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This award is presented to the coach driver who has best demonstrated excellent performance from the customer perspective in the 12 month period to the end of December 2010.

To win the title of Top UK Coach Driver, nominees need to go that extra mile 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 job.

Gold Award Winner: Andy Daw, Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel, Henley-in-Arden

Andy is Johnsons most sought after coach driver and is currently the company’s driver of the year after meeting some very strict criteria for reliability, attitude and excellent customer service.

Unusually, he decided that coach driving was for him after being a Johnsons customer. It has proved to be a mutually beneficial relationship and Andy’s conscientiousness and high standards are highly regarded by his employers and their customers.

Silver Award Winner: Michael Sinclair, Reays Coaches, Wigton

His employer says of Mick Sinclair; “He ticks all the boxes for customer care, punctuality and technical and professional standards, as shown in his commendations from passengers.”

He takes great pride in his work, which includes regular work for professional football clubs, as well as less glamorous jobs. The judges agreed that Mick is a truly worthy recipient of an award.

Bronze Award Winner: Paul Smythe, Woods Travel, Bognor Regis

Paul is a bright, cheerful individual who is popular with colleagues and customers alike. As well as carrying out his driving duties with dedication and diligence, he is qualified to assist with the maintenance of the Woods fleet and can carry out minor repairs to his coach if necessary while away from base. The number of commendations from satisfied customers is testament to Paul’s approach.

Highly Commended

James Dearden – Anthony’s Travel

Jim, as he is known to colleagues and customers, was a police officer for some 30 years before joining Anthony’s Travel in 2006. This may partly explain why he has proved to be such an exemplary employee. His attention to detail when planning routes and rest stops is exceptional and his highly professional approach in all matters makes him a true ambassador for the coach industry.

Geoff Singer – Lawton’s Executive Coaches

Geoff is a willing and conscientious individual with a great sense of humour. He is even a competent cartoonist! He has a diligent and flexible approach to his work and is the recipient of many customer commendations. His ‘can do’ attitude means that nothing is too much trouble. The judges had no hesitation in giving Geoff their own commendation.

Who could be nominated?

Any licensed PCV driver in full-time employment, who has been in continuous employment on coach services for the 12 months ended 31 December 2012.

…and by whom?

Nominations were sought from group organisers and other coach hire clients for the coach drivers they consider worthy of this award.

UKCA organisers then sought further information 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:

• The nominee’s accident record
• Number and duration of safe driving awards won by the nominee
• Technical and professional skills, as evidenced by such items as internal driver assessment reports or marks achieved in a company, regional or national competition held at the coach rallies or other events.

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 Coach Driver of the Year prize goes to the individual who best represents the whole range of professional and customer care skills required for this important and highly demanding job.