This award will be presented by UK Coach Awards to somebody in the world of coach tourism 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 2010: Sean Taggart

Our award for services to the industry this year goes to somebody who has many years’ experience in coach tourism and group travel, as the chief executive and - since summer 2008, the co-owner - of one of the largest and most respected group travel companies in the UK, which marks its 25th anniversary this year and organises travel for over 5,000 groups a year.

Above and beyond this demanding role, he participates in several industry and trade associations, being a member of the Small Business Council and moderator of its Skills Interest Group. He is a past Chairman of the British Association of Wholesale Tour Agents  and Chairman of the Coach Tourism Council. He works with VisitBritain and that he is on the advisory board to VisitEngland for coach tourism. He has also made a huge contribution to the success of Best of Britain and Ireland Travel Trade Event, and he sits on Confederation of Passenger Transport's Coach Commission.

Sean is a passionate advocate for group travel and coach tourism, and the Management Committee felt that his immense hard work on behalf of the whole industry meant that the award was richly deserved.

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