Our indigo driver Elaine Stokes has been presented with the prestigious Driver of the Year 2013 from TV legend Tom O’Connor. A regular face behind the wheel of indigo buses between Derby, Long Eaton and Nottingham, Elaine was named the winner of this hotly contested award at Nottingham’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Elaine Stokes receives the Driver of the Year Award from Tom O'Connor
The 53-year-old from Bramcote only joined the company just over a year ago and was among a number of trentbarton employees to be recognised at the our 11th annual really good service awards.
Jeff Counsell, our managing director, commented: “Every year choosing a winner gets harder, but Elaine has consistently scored top marks from mystery customers over the past 12 months.
“She has also gone above and beyond the call of duty by remaining calm in the face of a hooded youth who claimed he had a gun and demanded her takings. We’re so proud of her dedication and service.”
As well as receiving the Driver of the Year trophy, Elaine was presented with £1,000 worth of holiday vouchers and will receive an extra day’s leave for the rest of her career at the company.
Just the third female winner of the title, she joined trentbarton in April 2012 after a long and varied career working as a van driver, receptionist, PA, carer and customer care assistant.
After picking up the award, Elaine said: “I’m delighted and surprised at being named Driver of the Year, but it’s fantastic to be part of such a hard-working and friendly team on the indigo route. Every day is different and you get to meet so many different people from all walks of life.”
Other winners at the really good service awards included Mark Connelly as Hero of the Year and Billy Hull as our Apprentice of the Year. A Customer Choice Award was also presented to Katrina Wallace while the threes was named Brand of the Year. Graham Watson picked up the Colleague Choice Award.
Jeff added: “Congratulations must go to all the winners for their hard work over the last 12 months, and for demonstrating our commitment to putting customers first.”
Tom O'Connor and Jeff Counsell present the Runner-Up Award to Samantha Atherley.
Barry Allitt is Highly Commended at the really good service awards.
Mark Connelly scoops up the Hero of the Year Award.
Katrina Wallace wins the Customer Choice Award.
The winner of the Colleague Choice Award is Graham Watson.
Billy Hull picks up the Apprentice of Year Award.
Members of the threes team celebrate winning the Brand of the Year Award.
Elaine shows off her Driver of the Year Award before climbing aboard an indigo bus serving Nottingham, Long Eaton and Derby.