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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.

Gold Award Winners: The Kings Ferry, Gillingham, Kent

The Kings Ferry was founded by Peter O’Neill in 1968, and he ran the business with his family until 2007, when it was sold to current owners National Express Group. in 1968, The Kings Ferry has grown into a renowned and respected operator, with a fleet of over 85 vehicles and a range of commuter services linking various parts of North Kent and the Isle of Sheppey with Canary Wharf and central London. In 2013, the company began operating in North Somerset too. Embracing the very highest standards in all areas of the business, this makes the makes the business stand out from the competition - the essential component in making a good business great: the success of The Kings Ferry is testament to this approach.

The judges praised the pursuit of excellence by managers in all areas of the company and the success that this has brought.

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 is also acceptable.