Billy goes the extra mile and picks up national accolade

Coach driver Billy Graham pictured receiving his award from UK Coach Awards director Chris Cheek.

Published on 13/06/2012 09:47

A coach driver has been presented with a national honour for his dedication to providing excellent customer service to his passengers.

Billy Graham, who works for Cochrane’s Coaches, has been named as UK Coach Driver of the Year .

Billy, 55, from Peterlee, has more than 30 years’ experience in driving buses and was picked from scores of others to win the national accolade in the UK Coach Awards.

Nominees had to provide the customer’s ideal - a driver who is friendly, helpful, conscientious and mindful of passengers’ comfort and well-being.

The awards organisers were looking for “a true professional and worthy ambassador for the job”.

Billy has been a personal service vehicle (PSV) driver for 32 years, having started his career with local bus operator Northern in 1979.

He joined the team at Cochrane’s, a small family firm based on Peterlee’s North East Industrial Estate, in 1981.

He worked for the company on and off for 20 years before becoming the company’s lead tour driver in 2002.

His boss Ian Cochrane said: “We are very proud of our team of drivers and in particular Billy whose experience, professionalism, knowledge, driving and customer care skills are second to none.

“We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

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Billy goes the extra mile and picks up national accolade

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