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The winners of the Coach Operator 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.

From the winners of the three awards for different fleet sizes, 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.

Winners: Woods Travel Group, Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Woods Travel has been established for over 40 years and has featured in the UK Coach Awards before.

The company is family-run, with an excellent reputation among its customers, many of whom are repeat business.

The judges were impressed by the company’s track record of growth, diversification and adaptability, which has kept it among the leaders of quality coach service and holiday suppliers.

Runner Up: Maynes Coaches of Buckie, Moray

Maynes is a well-known name in the coach industry and the company has been trading since 1947.

The need to adapt in an ever-changing market is well understood and there is constant investment in staff and vehicles. Standards are high, amply demonstrated by the most recent, very successful Coach Marque inspection and, just as importantly, excellent customer feedback.

The judges were impressed by the high standards set by Maynes in all areas of its operations.

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.