Edwards Coaches scoop Operator of the Year title
A VALLEYS coach company has been honoured as best operator of the year award at a national awards ceremony.
Edwards Coaches based in Pontypridd claimed the Coach Tour Operator of the Year award at the British Coach Tourism Awards, for being the best in the business with a fleet of more than 15 coaches.
Jason Edwards, managing director of the company, collected the award on March 22.
Jason, a fifth-generation member of the family, said: “This is an outstanding achievement and contribution to the British tourism industry for all the staff at Edwards Coaches.
“I can honestly say that the nerves were showing on the night, and when the words ‘and the winner is’ was announced, you could have heard a pin drop, but soon the room erupted with applause for Edwards.
“I am really proud and somewhat humbled to be recognised yet again at such a high level.
“Best in Britain doesn’t come easy and this accolade certainly makes us stand out from the crowd.”
Edwards Coaches beat four other nominees to the award at a ceremony which took place on the first day of the 12th annual British Travel and Tourism show in Birmingham’s National Motorcycle Museum.
Established in 1925 to transport day trippers from the Valleys to the seaside, Edwards has just celebrated its 91st year in the business.
Today the firm operates 270 coaches, and employs 570 staff, who between them cover 11 million miles of road a year.
Edwards carries 9,400 children on their journey to and from school every day, operates National Express routes between Wales and major London airports, and is the go-to coach company for the WRU, Cardiff City FC and other major Welsh sports teams.
Edwards Coaches have also been given four other awards this year.