Tricennial Awards
To mark our first three decades of celebrating the best of the best, we make three special awards for teams who have hit noteworthy decadal milestones themselves.
Awards then for 10 years, 60 years and 80 years of making a difference...
The first decade
We present an award to Andy Martin and the Quickline team
Andy Martin on Quickline's first decade
‘People helped us turn an idea into something real’
An independent regional sameday courier company.
A crazy idea in Middle England.
Turning that crazy idea into reality.
‘People helped us turn an idea into something real’
Andy Martin and his team at Quickline achieve their first decade in sameday.
IOC fellow, Andy Martin, ‘10 years ago Quickline Logistics was a crazy idea me and Stephen had. Last weekend I stood in a room full of people who have helped us turn that idea into something real, and I can't begin to describe how that feels.
Success isn't about having all the answers; it's about surrounding yourself with good people. Businesses don't build people, people build businesses. I am incredibly fortunate to have the best people around me, and many of them joined us on Saturday. When I looked around that room, I saw exactly why Quickline has made it this far. To our customers and suppliers, thank you for your ongoing support. To our friends and family, thank you for the sacrifices you make. And to my team, thank you for the amazing work you do day in day out, without you none of this would be possible. Here's to the next ten years.
Six decades for London independent, privately-owned, family courier company
We present an award to Rob Scott and the GLH team
The late John Scott, former founding fellow of IOC, second generation Rob Scott, fellow of the IOC.
London independent same day courier company with a track record of family.
Achieving six decades of independent success in final mile delivery to door.
Jointly eight decades - eighty-year celebration for two individuals
We present awards to Gary Bailey & Damian Palmer of DPD
Relationships built along the way.
A journey of collective success.
Jon Stockton, DPD COO is incredibly proud to report two monumental career milestones that represent the very heart of DPD.
They say, ‘privileged to have worked with and met so many great people.’
Jon Stockton, DPD COO is incredibly proud to report two monumental career milestones that represent the very heart of DPD.
Celebrating Gary Bailey, who has achieved an astonishing 45 years in role. To mark this incredible milestone. Jon Stockton presented Gary with his name printed on his very own 45-year truck. Reflecting on his time, Gary shared: "I feel privileged to have worked with and met so many great people at DPD over the last 45 years; the time has flown by. Having my 45-year truck presented to me by Jon Stockton, COO, was an honour."
Alongside Gary, DPD are celebrating Damian Palmer, who has reached an outstanding 35-year work anniversary! Damian perfectly captures how these milestones are ultimately about the relationships built along the way: "Thirty-five years is an incredible milestone, and when I look back, it’s the people who stand out most. The relationships, shared experiences, and the passion we’ve brought to what we do have shaped not only my journey, but our collective success. I feel a genuine sense of pride in the DNA of DPD. After 35 years, that pride remains as strong as ever, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the journey."
Jon Stockton, ‘It is the daily dedication of people like Gary and Damian that drives our collective success and builds the true DNA of our company.’
Collaboration
We award Route One Same Day team from Northampton
Collaboration matching operational success across borders.
Regional Northampton sameday lens impacts neighbouring counties two-person vehicle team.
Sameday business model used to evolve two-person teams.
County borders success of evolution of operations across two shires.
Route One courier company collaboration of final mile support across neighbouring Shires.
Proven generating four million revenue at regional level in Middle England heartland.
Two shire neighbours collaborate to deliver robust future and secure a dozen-driver final mile team into future-proof delivery success.
Substantial revenue success at regional level.
Middle England, in the Rose shire of Northamptonshire, Same Day firm Route 1 Group Northampton, collaborated with a Leicestershire final mile, vehicle with two-person teams, to reset their operation in the lines of conventional same day, re-focus, judge routes, balance resources and add energy to build and evolve a robust forward facing business model to deliver to final mile with same day lens
County Neighbours unite with proven business plan to deliver across the county border.
Lee Haines Route 1 Group jumped in on a Friday call that was operationally challenged, engaging with the neighbouring Shire company to see twelve drivers from a busy Friday achieving on time every time for Monday morning in a new business model success.
The re-set is three months in and has delivered a Q1 success that secures the dozen drivers routes to a sound final mile future collaborating operations and achieving same day service levels generating over four million pounds of business on a regional scale.
