The road to success starts here. It’s time for the industry to identify the best of the best for the sought-after honour of being recognised at 2019’s routeone Awards, with presentations made on 2 October
The date is set and the wheels are in motion for Diversified Communications to deliver the number one event for the coach and bus industry: The routeone Awards. But first, we need your nominations for the 16 categories.
By completing the form on the routeone Awards website (www.routeoneawards.com), the supply side of the industry – dealers, manufacturers and other suppliers – is invited to name those who deserve to be identified as potential winners. The deadline for those nominations is 5 April.
A celebration of the best
The routeone Awards recognise and celebrate the greatest achievements, the finest innovation and the highest standards of excellence among operators.
Exemplary practice will see the winner of each category crowned the nation’s best at the presentation evening, which takes place on 2 October at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, adjacent to the NEC.
But the event is equally an opportunity for everyone in the industry to celebrate its successes. That’s why it is such a high-profile event with a top-level presenter. Last year it was with great pleasure that we welcomed Alistair McGowan, who co-presented with routeone Editor Tim Deakin. Not only did he ensure that the evening was conducted with humour and style, but he also delivered his highly-acclaimed stand-up routine, to the delight of the over 800 guests.
Recognition
The routeone Awards is our way of extending support to the industry. It is specifically designed to rewards operators. For the winners, there is the kudos that flows from being recognised as the best in the business. There’s a trophy and a certificate presented at an event that is guaranteed to win maximum national exposure.
Winners in previous years have not been slow to take advantage of the opportunity to promote their success through their local media, and on their vehicles, letterheads, brochures and via other channels. It’s beyond question that winning presents invaluable marketing opportunities that can only boost a business.
Starting now
The road to success for 2019’s winners starts now to allow enough time for nomination, shortlisting and final judging. This process ensures out of necessity that entry information is comprehensive, that the judging is meticulous and that the results are credible.
All of the 16 categories are listed below. There are 10 for operators and six for people. The latter include the Rising Star award, which was introduced following a recommendation by the judge.
They had been impressed by some entries from individuals in the early stages of their careers, but who had yet to establish themselves sufficiently to justify recognition in one of the other categories. Nominations are made in complete confidence and they will help to decide who will be put forward as finalists.
It is only through nomination that an operator stands any chance of being a finalist. Nominations are invited from manufacturers, dealers and suppliers.
Additionally, nominations for the people categories are also welcomed from third-party recommendation, or by nomination endorsed by your Managing Director or business proprietor.
The next stage
Once nominations close on 5 April, all nominees will be asked to complete an entry form with information that will allow the panel of judges to determine the shortlists when they meet in June.
These finalists will then be given the opportunity to submit detailed supplementary information that may be required by the judges before final decisions on the winners are made in the summer. In the event of the judges needing further evidence, they will either visit or interview finalists.
The judges
The judging panel includes Steve Dewhurst, Chris Heaps, Tony Kennan, Peter Nash and Kevin Wood. Further judges will be added before selection of the finalists commences.
Steve Dewhurst was Managing Director of Volvo Bus for eight years until he retired in 2013.
Chris Heaps was Traffic Commissioner for the Western Traffic Area between 1997 and 2000. He moved to hold the same position in the South Eastern and Metropolitan Traffic Area until 2007.
Tony Kennan was one of the founding directors of The Prodmutual Transport Group, which was established in March 1987 with a view to acquiring parts of the privatised National Bus Company.
Peter Nash was formerly Commercial Director of Busways Travel Services, which was sold to Stagecoach in 1994. In 1999, he became Head of Commercial Policy for Stagecoach UK Bus.
Kevin Wood spent his working life in coach sales, 27 years of which was with Plaxton. He was a member of the management team that saved Plaxton in the wake of parent company Mayflower going into administration in 2004. Plaxton was subsequently sold to Alexander Dennis and he became Sales Director until taking partial retirement in 2014.
A celebration
The routeone Awards presentation evening coincides with Coach & Bus UK, which will be held at the NEC on 2-3 October. That makes it the perfect high-profile and proven event for the industry to celebrate achievements and excellence. The presentation evening will once again live up to the enviable reputation that it has earned over the past 14 years as the best of its kind.
It’s no wonder that each year, the routeone Awards has been a sell-out event weeks in advance. It has filled to capacity the Hilton Birmingham Metropole’s largest function room. This year promises to be no exception.
Number one
Making its debut in 2005 and now in its 15th year, the routeone Awards is firmly established as the number one event in the industry calendar. For an operator, there are three steps to winning. First, the industry must nominate you. Second, you must be shortlisted by the judges. And thirdly, you must convince the judges that you are the best.
