|
Winners from the past as above and even older below:
2002 National Courier Awards
Key note speeches in 2002 came from Transport Secretary of State David Jameison, ex Conservative Transport Minister Steve Norris and All Party Motorcycle Group Lord Falkland. Almost 200 guests celebrated courier success at the event sponsored by Camelot Courier Training, Ears Radio and Professional IT in what was the best same day courier event of the year.
Office Category
Paul Bevan MPC. Paul has worked with our company for 6 years. He started as a van driver working on both day and night shifts before moving into the office four years ago as a trainee controller on the van circuit. As the company has grown rapidly over the last four years so have Paul’s responsibilities. His natural ‘can do’ attitude and positive approach to the many issues that challenge any courier operations desk on a daily basis act as excellent role model for those he works with.
Paul Brown/Nick Jewitt Prestige. Paul and Nick are very much key factors in the success and growth of the company. By far their most important assets are intelligence and patience. They always work with the drivers and riders, anticipating problems before they arise. New arrivals, whether they are ‘seasoned pro’s’ or novices are molded into the firm and given plenty of help and encouragement to succeed. They are fair with the work allocation, giving all riders the chance to earn what they are capable of. They do more than just control; they help with pricing, fleet management and have even been known to change an odd toilet roll!
Angela Norman Citysprint. Angela joined the company 4 years ago after a previous 14 years with another reputable London firm. She was eventually appointed as the Call Centre Manager after holding other internal posts. She started in this role by reviewing the existing departmental procedures paying particular attention to the quality of service on offer to the customer. As a result of this review Angela devised and wrote a completely new induction and training programme that she called ‘Right from the Start’. The title is the basis of her philosophy of quality. Angela believes that if she and her team can do it ‘right from the start’ that a lot of potential problems can be avoided. Every existing member and new member of staff in the call centre now goes through this training programme and Angela then holds refresher courses on a regular basis to make sure no bad habits slip in.
Richard Woodward Mercury. He started out in June 1985 as a rider, went on to become a Controller then an Operations Manager and now today he is the General Manager. He rebuilt a company that was in despair by bringing it into the 21st century. Richard didn’t stop here he brought, with his extremely progressive views a small London courier company in to the world, by introducing overnight and international services. His priority has always been dedicated to our customer’s satisfaction and requirements, he continues to extend our services to luxury chauffeur services and facilities management. Today we now provide mail and reception staff to some of the leading institutions in London. From paper dockets to fully computerized system, he has dedicated all of his working life to not just our company but certainly to the whole industry. The whole company is unanimous in wanting to put Richard forward for recognition for his life long dedication to the courier industry.
Contract Category winner 2002
Aydin Up Securicor. From joining the company Aydin impressed his managers with his smart appearance, attention to time and record keeping. He is known for his self discipline and wiliness to help everyone he comes into contact with. His normal everyday job as a sameday courier is always tough but Aydin managers to make everyone smile. His immaculate presentation of himself and his vehicle whatever the time of day is hard to follow. Customers have described Aydin was an extremely reliable, responsible and conscientious courier who demonstrates excellent customer care through his ability to ensure and deliver customer service. They feel that he recognizes they are more than just another delivery or collection point. So it was no wonder when our company was asked to supply a guard/driver for the ‘World Cup Trophy’ on UK tour, we chose Aydin. A 9-day tour of the UK from Scotland right down to Cornwall. An arduous schedule with huge responsibility and implications. The main responsibility was to provide continual guarding of the trophy and timely delivery of the World Cup Trophy to its respective destinations.
2 Wheel Category winners 2002
Andrew Carwardine GLH. Andy has many years of experience to give to the job and as a company rider he has proven that time and time again. He carries out his duties to the highest of standards, checking his paperwork, calling in and getting it right first time. Making an effort to exhaust all possibilities before troubling the controller or client. He consistently ensures that the simple things are done. When a client asks for the signature straight away, he does it, if the client asks to check the delivery is given to the right person, he does it. It seems to us that these are the core aspects of the job but are not always done well. Andy has consistently done this from day one and never failed us. To try and give an example of his abilities seems impossible because it is the care he takes to every aspect of the job that makes him stand out from the rest. Every job just seems to go smoothly and whenever we have a client ring up with a problem, whether the job was yesterday or last month if Andy did it we have all the answers. He is a professional and does all aspects of the job right first time.
