A family-owned Norfolk coach company has scooped a national award.

Sanders Coaches, based in Holt, has been named Top Independent Bus Operator at the 2023 UK Bus Awards, which took place in London this week.

Sanders also picked up a bronze award for the overall UK Bus Operator of the Year, as well as being credited for 'enriching the customer experience' - recognition of the company’s relaunch of its X55 service in January this year.

Formed in 1975 by Norman and Gladys Sanders, the family firm is now owned by their sons Paul and Charles Sanders and has a fleet of around 90 coaches.

Eastern Daily Press: Sanders Coaches, based in Holt, north Norfolk, has been named Top Independent Bus Operator at the 2023 UK Bus AwardsSanders Coaches, based in Holt, north Norfolk, has been named Top Independent Bus Operator at the 2023 UK Bus Awards (Image: Sanders Coaches Ltd)

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Charles Sanders, managing director, said: “The family are extremely proud of all our staff, who have secured this prestigious award for the company.

“There is a huge team of people working tirelessly behind the scenes, every one of them a vital cog in our organisation - it is not just the driver and bus that everyone so plainly sees.

“The mystery shopping by the judges that took place commented on our reliability, punctuality, driver customer service, and the very high levels of customer satisfaction we achieve.

“I also thank Norfolk County Council Travel and Transport for their partnership, ensuring that rural services in Norfolk can not only survive but indeed thrive with the right joint approach.

Eastern Daily Press: Sanders Coaches, from left to right: Daniel Sanders, engineering manager; Kieran Smith, operations manager; Paul Sanders, managing director; Charles Sanders, managing director; Carole Willimot, head of finance; Martin Sanders, business managerSanders Coaches, from left to right: Daniel Sanders, engineering manager; Kieran Smith, operations manager; Paul Sanders, managing director; Charles Sanders, managing director; Carole Willimot, head of finance; Martin Sanders, business manager (Image: Sanders Coaches Ltd)

“The award is testament to the hard work of all of our 120 plus local people employed at North Walsham and Holt, including cleaners, drivers, engineers, administration staff and management - and the investment from the Sanders family into bus and coach operations in Norfolk.

"To date, 23 brand new vehicles have been invested in in the last three years, plus ongoing replacement of older members of the fleet which will continue to improve the customer experience.”

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