As an individual manager or engineer there are also three steps, and three possible routes, to nomination. In addition to being recommended by the supply side of the industry, you can be brought to the attention of the judges by a nomination endorsed by your Managing Director or business proprietor; there is also the prospect of your name emerging via your company’s submission for one of the operator categories.
The Awards categories, and how they will be applied…
Operator Training Award:
For the operator that demonstrates the ways in which its excellent employee training on all levels has produced measurable results for its business, and how its commitment to training has improved over the last year.
Manager of the Year, small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles):
For the manager who has shown commitment, enthusiasm and an excellent ability to motivate, and how they have made a personal contribution to growth, innovation and results within a small/medium-sized operator.
*Finalists will be required to attend an interview with the judging panel in July.
Manager of the Year, large operator (over 150 vehicles), in partnership with Lytx:
For the manager with the proven abilities that place them above their peers. They show commitment, enthusiasm and an excellent ability to motivate. They have also personally contributed to growth, innovation and results within their organisation.
*Finalists will be required to attend an interview with the judging panel in July.
Engineer of the Year, small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles), in partnership with Pelican Yutong:
Recognises and rewards the talent of a skilled engineer within a small- or medium-sized operator. Entrants should demonstrate their ability to manage complex tasks and processes, to manage specified targets, and show effective communication skills.
*Finalists will be required to attend an interview with the judging panel in July.
Engineer of the Year, large operator (over 150 vehicles), in partnership with Knorr-Bremse:
Recognises and rewards the talent of a skilled engineer within a large operator. Entrants should demonstrate their ability to manage complex tasks and process, to manage specified targets, and show effective communication skills.
*Finalists will be required to attend an interview with the judging panel in July.
Rising Star 2019, in partnership with Optibus:
Focuses specifically on the under-30 talent within the industry. Entrants must show clear evidence of their progress to date, and how their skills will be used in the future to take on the most senior roles within the business. Evidence should show how the entrant:
- Communicates with customers and staff at all levels
- Manages budgets
- Manages tasks and processes within their business.
*Finalists will be required to attend an interview with the judging panel in July. Although previous entrants are eligible for nomination, previous winners of this category are not.
Best Use of Technology (up to 150 vehicles), in partnership with Siemens:
Recognises high-level success where introduction of the latest technology has delivered quantifiable benefits for a business and its customers.
Best Use of Technology (over 150 vehicles), in partnership with Alfatronix:
Recognises high-level success where introduction of the latest technology has delivered quantifiable benefits for a business and its customers.
Environment Award, in partnership with Optare:
For the operator with an exceptional commitment to a green agenda. It will provide evidence that will show the nature of the project or innovation, and a report on its benefits, including how they have been achieved.
Excellence in Minibus Operation, in partnership with Trusted Travel Reviews:
The judges will look for the minibus operator that demonstrates a commitment to quality, innovation, training and customer service.
*Operators will be required to supply financial accounts for judging. Fleet size for this category is dependent on the total number of mini or midi vehicles operated.
Small Coach Operator of the Year (up to 15 vehicles), in partnership with MAN Truck and Bus:
The judges will look for the small coach operator that demonstrates a commitment to quality, innovation and customer service.
*Operators will be required to supply financial accounts for judging. Fleet size for this category is dependent on the total number of coaches operated, not overall fleet size.
Medium Coach Operator of the Year (16-50 vehicles), in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches:
The judges will look for the medium coach operator that demonstrates a commitment to quality, innovation and customer service.
*Operators will be required to supply financial accounts for judging. Fleet size for this category is dependent on the total number of coaches operated, not overall fleet size.
Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year (up to 150 vehicles), in partnership with Ticketer:
Focusing on exceptional ‘on the road’ performance of the small/medium bus operator, with evidence to show exemplary service in every respect.
*Operators will be required to supply financial accounts for judging. Fleet size for this category is dependent on the total number of buses operated, not overall fleet size.
Large Coach Operator of the Year (over 50 vehicles), in partnership with Volvo Bus:
The judges will look for the large coach operator that demonstrates a commitment to quality, innovation and customer service.
*Operators will be required to supply financial accounts for judging. Fleet size for this category is dependent on the total number of coaches operated, not overall fleet size.
Large Bus Operator of the Year (over 150 vehicles), in partnership with Ticketer:
Focusing on exceptional ‘on the road’ performance of the large bus operator, with evidence to show exemplary service in every respect.
*Operators will be required to supply financial accounts for judging. Fleet size for this category is dependent on the total number of buses operated, not overall fleet size.
Special Award, in partnership with Allison Transmission:
For the individual who is judged to have made a very special contribution to the industry.
