Organisers of April's UK Coach Awards have announced that judging of this year's competition is now well under way, with the first meeting of the panel of independent judges taking place this week. Nominations have been received from group travel organisers, industry customers, coach operators and suppliers around the country – the highest number submitted since the scheme was refocused on coach operators and their staff three years ago.

UK Coach Awards chairman Allan Edmondson said: "We are delighted with the quality of the response from the industry – there are some really strong entries from a wide range of companies, and the judges will face some very difficult decisions. We're really heartened to see the wide range of nominations received.” He said that the organisers were particularly pleased with the response to the two new categories introduced following stakeholder feedback last autumn, covering web sites and overall branding.

The finalists for the Awards will be announced on this web site during the first few days of March.

The annual presentation ceremony takes place in Manchester on Thursday 21 April. Further announcements will be made about the event very shortly.