Lester Shore Citysprint. He started in the industry in the early 80’s with On Yer Bike, then Security Despatch as their first motorcycle courier. His call sign has always been Y01. Over the years he has shown a great deal of loyalty and dedication to the company throughout it many changes. Our most highly respected courier and liked by couriers and customers alike. Lester’s strength is in his ability to deal with all different kinds of people. He has built up extremely good relationships with his controllers who trust and can rely on him for the most sensitive jobs and knowing they will be done in an effective manner. He is articulate and conscientious never failing when he is called upon to do the most difficult of jobs. He will go anywhere at any time. We are proud to have him working for us, as he is a great advert for the industry with his unfailing reliability and dedication to the improvement of service. Lester wants the customer to feel they have received ‘the best’ service. He is an exemplary ambassador for the industry.
4 Wheel Category winners 2002
Dave Cullum Securicor. It is evident in his approach to work responsibilities that he recognizes and demonstrates that client relationships are very important. He displays exemplary qualities of client ownership. His conscientious attention to detail through efficient paperwork and excellent customer skills have received praises from customers who have applauded Dave for his considerate care and understanding of their requirements. If you have to point out one thing that makes Dave stand out from the others you can’t. He takes a responsible approach to his own job and the service as a whole provided for the customer. He is always there when you need him, he always does the job right and certainly you know that his is the pride of the fleet and will conduct himself in a professional and courteous manner.
Elaine Hodson Hays DX. Elaine started with us over 10 years ago. She was willing to learn and wanted a chance to show that she can do a good job. We quickly realized that she was exceptionally, she learnt very quickly what was expected from her as a representative of our company and what was necessary to do the job. She very quickly achieved a recognition by clients, we received telephone calls complimenting her on her ‘attitude to the job’ ‘ her friendliness’ and ‘her knowledge and understanding of the circumstances’. A customer soon becomes bitter if they think there package is not the ‘be all and end all’ of our service. Elaine has a way with customers to make them feel confident and relaxed about the delivery. Care, attention but also the ability to deliver, a professional manner that ouse's confidence making the customer feel relaxed about the job. Taking the sting out of a customer is Elaine’s specialty calming and being considerate to their needs has brought rewards. Customers stay with us and ask for Elaine; just the fact that Elaine is working today gives the customer the confidence that a delivery will be done well.
2002 Panel of Judges
A number of the new judges, Martin Williams and Simon Bliss joined Steve Norris to celebrate with other members of the courier industry and 2002 panel on their appointment in March. Judges for the National Courier Awards typically complete a two year period to the panel. Co-ordinator of the panel is Tracey Worth (left centre of photo) an ex chairman of the National Courier Association and Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport Tracey completed her MBA in 2001 with a thesis on management systems in the same day courier industry.
 |
Dee Barratt Director of Ears communications
|
|
Simon Bliss NCN (Natinal Courier Network Chairman)
|
|
Bob Holmes Moves Group
|
|
Carl Lomas . Managing Director of Camelot Training & Ex chairman of the National Motorcycle Council.
