sponsored by

The winners of these awards deliver consistently excellent customer service. The operators demonstrate their success through sustained effort.

They have shown that they:

• are financially sound
• maintain high operational and engineering standards
• give priority to the Health and Safety of staff and passengers through comprehensive risk management
• invest in their fleet and staff
• form effective partnerships
• identify with and respond to the communities they serve
• always strive to sustain and grow the market for coaches and coach services.

As well as this award for the medium operators of fleets between 21 and 100 vehicles, there are two others for businesses with fleets of 20 or fewer and over 100 vehicles.

From the winners of these three awards, the judges chose an overall winner, named UK Coach Operator of the Year.

For each of the categories, customer nominations were sought from group organisers and other industry clients. Nominated operators are also  invited to submit further information to the judges. The judging process also includes 'mystery shopping' of the nominated operators to test their commitment to customer service.

Winner, Gold Award: Excelsior Coaches

With 90 years of experience, Excelsior claims to provide the most modern air-conditioned fleet in the region and is one of only 46 elite coach operators in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Coach Marque award. Excelsior operates a modern fleet of 40 vehicles, with the oldest vehicle being less than nine years old and employs 90 members of staff.

Excelsior have come a long way since it rose from the ashes of the previously long established Bournemouth operator. Under its new management, it has developed the business to serve new customers, and the judges were impressed with the development and success of its corporate travel product. This provides a complete transport solution to that market, moving away from the traditional 'private hire' type of product. In addition, Excelsior's commitment to training and formalised quality assurance standards dovetail perfectly with this type of business development.

Winner, Silver Award: York Pullman Bus Company

York Pullman is the largest family owned coach company in the York area, specialising in schools and college work as well as all types of coach hire. Starting in 2007 and taking it's branding, ethos and high standards from the original York based operator of the same name, 80 vehicles are operated from bases the York and East Riding.

The judges were impressed by the company's achievements in expanding its operation and the ability and willingness to innovate.

Winner, Bronze Award: Belle Vue Manchester

Belle Vue Manchester is a fast growing bus and coach operation running 70 vehicles across the north west as well as rest of the UK and Europe. The company has achieved ISO9001 status and is launching a brand new fleet of Mercedes Benz coaches to businesses across the north west. Belle Vue 's vision is to build a transport system by road that is safer, cleaner and greener.

Finalist: Alfa Coaches

Alfa Coaches is a family owned business, established in 1997. The company owns a fleet of 48 coaches, of which 34 vehicles are Mercedes coaches, including seven Euro 6 vehicles. Alfa employs 50 drivers and a further 20 employees at the Head Office in Chorley and at interchanges across the country.

Who could be nominated?

The awards are open to all operators of coaches for hire to the general public or used on tours and excurions.

... and by whom?

Group organisers and other clients who hire coaches on an occasional or regular basis were asked to nominate the coach company which has delivered the best service to their groups. Self-nomination was also acceptable.