It was a Gala celebration to remember from start to finish. Guests welcomed by Marines ensemble on the balcony, Jen the Roo stilt walker, bagpipes led the shortlisters to stage. Trumpet fanfare for the winners. Vice Chancellor, Traffic Commissioner and Livery Masters were on stage to present the sparkling glass awards.

Individuals fresh from the iconic shortlisters group photo walked tall and proud into the magnificent City of London livery hall with their golden award plaques headed by the bagpipers.

Check out the special 2025 gallery of shortister photos here

50 Shortlisters on the edge of their seats. 29 Winners of the twenty-ninth independent, unsponsored awards of the Institute of Couriers. Winners the best-kept secret in our sector, the winners only finding out as they are called to the stage.

IOC Chairman Carl Lomas delivered the opening keynote to a year of early Peak and exploding express courier numbers in a sector recognised as key worker, critical infrastructure. IOC CEO Dr Tracey Worth explained the Curly Wurlys at table as iconic showcase of our sector trade show data collection. She showcased the new history book of the sector and spoke Lord Mayor's Show pageant entry, Tracey organised the loudest rattle of clappers ever, and welcomed the best to an evening to remember.

City of London Alderman, Alison Gowman on stage to announce IOC are back in the Lord Mayor's Show for 2025! Giant applause for the Giant blue Owl who rocked the National Courier Awards to showcase knowledge of learning and delivery to door.

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 29th 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.

Post code index of tables for a gala dinner, setting the tone of celebration for what has become a unique approach to recognising the best of the best in final mile. Tweets by the bucketload, photos live on the web as Carl Lomas and Dr Tracey Worth read narratives to bring a tear to the eye from the winning reports of 2025. Check out the full and extensive nomination details listed on the IOC web.

First award went to next generation, education VIPs on stage,  WTC FE Principal Marta Gajewska and Rt. Hon. Seema Malhotra MP to award the next generation. First up was Express delivery L2 Royal Logistic Corps, Private Freestone-Shaw, Express sortation Level 2 Whistl went to Amber Pickard and HGV Apprentice Matthew Crane from Bolton.

The full details

2025 A gala evening celebration rattling the clappers with standing ovations for final mile.

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 after the event.

Hot off the press - Full winner naratives are on the IOC web for 2025 after the event.

Mantelpiece photos here

Gallery networking photos of the event here