This category is designed to recognise young managers involved in coaching and coach tourism with a proven record of commitment and success.

Winner: Mark Pitter, Coliseum Coaches

Mark joined the industry in 2004, and was recently promoted to the position of General Manager at his Southampton-based company which is now part of the Lucketts group.

His employers told us, "Mark's enthusiams for the coach industry shines though in his work and his determination to provide the customer with the very best service at all times echos the values of the company.

Whether dealing with the customers, passengers or staff, Mark shows a very high level of understanding of the business and is always eager to be given greater responsibility when he feels he is able to take on new tasks.

Mark is one of the new generation in the coach  industry and it is very much our intention for him to bring new ideas into the business, both in regards to operations and sales. Needless to say, he has already brought a greater knowledge of using technology in the business, so much so that the effieciency of the administration has improved a massive amount in a very short space of time."

Mark's enthusiasm and ability also greatly impressed the judges, who awarded him first prize in a very close contest.

Runner Up: Jonathan Pollard, National Express

At just 28 years of age, Jonathan Pollard is the youngest person to become Head of Business Development for the National Express coach business.  He oversees an annual revenue budget in excess of £30m and has a team of six people reporting directly to him. His focus is on maximising the profit from National Express’ existing mix of retail agents and commercial partners, whilst also developing key new business relationships with major B2B organisations.

His employers told us that he had continually demonstrated a commitment, focus and drive for the transport industry, that had helped National Express to develop new areas of business. Bruce Alexander, Business Development Director for National Express, told us: "Jonathan has been instrumental in securing new commercial partnerships for which we shall see the full benefits in 2012.  His tenacious approach is ideally suited to Business Development and I am confident that he has a promising career ahead of him in the transport industry."

The judges were very also impressed indeed by Jonathan's abilities and inter-personal skills, and named him runner up after a very close-fought contest.

Who can be nominated?

People aged 30 or less who exercise management responsibility in:

• the provision of coach services including charter, tours, contracts or scheduled services
• services sold mainly or solely to coach operators
• lead an organisation or major business unit in a professional capacity
• own and operate their own business employing more than five people

and by whom?

We welcomed nominations from all eligible organisations, both of their own employees and of outstanding young managers with whom they work in partnership or as stakeholders. Self-nomination is NOT appropriate for this category.