Chris Grayling MP praises Epsom boss as he hands over recognition award
Steve Whiteway, former MD of Epsom Coaches and one of the judges of the British Coach Tourism Awards, has won the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award in the Epsom & Ewell Business Awards.
The award honours Mr Whiteway’s career at the helm of Epsom Coaches, which was one of the most successful businesses in the area until its closure earlier this year.
The award was presented by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, who is MP for Epsom and Ewell.
Mr Grayling says: “Special congratulations to Steve Whiteway; it was fabulous to honour the career of such a respected business leader. I know he intends to continue to play an active role in the business community, and his expertise will no doubt be highly sought after.”
Mr Whiteway joined Epsom Coaches as a trainee driver in 1980. In 1995 he was appointed a director, the first non-family member to join the firm’s board since its creation in 1920.
He developed the business into a diverse operation with over 150 vehicles and 400 staff, and doubled its turnover in the last 10 years.
He served as Confederation of Passenger Transport President twice, and his honest approach saw a board of staff at Epsom Coaches drawn from each department, and chaired by one of the drivers. The business was also heavily involved with the community, supporting many local events and charities.
The 10-vehicle coaching arm of Epsom Coaches was closed in June this year by its parent company RATP Dev, which retained its Quality Line London bus services. Its holidays business was bought by Morpeth-based Gardiners NMC, which now has a shop in Epsom.