David Jamieson Safety Award
We present the award to Loughborough University and Whistl's driver training team
Professor Stacey Clemes Loughborough Unv, ‘a nomination beyond traditional driver training.’ ‘returning multiple winner who has delivered proven results in a structured approach that has delivered reduction in network collisions.’
People-focused.
A culture around healthy, engaged and well-supported professional drivers.
Fitness to drive, fatigue awareness, eyesight checks, health declarations, hydration, mental wellbeing and healthier lifestyles.
Industry Collaboration and Leadership - This team has worked with Loughborough University (SHIFT 2025 National Courier award winners)
Whistl Driver Training Team 3rd Year Progression of Driver Health with Loughborough University.
‘The Whistl Driver Training Team has demonstrated that safer roads are created not only through better driving, but by supporting healthier, more engaged and more accountable professional drivers.’
Dave Twiddle, Group Operations Director.
Mark Broad (National Transport Operations Manager) Road safety at Whistl nominates. ‘This is about more than vehicles, policies and compliance. It is about people.’
Over the last three years, the Whistl Driver Training Team has strengthened the organisation’s approach to managing road risk by building a culture around healthy, engaged and well-supported professional drivers.
Through driver coaching, telematics analysis, vehicle familiarisation, refresher assessments, toolbox talks and supervisory assurance, the team has embedded safer behaviours and professional standards into everyday operations. This structured approach has supported a reduction in network collisions from 171 in 2023 to 117 in 2024 and 110 in 2025.
The team’s approach goes beyond traditional driver training. Recognising the clear connection between driver wellbeing and safe decision-making, the team has introduced initiatives covering fitness to drive, fatigue awareness, eyesight checks, health declarations, hydration, mental wellbeing and healthier lifestyles.
Through practical conversations, toolbox talks, fitness-to-drive controls, targeted campaigns and regular engagement, health and wellbeing have become part of the wider road safety programme. Looking after personal health is promoted not as a separate wellbeing message, but as an essential responsibility of being a professional driver.
This people-focused approach has been developed further through SHIFT, a seven-hour Driver CPC course for professional drivers, including van drivers. SHIFT brings safety, health and wellbeing into one learning programme, (SHIFT - National Courier Award winner 2025) reinforcing the team’s belief that professional driving is shaped not only by technical ability, but also by the knowledge, choices and personal wellbeing that support safer decisions on the road.
Industry Collaboration and Leadership - The team has also worked with Loughborough University researchers to deepen understanding of the day-to-day health and wellbeing needs of professional drivers. This has included supporting direct engagement with drivers and sharing practical operational insight so future initiatives reflect the realities of the job. Graeme Snowball also represented Whistl on the “Innovation in action, improving driver health” panel at Driver Health Day, sharing the team’s experience of turning research and wellbeing principles into practical action for drivers.
Between 2023 and 2025, the team recorded:
-More than 5,500 training activities
-Over 4,300 supervisory checks
-More than 7,000 toolbox talk completions
These interventions represent thousands of opportunities to coach drivers, reinforce professional standards, identify risk and encourage safer choices before an incident occurs.
Growing the Team’s Reach - During 2026, the team’s remit expanded to support approximately 345 drivers across Whistl including 45 Van drivers.
To support this expansion, Sam Sampat joined the team as a Driver Trainer at Bedford, while Steve Gelling was promoted to Regional Driver Trainer, (Former National Courier Award Winner), extending dedicated training and road safety support across the Whistl Parcels sites.
Despite the increased operational scope, the like-for-like performance data continued to show improvement. During January to June 2026, insurance-reported claims reduced by 17.7% compared with the same period in 2025, despite mileage increasing by 6.5%. This improved the Vehicle Collision Frequency Rate by 22.7%, from 10.91 to 8.43 claims per million miles.
The team maintained this momentum while taking on the additional Whistl Parcels operation. Between January and August 2026, the team recorded a further:
-2,151 training activities
-1,895 supervisory checks
-1,961 toolbox talk completions
Supporting Safer Communities
The team’s influence also extends beyond Whistl’s own fleet.
During Road Safety Week, Driver Trainers delivered practical road safety sessions at schools in Bedford, Bolton and Bristol. The sessions helped children understand the dangers of vehicle blind spots, distracted walking and interacting safely with large commercial vehicles.
Using practical demonstrations involving Whistl vehicles, the team brought road safety messages to life and helped an estimated 300 to 450 pupils and school staff better understand the risks faced around larger vehicles.
