A small number of updates to categories and criteria have been introduced to the routeone Awards for 2025 to enable the premier recognition scheme for coach and bus to continue to accurately reflect the sector.
It comes as this year’s contest opens ahead of judging in coming months. That work will culminate with the naming of winners in 16 categories at the presentation evening held on Thursday 13 November at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham.
A return to that venue follows a move to The Vox in 2024, which drew a sell-out crowd of over 900 coach and bus industry guests and acclaim for the new setting.
The seven-strong judging panel of Joan Aitken, David Cattermole, Richard Delahoy, Nigel Eggleton, Mark Fowles, Graham Russell and Norman Thomas will also return for 2025, bringing extensive sector knowledge across multiple disciplines.
Among amendments debuted from this year is a repositioning of the category focused on environmental awareness into the Sustainability Award. Open to all operators, it encourages consideration of the widest possible picture in the sustainability field.
Meanwhile, the two Engineer of the Year categories – for engineers with small/medium operators and large operators, respectively – now focus on engineering managers with direct responsibility for fleet maintenance and vehicle availability.
Other categories – detailed in full on the routeone Awards website, where nominations can be made – remain the same. However, in recognition of the growing importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, entrants will be invited to share how those principles factor into their work as part of the judging criteria.
Also clarified is how for entrants to the Rising Star category, the judges reserve the right to transfer those individuals to the appropriate Manager of the Year or Engineer of the Year category should it be deemed more appropriate – moves that previously have seen those entrants victorious.
As in previous years, entry to the routeone Awards is by nomination. Those can come from manufacturers, dealers and suppliers, and in people categories, they are also invited by third-party recommendation or individuals directly if endorsed by the business proprietor, CEO or Managing Director.
The presentation evening will be co-hosted by routeone Editor Tim Deakin and a celebrity to be announced on the night. Backing from partners and supporters on the supply side of the industry is strong once more in recognition of the prestige that comes from association with the routeone Awards.
Speaking about the first step on the road to crowning the winners, Event Director Helen Conway says: “We are already witnessing strong interest in the 2025 scheme as the industry again sees the routeone Awards as the premier way to recognise and acknowledge excellence in its ranks.
“In 2024 we saw a superb response from entrants and partners and supporters, along with positive feedback on the change of venue. That leaves us looking forward to this year’s contest as we once again seek to crown the best in the business.
“I am pleased that via listening to feedback we have been able to develop some parts of our categories and entry criteria. That indicates both how core to the coach and bus industry the routeone Awards are, and our keenness to ensure that they accurately reflect its make-up.”
To recognise those who submit nominations, all such parties will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to with a ÂŁ750 media spend with routeone. Full terms and conditions can be found on the event website.
For all Awards partnership and sponsorship enquiries, please contact Sales Manager Martin Laverton via email.
