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The newsletter of Group Issue 124 | November 2017 STAGE ON page 6 page 8 INSIDE First Citylink goes into service | Chaz’s road to success Awarding your 2017 Stagecoach Champions STAGECOACH has paid tribute to employees from across its businesses at its annual Champions Awards. The awards – now in their eighth year – recognise excellence over six areas including Safety, Health, Community, Customer Service, Environment and Innovation. Special Bravery Awards were also presented this year to employees who were caught up in the terrorist attacks in and earlier this year. Winners at the 2017 event represented the company’s and rail businesses in the UK and North America. All received a trophy, cash prize and a two night stay in London incorporating the award ceremony. The awards event was also attended by TV personality Jessica Wright, who presented winners with their awards. Earlier this year Jessica took part celebrating those who have delivered above and and to our customers every day. in a marketing campaign to celebrate the style of beyond expectations over the past year. “I would like to offer huge congratulations to all of Stagecoach’s bus passengers across the UK. “From the UK to North America, from bus to rail, and our Champions and say thanks to them for the part Chief Executive Martin Griffiths from behind-the-scenes teams to frontline workers, they play in delivering high-quality services to our said: “We have a fantastic team of employees across we are delighted to have honoured the exceptional passengers.” Stagecoach and our Champions Awards are about people who make a real difference to our business Continues on page 3

Stagecoach recognised at 2017 UK Bus Awards Whistleblowing: the STAGECOACH Group companies and employees have improve out of town employment sites in partnership responsibility of us all been recognised at the 2017 UK Bus Awards. with Liftshare. Whistleblowing is a vital tool in detecting and Several Stagecoach businesses were among the Stagecoach and South also preventing serious wrongdoing and high-profile winners across a range of award categories at the won bronze in the Marketing Initiative of the Year incidents are often reported in the media. 22nd annual awards ceremony held in London on Award for its Come On You Red Men campaign with But what does it mean for you as an employee Tuesday 21 November with gold, silver and bronze FC. at Stagecoach Group or one of its businesses? awards being handed out. There were silver and bronze awards for Stagecoach A new easy-to-understand guide has been The company was recognised in categories covering in the Award for Sustained Marketing Excellence. published by the Group to help employees operations, marketing and community. Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire scooped understand their rights and responsibilities. In the Top Shire Operator category, silver for its Lakes Connection 555 service, while ‘Whistleblowing: what it means for you’ is the scooped the silver award, while Stagecoach picked up bronze for its Group’s new updated whistleblowing policy, Manchester was awarded a bronze award in the Top Express City Connect service. previously referred to as Speaking Up. It sets out City Operator category. ’s Barking Garage picked up the how the company will investigate any concerns In the People Awards, bronze award in the London Bus Garage of the Year raised and the action it may take. Operations Manager Mark Mageean won the silver category. At Stagecoach, we value an open, transparent Young Manager of the Year Award, while fellow Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director for and safe working environment where our people Stagecoach Manchester Operations Manager Stuart and , Mark Threapleton said: “It’s great to see feel able to speak up. Roughley was given a Special Commendation for that our companies and individual employees have Our whistleblowing policy means you can raise Outstanding Service in the Unsung Heroes category. been rewarded for their hard work and innovation. serious concerns constructively without fear Scotland won a silver award in “We are continuing to invest in improvements for of victimisation, subsequent discrimination or the and the Community category for its Youth our customers and to work hard with our partners disadvantage. Employees who act in the public Express project. as well as urging politicians to make the practical interest to disclose malpractice at work are In the Making Buses a Better Choice category, changes needed to make bus travel even better and won bronze for its project to allow bus networks to flourish.” Continues on page 7

1 Did you know? More than 80,000 jobseekers in Scotland have benefitted from discounted bus travel through Stagecoach’s Back On Board scheme. ON STAGE Top apprentices What a STAGECOACH’S top UK Bus apprentices have been recognised at the company’s 13th annual Laugh! Apprentice of the Year Awards. Overheard on the : Ten bus engineering apprentices were awarded for their outstanding performance at the company’s One teenager to another: “Why do they have largest ever awards ceremony. inventors these days? Everything has been The winners received cash prizes and individual invented.” trophies and tools supplied by event sponsors ADL, If you have seen or heard something funny , the Society of Operations Engineers, Teng – online, in the papers, on social media or just Tool, Volvo Roadcrew, Scania and Juratek. Matthew Sanderson from Stagecoach while out and about – send your contributions This year’s winning Apprentices for the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition was awarded first place in the third year apprentice to [email protected] category for the second year running. Brandon Winner of the year one category was Matt Antill Rutley from West took second from Stagecoach Manchester, with Jordan Davison place and Shane Foster from Stagecoach East from in second place and n Midlands, was awarded third place. Jake Hodson from in third. Helping those in need In the year two awards, Clare Willis, Deputy Stagecoach UK Bus Training COACH USA subsidiary Lakefront Lines sent apprentice Ross McGarvey received the first and Development Manager (Engineering), said: five buses to the coastal areas of the country place award. Thomas Moorby from Stagecoach “The calibre and potential of all of our apprentices to aid in the evacuation of those impacted by Merseyside and South Lancashire was awarded continues to grow and each year the judging Hurricane Irma. Lakefront Lines Cincinnati second place while Tyrone Wells from Stagecoach becomes more difficult. Our winners this year have General Manager John Brock and his staff London and David Hall from Stagecoach South all worked to an exceptionally high standard and rearranged schedules in order to make it West were awarded joint third place. they thoroughly deserve their awards.” happen and help as many people as possible. Celebrating 68 years Seatfrog app of safe driving hops on board ACTRESS Donna Air joined to launch the innovative upgrade app Seatfrog which allows customers to bid on last minute upgrades for First Water is handed out to those who need it following Class tickets on East Coast services from just £5. Hurricane Irma The partnership is a world-first for rail passengers and will enable more people than ever to enjoy the perks of First Class. n Coffee and cakes Virgin Trains’ customers have the opportunity to upgrade right up to 30 minutes before departure, WELL done to Stagecoach West Scotland’s from the palm of their hand, with just a few taps of and depot staff for their smartphone. Completely seamless and easy- holding a Coffee Morning to raise funds for to-use, there’s no hassle of extra paperwork, printing Macmillan Cancer as part of the World’s Ady Dedia, Darran Brown and Paul Turner receive their certificates from MD Martin Sutton (right) tickets or additional fees. Biggest Coffee Morning. The Newcastle born actress said: “Launching this Both depots put on a fabulous spread of home FIVE bus drivers have been recognised by exciting world-first with Virgin Trains today has baking to entice staff to dig deep and purchase Stagecoach in Oxfordshire and ROSCO, The Road been an absolute pleasure. Just seeing the looks some delicious goodies in aid of the cancer Operators Safety Council, for their collective 68 on people’s charity. years of accident-free driving. faces when Ardrossan A total of 226 Stagecoach Oxfordshire drivers were they find out Depot congratulated by Martin Sutton, Managing Director they can get raised for the area, with a safe driving diploma at the a First Class £540 and annual Safe Driving Awards dinner. seat upgrade Kilmarnock Five drivers – Paul Turner, John Bell, Darran Brown, from only Depot Ady Dedia and George Irvine, stood out on the night five pounds raised £650 for their extended periods of safe driving and were has been giving a rewarded with diplomas and badges that show priceless.” grand total their years of accident free driving. of a £1,190 Martin Sutton commented: “Safe driving is donation. paramount for Stagecoach, so we ensure that we Donna Air at the launch recognise all of those who have been accident free of the new The delicious spread at Kilmarnock depot over the last year.” seating app 2 Bus Alliance success... Find out more on page 6. ON STAGE

SILVER: Bus driving team, Winnemucca, Nevada, Your 2017 Stagecoach Champions Coach USA Through focused team efforts and a true commitment SAFETY CHAMPION Gold Safety to safety and the environment, the drivers of Coach GOLD: John Edgar, Electrician; and David Fletcher, Champions USA’s Winnemucca depot were the first in the division John Edgar Cleaner, Morecambe, Stagecoach UK Bus to obtain a zero (0%) GreenRoad score in October John and David have had to administer life saving and David Fletcher with 2016. They maintained the perfect depot score for four care to two members of Stagecoach staff within a TV personality months in a row. The incredible result demonstrates matter of months and it is clear that without their Jessica Wright the team’s collective commitment to reducing fuel intervention their colleagues would not be alive today. and Group consumption and driving in a smoother, safer manner to On both occasions the pair have carried out CPT until Chief Executive Martin give customers the most comfortable journeys possible. the arrival of the paramedics and have been widely Griffiths (right) praised by those involved, their families, colleagues, BRONZE: Debbie Pye, Catering Logistics Manager, paramedics and hospital staff. Trains Debbie, spurred by her work to eliminate on-train food SILVER: Karen Pirrie, Emergency Planning and waste resulting from unnecessary ordering of stock, Security Manager, decided to tackle the wider issue of food waste going Colleagues believe that Karen lives the company’s value to landfill. She came across The Real Junk Food that “we keep people safe”. Karen is East Midlands Project in , a social enterprise promoting the Trains’ key point of contact for all national security value of food and the value of people. The organisation matters. Following each of the recent terrorist attacks Silver Safety: Karen Pirrie seeks to reduce unnecessary waste and at the same in Manchester and London, she was understandably time improve the availability of food for everyone. inundated with requests for information or advice on Debbie stepped in to make this a reality at East security at stations and on trains. When the national Midlands Trains, bringing together the people in the threat level rose to “Critical”, Karen was taking part in business that could make food donation happen. By conference calls from 6am to 10pm, giving advice December 2016, Debbie had overseen the donation and relaying important information from the of over half a tonne of food. and British Transport Police. She also provided detailed guidance documents for HEALTH CHAMPION both the Customer Experience and Fleet functions to Bronze Safety: Rachel Spencer and Cheryl North GOLD: Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director; respond to the updated national threat level. and Helen Smith, Operations Manager, Grimsby; BRONZE: Rachel Spencer and