This work demonstrates that the team’s commitment is not limited to protecting Whistl drivers and vehicles. It also contributes to safer roads and greater awareness within the communities in which Whistl operates.
Why the Team Deserves Recognition
What makes the Whistl Driver Training Team exceptional is its understanding that lasting road safety improvement begins long before a vehicle leaves the depot.
The team combines data, training, coaching, wellbeing, leadership and frontline assurance to manage risk proactively. Rather than relying on isolated campaigns, the team has created a sustained programme that supports drivers throughout their professional journey.
The team has achieved measurable results while supporting an expanding national operation. It has reduced collision frequency, delivered thousands of meaningful safety interventions, incorporated Whistl Parcels into the training programme and taken practical road safety education into local schools.
Most importantly, the team has helped change the conversation about professional driving. Driver health and wellbeing are no longer treated as separate from road safety. They are recognised as fundamental to concentration, judgement, personal responsibility and safer decisions behind the wheel.
The Whistl Driver Training Team has demonstrated that safer roads are created not only through better driving, but by supporting healthier, more engaged and more accountable professional drivers.
Dave Twiddle, Group Operations Director -
"I am delighted to support the nomination of the Whistl Driver Training Team for the Institute of Couriers Road Safety Award 2026.
Road safety is one of our most important operational priorities, and this team has played a pivotal role in creating a culture where safety, health and personal responsibility go hand in hand. Their work extends far beyond traditional driver training. Through coaching, engagement, wellbeing initiatives and frontline support, they have helped our drivers make safer decisions every day while improving standards across our national operation.
The measurable reduction in collision rates, achieved alongside continued business growth and increased mileage, is a testament to their professionalism, dedication and expertise. Equally impressive is their commitment to driver health and wellbeing, recognising that safer drivers are healthier, more engaged drivers.
Their collaboration with industry partners, investment in innovative training programme’s such as SHIFT, and commitment to educating local communities during Road Safety Week demonstrate leadership that extends well beyond our own organisation.
The Whistl Driver Training Team has made a significant contribution to improving road safety, and I believe they are thoroughly deserving of recognition by the Institute of Couriers."
Step Change
We make the award to Evri for step change actions in accessibility at door.
Bringing step change to sector.
Dealing with accessibility of delivery at door.
Together with Scope, this brand built a delivery experience that works for everyone.’
Doorstep preferences set for 90,000 customers with accessibility needs.
Established the Body Collective, a quarterly listening session, and conducted a colleague insight survey, to gain a deeper understanding from people with lived experience of disability and delivery at door.
Operator piloted a donation scheme enabling consumers to donate items via network.
£160,494 raised in first year of accessibility partnership.
Mark Hodgkinson, CEO, Scope, said: "Evri's dedication to becoming the UK's most accessible delivery service aligns perfectly with Scope's mission for disability equality. This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact that can be achieved when business and charity unite around a shared purpose, breaking down barriers and creating inclusive opportunities.
"Together, we are demonstrating how accessibility and innovation can drive lasting change, making the world a fairer place for disabled people." " By working together, we are showing how businesses and charities can create lasting change when they share the same values, inspiring more organisations to follow this lead."
Bringing step change to sector.
Evri leads accessibility change with £160k raised for Scope and major brand momentum in first social impact report
Martijn de Lange, CEO, Evri Group, said: “Together with Scope, we’re building a delivery experience that works for everyone.
Mark Hodgkinson, CEO, Scope, said:
"Evri's dedication to becoming the UK's most accessible delivery service aligns perfectly with Scope's mission for disability equality. This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact that can be achieved when business and charity unite around a shared purpose, breaking down barriers and creating inclusive opportunities.
"Our collaboration with Evri is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships. Together, we are demonstrating how accessibility and innovation can drive lasting change, making the world a fairer place for disabled people." "Evri's commitment to accessibility shines through in this partnership. By working together, we are showing how businesses and charities can create lasting change when they share the same values, inspiring more organisations to follow our lead."
- £160,494 raised in first year of accessibility partnership
- Doorstep preferences set for 90,000 customers with accessibility needs
- Piloted a donation scheme enabling consumers to donate items via Evri’s network
Evri, is redefining accessibility in logistics and has marked the first anniversary of its strategic partnership with disability equality charity Scope, by surpassing its fundraising target and publishing its inaugural Social Impact Report, underscoring its ambition to become the UK’s most accessible delivery company.
