It was testament to the immense popularity of this annual event that, despite the downturn and straightened financial times, all seats were again sold out weeks in advance, presenting the very real risk that for the first time in the event’s history one or more of the 15 winners may not have been present. As always, the results remained a closely guarded secret until the big event when they were announced by the individual sponsors of each award and invited on to the stage to receive their trophy and certificate by well-known sports presenter, John Inverdale, who co-hosted the event.

First on stage was Reading Buses CEO James Freeman who collected the Operator Training Award. He was followed by the other winners Andrew Richmond, Simon Dunn, James Lloyd, Phil Margrave, Ellison’s Travel, Courtney Coaches, White’s Coaches, David Palmer Coaches, Ensignbus, Jones Login, Bluestar, Clarkes of London, East Yorkshire Motor Services, and, finally, David Morris the winner of the routeONE Special Award. It was with some relief that each of the winners was present, though the surprise and delight in each and every case was self-evident.

The Operator Excellence Awards are routeONE’s way of extending our support for the operating side of the industry. However, it is important that the whole industry shares this celebration of excellence and the event on Wednesday 7 October succeeded in this respect.

Although there is a very serious tone to this black tie event, with great emphasis rightly placed on the achievements of the winners and those who have been shortlisted, it is also now firmly established as an industry occasion to be enjoyed. This important element was reinforced by the thoroughly professional co-host, John Inverdale, and emphasised by Roy Walker’s distinctive brand of comedy when he took to the stage after the presentations. Nevertheless, the spotlight was firmly on those who had won… and rightly so.

Their success follows a rigorous process that started with nominations from the industry. This was followed by shortlisting by the panel of judges who then called for the submission of detailed supporting evidence so that they could make their final decisions. For the winners there’s the clear benefit of being singled out as being the best in the business. There’s a trophy and certificate, though this is just the start because they now have a golden opportunity to promote their success through their local media, and then throughout the year on vehicles, letterheads, brochures, etc. Winning really will present invaluable marketing opportunities that can only boost their business. However, there’s a wider benefit for the wider industry through the promotion of excellence, which can only boost the popular perception of coach and bus travel.