Judging for the 2022 routeone Awards is complete and the winners of the coach and bus industry’s premier recognition showcase have been decided ahead of its return to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on the evening of Wednesday 2 November after a three-year hiatus.
Finalisation of the individuals and businesses that will be named as the best in their sector came after a gathering of the seven-strong judging panel in Birmingham earlier in September. It follows the reveal of the shortlisted finalists in August.
In addition to established panel members Joan Aitken OBE, Richard Delahoy, Steve Dewhurst, Kevin Middleton and Peter Nash, judging in the routeone Awards for the first time in 2022 have been former Nottingham City Transport Managing Director Mark Fowles OBE and Norman Thomas, previously Volvo Bus Product Engineering Manager.
The gathering of judges saw numerous finalists in the people categories attend for interview, with winners in all 16 categories – including the prestigious Special Award – agreed upon after extensive discussion. New for 2022 are the Above and Beyond and Outstanding Customer Experience categories, both of which drew a strong field of debut entries.
Finishing touches are now being put to proceedings ahead of the presentation evening in six weeks’ time. It will sit alongside trade show Euro Bus Expo, which is to be held at the adjacent NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November as the industry shapes up for three superb days of networking, engagement and socialising.
Ticket sales for the routeone Awards are open. Organiser Diversified Communications has reported that interest has been strong, with well in excess of 700 places already accounted for.
The number of remaining tickets continues to reduce daily ahead of an expected sell-out attendance as the industry signals its desire to reconnect and recognise excellence within its ranks.
Tickets are priced at £173 plus VAT and include a three-course meal, table wine and entertainment. The presentation evening will be jointly hosted by routeone Editor Tim Deakin and a well-known celebrity, with previous events having welcomed names including Rory Bremner, Hugh Dennis, Alistair McGowan, Tim Vine and John Culshaw.
Book tickets here.