The report highlights Evri’s bold ambition and showcases key achievements from the past 12 months as Evri’s brand momentum has also been recognised externally by Citizens Advice in its annual parcels league table, which highlighted Evri as the only parcel carrier to have a positive upward trajectory since the league table began in 2021.
Evri is continuing its thrust towards becoming the most accessible parcel delivery company by committing to further fundraising in its second year of partnership, whilst also showing meaningful progress in other areas including being one of only two firms to have improved their Citizens Advice customer service score over the last three years. Evri has also been named among the Top 10 Most Improved Brands in the UK by YouGov’s Brand Index, reflecting rising consumer trust and satisfaction.
Since launching the partnership at Evri’s 50th anniversary gala, the company has raised over £160,494, exceeding its initial goal of £125,000 for year one. Over the last year, Evri has:
Raised more than ever before through activities ranging from painting plant pots, climbing mountains to holding bake sales.
Launched doorstep accessibility preferences within an Evri App which has enabled more than 90,000 customers to select doorstep options and give their courier instructions for a successful and comfortable delivery.
Commissioned a full digital accessibility audit and integrated the AccessiBe widget on Evri.com, the widget has around 500,000 users per month and offers a number of profiles which automatically make suggested adjustments, such as a seizure safe profile to pause all animation.
Supported Scope’s flagship campaigns including its carol concert, the Scope Awards and Disability Pride Month.
Driven awareness of Scope on Evri’s electric fleet, ParcelShop device screens, website and more.
Established the Evri Body Collective, a quarterly listening session, and conducted a colleague insight survey, to gain a deeper understanding from people with lived experience of disability.
Reviewed policies to ensure best practice, with a planned roll out of accessibility training for colleagues. Evri has also refreshed brand guidelines, adding new colours to its palette to increase colour contrast, and launched accessibility guidance for ParcelShops.
Piloted a first of its kind donation scheme for Scope in September and October enabling consumers to donate items via Evri’s network for free, by dropping off items at any of Evri’s 10,000+ ParcelShops or Lockers with Evri delivering directly into Scope charity shops. Items from the campaign sold in the first few weeks have already raised more than £1,200 for Scope and the campaign also helped increase awareness of Scope, reaching 81 million people through media.
The volume of parcels sent via the donation scheme also contributed towards Evri’s continued increase in parcel volume. Earlier this month, Evri announced record half-year results reporting a 12% increase in parcel volumes.
Funds generated by sales of the donated items help Scope to support disabled people and their families. There are 16 million disabled people in the UK and Scope’s free helpline is a lifeline giving guidance, advice and emotional support. With the average call costing £15, every donation helps.
Martijn de Lange, CEO, Evri Group, said: “Together with Scope, we’re building a delivery experience that works for everyone; our colleagues, couriers, customers and clients. Every parcel, every person, every place. “Our own research shows that one in four people rely on home deliveries to maintain their independence or improve their quality of life. That’s why we set a bold ambition a year ago that we aim to become the most accessible parcel delivery company. “I’m incredibly proud of the achievements of the last year, from launching accessibility preferences to supporting Scope’s campaigns and initiatives. These steps bring us closer to our ambition. “Over the next few years and beyond, we’re dedicated to ensuring Evri better serves our communities and is an amazing place to work for all. We aim to make a positive impact on the lives of people with a condition or impairment and help create a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Mark Hodgkinson, CEO, Scope, said: "Evri's dedication to becoming the UK's most accessible delivery service aligns perfectly with Scope's mission for disability equality. This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact that can be achieved when business and charity unite around a shared purpose, breaking down barriers and creating inclusive opportunities.
"Our collaboration with Evri is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships. Together, we are demonstrating how accessibility and innovation can drive lasting change, making the world a fairer place for disabled people." "Evri's commitment to accessibility shines through in this partnership. By working together, we are showing how businesses and charities can create lasting change when they share the same values, inspiring more organisations to follow our lead."
Apprentice Next Generation Awards
For Collaboration in Training the award goes to West Thames College with HBC Same Day – An offline solution for our front line delivery operatives
Delivering learning to our front line, outside of conventional on-line, to adapt to our teams in their workplace.
Collaborating with an Ofsted Grade One college.
- The delivery of an offline portfolio workbook delivered on the job.
- Levy paid with no expense to candidate or courier company
- A one hundred per cent success
- A twelve-month on-job programe assessed last year with a 100% success rate
- Uniquely, every candidate passed the course
The Apprentice Collaboration Award nomination details
Describe the partnership?
This nomination describes a truly collaborative solution adapting an old school learning style of pen and paper in a mobile work environment that has built exceptional gains for the employer.
It is a three-way collaboration between a professional body, the employer and an FE college training provider
Sector expertise from the Institute of Couriers has been distilled into a unique apprenticeship workbook for mobile candidates, supported by a sector focused FE college and an employer at the frontline of a critical infrastructure delivery program success for final mile, same day delivery.
HBC Logistics provide UK and European logistics services with a strong focus on same day deliveries is headquartered in Biggleswade, fifty miles north of London. HBC engaged with leading logistics training experts, West Thames College to use the Institute of Couriers workbook-based training delivery programme for their Express Delivery Operative Level 2 (ST0103) apprentices.
West Thames College focus on the express logistics sector as their campus is in the heartland of the West London logistics hot spot, with Heathrow Airport and the A4, M4 feeds to London down the Hounslow Golden Mile. Their Express Delivery Operative apprentice training programme is based on a unique work book designed to support a group of candidates who often have no online access. While delivering customer promise of first time every time delivery at door, express final mile delivery candidates often find themselves far beyond the office work station environment and without access to a computer or online connection. The Express Delivery Operative work books were developed by Department for Transport industry recognised stakeholder; the Institute of Couriers. The development work was guided by a series of IOC facilitated employer round tables which ensured that each of the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship is underpinned by up to date and relevant learning material which is grounded upon current on-job industry practices. The workbooks provide opportunities for interactive candidate and supervisor learning. Candidates are able to interact with fellow delivery team members to tackle topics such as road route knowledge and dynamic issues such as traffic, congestion or road work changes to route. All teaching is delivered in modular blocks by West Thames College.
How has the partnership led to improved apprenticeship outcomes?
The start to completion delivered at HBC has delivered seventy five per cent first time pass rates for the 2025 candidates.
The workbook is structured against the Duties and KSBs of the apprenticeship, giving apprentices simple access to key knowledge about each topic, allied to guidance about the workplace activities, enabling them to develop and demonstrate skills and behaviours. Each topic is supported as appropriate by cases studies, quotes from industry leaders and questions which enable candidates to assess their growing grasp of the topic.
A key feature are a series of 'top tips' (e.g. "shortest route may not be the quickest due to congestion and road work impacts") to boost workplace supervisor engagement by stimulating discussing real world examples of local work situations. This adds breadth to the collaboration between employer and training provider.
Feedback from the HBC supervisors who are supporting the apprentices is that this has made them more confident to engage in workplace learning, as they have ‘user friendly’ access to apprenticeship content which they feel comfortable in discussing and elaborating with the apprentices they supervise.
West Thames College underpin the employer engagement with individual module learning which is cross referenced in workbooks, enabling candidates to self-audit and sign off their progress with support from college tutors. Delivery of each module involves a combination of college training providers and expert input in the form of master class support from the institute of couriers.
Reflecting the quality of the learning programme, 100 % of the apprentice candidates passed their professional membership platform exams for the member ship grade of the Institute of Couriers.
What is the main challenge in creating and maintaining the partnership?
The initial challenge for the HBC Logistics (the employer) was to find a solution for the limited on-line connectivity in a job role that involves lone working without access to online learning resources.
With assistance from IOC (the professional body) they set out to identify and develop a paper-based programme, outside of the conventional internet training packages for apprentices. West Thames College, who received an “Outstanding” rating in its Ofsted inspection, carried out in December 2024, stepped forward.
With the delivery model in place, the final challenge was for West Thames and HBC to devise an apprentice tracking and auditing process for this paper-based system of delivery
Provide examples of innovation or best practice that have emerged.
Workbook extended to engage dynamic learning between delivery roles, road space congestion, road works or traffic accidents evolve on the job, driving learning to engage across collaborative on road communication packages. The step of learning evolved confidence to extend communications and help all members of the company.
What future goals or development for this partnership?
West Thames College principal, Marta Gajewska highlights the importance of building strong skills, collaborative education and career pathways for future logistics professionals: “The sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy… We are committed to working with employers and partners to inspire and train the next generation of logistics professionals. At West Thames College, we continue to expand our logistics courses and apprenticeships, and proudly lead the Logistics Skills Hub — driving skills, innovation and opportunity across the sector. The collaboration with the Institute of Couriers is a fantastic celebration of progress, inclusion and the power of education to shape the future of logistics.”