|
|
Trevor A Magner BMF (British Motorcycle Federation)
|
|
Ian Mutch MAG (President Motorcycle Action Group)
|
|
Martin Rutty Ex Despatch Association senior committee
|
|
Steve Smith Ex DA chairman - Professional IT
|
|
Martin Williams - Quicksilver Couriers
|
|
Claire Young - Anderson Young Couriers
|
|
|
2001 The London Transport Museum, Covenat Garden, London WC2 For 2001 the same day courier industry had its most spectacular gala bash so far on a hot June evening. A very strong turnout became a whos who reunion of the courier industry. Lord Falkland gave a key note speach on the bike courier industry and Steve Norris president of the MCI conducted the handing out of hand made individual glass awrads. Much as many courier company chief executives and MDs rubed shoulders so to did key people on the fringes of the industry. BMF chairman, Sharon Nash met DA cheif esecutive Philip Stone alongside National Courier Association Chairman Kevin Gray. Sponsors for the 2001 awards were Camelout Courier Training, Ears Communications and Professional IT. A free drinks reception was supported by Maxon Radio2001 Winners
|
Overnight - Jim Beecham, Hays DX
|
|
Two Wheel - Daren Andrew, Anderson Young / Kevin Murphy, Moves Group
|
|
Four Wheel - Richard Olive, Hornets / Sam Rajah, Securicor
|
|
Office - Gary Hunt, Hornets / Sharon Peters, Quicksilver
|
Tracey Worth, ex chairman of the National Courier Association, took responsibility for co-ordinating the nominations and chairing the panel of judges. The 2001 panel was made up of ex winners from 1999 and 2000. Tracey has held the position of judge co-odinater for three years. She comments:-"2001 finds three past award winners on the panel of judges. This brings recognition of excellence from those who have already been found to be at the top end of this industries professionalism. David, Tony and Kwangu will be key members of the judge team in bringing a solid foundation of recognised industry experience to the forefront of deciding this years successful nominations." The 2001 panel of judges in Alphabetic order.Dee Barratt Director of Ears communications, David Brown (2000 award winner Prestige Couriers), Gordon Brown RSA NVQ External Verifier, Kevin Grey Chairman of the National Courier Association. , Carl Lomas . Managing Director of Camelot Training & Ex chairman of the National Motorcycle Council, Trevor A Magner BMF (British Motorcycle Federation) , Tony Marson (1999 special achievements award winner), Ian Mutch MAG (Motorcycle Action Group), Kwangu Nyirend (2000 award winner Moves Group), Martin Rutty Despatch Association, Steve Smith Ex DA chairman - Professional IT 2000 The Quarter Deck HMS Belfast, The Thames, London SE1The 2000 awards ceremony was held on the quarterdeck of Londons foremost landmark the battelship HMS Belfast. Moored on the South Embankement of the Thames in Central London the event was as high profile as the battle ship its self.
2000 - Three Motorcycle Courier Winners from 10,000
Shortlist in alphabetical order
|
Clive Baldock SecuricorDistribution
|
|
RichardBarrowclough GLH
|
|
Stephen Carrington Wallington Cars
|
|
James Fairfield Mercury Despatch
|
|
Adam Machin Prestige
|
|
Malcolm McCabe Quicksilver
|
|
Tony Moses Swiftcall
|
|
Richard Pledge Security Despatch - DMS
|
|
Steve Thomas Quicksilver
|
|
Dave Thompson Cyclone
|
Stephen Carrington Age 45 Wallington Cars - Stephen is 45 years of age and has been a despatch rider for more than 12 years. His time keeping is impeccable. He is never late and is always around at the end of the day to mop up any work outstanding. He takes pride in his appearance and is always willing to start early or work late if required. Stephen thinks of his work as more than just a job. He talks about clients in a friendly manner and professional way. He sees the task of delivering goods as a mission and will leave no stone unturned when there is a problem in order to make a delivery. Another asset of Stephen is his willingness to help his fellow riders, whether it is locating a place or filling in work sheets correctly. Adam Machin Age 31 Prestige – Adam was made redundant in early 1998. He came to London for a fresh start. It was immediately apparent to Prestige that Adam had the application to become a first class courier. He had a willingness to learn, realised and seized upon his chance. Originally hailing from the Midlands, he was lacking in knowledge of London but made up for this with sheer graft. Adam completed training, gained his courier skills NVQ and has adopted a serious approach to his work, which has progressed him to become one of the top riders. Without exception Adam is always the first bike on the road in the morning. The company, other riders and clients benefit from Adams willingness and Adam himself reaps the rewards for his hard work through motivation and professionalism. Steve Thomas Age 48 Quicksilver – Steve has been in the business too long to mention! Married with children and grandchildren he is an anywhere, anytime type of guy who rarely takes time off work. Steve is a gentle man whose generosity is endless, he was recently seen on TV in a dog rescue program. Steve is always punctual, presentable and has vehicle to be proud of. As an ex-military Pioneer Corp, he carries out his duties with precision and in a courteous and polite manner. Steve is quick to communicate problems with the controller and client as he represents both excellently. To this end many clients ask for him personally and he is committed to ensure continuous high standards as an ambassador in his industry.
