The UK’s largest coach operator has crowned West Yorkshire Stotts Coaches as its Operator of the Year for 2020.

The Huddersfield-based family firm has been operating services on behalf of National Express for over ten years, including routes connecting Bradford, Leeds and London. They beat off stiff competition from more than 30 other businesses to receive the top recognition in a virtual ceremony held last month.

Carl Stott, director at Stotts Coaches said: "We are extremely proud of this achievement, particularly given the challenges of 2020.” 

“We have an incredible team of people - the back office team, cleaners, engineers and of course the drivers, who go out there and deliver an excellent service. This award belongs to all of them.” 

The Operator of the Year category is based on the company’s engineering and safety standards, operating performance and feedback from customers carried. Stotts has consistently scored over 95% and been in the top ten operators every year for the last 10 years.

Chris Hardy, Managing Director at National Express UK Coach said: “It wasn’t possible to hand out awards in person this year but it was more important than ever that we recognised achievement. 

“We wouldn’t be National Express without our operators and their professionalism and willingness to adapt in the last 12 months has really demonstrated this. Stotts has been outstanding and I was really pleased to be able to have the opportunity to recognise their efforts and celebrate them as a valued partner.”