Dr Tracey Worth IOC CEO explained ‘We had identified the mobility of the candidates and the distance from internet access was a huge barrier to engagement for express delivery operatives. The workbooks were developed collaboratively by sector employers, round tables from SMEs to national delivery brands engaged in a common goal of content, An example of collaborative content, Brand and ambassador at door featured strong in the behaviour delivery discussions. Delivering customer promise, first time every time success to client all discussed cross sector with common goals. We then needed the collaboration of a training provider to deliver the unusual platform outside of the internet. I congratulate Ofsted Outstanding, West Thames College taking the challenge for our sector, delivering the none internet route to support our sector, HBC is a splendid example of success for multi collaboration delivery. It is joy to see their candidates not only complete their apprenticeships, but win our professional status goals and step up in their own roles to give breadth to our next generation of express logistics.’
Apprentice of the Year Award
We award Whistl distinction apprentice Samuel Ritson
‘Individual has consistently demonstrated the attitude, work ethic, and determination required to succeed.'
Excelled throughout the academic aspects of his apprenticeship.
Senior Trainer quote – ‘He took full ownership of his learning, responded positively to feedback, and successfully achieved an impressive distinction grade.’
He recently achieved Distinction grades in all components of his Assessment.
‘Developed from a newly qualified driver into a trusted and respected member of the transport team.’
Louise O’Neil, IOC education group co-chair. ‘His success also highlights the value of the Express Delivery Operative Level 2 apprenticeship, which provides an outstanding route into the courier and logistics sector by combining practical workplace experience with nationally recognised skills and knowledge.’
Whistl Samuel Ritson Express Delivery Operative L2
Gordon Chant – Assistant Transport Manager Whistl nominates Samuel Ritson ‘He is an exceptional Express Delivery Operative L2 Apprentice whose professionalism, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement. Since joining Whistl at the beginning of 2025, he has consistently demonstrated the attitude, work ethic, and determination required to succeed within the transport and logistics industry.
When Samuel first joined the business, he was a newly qualified driver with limited practical experience. From the outset, however, he displayed a strong willingness to learn, accepting feedback positively and embracing every opportunity to develop his skills. Through hard work, perseverance, and a genuine desire to improve, he has rapidly progressed into a trusted and dependable member of the transport driving team. His journey is a testament to his resilience, professionalism, and commitment to personal development.
Samuel is an outstanding ambassador for both Whistl and the wider logistics profession. He consistently delivers excellent customer service and is recognised for his polite, approachable, and professional manner. He takes pride in representing the business and understands the important role drivers play in creating positive customer experiences. His high standards, attention to detail, and commitment to doing the job well have earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike.
Alongside his operational achievements, Samuel has excelled throughout the academic aspects of his apprenticeship. He recently achieved Distinction grades in all components of his EPA. These results reflect not only his ability and aptitude but also the dedication and effort he has invested throughout his learning journey.
Samuel has consistently achieved strong results across his apprenticeship programme and has received regular praise from his tutor for his engagement, attitude, and quality of work. He approaches every aspect of his development with enthusiasm and professionalism, demonstrating maturity beyond his experience.
In a relatively short period, Samuel has transformed from a newly qualified driver into a highly respected and valued member of the team. His commitment to learning, outstanding professionalism, and positive influence on those around him embody everything an apprentice should aspire to be.
Kush Heer, TRS Training, ‘As Samuel’s tutor throughout his Express Delivery Operative Apprenticeship, I am delighted to support his nomination for a National Courier Award.’ ‘Throughout his apprenticeship, Samuel consistently demonstrated competence, responsibility, and professionalism in his role. He took full ownership of his learning, responded positively to feedback, and successfully achieved an impressive distinction grade. This achievement reflects his commitment, knowledge, and consistently high standard of work. During our discussions and progress reviews, Samuel demonstrated a strong understanding of safe driving practices, route planning, vehicle checks, customer service, and the importance of following organisational procedures. He was able to provide clear examples of how he applied his learning within the workplace to deliver an efficient, safe, and reliable service. Samuel takes pride in his work and understands the responsibility that comes with representing Whistl when dealing with customers and members of the public. He is dependable, respectful, and able to work independently while maintaining excellent professional standards. It has been a pleasure supporting Samuel throughout his apprenticeship. His distinction grades, positive attitude and commitment to providing an excellent delivery service make him a highly deserving candidate for the Apprentice of the Year Award.’
