Stagecoach scores over 30 nominations at the UK Bus Awards!

The UK’s largest bus operator, Stagecoach has announced it’s nominated for over 30 awards at the 2022 UK Bus Awards! With operating company, Stagecoach South East being nominated six times in five different categories.

On the 12th October, UK Bus Awards announced live on their Twitter the nominees for the awards which saw Stagecoach dominate the shortlist.  

The annual awards ceremony, which returns in-person in November for the first time since 2019, celebrates the achievements of those in the bus and coach industry. From team efforts to impressive individuals to marketing campaigns to community projects.  

Joel Mitchell, Managing Director for Stagecoach South East spoke of his excitement for the nominations: “I’m thrilled that our company has been spotlighted in this way with six nominations in five categories.

“It’s a real testament to everyone in the South East and how we have all pulled together over the last few difficult years we have all experienced.” 

Stagecoach South East are nominated for the following: 

Bus and the Community for The Friendship Bus – The Friendship Bus is an ongoing project to help combat loneliness amongst the elderly. Stagecoach South East worked with retirement village, Inspired Villages, as part of an initiative to encourage the elderly to get back on our buses post pandemic, giving them confidence that they can travel on buses with ease. 

Marketing for A Day in the Life series – Birthed whilst in and amongst the pandemic, ‘A Day in the life’ campaign highlighted the importance each keyworker played in keeping our buses running on the road. It gives a behind the scenes look at how Stagecoach South East operates and gave employees an insight to the variety of job roles throughout the business and engaged passengers in what keeps our buses on the road. 

Culture Change for The Service Delivery Support Team – The team was launched in 2020, with the goal to improve the operating for both staff and customers. An industry which has seen major change in the last few years through the way tickets are purchased, to tracking buses on an app to how we communicate with passengers. This team was put together to ensure that the business can thrive in a rapidly changing industry.  

Unsung Heroes for James Third, Eastbourne Operations Manager – Despite being the Operations Manager in Eastbourne for just one year, James has made his mark on the company, becoming Eastbourne’s biggest champion. Supporting staff, working with local charities, the council and promoting Eastbourne buses in his own time. James is known by colleagues across the South East to be passionate and caring. Incredibly keen to support different departments across the region in whatever ways he can help. 

Unsung Heroes for Louise Sills, Ashford Operations Manager – Joining the Ashford depot at a critical time during the pandemic, Louise has always provided joy, compassion, and an open-door policy for her depot where she looks after over 100 staff members. Louise is a people person who works incredibly hard to ensure that the community she serves in Ashford feel welcome onboard Stagecoach buses.  

Leader of the Year for Joel Mitchell, Managing Director – Known by his colleagues in the South East for his approachable and caring nature, Joel is a leader who shows up in every department and area of the business. He is committed to listening to staff on how to improve the business, always keen to hear colleagues’ ideas to see if and how they can be implemented.  

The UK Bus Awards will be held in London on the 15th November 2022.