Richard Johnson took home the gold award for Young Coach Industry Professional at the UK Coach Awards on Thursday 4^th May 2017.

 

As Assistant Manager of Kidderminster based Whittles Coaches, Richard Johnson is no stranger to the coach industry as he is the fourth generation of the Johnson family from Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel . He joined the team at Whittles Coaches when Johnsons acquired the company in 2015. Since then, Richard has hit the ground running, learning many complex tasks and processes and also rescuing the reputation of the Whittles brand which as at an all-time low.

 

Through driver mentoring, building customer relationships and office management, Richard has increased sales and helped to put Whittles Coaches firmly back on the map. It is Richard’s industry passion and drive that really sets him apart though. He is a great ambassador for the company whether he is welcoming a new client to the office, visiting travel agents, attending an industry exhibitions, or even driving the coach. His enthusiasm and welcoming personality is a key motivator for the company.

 

The judges were extremely impressed with how Richard has revitalised Whittles Coaches, working through every aspect of the business including mentoring drivers and building relationships with customers leading to increased sales.

 

Richard was presented the award by Carol Kirkwood from BBC Breakfast in front of an audience of 250 industry professionals in a glittering ceremony at Manchester’s Mecure Piccadilly Hotel on Thursday 4^th May 2017.

 

Congratulating all the winners, UK Coach Awards chairman John Gilbert said, "Our awards recognise and reward excellence and good practice at all levels in the industry, amongst all operators, large or small."

 

Richard was also on hand to collect a very special award for his Nan, Joan Johnson, who was awarded the ‘Unsung Hero’ award for her work at Johnsons Coach Travel. (Richard presenting the award to Joan below).