First Bus has begun the search for the best people and teams from across its operating areas.
Building on the success of an annual internal award event in North England, First Bus is taking its employee ‘Excellence Awards’ nationwide with events planned in July in Stirling (Scotland), Leeds and Reading.
The awards are designed to reward and recognise teams and colleagues who live the company’s values and who go the extra mile. Colleagues were invited to submit nominations throughout the Spring across 13 different categories. The company received an overwhelming 1100 nominations and judges faced a tough job creating shortlists of between three and five.
Representatives from across all parts of First Bus, from Aberdeen to Penzance, and across all disciplines, from drivers, engineers, apprentices, cleaners and support staff will attend the award events.
The events, which are sponsored by a range of First Bus suppliers, have attracted some big names – Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell, Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings and North news anchor Harry Gration will be making appearances.
Managing Director of First Bus, Giles Fearnley said: "Across our business, we have thousands of colleagues who do a fantastic job day in and day out. They set high standards, are dedicated to safety and committed to our customers. Our ‘Excellence Awards’ events will put our colleagues and teams who go that extra mile in the spotlight and give the senior team and I an opportunity to reward, recognise and thank them for their efforts.”
Giles also paid tribute to the sponsors: “I’m delighted that so many of our industry partners are to be part of our events. We’ve got sponsors from across the industry looking forward to the Excellence Awards and I’d pay particular tribute to Alexander Dennis, our headline sponsor.”
Colin Robertson, Chief Executive of Alexander Dennis, said: “Alexander Dennis Limited is delighted to be supporting the First UK Bus Excellence Awards. We’re looking forward to meeting and engaging with the people who influence our design, engineering and product development initiatives. The feedback we receive from those who are at the sharp end of the transport industry is invaluable. We also appreciate that the First team – right across the country - takes as much pride and satisfaction in running and driving our vehicles, as we do in building them for a business that is at the forefront of the industry. We’re very much looking forward to playing our part.”
The Award categories and sponsors are:
• Headline sponsor: Alexander Dennis
• Driver of the Year sponsored by Bridgestone
• Engineer of the Year sponsored by FCL Organisation
• Depot of the Year sponsored by Carlyle Bus and Coach
• Support Colleague of the Year sponsored by Exterion Media
• Team of the Year sponsored by Voyager Alliance Credit Union and Transave Credit Union
• Young Manager of the Year sponsored by Box Media
• Leader of the Year sponsored by Smith Davis Press
• Apprentice of the Year sponsored by PSV Transport Systems
• Safety First Award sponsored by GreenRoad
• Quantum Leap Award sponsored by Wrightbus
• Innovation and change sponsored by Alexander Dennis
• Environmental Excellence sponsored by Michelin Solutions
• Community Award supported by Prostate Cancer UK
The award events take place as follows: July 9 Stirling; July 22 Leeds; July 31 Reading