This award is presented annually by UK Coach Awards to somebody in the world of coaching who has devoted a lifetime to the industry, and delivered exceptional service in the provision and/or delivery of coach services.

The award is designed to recognise a significant and sustained contribution to the success of the industry by an individual who has gone consistently beyond the call of normal duty to improve and promote the coach industry for its users or the wider community.

The Winner in 2015: John Gilbert

John began his career at Skills coaches in Nottingham, moving to Wallace Arnold in Leeds in the early nineteen seventies to head up the first international express coach services to the continent, developed under the Euroways banner. 

The international business grew, eventually becoming the Eurolines Organisation, a group of thirty-two transport operators offering over five hundred destinations throughout Europe and into Russia. John has been President of Eurolines since 2009.

During his time in the industry, he has experienced deregulation, mergers, changes of ownership and privatisation but has steadily worked through it all to oversee the development and delivery of an outstanding and successful product to the public.

Who could be nominated?

Individuals working in any coach-related environment and at any level of seniority.

… and by whom?

Nominations will be accepted from operators, local authorities, other bodies involved in the planning and provision of coach services and other organisations working with the industry or on behalf of its users.

The Criteria:

Given the broad spread of individuals that might be nominated for this award, the UKCA organising committee will use its discretion in considering nominations for this award and will seek the necessary verification. The following will be taken into account:

• The level of service delivered
• Any special circumstances
• Consistent record of achievement
• Sustainability of the entrant’s contributions