Cheryl North, Bus , Stagecoach UK Bus drivers, Grimsby, Stagecoach UK Bus Michelle Hargreaves and Helen Smith spearheaded a Drivers Cheryl North and Rachel Spencer intervened project to improve the well-being of staff by creating to almost certainly save the life of a young boy who the health and well-being committee to help equip had fallen into the water of a lock in Grimsby. Rachel employees with the tools and knowledge for a healthy jumped into the lock to rescue the child while Cheryl lifestyle. The vision was to increase morale and helped from the side of the dock and between them Silver Environment: Angela productivity and to promote physical and mental health. Gold Environment the two ladies managed to retrieve the child from the Nusser, Winnemucca bus The first initiative was the delivery of free fruit to all Champion Martin Foster driving team water. Both drivers remained with the child until the depots every Monday. Meal ingredients and menus emergency services arrived. The young boy was taken were delivered to depots every Wednesday to provide to hospital and after being checked over was found to staff with healthy food choices such as eggs, prepared have no serious injuries. vegetables, jacket potatoes and beans. On top of this, the team introduced the ‘Big Loser’ competition from ENVIRONMENT CHAMPION March 2017 where depots had a weekly weigh-in and GOLD: Martin Foster, Bus Driver, Walkergate depot, were encouraged to lose weight through a healthy Stagecoach UK Bus lifestyle. Employees were also encouraged to take Martin has been an Eco Champion at Walkergate depot Bronze Environment: Debbie Pye part in the pedometer step challenge with nearly 370 for over six years and the facility has already been employees signing up to their daily steps and be recognised as top in the North East for environmental Gold Health in with a chance to win a Fit-Bit. performance. Martin’s colleagues believe he deserves Champions SILVER: Health and Wellbeing Team, Virgin Trains individual recognition for all that he has achieved over Michelle East Coast the years. Martin has spent a lot of his own time at Hargreaves Occupational Health was previously provided to Virgin the depot checking light sensors and electronic timers and Helen Trains East Coast by an external provider, but in August save as much electricity as possible. Every week, he Smith 2016 the company brought the work in house to take goes round the entire depot emptying recycling bins a more holistic approach. The new team has done and ensuring that everything possible can be recycled. a fantastic job whilst maintaining a positive, can-do Every socket is labelled to switch off when not in use approach to any challenge faced. In their first year, the and every tap has a sticker to remind people to report team processed more than 3,500 medicals. Working dripping taps. Signs are also on display to remind staff with management teams and colleagues, they ran to fill the kettle only with the amount of water required. wellbeing days, launched the company’s Time to Martin has also built a community garden in the depot Change programme as part of its wider mental health so staff can enjoy some fresh air and free fruit every strategy, and also introduced the Highway to Health Friday, with the excess turned into compost for plants Silver Health: Health campaign. around the depot. and Well-being Team 3 Did you know? Around 180 Stagecoach employees have now been recognised through the Group Champions Awards. ON STAGE

BRONZE: Kenny Brown, Bus Driver, South COMMUNITY CHAMPION Shields, Stagecoach UK Bus GOLD: Joe Somers, Revenue Protection Inspector Kenny has taken positive action over the last year to & Customer Relations, Peterborough, Stagecoach reduce his weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. UK Bus Having been a driver for 11 years, Kenny found Joe has been a valued employee on the buses in that the weight had crept up on him so he joined Peterborough for more than 56 years, including time Slimming World and lost an amazing five stone as a driver, union rep and controller. Throughout by giving his diet and exercise regime a complete his career, Joe has worked in partnership with a overhaul. Kenny is always on hand for advice and Bronze Health: Kenny Brown number of organisations to promote healthy eating tips and is actively helping colleagues and improve facilities for disabled passengers and with their weight loss goals. He is a positive role pensioners. He has also worked with schools in model for bus drivers who have struggled with the area to educate children on good bus etiquette. weight gain in what can be a sedentary job. Despite only working part time, Joe still spends many of his own hours promoting Stagecoach and INNOVATION CHAMPION the benefits of public transport. A great example of GOLD: Stagecoach Digital and Stagecoach South Joe’s work was in helping Stagecoach assist the East TravelHero development team National Literacy Trust (NLT) with their Peterborough Launched March 2017, TravelHero is a new app Literacy Campaign. The NLT works to highlight the that allows customers to plan, book and travel importance of literacy and the detrimental effects using buses and taxis across East – all in one illiteracy can have on individuals and society. With all place. TravelHero – a technology solution developed this experience Joe was also the ideal representative by the Stagecoach digital team in London – has Gold Innovation Champion: TravelHero development team on a project to help bring Stagecoach and Virgin brought together and Kent Trains employees closer together. Joe helped educate cab company Longleys Private Hire to make travel Virgin employees about the company’s bus services easier for customers in the region. In a UK first, it and helped carry out training inductions within offers customers cashless payments and tailored Peterborough Train Station. Colleagues have paid options, with customers being able to choose either tribute to Joe’s enthusiasm and positive outlook on the fastest or cheapest route based on what is most the industry. important to them. SILVER: Junior Grant, Bus Driver, Sharston, SILVER: Stephen Van Horn, Vice President of Risk Stagecoach UK Bus Management, Coach USA Junior is a valued member of the team at Sharston, Stephen has worked with Saucon to develop a with over 38 years’ service with the company. He new innovative vehicle camera system. It provides Silver Innovation: Bronze Innovation: Stephen Van Horn Kieran Bolton was actively involved in the setting up of the Moss remote monitoring to identify cameras which are Side Carnival in its infancy in the 1970s and 1980s, broken or misaligned, providing the ability to address helping to bring the community together in a high hardware issues quickly. As well as co-designing profile and troubled inner city location. He went the system with Saucon, Stephen has also worked on to be heavily involved in the Anglo/Caribbean with the network providers to remotely download the Dominoes Championships bringing people from video, either live or retrospectively. This means the across the country together with communities from company can “dial in” to any vehicle if it is involved his homeland and introducing other members of staff in a major incident and know better how to respond. at Princess Road Depot to team building competitions. The design of the system on the initial vehicles has Junior was selected to help support the UK Olympic been so successful that work is underway on a fleet- Gold Community Champion Joe Somers Torch Relay and torchbearers. This high profile role wide roll out for as well as on several other involved assisting with planning the routes and Coach USA fleets. settling the torch-bearers into their roles on a very BRONZE: Kieran Bolton, Bus driver and CPC tight operational schedule with high security. In his Trainer, , Stagecoach UK Bus day job, he helps with special duties such as setting Kieran has used his previous work experience of 10 up bus replacement services for Metrolink across years in the army and 25 years as a police officer Greater Manchester, co-ordinating the Parklife Festival in Gloucestershire, as well as his own passion operation, assisting the Message Trust (a Christian for training, to reinvigorate local training courses. charity working to improve the lives of young people), He has gained the respect of managers, drivers Silver Community: Junior Grant and providing the Remembrance services at the War and engineers for his interesting, stimulating and Memorial. dynamic course delivery, with staff inspired to put BRONZE: Norma MacKenzie, Accounts Assistant, his guidance into practice. Kieran has transformed Stagecoach Group the rear area of the training room into a mock bus Norma has been the catalyst for organising and and introduced several scenarios for the driver to supporting fund raising activities at Stagecoach Group manage at once. He then links the role play to the HQ for the past 20 years. Her initiative has helped company’s conditions of travel, drivers’ handbook local charities through everything from bake sales and other policies. Kieran has developed links with to raffles. Norma always ensures that everyone in SkillZone and the local Fire Brigade Training School the office can take part and feel involved in all the in Gloucester, with local school children benefitting activities she organises. Over the past two decades, from courses on potential dangers while travelling to Norma has organised a Christmas jumper week senior school on their own by bus. Bronze Community: Norma MacKenzie 4 Did you know? Virgin Trains has broken new records for passengers travelling on its west coast route between Liverpool and London. ON STAGE which she ensures will coincide with the in-house BRONZE: Andy Nicholson, Cleaner, Skegness, Christmas buffet, with staff invited to donate money Stagecoach UK Bus for the privilege of wearing them. Norma also organises Andy suffers from Parkinson’s disease but, even though a raffle and manages to get some great prizes and his condition has deteriorated in recent years, it has luxury hampers. The money raised from this and other never taken the smile from his face. He’s never off fundraising events go to local and national charities. sick and still keeps the bus station spick and span in To date, over all her many years of fundraising, Norma any weather. He is a real credit to the Skegness team has helped generated nearly £23,000 for good causes. and his never give up attitude is infectious to those he works with. Colleagues say he has inspired many CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPION other members of staff due to his amazing attitude GOLD: Carol Jones, Customer Service Assistant, towards life and many are known to look up to Andy, , Stagecoach UK Bus admiring his amazing work ethic. Carol is extremely customer focused and a huge asset Gold Customer Service Champion Carol Jones to the marketing and head office SPECIAL BRAVERY AWARD team. Carol handles Twitter on a daily basis as well Stagecoach Manchester, Stagecoach UK Bus as handling many other duties at the same time. She In May 2017, 22 people, including children, were manages to handle a range of complaints and problems killed and dozens more injured in a suicide bombing effectively, and easily turns a negative situation into at a crowded pop concert in Manchester Arena. It a positive with her sense of humour and personal was the most deadly attack in Britain in a decade. Out touch. Whether on the phone, over email or on Twitter, of such a terrible event, there were many stories of Carol treats each customer as an individual with a courage and compassion. Shortly after the explosion, personalised response and service which shows a very Stagecoach night inspectors travelled to the scene human and friendly face of Stagecoach. Colleagues and quickly became involved in assisting where they Silver Customer Service: Bronze Customer Service: say that, even through recent personal challenges Tom Robb Geoff Lawton could in the immediate aftermath, including directing outside of work, Carol has kept her sense of humour the public away from the scene of the incident. In and her customer focus “when most of us would total, 17 drivers stayed behind after their duties have cracked”. Carol is a real asset to Stagecoach. finished to be on standby, and three were called up SILVER: Tom Robb, Bus Driver, , to drive the injured to hospital in Bolton and Oldham Stagecoach UK Bus in order to save vital ambulance resources. The team Tom , who drives the 101 service from Dumfries to worked tirelessly in the following days to provide a , received 16 nominations. He is described as replacement bus service at short notice while tram lovely, courteous, kind and a brilliant driver. Passengers services could not operate, with around 20 drivers say he is always on time even in poor driving and 40 vehicles required each day. The team as a conditions. Staff members who work with Tom also whole and several named individuals highlighted endorse his many commendations from customers, Bronze Customer Service: Andy Nicholson here have been praised for their professionalism and saying he is very hard working. One customer said: tireless work both on the night and subsequently “Tom is a friendly, helpful, polite driver who drives in supporting the emergency services and partner steadily, giving us a comfortable and safe journey. I organisations, as well as helping the city recover. always feel really relaxed when Tom is the driver. He is SPECIAL BRAVERY AWARD a quiet, unassuming man who works conscientiously. Alexandru Manasa and Nazeem Islam, Bus The best driver on the route – can’t praise him highly Drivers, Catford, Stagecoach London enough.” Another said he is “extremely committed to Alexandru and Nazeem were driving buses on route customer service and service delivery”, while another 47 on the evening of 3 June 2017 when they were said “he’s the friendliest, cheeriest chap”. caught up in the terrorist incident at London Bridge. BRONZE: Geoff Lawton, Bus Driver, Kendal, Aware of recent terrorist incidents, Alexandru advised Stagecoach UK Bus pasengers to stay on the bus for their own safety. Geoff drives in the Windermere area and one He then assisted a group of distressed tourists get weekend he had to deal with severe delays to bus to the nearest train station. Later he helped police services. Despite it being very busy with tourists, Special Bravery Award: Stagecoach Manchester move pedestrians from the area and assisted local Geoff maintained a wonderful, calm manner in his drivers to navigate around the diversions. Armed driving. Just as importantly, he kept passengers police officers ordered everyone on Nazeem’s bus to updated on why the buses were delayed and evacuate the vehicle. The bus was commandeered apologised for the inconvenience. He went out his and Nazeem was asked to assist in moving the way to make all the passengers feel welcome, injured pedestrians and witnesses away from the even helping a Chinese family with a group photo scene to a hotel in Liverpool Street. Nazeem was of themselves on the bus and speaking to them exposed to people with some horrific injuries but in Chinese! On one trip down from Coniston when remained calm and professional throughout. On his the service was stuck in severe traffic, Geoff gave way to the hotel, Nazeem was given permission passengers a fascinating talk on Herdwick sheep, a to drive the wrong way down one way streets native Cumbrian species. Geoff’s line manager has and proceed through red lights to get the injured praised his commitment and the genuine love he assistance as soon as possible. Both Alexandru has for his job. The company has also received many and Nazeem put the needs of others first in an commendations from members of the public who Special Bravery Award: Special Bravery Award: extremely terrifying situation and are a true credit have been on Geoff’s services. Alexandru Manasa Nazeem Islam to the business. 5 New vehicles for express routes... Find out more on p7. ON STAGE n Special school trip First Citylink tram goes into service ROCHDALE’S St Peter’s Primary School recently GOVERNMENT Transport Minister Paul Maynard MP made a special visit to Stagecoach’s Ashton bus was joined by transport leaders and representatives depot. from Sheffield Children’s Hospital for the introduction The visit was organised after a request from the of the first Citylink Tram Train into passenger service primary school to visit the depot in order to develop on the Supertram network in Sheffield. the children’s understanding of the world and local To celebrate the occasion, Stagecoach Supertram industry. The teachers of St Peter’s chose to explore and Passenger Transport Executive transport and vehicles as additional subjects to the (SYPTE) named the first tram after The Children’s regular curriculum for the 59 children who attended Hospital Charity’s mascot, Theo, and invited the visit. passengers travelling on the first journey to make a For many children, this was their first experience donation to the charity rather than paying a fare. of riding on a double decker bus and tied in with Transport Minister Paul Maynard, said: “South their current reading of The Naughty Bus, which Yorkshire’s Tram Train project is the first of its describes the adventures of a toy London bus as a kind in the country and will transform services for Invited guests unveil the new Citylink tram young boy plays with it throughout the day. passengers, enabling quick and easy movement Elisabeth Tasker, Stagecoach Manchester Managing across the region, reducing journey times and The tram has been called ‘Theo’ after the Sheffield Director, said: “When you’re of primary school age boosting the economy. Children’s Hospital Charity’s mascot. With the it’s a real eye opener to see how industries operate “The first passenger service is a significant support of staff and customers, a fantastic £1,154 and I know our employees at Ashton enjoyed milestone for this scheme which remains on track was raised for the charity. Supertram would like showing St Peter’s around the depot.” to be completed next year and will improve journeys to say a huge thank you to all the staff that made between Sheffield and .” these events possible, the money raised will help Following the official launch, Supertram ran special the charity transform the lives of young patients services to raise money for the Sheffield Children’s who travel from all over the world for treatment at Hospital Charity. Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Bus Alliance success THE Liverpoool City Region Bus Alliance landed the Transport Partnership of the Year Award at the National Transport Awards. n Top driver The award came after it was revealed that the STAGECOACH West Scotland bus driver Kevin number of bus journeys young people are making in McCormick was awarded 4th place at this year’s the Liverpool City Region has risen by 142% in the UK Bus Driver of the Year Awards in . last three years as a result of a trailblazing approach Kevin, who has been with Stagecoach since 2002, to bus travel. The figure was revealed at an event to mark 12 Partners within the Bus Alliance receive their National completed the competition in 4th place overall and Transport Award was the highest placed Stagecoach driver in the months of the Bus Alliance – a formal partnership competition. Kevin was awarded £750 and a trophy between and the area’s two biggest passengers means more revenue and greater as well as the Stagecoach award of £1,000 prize operators, and Stagecoach. investment to further improve services. money and a trophy as the 1st placed Stagecoach The Bus Alliance is focused on making bus a mode While operating on an informal basis since 2014, a driver. of choice, rather than a last resort, encouraging formal partnership agreement was signed between Graeme Gilfillan from Stagecoach East Scotland those people who already get the bus to make more Merseytravel, Arriva and Stagecoach in September was the second highest Stagecoach competitor. journeys, and encouraging people who currently 2016, committing to more than £52 million of Tom Bridge, Managing Director of Stagecoach don’t use it to give it a try. investment in a the first year of a joint annual West Scotland, said: “It’s great to see one of our Ultimately, increasing the number of fare paying business and investment plan. drivers being recognised at this national event. It’s a tough competition where drivers need to showcase not only their driving skills but excellent Joe bids a fond farewell customer service skills. My congratulations go to SEVENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Stagecoach North East Kevin on this worthy achievement.” bus driver Joe McBeth has said farewell to his route after almost 53 years and many thousands of miles on the road. Joe started his working life at the local Co-op dairy at the age of 15 but later joined the local bus operator in Joe with Sir back in 2014 November 1964 as a and quickly became by Sir Brian Souter, Chairman of Stagecoach, when a driver at the age of 18. he reached his 50 years service in 2014. Since then Joe has worked at the company’s Joe said: “I’m going to miss the lads and their patter. Slatyford depot in Newcastle, driving customers all What I liked most was meeting loads of people, West Scotland’s Kevin McCormick receives his award over the city and was also treated to a surprise visit especially when I was on the 34 route.” 6 Did you know? Staff at Group Head Office raised more than £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a bake sale. GREEN SCENE

Network expansion n Getting pretty muddy STAGECOACH West has launched its network FOR the second year running, Stagecoach South expansion into North Bristol and South West provided free shuttle buses in support Gloucestershire. of Cancer Research’s ‘Pretty Muddy’ event The transport operator has introduced a series in Plymouth on Sunday 1 October. Staffed by of routes in partnership with Bristol City, South volunteers, the buses enabled participants to Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Councils. leave their cars at a local park and ride site and The expansion also sees the opening of a depot in then take the bus straight to the event. North Bristol, shared with South Gloucestershire Bus In total, the event raised £126,000 for Cancer and Coach Ltd and megabus. Research and the organisers were delighted Rupert Cox, Managing Director for Stagecoach with the support from the local Stagecoach West, said: “We hope that our new links encourage team. A special thank you to the Plymouth depot customers to try out the bus, travel green and play cleaners who ensured the buses used were a part in reducing traffic congestion.” A vehicle at the new Bristol depot thoroughly cleaned ready to go back into service the following day. Stagecoach achieves prestigious reduction benchmark THE prestigious Carbon Trust Standard for again this month. Assessors have confirmed that, n Green competition demonstrating best practice in carbon measurement, relative to the turnover of the Group’s business, TO coincide with Stagecoach Green Week, management and reduction has once again been Stagecoach has reduced its carbon impact by megabus.com in Canada offered $250 of travel awarded to Stagecoach Group. 18.5%. It also achieved a 12.3% relative reduction vouchers to a customer travelling with the The award follows a detailed assessment by the in carbon footprint measured against vehicle km. company during that week – as a reward for Carbon Trust of the environmental performance of This is a fantastic achievement and a credit to the choosing a greener travel option. the Group’s businesses in the UK and North America efforts of the environmental specialists and frontline The ticket was selected at random and the between 1 May 2015 and 30 April 2017. teams across the Group. winner was Ashley from . She was In 2013, the Group became the first public transport Stagecoach Group achieved an overall score of thrilled to hear she had won and explained that operator to have its operations certified by the 77% in the assessment against a pass mark of her brother had just undergone lung transplant Carbon Trust outside of Europe. The company was 60%. The Group’s certification is valid until the end surgery in Toronto and the vouchers would re-certified in 2015 and has had this confirmed of April 2019. enable her to visit him a lot more often.

New vehicles for express routes n Paw-fect uniform VIRGIN Trains gifted a special-edition, tailored SIX new luxury coaches have been introduced by uniform for loyal Virgin Trains fan and trainspotter Stagecoach East Scotland to operate on its Express Jake the Dog to launch its new body-neutral services. The new Elite coaches have been uniform range for every gender, size and shape branded as ‘Express JET Connect’ to be easily across both the East and West Coast. To create recognisable on the road for those travelling to the new range, Virgin Trains involved its frontline Airport. Paul Thomas, Managing Director staff to gather their opinions, from an extensive of Stagecoach East Scotland said: “This latest employee-wide survey on their favourite designs, investment marks our commitment to providing high to trialling initial versions on the job over two years. quality coach travel across the region by providing Proving it fits all sizes, the new uniform has been the latest specification in new vehicles.” created by British designers Wayne Hemingway MBE and Gerardine Hemingway MBE and Virgin Trains has even gone the extra mile for dedicated Whistleblowing: the responsibility of us all train fan Jake the Dog, who over the past nine Continued from page 1 Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths years, has been a regular sight at Virgin Trains protected by law. And by speaking out, they can avert said: “We have a great company, with great stations. Jake has become part of the Virgin Trains harm, prevent crime and even help save lives. people and a clear set of values. But even the best family, joining the station staff and customers to The policy covers a range of issues, such as bribery, organisations need to be ready to act when there welcome trains into the platform with lots of lively fraud, breaking competition or anti-trust rules, as are concerns about serious wrongdoing. wags and barks. well as breaches of legal or professional obligations. “Whisteblowing is the responsibility of us all – As a reward for his devoted service, aside from his Our policy is also there to deal with miscarriages of whatever our position. Don’t leave it to someone favourite doggy snacks, the design team set out to justice, dangers to health and safety, and damage to else. Speak up – and you can be confident we will make Jake his own bespoke dog-friendly uniform. the environment. be there to listen, support you, and take the action Jessica Kelly-Mckay, Uniform Delivery Manager of It is not designed to raise concerns about your own that’s needed.” Virgin Trains East Coast, said:“The launch of our circumstances, like your pay and conditions or the You can find a copy of the new policy online at new uniform combinations is another milestone on way you’ve been personally treated at work. To raise www.stagecoach.com. A new animated video our journey towards totally transforming our East these concerns, you should use your company’s has also been produced to help employees Coast service, and our customers can expect to grievance procedure, or appropriate policies that understand what the policy covers and how it see an extra spring in the steps of our staff as we tackle issues such as harassment or bullying. should be used. roll it out.” 7 Ricky’s in the loop... Find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Premier partnership n PICTURE THIS unveiled THIS edition’s ‘Picture This’ winner was taken by VIRGIN Trains has been unveiled as a premier North Scotland driver Tanya Verity. It shows buses partner of next year’s Great Exhibition of the parked up at Macduff depot. North, which takes place in Newcastle and Congratulations to Tanya who will receive a £50 Gateshead from 22 July – 09 September 2018. M&S voucher. The rail operator is the first major sponsor to be If you have any good photos for Picture This please announced for the Government-backed Exhibition send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach celebrating art and culture, design and innovation Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email from across the North of England. it to [email protected] Virgin Trains is planning to launch the first of its new state-of-the-art fleet of Virgin Azuma trains into service in the year of the Great Exhibition of the North. The fleet of 65 Virgin Azuma trains will Celebrating National Inclusion Week transform train travel along Virgin’s East Coast route, which connects Scotland and the North STAGECOACH marked National Inclusion Week with the capital, by providing more services, and across its bus and rail businesses by delivering faster and more comfortable journeys. a programme of awareness raising activities to promote inclusion and diversity. The national campaign is run by the Inclusive n Employers membership organisation to which Chaz’s road to success Stagecoach subscribes. The week aims to raise CHAZ Featherstone has become the first Coach awareness of the importance of inclusion in the USA employee to complete the Stagecoach workplace and of the business benefits to having Graduate Development Programme. a diverse and representative workforce. Chaz, who started with Coach USA in June of During the week, Stagecoach provided information Stagecoach London employees show off their specially wrapped Inclusion Week bus 2015, was hired for the Stagecoach Graduate to bus and rail employees, reminding staff of the Program which is based in the . importance of keeping an open, welcoming and recruitment and to promote career opportunities. He spent one year living and working in inclusive working environment for all, and supported Stagecoach Group Director of Pensions and Manchester where he received training in many a range of activities to help local companies embrace Employee Benefits John Hamilton said: “We’re different roles within Stagecoach UK Bus. the campaign, including the proposals provided delighted to support this year’s National Inclusion For the last few months of his time in the UK by Inclusive Employers such as daily challenges, Week. We