Engineer wins top UK bus accolade

First West Lothian worker‘s title

The 33- strong team recently became the first to attain Bronze, Silver and then Gold Standard in the highly acclaimed First Bus Wrench Awards.

The awards were established to develop and sustain best practice in maintenance and presentation of the First Bus fleet.

Livingston Depot was named Depot and Team of the Year Scotland in the First Group Excellence Award and Paul received the Quantum Leap Award for the team’s work in reducing lost mileage and breakdowns, and improving vehicle reliability.

Last year the team won the West Lothian Chamber Award for Learning and Development and has a close partnership West Lothian College, providing local placements for students and an international exchange programme.

Paul said: “Everyone in the team has worked very hard and I prefer to see this as recognition of the 100 per cent team effort we have at the depot. I’m more just the figurehead who has been nominated. Success in this role is only possible when everyone is working together and team members feel valued and listened-to. If everyone feels they are playing a valued part in the team, you can achieve anything.”

Speaking ahead of the awards, First West Lothian managing director, Andrew Jarvis, said: “We’re very proud to have our colleague Paul Branigan shortlisted in the UK Bus Awards.

“These awards recognise the best in the industry and Paul’s place in the shortlist is testament to his positive team management, talent and experience. ”

Mark Yexley, chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: “We would like to congratulate Paul on his outstanding achievement, there was lot of tough competition. Well done from everyone at the UK Bus Awards.”