Sponsored by

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.

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.

Winners: Anthony's Travel

This business was established in 1985 by Anthony, Anne and Richard Bamber with one mini-coach the firm now has an extensive fleet of 16 coaches  and mini-coaches and over 40 members of staff.

From its base in Runcorn, Cheshire Anthony's Travel provides coach transport for a wide range of clients, businesses, educational establishments, sports teams, tour operators and local authorities.  The emphasis is on high quality service and vehicles with a family touch and the firm is an approved member of Coach Marque.

The judges were impressed by the exceptional effort applied to every aspect of the business from customer relations to extra vehicle equipment. There is strong support for local charities, sports teams and schools - which clearly pays dividends in maintaining a strong  identity in the Runcorn area. What comes across is a firm that really cares about its customers and is known for 'putting something back' into the community.

The customers who nominated them praised the helpfulness of staff in making bookings, the cleanliness of coaches, friendliness of drivers, and value for money.

Full details can be found by visiting the company's website at www.anthonys-travel.co.uk

The Runners Up: Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire

Winners of the Coach Operator of the Year (Large Fleets) for two years running, and winner of this award in 2010, Johnsons continues to impress with its wide product range, quality fleet and the enthusiasm and helpfulness of its staff at all levels in the business.

The "Travel with Johnsons, Travel with Friends" motto is deeply ingrained in everything the firm does.

For more information, visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk