06/11/2026
Oh where to start!!!!!
Over the last couple of days, we have visited the NEC, Birmingham for the as well as the . Two great events within the bus and coaching community.
By day, the chance to scrutinise new vehicles, explore new contacts, view the latest innovations, meet and socialise with fellow colleagues from across the UK and Ireland.
By night, opportunity to scrub up, relax, socialise further and enjoy the evening.
“Relax”….. well perhaps not quite…as we were a little on edge despite being really proud and privileged to have been nominated and then subsequently shortlisted for the title “Best Small Coach Company of the Year”. This category was a really tough call in my opinion as there were some really fantastic operators shortlisted too, including our great friends Eastons Holidays (Norfolk) and Jones International (South Wales) who both deserve every credit.
Thanks to the event hosts, judges, sponsors for another great industry occasion with approximately 900 people in attendance.
Thanks to our drivers who came to the show but also the ones back at base keeping the wheels turning. Thanks also to our industry friends who were able to join us on the evening. It was also great to have our good friends at Sleafordian Coaches on the table next to us and being able to share their success in the category, Best Fleet Engineer. Together we really put on the map.
🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that we came away as winners of this top award and I could not be more proud of our little team.
All of this is not just down to one individual or the influence of Senior 😞/Junior management. It’s down to everyone involved, our skilful/knowledgable/hardworking driving team past and present, obliging/courteous office staff , efforts from those behind the scenes, support of loyal customers, the friendship and assistance of fantastic industry colleagues who have supported us throughout especially during the last 18 months in particular.
Thanks to all who have passed on their lovely kind comments, much appreciated.
I’m also delighted to confirm that another new Vanhool T Series luxury coach has been ordered and will begin its production very soon. Thanks to Van Hool and VDL Bus & Coach UK for their assistance in meeting our specifications. We look forward to seeing it come to life and joining our fleet soon.
So today, we’re all back to doing what we love doing best, in our rightful places behind the wheel, with all of the fleet out and about in:
📍The Lake District
📍Richmond, North Yorkshire
📍Harewood House
📍The Great Central Railway
📍Kings Lynn
We “keep on keeping on” attempting to serve our customers well, continuing to make senior management proud day by day and still love what we’re doing.
If you’re on one of our vehicles today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year or even at any point in the past, THANK YOU for choosing A&P and making us what we are today……
🏆BEST SMALL COACH OPERATOR 2026🏆
