25 October 2011

Stewarts Coaches is celebrating

Guild member, Stewarts Coaches of Reading is celebrating having won a national accolade at the Route One Operator Excellence Awards.

Stewarts Coaches won the of the category for ‘Excellence in Minibus Operation’ across all sizes of operation and in addition was nominated for ‘Medium Coach Operator of the Year, 11-30 vehicles’.

Established in 1986 and purchased by the current owner in 2003. Today, operating from its base in the Thames Valley area, Stewarts provides a diverse range of transportation options for both private and
corporate clients and has built its reputation on providing quality of service.

Commenting on the company’s success, Managing Director Andy Cotton said

“We are absolutely delighted that our quality of service has been recognised on the National Stage. The award is special as being shortlisted is through nomination only – by customers and industry suppliers.

It is a credit to the great team of people that work for Stewarts Coaches and it is this dedication that has helped Stewarts Coaches stay strong even in the difficult current economic climate. “

The awards presentation was hosted by the Editor of Route One magazine, Mike Morgan, and Garry Richardson, from BBC Radio 4 sport.

“These are the premiere national awards for the coach and bus industry,” says Mike Morgan. “Stewarts Coaches was up against the best of the best in the country so this is therefore a well-deserved and a significant achievement. Coach and bus travel plays a significant part in the life of the nation and the Route One Operator Excellence Awards identifies and promotes excellence, promoting best practice and demonstrating the high standards of quality of service that exist for the benefit of travelling public.”

Judges commented:

“Notably Stewarts of Mortimer has thwarted the recession by doubling its profits without resorting to taking on marginal-type work just to keep the wheels going round.

Yes, it operates bigger vehicles, but its roots are in smaller vehicles and it is here that it established the principle of consistently exceeding expectations.”

There is NO short list in the category that Stewarts Coaches won. Instead, the judges took all the coach and bus operators who were published as finalists in the small, medium and large categories and looked for the one which excelled at the operation of minibuses within their fleet.

A fitting end to a 25th Anniversary year!