Operations director Ella Spencer of Greys of Ely has won Coach Manager of the year for the second year running at the routeONE magazine awards!
The UK’s top coach and bus operators were honoured last night, Wednesday 13 November, at the 2024 routeone Awards, celebrating exceptional contributions in areas including sustainability, technology, and customer service.
Held for the first time at The Vox Birmingham, the awards drew a record number of entries and a record-breaking 900 attendees.
Ella won her award in the Manager of the Year – Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles) category.
“This category recognises managers in smaller operations who demonstrate strong commitment, enthusiasm, and personal contributions to their company’s success,” said the judges.
“Ella stood out among five finalists, achieving the remarkable feat of winning in this category for the second consecutive year – a rare accomplishment that underscores her consistent excellence and dedication to her role.
“The judges were impressed by Ella’s ability to maintain such high standards, noting her “strong personal development in the past 12 months” and “evidence of strategic thinking alongside a huge enthusiasm” for her work.
The awards honour local businesses and individuals driving positive change in their communities through reliable, innovative, and sustainable transport solutions.
They celebrate the dedication and excellence of operators from across the country – with finalists from the Moray Firth coast to Jersey.
“These awards highlight the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship, customer service, and accessibility,” says event director Helen Conway.
“Each finalist and winner represents an important step forward in making public transport cleaner, greener, and more accessible for all, providing reliable services that meet the needs of diverse communities across the UK.”
Rigorous Judging Process
The 2024 routeone Awards received record entries, underscoring the strength and diversity of the coach and bus sector.
To be considered, candidates were nominated by industry peers and invited to submit entries demonstrating how they met specific category criteria. Each entry underwent careful scrutiny by a panel of respected industry judges to determine the best in the business.
This year’s judges included: Joan Aitken OBE, former Traffic Commissioner for Scotland; David Cattermole, former Managing Director of Galloway Travel; Richard Delahoy, Transport Consultant; Nigel Eggleton, former Managing Director with First Bus South Yorkshire, and Midlands; Mark Fowles OBE, former Managing Director of Nottingham City Transport; Graham Russell, former Senior Executive with FirstGroup; and Norman Thomas, former Engineering Product Manager for Volvo Bus. Their invaluable role in selecting this year’s winners is gratefully acknowledged.
The awards recognise excellence across a range of categories, each showcasing exceptional contributions to the industry.
ABOUT routeone
It is the coach, bus, and minibus industry’s most in-demand trade magazine.
