His catchphrase ‘Know what I mean, ‘Arry” made him Great Britain’s best-loved boxer – and Frank Bruno MBE was on hand to salute Transdev’s own winners in Northern England at its annual Amazing Awards.
Presented at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, 100 nominees and partners enjoyed a glittering return to the bus operator’s in-house awards event after an enforced gap last year due to pandemic restrictions.
Finalists won a place on the shortlist in nine categories from a total of over 1,300 people who keep the wheels turning at 10 bus companies operating hundreds of bus routes from Preston to the Yorkshire Coast – and as someone who knows that winning feeling, Frank Bruno MBE was knocked out to be part of it.
To you, the people who make Transdev the amazing team you really are – you’re all winners, and it’s an honor for me to share your night and celebrate what makes you special. Whether it’s driving the buses, keeping them clean and safe, or fixing them when you need to, every one of you is important and it’s down to your hard work and skill that people all over the North can get where they need to be. I had a tough time personally during lockdown so I know how much it matters to be able to be supported and feel part of a team – and I can see how proud you all are of each other. To all the Amazing Awards winners, well done and keep on packing a punch!
Harry Gration, Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
Our Amazing Awards again celebrated my colleagues’ incredible work and strong performance, showcasing their tremendous efforts in looking after their customers and fellow colleagues. We are proud to be seen as an industry leader, but that is only possible thanks to our 1,400 strong team of amazing people – forever our greatest assets. These awards helped to single out the best of the best on a very important and special evening for us all, and our congratulations and thanks go out to our nine winners and finalists.
Alex Hornby, Transdev UK CEO
Transdev’s Amazing Awards are divided into nine categories. Awards presented were:
- Rising Star – for an exceptional colleague who has impressed in a short time, and presented to Craig Barlow, duty manager at Rosso in Rochdale
- Lifetime Star – presented to a multi-talented colleague for their contribution to the business over many years, and won by The Keighley Bus Company driver Tim Alway
- Customer Choice Award – Transdev asked its customers to nominate their favorite drivers, along with the reasons why.
- The Harrogate Bus Company’s Keith Renshaw won the coveted prize
- Engineer of the Year (pictured above)– presented to Robert Brigg from The Keighley Bus Company for his outstanding contribution in maintaining safe, reliable buses
- Eco Champion – for smooth, safe and economical driving. Won by Mariusz Losinski, from York-based Cityzap and York & Country
- Team of the Year – won by the City Sightseeing York tour bus team for an amazing 2021 which saw them deliver the operation’s biggest ever season
- Hero of the Year – Rosso bus driver David Burke, who stepped in to prevent an attempt by a passer-by to take his own life
- Depot of the Year – teams are assessed on reliability, eco performance, engineering and route delivery, cost management, lost mileage, accident reduction and customer satisfaction. This year’s winners are The Keighley Bus Company
- Driver of the Year (pictured above) – given to The Blackburn Bus Company’s Kevin Hulbert, who achieved the highest ratings from mystery traveler journeys.
Master of ceremonies at the Amazing Awards was popular broadcaster and recently retired presenter of BBC Look North in Yorkshire, Harry Gration MBE.
I really look forward to the Amazing Awards – it’s always a fabulous event, and most of all it’s a chance for all of us to salute genuine heroes. Throughout this most challenging of times, you’ve all been there to provide an amazing service and a smile to reassure and welcome customers onto our buses. In a year when we’ve all had a lot to deal with, that is certainly something well worth celebrating.
Harry Gration, Most Excellent Order of the British Empire