Thirty years in the making. Postcodes signposted the tables for a Gala celebration to remember, Express logistics to door from start to finish. Guests welcomed by Marines ensemble on the balcony, Bagpipes led the shortlisters to stage. Opera star roused the fellows before a trumpet fanfare to a thirty year countdown for the winners. All three IOC vice presidents for the thirty years. Traffic Commissioner, Alderman, Livery Masters and University Vice Chancellor were on stage to present the octagonal golden glass awards.

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

Shortlisters on the edge of their chairs. Winners the best-kept secret in our sector, the winners only finding out as they are called to the stage and applauded by a deafening motivation of the iconic IOC clapper hands.

IOC CEO Dr Tracey Worth explained the Curly Wurlys at postcode tables. Dr Tracey organised the loudest rattle of clappers ever, and welcomed the best to an evening to remember.

IOC Chairman Carl Lomas delivered the opening keynote to a year of early peak triggered by product launch deliveries of the iPhone 18 and exploding express courier numbers in a sector recognised as key worker, critical infrastructure by an abundance of government guests at the round tables.

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.

The National Courier Awards tone of celebrations has become a unique approach to recognising the best of the best in front line final mile. Two and four wheels delivering a finale of superstars who have delivered life-impacting change.

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 2026. Check out the full and extensive nomination details listed on the IOC web.

Marking thirty years, the three vice presidents of IOC, Steve Norris, David Jamieson and Sir John Hayes took stage to welcome every one of the 45 2026 shortlisters.

2026 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,

Hot off the press - Full winner naratives are on the IOC web for 2026.

Read the detail of every individual shortlister.

Headline photos here

Winners' Mantelpiece photos here.

Gallery networking photos of the event here.