willingness to get involved in all aspects of the business: they feel he has a lot of potential for a really good career in the industry.

Who could be nominated?

People aged 30 or less on 30 September 2016, 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.

To be eligible, nominees must:

• lead an organisation or major business unit in a professional capacity
• own and operate their own business employing more than five people
• have worked in their current capacity for a continuous period of twelve months ended 30 September 2015.

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. 

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.