Lord Falkland of the All Party Group for Motorcycling made a key note speach to the industry. Ian Hethrington Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Distribution Training Council made a key note speach  on courier NVQ qualifications and Investors in People. The awards were in the prescence of Lord Strathcaron and over two hundred guests.

The 1999 Winners :-

Services to Industry Winner

Winner :-Tony Marson Hornets Despatch -

Tony began work in the industry as a motorbike courier in 1987. Following work as a motorbike courier Tony worked as a van driver before becoming office based as the driver liason manager. In 1991 Tony became the fleet manager. Tony became involved in the National ‘Getting People Back to Work Scheme’ and the National Vocational Awards for courier skills. Key to the award is Tony’s work with Kawasaki where financial savings were made as Hornets worked directly with the bike manufacturer to provide the most cost effective vehicle for the courier. The industry has seen great change in bike hire, company bike support and hire to purchase, company bikes. Hornets were one of the first companies offering supported bike schemes to couriers which is becoming more common across the industry. This award recognises the impact Tony has made on the whole courier industry.‘Tony’s philosophy has always been that loyalty and hard work will fetch its own rewards, he has certainly proved this by the achievements of company and hire bike purchase for couriers.

Three Motorcycle Courier Winners from 10,000

Richard Smith Age 43 Alexander & Moore –

Following a 21-year career in banking which ended in voluntary redundancy Richard turned his hobby into his job. He completed training with top marks and started work with Alexander Moore in July 1997. Accuracy and attention to detail helped Richard establish his London knowledge in remarkable time. After a few months he completed his NVQ qualification in courier skills and his earnings rose rapidly. He was given a company bike, which was kept in immaculate condition. Not one to stand still Richard then completed a course to install computer peripherals, gained top marks and know carries out enhanced courier work delivering parts which he can install on site. ‘Richard is a thoroughly nice genuine bloke who is a credit to himself, his family and the company’

Sally Sylvan Age 31 Business Direct -

Sally joined Business Direct 11 months ago already having previous experience of the industry. In that short time has proved an invaluable member of the team. When Business Direct opened its evening circuit Sally was the first to volunteer for late shift jobs, culminating in a very wet and windy trip to Leeds that took most of the night. This was for a new client which had opened their account on the understanding such service could be provided. Sally opened the eyes of the other riders to the possibilities of covering late shift work and has been in the vanguard of the late shift expansion. Sally’s continued commitment to the company is demonstrated by her involvement in the company bike purchase scheme. ‘It is rare to find a woman in the industry, let alone one that can truly be said to be a top rider. Sally has proved herself in one of the most difficult jobs going.’

Mark Wilson Age 40 Security Despatch DMS –

Mark started work with Security Despatch in 1978 after leaving Pony Express and has clocked up 21 unbroken years in the industry as a self employed despatch rider. He has seen the industry change from its embryonic state to the huge operation of today. His entire control room were unanimous with his nomination. The controllers find him a pleasure to work with, pleasant and calm on the radio, his level of quiet professionalism with clients is absolute, he is never fazed and his attitude is great. He will take time out to help new riders.‘In short this man is a pleasure to work with, he comes out everyday in all weathers and has kept his sense of humour for over 20 years.’

Three Office Winners

Simon Baker Security Despatch DMS -

As fleet manager of security Despatch Simon Baker often known as Paris manages his fleet with amazing fairness, openness and patience. He has an outstanding understanding of the industry and is also a computer whiz sorting problems and systems. He has devised sophisticated stats regarding rider levels which are produced daily. The stats are summarised and turned into a weekly newsletter which often even caries photos. ‘He is an exceptional diplomat and mediator with rider/client, rider/controller and rider/other departments.’

Judy Benn Swiftcall Despatch -

Judy began work in the courier industry in 1979 with Inter City Couriers. Her ability to adapt to change has helped Swiftcall Couriers grow from a same day operation to a major player in the APC overnight network. Judy will not tolerate excuses, anything less than 100% is unacceptable. She is well known and respected within the APC network. It is in the sphere of personnel development that Judy’s abilities have really shone through. Judy has encouraged personal growth as well as career development among the riders. Those down on their luck have gone forward to gain respect, dignity and long stay records with the company.  ‘Judy has always excelled in all aspects of customer service and care, for her a complaint is an opportunity to bring the customer closer to you.’

Tracey Reynolds Prontobikes -

Tracey is an invaluable asset to Prontobikes as the sales director. Previously from Churchill Express Tracey has been with Prontobikes for over six years. Tracey has an excellent and unique telephone manner. Clients respond to her fresh and cheeky disposition. When we inadvertently upset a client they have stayed for one reason only. That reason being Tracey. Tracey has always taken it upon herself to provide the very best customer care, monitoring quality and service levels. She has developed mutually beneficial contracts with other courier companies which respect her for being cheerful, helpful, co-operative and professional. ‘Tracey is incredibly innovative and has turned around the fortunes of Prontobikes with her fresh and natural approach.’