IOC VP, Sir John Hayes MP, rattle your clappers for the Express sector celebrating a shortlisting of success in final mile as individuals walked tall and proud into the City of London livery hall. It was the largest mix of companies ever, Smes, Regionals and national brands at the same tables. DfT, DfE, DEFRA, DVSA all in the room. Lights, camera, action for the gala evening celebration of the 27th National Courier Awards hosted by the Institute of Couriers. A full house, standing-room only, and many were standing for standing ovations as they rattled the clappers. IOC delivered the Curly Wurlys to postcoded tables for a gala dinner followed by stilt walkers and light dancing setting the tone of celebration for what has become a unique approach to recognising best of the best in final mile. Tweets by the bucket-load, photos live on the web as Carl Lomas and Dr Tracey Worth read inspirational narratives to bring a tear to the eye from the winning reports of 2023.

Awards went to next generation, Shadow Minister for education Seema Malhotra was on stage with DfE, Inst of Apprenticeship Jane Pearce to award the next generation, two apprentices, both form Heathrow geographic, Ruben Sandu and Remi Collin

Two-wheel winner, motorcycle courier Peter Powley scooped the first courier silver C award.

Eight van winners including electric quadracylce. Million deliveries, four decade service, and straight five Trustpilot reviews featured in the van nominations. Tylo Jamison DB Couriers was up for saving life. Newcaste to Coventry and Heathrow featured in widespread geographic winners recognition.

Five contract winners working direct with client showcased from van to control office. Malcolm Higgins, the library contract took huge applause. Contract winning statements included - ‘Brilliant relation ship with client – focus on end customer, profound impact’

All of the office short listers nominated for fellowship by awards pane of judges. Nine winners, companies included, Absolutely, CitySprint, eCouriers, Menzies, TVS Rico, Reliance, Smiths News, Viking and Yodel. Highlights in the office winners included, claim reduction, making team like family, growing chilled delivery, passion for customers, sales champion, reducing pre-run mileage.

Life services with four decades on the clock went to Yodel, from driver to chief operating officer, it was a standing ovation for Carl Moore.

A gala evening celebration rattling the clappers with standing ovations for final mile.

IOC Chairman Carl Lomas delivered the opening keynote to a year of exploding express courier numbers in a sector recognised as key worker, critical infrastructure.

Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell & IOC board member David Stringer-Lamarre were on stage to present the Silver C courier awards.

Winners of the independent, unsponsored awards of the Institute of Couriers are the best-kept secret in our sector, only finding out as they are called to the stage.

The gala evening recognised best-of-the-best in express, courier, last mile, final mile.

Take a full tour of the best of the best winners here

Gallery photos of the event for your mantelpiece here

Life services with four decades on the clock went to Yodel, from driver to chief operating officer, it was a standing ovation for Carl Moore.

Step change showcase of rail, robots and drones. Vamaris, DPD and Royal Mail winners.

DEFRA Minister, Trudy Harrison spoke decarbonisation awards to Evri for zero emission cargo bikes and O’Donovan for HVO fleet.

Shadow Skills Minster Seema Malhotra, delivers express apprentices to next generation at CitySprint and TOLL Logistics.

Cultural impact for Whistl and Smiths News

Team award to Absolutely for Pharmacy solution

Arrow XL took the road safety David Jamieson award

City of London and environs at the National Courier Awards 2023

IOC CEO Prof. Tracey Worth

Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell

IOC Chairman Carl Lomas