We are delighted to announce and celebrate the winners of our first awards presented at the Women in Bus and Coach Summit 2024, which took place on Tuesday, 8th October.
The awards shone a light on the achievements and leadership demonstrated by women across the bus, coach, and community transport sectors, as well as those showing outstanding allyship within our industry.
We received hundreds of applications, and the judges had a tough job selecting the finalists and winners due to the quality of these applications.
Women in Bus Award – sponsored by Backhouse Jones
Winner
Liz Eades, Stagecoach South East
Liz has been honoured with the Women in Bus Award for her exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the bus industry. Her remarkable contributions serve as an inspiration to colleagues and the wider transport community, setting a high standard for inclusivity and excellence.
Liz was presented her award by:
Anne Marie Purcell – TfGM
Libby Pritchard – Backhouse Jones Solicitors
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Leanne Rowland-Bright, First Bus
Helen Morris, Essex County Council
To watch videos on Liz, Leanne and Helen talking about their nomination click here.
Women in Community Transport Award – sponsored by IntSol Recruitment
Winner
Kimberley Ward, Lothian Community Transport Services
Kimberley has been awarded the Women in Community Transport Award, recognising her outstanding leadership and innovative approach within the community transport sector. Her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within her community has made a significant impact, furthering the positive change and inclusivity the award stands for.
Kimberley was presented her award by:
Candice Mason – Mason’s Coaches & Women in Bus and Coach Director
Beulah DeCunha – IntSol Recruitment
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Sacha Petrie, Taith Co-op
Caroline Wilson, Preseli Rural Transport Association
Jacqui Cooke, Community Transport Sussex
To watch videos on Kimberley, Sacha, Caroline and Jacqui talking about their nomination click here.
Woman in Coach Award – sponsored by Dawsongroup bus and coach
Winner
Julie Hartley, Irizar UK
Julie of Irizar UK, has been celebrated with the Woman in Coach Award for her exceptional leadership and innovation, as well as her tireless commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the coach industry. Julie’s passion and drive have not only elevated her company but have also helped shape a more inclusive sector.
Julie was presented her award by:
Victoria Armstrong – Community Transport Association
Marie McTaggart – Dawsongroup bus and coach
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Hayley Russell, FlixBus
Nicola Allan, Hunters Executive Coaches
Laura Hadzik, JMW Solicitors LLP
To watch videos on Julie, Hayley, Nicola and Laura talking about their nomination click here.
Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship Award – Sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group
Winner
Richard Grey, Greys Travel Solutions
Richard Grey of Greys Travel Solutions has been honoured with the Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship Award. This accolade recognises his exceptional allyship towards women and his dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion across our profession. Richard’s support and advocacy have made a substantial difference to the development of a more equitable and supportive industry.
Richard was presented his award by:
Claire Mann –Transport for London
Carolyn Ferguson – Go-Ahead Group
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Nigel Wood CMILT, RATP Dev Transit London
Jon Eardley, Wrightbus
To watch videos on Richard, Nigel and Jon talking about their nomination click here.
2024 Woman of the Year – Julie Hartley, Irizar UK
A special congratulations goes to Julie Hartley, who has not only won the Woman in Coach Award but has also been named the 2024 Woman of the Year! This title reflects her exceptional achievements, leadership, and dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the coach industry and beyond. Julie’s contributions continue to inspire and set a benchmark for others.
As part of this prestigious recognition, Julie has also won a week-long VIP trip to Egypt for herself and a guest, sponsored by MCV Group.
Julie was presented her award by:
Vernon Everitt – Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester
Sara AI-Tayar – MCV group
We congratulate all the winners, finalists and nominated individuals for their hard work, dedication, and the positive change they bring to their respective sectors. Your achievements are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of your exceptional leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
