A LOCAL bus manager has been announced as one of the finalists of the 2022 routeone Awards, which recognises the most outstanding operators and people in the coach and bus industry.
Now in its 16th year, the routeone Awards is the highest accolade within the UK bus and coach industry.
Marc Reddy at First Bus, First Hampshire at Dorset and Berkshire, has been shortlisted in the Manager of the Year in the Large Operator category.
Mr Reddy, from Bournemouth, said: “I’m very honoured to have been shortlisted for this prestigious industry award. It is as much a testimony to my wonderful team as it is to me and I’d like to thank all of our hard-working and dedicated staff. I look forward to the awards ceremony later in the year.”
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The awards are only open to those who have been nominated by their industry peers, so to be invited to enter is an achievement in itself. All nominees were invited to submit an entry, detailing why they deserve to win, before a judging panel of industry experts created a shortlist of finalists.
Marc and the rest of the potential winners are now one step closer to being recognised as the best, the results will be announced at a black-tie event on Wednesday November 2 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Event director Helen Conway said: “After two years of disruption across the sector, we are delighted to host the routeone Awards again in November.
“As ever, the Awards seek to reward people and operators for their exemplary achievements at a fantastic in-person presentation evening where we can truly celebrate the best in our industry. It is a huge achievement to be shortlisted, and we wish all our finalists the best of luck.”
A total of 68 finalists will compete across 15 categories, including two new categories: The Above and Beyond Award and Outstanding Customer Experience. The Above and Beyond Award recognises individuals or businesses that have gone the extra mile to support their organisation and the wider coach and bus industry since 2020. Whilst Outstanding Customer Experience rewards the individual or team that has put their customers’ experience at the forefront of their thinking.t
Marc Reddy will be up against contenders from Adventure Travel, First Eastern Countries, Go South West and Edwards Coaches in the Manager of the Year, Large Operator category, partnered by Freeway Fleet Systems. To qualify as a large operator, the company must manage over 150 vehicles.
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The judging panel includes seven senior industry figures. Returning judges include Joan Aitken, former traffic commissioner for Scotland; Kevin Middleton, former engineering consultant; Peter Nash, former head of commercial policy for Stagecoach UK Bus; Richard Delahoy, transport consultant; and Steve Dewhurst, former managing director for Volvo Bus. Former Nottingham City Transport managing director Mark Fowles and former Volvo Bus product engineering manager Norman Thomas join the panel for their first year.
For the first time in three years, the evening will bring together 800 industry professionals for a three-course dinner, entertainment, networking and an awards presentation.
For more go to routeoneawards.com/.
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