Gloucestershire Business Awards

A Stagecoach West employee scooped Employee of the Year at Thursday night’s Gloucestershire Business Awards. Lenny Dance, a Quality Inspector (QI) based at the bus operator’s Gloucester depot, was awarded the prestigious accolade for his heroic actions last November, performing life-sustaining CPR on a passenger.

During last November’s meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, a 70-year-old man became unwell on one of the shuttle buses Stagecoach West provides each year. When Lenny, as the QI on duty, reached the scene, it was evident the gentleman had, in fact, had a heart attack and was no longer breathing. Lenny immediately started CPR and continued until the paramedics arrived. These actions kept the man alive, meaning family and loved ones were able to visit and be with him before he sadly passed away a few days later.

Lenny began his journey with Stagecoach 36 years ago as a driver, initially operating the smaller 16-seater Metro buses in Cheltenham. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, first being promoted to Leading Driver and then to Driving Supervisor. In 2000, he transitioned into his current role as a Quality Inspector.

Lenny has been following in the footsteps of his father, a Bus Driver, and his grandfather, a Bus Inspector. Reflecting on his extensive career, Lenny highlights the significant advancements in vehicle and passenger safety. He notes that the routine and regular reporting of bus defects has made a substantial and positive impact on overall safety, to the benefit of passengers and drivers alike.

Chris Hanson, Managing Director, Stagecoach West says: “A huge and well-deserved congratulations to Lenny on winning Employee of the Year. On seeing a passenger in danger, he quickly jumped into action, performing life-sustaining CPR under incredibly difficult and challenging circumstances. We commend him for his quick thinking and care.”

Lenny’s outstanding actions were later acknowledged by one of the paramedics who attended the scene. She took the time to contact Stagecoach West’s customer services team following the event to offer her thanks for his support and to congratulate him on his heroic efforts.

Every year the very best of Gloucestershire’s fledgling start-ups through to the top 100 businesses in the county put themselves forward for a prestigious Gloucestershire Business Award, judged by a panel made up of business leaders from across the region.