Congratulations to two of our drivers who have been shortlisted for the national finals of the Microlise Driver of the Year Awards, the UK’s premier driver awards’ programme which highlights the best-of-the-best from across the road transport industry.
Gareth Bell, nominated in the Driver Hero Award, and Dave Ellis who will be in the final of the Lifetime Achievement Award, will now attend a gala dinner on Tuesday 17th May at the Coventry Building Society Arena when category winners will be announced. For being shortlisted, both drivers have also been invited to a Porsche track day at Silverstone.
Gareth was nominated for the Driver Hero Award after he came to the rescue of a driver who experienced a suspected heart attack while driving on the M6 motorway in January this year. He has worked with the company as a driver for 15 years and hasn’t had a day of sick leave during this time.
Speaking about Gareth’s actions to support the driver in need, Neil Trotter, the company’s Transport Operations Director said, “Gareth is a hugely committed and professional driver. He always puts the customer and the company first and the support he provided to a driver who was driving erratically and dangerously on the motorway due to a serious health problem highlights his great awareness on the road and his empathy with fellow drivers.”
Dave Ellis joined Boughey in 1985 and, now in his 70s, has been required to adapt to the many changes the transport industry has witnessed over recent years, including scrutiny of driver performance and the advancements in vehicle technology. He now works two days a week.
“Dave’s passion for driving and his commitment to his career have never diminished,” said Neil Trotter. “He is a real gentleman – polite, well-mannered and he has a positive, can-do attitude. Dave’s truck is immaculate, he demonstrates great attention-to-detail and has outstanding knowledge.
“He has notched up over 42 years’ experience as a driver which is remarkable and a real achievement within the industry. He is a real example to new drivers joining both our company and the industry.”
Chief Executive of Microlise, Nadeem Raza, celebrated the calibre of this year’s shortlisted drivers saying, “The Microlise Driver of the Year Awards, which is now in its eighth year, continues to highlight the dedication and expertise of drivers who travel the length and breadth of the UK, and further afield. According to the judging panel, there is very little to separate our shortlisted drivers, who are true ambassadors for the industry.”
Independent judges of the awards included Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association, Richard Smith; Editor of Motor Transport, Steve Hobson; the Traffic Commissioner for London & SE England Sarah Bell; Business Development Director at Microlise, Paul Jurevicius and Head of Talent & Operations, Road to Logistics, Jennifer Swain.
We wish both Gareth and Dave the very best of luck for the final.