Louise O’Neil - Fellow, Institute of Couriers - Co-Chair, Institute of Couriers Education Group, “I am proud to support the nomination of Samuel. ‘Samuel embodies everything this award seeks to recognise. Through dedication, professionalism and a genuine commitment to learning, he has developed from a newly qualified driver into a trusted and respected member of the Whistl transport team, achieving distinction grades across his apprenticeship and setting an excellent example for others entering the profession.
His success also highlights the value of the Express Delivery Operative Level 2 apprenticeship, which provides an outstanding route into the courier and logistics sector by combining practical workplace experience with nationally recognised skills and knowledge. Apprenticeships such as this are essential in developing the next generation of logistics professionals. I would also like to recognise the contribution of TRS Training, whose commitment to high-quality apprenticeship delivery has clearly helped Samuel maximise his potential and achieve exceptional results. Samuel is a credit to himself, Whistl, TRS Training and the wider logistics industry. He is a highly worthy recipient of the Institute of Couriers Apprentice of the Year Award 2026.”
Our Next Generation Managers
We award Robert Ridgewell, Richard Underwood and Russell Bernstien of FedEx
UWL VC Prof. Peter John, David Jamieson, Robert Ridgewell, Richard Underwood, Russell Bernstien, Seema Malhotra MP, Sir John Hayes MP
For the thirtieth year of National Courier Awards we have landmark success for Degree Apprenticeship next generation.
2026 marks final mile for first starts of Express Logistics sector degree.
We celebrate the first-ever graduates of Express Logistics 2026.
Every learner progressed in job role while learning in the workplace.
No student loans, three-year course paid by levy,
Candidates rich in first class honours BSc, all with in-job promotions.
University West London Vice Chancellor, Prof Peter John CBE, ‘It was a day to remember.’
We award three of those very first candidates.
Ryan McVey Hons BSc - I wish I could have told my 16-year-old self we are all running our own race.
Robert Ridgewell Hons BSc - Know You Can - No, You Can ‘20+ year journey brought me to where I am today.’
Chris Stockton Hons BSc - The journey doesn’t end here. Now putting into practice the knowledge learned into my day to day role.
Chris Stockton, Ryan Williams, Robert Ridgewell – with FedEx SVP Patrick Super and UK MD Jim Hawkins with UWL Apprenticeship Director Janet Rowson
FedEx - The first Level 6 BSc degree students at University of West London
Final mile for first starts of express logistics sector degree.
Landmark success for Degree Apprenticeship next generation.
Celebrating the first-ever graduates of Express Logistics 2026
University West London Vice Chancellor, Prof Peter John CBE, ‘It was a day to remember.’
Express Logistics Manger Degree Apprenticeship
Final mile, last mile of three years
2026 student success - levy paid graduating with no student fees.
Sept 2026, the first-ever graduates of The Hons degree apprenticeship for Express Managers at Univ West London. It has been a hugely successful three years; first graduates celebrated big outcomes, rich in first class honours and in job promotions. Every learner has progressed in job role while learning in the workplace.
Prof Peter John CBE, ‘Univ West London Vice Chancellor, ‘It was a day to remember.'
The 2026 graduates are the icing on the cake for the Express Logistics sector's next generation. Top brass supporting included senior Vice President Patrick Super and UK MD Jim Hawkins of FedEx. We bring you the candidate feedback of the three on stage.
‘No student loans.’ A mixed trade learning platform delivered on the job with flexible virtual work-based sessions alongside degree attendance at UWL in West London. Assignments built on presentations of the candidates brand in their geographic region. Learning on campus once a month to engage with group learning. Hands-on discussion to solve problems from dynamic management such as client change, customer promise and behaviour delivering first time, on time, every time. This is an employer-built course, rich in real world learning of express logistics. It has built confidence and knowledge for the 2026 graduating candidates, a true day to celebrate and remember.’
Three years done - Levy paid – No student fees.
On job and at University for the final mile graduation.
IOC chair, Carl Lomas, ‘A landmark for our sector. The 2026 graduates are the first candidates to finish the apprenticeship degree. Apprenticeship route to degree while employed. Another way, no student fees, no student loan, paid from the employer levy pot. The qualification was built by the express logistics sector employer operators with Dept for Education and signposts new step in academic recognition for the management skills of the evolving sector. We will now see an annual cohort of graduands in the coming years, start date for next year's cohort is June 22nd.