Special Bravery Award - James Fairfield Age 38 Mercury Despatch – A true Londoner, Jim has been a real trooper. Day in, day out always complaining but always there. This year Jim was ridding along a busy road and became involved in a road traffic incident which he could not have known the horrific chain of events that would follow. Much of the incident is still not settled and will not be mentioned here today. The panel of judges have identified that Jim put his own life at danger to help save another motorcyclist during his work. He may have been a hero for the day but someone out there will thank him for the rest of their life.
2000 Two Office Winners
Shortlist in alphabetical order
|
Paul Barton Courier Systems
|
|
David Brown Prestige
|
|
Martin Cousins Securicor
|
|
Mary Gray XL Couriers
|
|
Kwangu Nyirenda Moves
|
David Brown Prestige Couriers – At Prestige Couriers, David manages 150 employees, their wage queries, customer liaison, insurance, maintenance and a host of other time consuming duties. This follows a 16-year career in the industry, which began, on the road. During 1999 the company decided that an entire new computer system was required. David negotiated, arranged and implemented the new system, which has revolutionised the way the entire company works. To avoid disruption to customers many late nights and weekends followed at the same time his new baby daughter Holly arrived. The new system followed onto email and interactive internet access to all departments. Without a doubt David is the driving force behind Prestige Courier Services and has successfully raised the standard of service levels and technology within the company. He has contributed enormously to the expansion and success of Prestige with total dedication and commitment. The directors and staff of Prestige unanimously feel that David offers an example to everyone, continually motivating and encouraging all who come into contact with him, both personally and professionally. Kwangu Nyirenda Moves Group – Kwangu is in his fourth year at Moves. He is a role model for multi role activities, which have taken him through a solid career path in the Moves team. In his role as a booking Co-ordinator he worked as part of the booking office team who are the shop front of Moves. He has brought outstanding people skills to a very demanding position in which their have been no negative comments.When one of the Moves controllers was ill, Kwangu volunteered to act as link man in the ops room and displayed yet another side of his talents. ‘He earned his spurs’ and much respect from the operations room staff by filling his role as though he had done it for years.Kwangus 3rd hat is that of a very capable account manager. This developed as customers consistently requesting to deal with him directly. Kwangu is totally professional. He is always helpful, diplomatic and above all consistent in both dealing with clients and his colleagues. 1999 Tower Bridge London The 1999 awards ceremony was held in the walk ways of Tower Bridge with spectacular views across London. Sean Woodward MP, conservative Minister for London presented the awards. Lord Falkland of the All Party Group for Motorcycling made a key note speach to the industry. Ian Hethrington Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Distribution Training Council made a key note speach on courier NVQ qualifications and Investors in People. The awards were in the prescence of Lord Strathcaron and over two hundred guests.
The 1999 Winners :-
Services to Industry Winner
Winner :-Tony Marson Hornets Despatch - Tony began work in the industry as a motorbike courier in 1987. Following work as a motorbike courier Tony worked as a van driver before becoming office based as the driver liason manager. In 1991 Tony became the fleet manager. Tony became involved in the National ‘Getting People Back to Work Scheme’ and the National Vocational Awards for courier skills. Key to the award is Tony’s work with Kawasaki where financial savings were made as Hornets worked directly with the bike manufacturer to provide the most cost effective vehicle for the courier. The industry has seen great change in bike hire, company bike support and hire to purchase, company bikes. Hornets were one of the first companies offering supported bike schemes to couriers which is becoming more common across the industry. This award recognises the impact Tony has made on the whole courier industry.‘Tony’s philosophy has always been that loyalty and hard work will fetch its own rewards, he has certainly proved this by the achievements of company and hire bike purchase for couriers.
