2018 nominations, nationals to SMEs, from Scotland to the South Coast for the widest representation of our sector ever. Lord Falkland is tipped to be handing out a services to industry hood.

Adrian Smith, chair of the judges, has summarised comments for the individual categories that were highlighted at the table of judges...

Two Wheel Category 2018 - 2018 sees one, two wheelers with a decade of service. Both Individuals who have made a positive impression with a willingness to help both clients and colleagues, punctual and with ability to make tricky deadlines.

Four Wheel Category 2018 - A bumper nomination of four wheels makes 2018 year of the final mile van driver, comments include, ‘one of the best, buoyant, positive, incredible.’ From weather in the north to three decades of service, supporting Santa in peak and getting almost 400 kilos to the third floor. One individual searched Facebook to send the thanks.

Contract Wheels Category 2018 - Contract category, driving for the express delivery contracted / regular client service, strong client recommendations, comments included, ‘shining example, getting it right, without hesitation, flexible, reliable, World class, does not understand failure.’

Contract Office Category 2018 - Contract category, working for the express delivery inside or for the client environment, comments include, ‘customer-centric individual, compliance was exemplary, care attention and truth, nothing asked is ever too difficult, revolutionised the way we forecast.’

Office category - Strong client recommendations in the 2018 group, comments included, ‘Calm & engaging, one to watch, makes sure they get back to you, stepped up two tiers, set the benchmark, one of our family.’

Who will be there on the night?

IOC president, Viscount, Lord Falkland will be there. Our IOC vice president and former transport minister John Hayes is confirmed to attend alongside hon fellow, Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell and the Master Carmen. Mark Dawes boss of AELP will be there, as will education bodies Pearson and City & Guilds. It will be the express sector network event of the year and an opportunity not to be missed. DfT, TfL, GLA, all in the VIP invites. Irwin Mitchell's Taylor Review law guru is also attending the evening. Let's talk winners for the Individuals who take home Silver C courier awards alongside corporates who pick up their gongs for company success in categories from safety to green with clean air, consolidation and shortening the miles also nominated.

There will be DfE news on the Express Manager Degree, and a heads of industry on the same afternoon will polish the code of practice; first signatures will be on the stage of the National Courier Awards to pledge ‘we will do the right thing in Express final mile delivery.’

It’s the one date you need in your diary and to be there you need to make the call for your ticket, Tracey Worth 07976 263745