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Driver David triumphs at trentbarton awards

Driver David triumphs at trentbarton awards

A bus-driving star who has never missed a single day’s work won the top prize in trentbarton’s 2020-21 really good service awards.

 

David Selby, who pilots the threes between Nottingham, Hucknall, Mansfield, Sutton and Kirkby, was judged the best of the best, winning Driver of the Year at the awards ceremony at Derby’s Museum of Making.The award was sponsored by Alexander Dennis.

David, 54, who lives in Annesley Woodhouse, beat all the other winners of trentbarton’s driver of the month competitions from 2020-21 to bag an extra day off work every year and £1,000 to spend on a holiday.

David, who has only been driving buses for three years, said:

“I’m over the moon. Driving for trentbarton has been brilliant. I love interacting with the public and I love driving.”

Formerly a taxi driver, builder and lorry driver, David said: “I wanted a job closer to home and got the chance at trentbarton, and I can’t fault them one bit. All the drivers are so welcoming.”

The mystery customer judge said they were bowled over by David's stellar performance:

“David was outstanding throughout my journeys with him.

“You could tell he was genuinely interested in providing a top service and made the customers feel very comfortable. Any questions they had he was able to answer, and he always made sure to engage with each customer.”

The really good service awards ceremony was hosted by radio presenterAndy Miller and featured as star speaker the TV star Bobby Davro.

Hero of the Year is Natalie Guthrie, who received six commendations from customers who complimented how smooth her driving is as well as how courteous and helpful Natalie is with all her customers. The award was sponsored by Fujitsu.

Natalie, 25, from Arnold, drives the indigo and was praised by many customers, one for pushing to safety a car driver who had broken down and the second for her ability to communicate with his deaf wife using sign language.

Natalie, who has been driving buses for only two and half years,said:

“That couple get on the bus quite often. I picked up a bit of sign language in my previous job and use it to say hello, ask her how she is and then sign goodbye when she gets off.

“I’m very happy to have won this award. Every day is different when driving a bus. I try to get my customers to smile because if I can make a small difference to their day then it really matters.”

Colleague Choice was won by Perry Jest, a team leader in Nottingham. Voted as winner by the trentbarton team, Perry, 31, who lives in Hucknall, joined trentbarton a decade ago. The award was sponsored by Personal Group.

The judges said:

“Perry has always been happy to help anyone in need, whether it’s answering any questions they may have or simply providing a listening ear.”

Perry said: “It is an honour. It’s great to be recognised by the people I value the most – my colleagues.”

Dozens of passengers voted for the Customer Choice winner Alan Walker whois now a driving instructor in the trentbarton training school.It’s the second time in a row Alan has won the award, retaining the title he first won in 2019.

Alan, who lives in Derby, received glowing praise from customers, with the judges saying:

“Although it isn’t simply about the number of entries a driver receives, the judges found it hard not to be impressed by the sheer volume sent in for Alan.

“Having won the award last year, it is clear that Alan is extremely well liked by his customers.”

Unsung Hero was won by David Wright, who made sure an upgrade to new ticket machines on hundreds of buses went smoothly.

trentbarton group commercial director Tom Morgan said:

“David went above and beyond to ensure it was a success.”

David said: “I would like to thank all those people behind the scenes. The past 18 months have shown that every colleague at trentbarton is an unsung hero. I’m proud to be part of this team.”

Engineer of the Year is Richard Durow. The award was sponsored by PSV Transport Systems.

The judges said:

“Richard, also known as Rico, is both calm and efficient when under pressure. He has an excellent work ethic and brings out the best in everyone. He earns the upmost respect from his colleagues and always leads by example.”

Apprentice of the Year is Oscar Jenkins, 22, who lives in Derby. Oscar joined trentbarton as an apprentice in 2017 and passed all his exams and practical tests first time, gaining his Modern Apprenticeship months ahead of schedule. The award was sponsored by PSV Glass.

Oscar said:

“I’m really proud of this award. It’s a great team to work with.”

Brand of the Year is rainbow one. Service delivery manager Laura Pike-Smart dedicated the award to a rainbow driver who died earlier this year. Laura said: “This award is for Steve Whysall. We lost part of our team and this recognition will really give everyone a lift. There is a great team spirit, and we have great customers.”

trentbarton managing director Jeff Counsell told staff:

“The last 18 months have been very challenging. But it’s thanks to you, our team, and your commitment that we are so strong".


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