Course lead, Dr Tracey Worth, ‘The Hons Degree at UWL, Univ West London is a real world job learning environment blended to academia on-campus learning, a Who’s Who of guest speakers ahead, from Govt transport body leaders to IOC fellows expert in subjects from security to eco and compliance. The 2026 graduates mark the very first success of an academic future for our Express sector.
Students get trade body support of the Inst of Couriers; a dedicated course textbook follows the modules. Highly integrated assessments that have dynamic real world sector engagement, material covered from latest drone delivery to traditional values of customer promise to place a ‘can-do' attitude of transport sector into true career steps for the sector of transport. It’s a natural stairway to logistics management.’
Janet Rowson – director for apprenticeships at UWL. ‘I was delighted to celebrate with the 2026 cohort of graduates of Express Delivery Managers apprentices for the next generation of logistic managers who are set to use their knowledge, skills and new thinking to bring dynamic change to their industry and build resilience to deal with the challenges in evolving express final mile. Well done 2026 graduates, and good luck.’
Candidate feedback - Express logistics management UWL graduate comments 2026
Chris Stockton Hons BSc - The journey doesn’t end here. Now putting into practice the knowledge learned into my day to day role.
So happy to share that I graduated from the University of West London with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Express Delivery Manager at Twickenham stadium yesterday. A special thanks to my wife Jenny Stockton, for her amazing and unwavering support, my fellow cohort who stopped me quitting three months in to get me to this milestone, work colleagues across many FedEx sites (too many to mention, you know who you are) who all contributed in some way to helping me achieve my goal and my amazing friends (they know who they are) for putting up with me and pulling me through the darkest of days. The journey doesn’t end here. Now continues the journey of putting into practice what knowledge was learned throughout the last three years into my day to day role. Remember, it’s not how you start, but how you end. “Thanks even more”
Ryan McVey Hons BSc - I wish I could have told my 16-year-old self we are all running our own race.
Today, I was so grateful and proud to collect my BSc Hons in Express Delivery Management at Twickenham Stadium and graduate from the University of West London. - I wish I could have told my 16-year-old self, standing there disappointed in my 2002 Brazil World Cup tracksuit on GCSE results day not to worry, that we all do things at different speeds. We’re all running our own race. Today I put those demons to rest at an amazing graduation ceremony. Thank you to FedEx, my colleague and cohort, and to my managers, past and present, for supporting me on this journey over the last 3 years. Thank you to Dr Tracey Worth, our course lead, along with my friends, who helped me race against the clock and helped me over the line on a regular basis. Thanks to Steve Blunt James Hawkins and Patrick Super for making the journey to celebrate with us today at our graduation ceremony.
Robert Ridgewell Hons BSc - Know You Can - No You Can ‘20+ year journey brought me to where I am today.’
I now look back with immense pride and gratitude at the 20+ year journey that has brought me to where I am today. During my time with FedEx, alongside completing my university education, I have had the privilege of undertaking a variety of roles that have shaped both my professional and personal development. Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to work alongside many exceptional colleagues, each of whom has contributed in some way to my growth. In particular, the members of my cohort have played a significant role in my experiences, providing support, friendship, and inspiration along the way. The memories, lessons, and relationships built over the years are ones I will always value and never forget. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Tracey Worth for her unwavering support, guidance, and words of wisdom throughout the last three years. Her encouragement and belief in my potential have made a lasting impact on my journey. As she often reminded us, ‘Know You Can - No You Can’; a message that has stayed with me and continues to inspire my approach to both personal and professional growth.
There is a textbook to go with the degree!
It should be on every logistics manager's shelf
Express logistics textbooks on Amazon but also in the UK's libraries of record
British Library reference copies on the shelf for final mile sector Hons degree at Oxford, Cambridge, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
A dedicated and unit-mapped textbook was written for the degree course and can be purchased on Amazon. The Final mile textbooks are also sitting on the shelves of the top libraries in the UK. Liz Sandford - 'On behalf of The Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries, I wish to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of all copies sent of your Express Logistics publications, as listed below to the Agency for Legal Deposit Libraries. Once processed, a copy of each title will be sent to the following libraries, The Bodleian Library Oxford University, the Cambridge University Library, National Library of Scotland, National Library of Wales and Trinity College Dublin for Legal Deposit.'