Three Motorcycle Courier Winners from 10,000
Richard Smith Age 43 Alexander & Moore – Following a 21-year career in banking which ended in voluntary redundancy Richard turned his hobby into his job. He completed training with top marks and started work with Alexander Moore in July 1997. Accuracy and attention to detail helped Richard establish his London knowledge in remarkable time. After a few months he completed his NVQ qualification in courier skills and his earnings rose rapidly. He was given a company bike, which was kept in immaculate condition. Not one to stand still Richard then completed a course to install computer peripherals, gained top marks and know carries out enhanced courier work delivering parts which he can install on site. ‘Richard is a thoroughly nice genuine bloke who is a credit to himself, his family and the company’ Sally Sylvan Age 31 Business Direct - Sally joined Business Direct 11 months ago already having previous experience of the industry. In that short time has proved an invaluable member of the team. When Business Direct opened its evening circuit Sally was the first to volunteer for late shift jobs, culminating in a very wet and windy trip to Leeds that took most of the night. This was for a new client which had opened their account on the understanding such service could be provided. Sally opened the eyes of the other riders to the possibilities of covering late shift work and has been in the vanguard of the late shift expansion. Sally’s continued commitment to the company is demonstrated by her involvement in the company bike purchase scheme. ‘It is rare to find a woman in the industry, let alone one that can truly be said to be a top rider. Sally has proved herself in one of the most difficult jobs going.’
Mark Wilson Age 40 Security Despatch DMS – Mark started work with Security Despatch in 1978 after leaving Pony Express and has clocked up 21 unbroken years in the industry as a self employed despatch rider. He has seen the industry change from its embryonic state to the huge operation of today. His entire control room were unanimous with his nomination. The controllers find him a pleasure to work with, pleasant and calm on the radio, his level of quiet professionalism with clients is absolute, he is never fazed and his attitude is great. He will take time out to help new riders.‘In short this man is a pleasure to work with, he comes out everyday in all weathers and has kept his sense of humour for over 20 years.’
Three Office Winners
Simon Baker Security Despatch DMS -As fleet manager of security Despatch Simon Baker often known as Paris manages his fleet with amazing fairness, openness and patience. He has an outstanding understanding of the industry and is also a computer whiz sorting problems and systems. He has devised sophisticated stats regarding rider levels which are produced daily. The stats are summarised and turned into a weekly newsletter which often even caries photos. ‘He is an exceptional diplomat and mediator with rider/client, rider/controller and rider/other departments.’ Judy Benn Swiftcall Despatch - Judy began work in the courier industry in 1979 with Inter City Couriers. Her ability to adapt to change has helped Swiftcall Couriers grow from a same day operation to a major player in the APC overnight network. Judy will not tolerate excuses, anything less than 100% is unacceptable. She is well known and respected within the APC network. It is in the sphere of personnel development that Judy’s abilities have really shone through. Judy has encouraged personal growth as well as career development among the riders. Those down on their luck have gone forward to gain respect, dignity and long stay records with the company. ‘Judy has always excelled in all aspects of customer service and care, for her a complaint is an opportunity to bring the customer closer to you.’
Tracey Reynolds Prontobikes - Tracey is an invaluable asset to Prontobikes as the sales director. Previously from Churchill Express Tracey has been with Prontobikes for over six years. Tracey has an excellent and unique telephone manner. Clients respond to her fresh and cheeky disposition. When we inadvertently upset a client they have stayed for one reason only. That reason being Tracey. Tracey has always taken it upon herself to provide the very best customer care, monitoring quality and service levels. She has developed mutually beneficial contracts with other courier companies which respect her for being cheerful, helpful, co-operative and professional. ‘Tracey is incredibly innovative and has turned around the fortunes of Prontobikes with her fresh and natural approach.’
National Courier Awards 1998 Made by Lord Falkland, Steve Norris (RHA) & Sean Emmet (National Superbiker)
In 1998 over 80 different companies attend the event.
|
|
|
|
National Superbike rider and ex courier
Sean Emmett presents a bike award
|
|
Steve Norris Director General of the RHA with John Scott ex Chairman of the DA presents an office award
|
National Courier Awards 1997
Tony Blair and Glenda Jackson visited the event in 1997 to congratulate the winners.
Lord Falkland and some of the winners
For further details and free invitation contact Media Direction 020-7713 6644
IOC, Green Man Tower, 332 Goswell Road, Islington, London, EC1V 7LQ
t: 0845 60 10 245 e: mail@ioc.uk.com
|