are a large team at Stagecoach working Chaz worked as a shop foreman and manager quizzes, posters, blogs and webinars. towards our shared goal of delivering an excellent at the Hyde Road and Middleton depots in Local businesses within Stagecoach also held drop- service for all of our customers and we know that Manchester. At the end of his year-long training, in sessions, talks and workshops during the week. to be a good team it’s crucial that we support each Chaz returned to Paramus, New Jersey, where he A training bus at Stagecoach London was wrapped other, and celebrate our differences within a positive was tasked with a number of different projects, to highlight the Group’s inclusive approach to and progressive working environment.” from redesigning the maintenance KPI program, initiating a company-wide warranty process, and restructuring parts inventories at key locations. In June of 2017, Chaz was made Interim Festive journeys with Carriages Café opens Maintenance Manager at the Dillon’s location megabus.com its doors in Hanover, Maryland. He was recently COACH provider megabus.com plans to keep promoted and is now the permanent Director of EAST Midlands Trains passengers and Newark passengers connected this Christmas by running Maintenance at Dillon’s. residents can look forward to a whole host of tasty coach services throughout the festive season across food and drink after the official opening of a cafe, the UK. Carriages, at Newark Castle Station. The company will operate services every single day The new café offers a wide variety of breakfast during the whole festive period, helping people travel and lunch choices as well as a range of alcoholic across the country to enjoy seasonal festivities when and non-alcoholic drinks. other modes of transport are not running. The café, which holds up to 70 people, is styled in megabus.com will provide more than 1,000 seats a ‘Steampunk’ theme offering a glimpse into past on its services on Christmas Day, operating a railway life and the modern railway age. record 3,500 miles and serving 28 locations across Scotland, England and Wales. With rail services on a Christmas break, customers looking to travel by public transport across the country on 25 and 26 December can turn to the many megabus.com coach services running throughout the entire festive period, including to which will not be served by any Successful US graduate Chaz Featherstone rail links on Christmas Day. The new cafe at Newark Castle Station 8 Supertram boss confirmed... Find out more on p10. ON STAGE

LETTER OF PRAISE n Glynn moves up a gear SALFORD resident, Glynn Carter, has climbed If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a the career ladder to become Stagecoach customer, please email a copy to [email protected] Manchester’s newest and only driving examiner. or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, 51 year old Glynn, who recently won a long Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish service award having worked at Stagecoach since as many as possible. 1987, started his Stagecoach journey as a bus driver at the age of 21. Glynn will now oversee Dear Brian, all aspects from administration to conducting You will have been thanked a million times for helpful and efficient. Paul, the driver, was one and assessing driving tests. He said: “Throughout Stagecoaching us here, there and everywhere and to inspire confidence. You’ve got a lot of good my time at Stagecoach the goal was to always here’s the millionth and one – an enjoyable Gold people on the payroll! become a driving examiner for the company. Bus (at last!) trip to Edinburgh. Tea at the right time Meeting new people and seeing candidates Best wishes, makes a great difference to an octogenarian and passing their tests makes the hard work worth it.” Name supplied Justin, who produced it like magic, was cheerful, n Ricky’s in the loop Stagecoach London Customer service excellence Communications and THIS year’s National Customer Service Week Recruitment Manager campaign was marked by Stagecoach Group Ricky Sickelmore has companies across the UK. begun a secondment to Under the theme “Putting Passengers First”, the Stagecoach Digital employees from Stagecoach’s local bus companies team where he will and rail franchises East Midlands Train and Virgin focus on developing Ricky Sickemore Trains East Coast, took part in a series of local and improving the activities aimed at highlighting the importance of Loop intranet across the Group. Ricky was continuing to deliver good customer service day-in, instrumental in designing and implementing day-out for passengers. The Loop within Stagecoach London before it During the week, local bus companies ran was expanded elsewhere across the Group and competitions to find their customer service stars, has an in-depth knowledge of the platform. offered “Tweet the manager” sessions on social North East Operations Director Colin Newbury helped During his six month secondment he will work out in the customer service team during the week media and ran breakfast events. Managers and closely with The Loop admin teams at each directors carried out frontline duties, staff travelled as passengers to take part in new product tastings at business to further improve the features and mystery shoppers on services, and there were free- on-board food bars. functionaility of the intranet as well as looking travel competitions and giveaways for customers. Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths at measures to continue driving engagement Employees from megabus.com in London used said: “We know how important it is to provide good and usage among employees. Visit page 11 to the week to mark the 10th anniversary of running customer service at all times, including when things hear more from Ricky in our Getting to Know services from London’s go wrong and our customers need us most. That’s You feature. by handing out special celebratory cookies. East why we are always looking at how we can deliver Midlands Trains provided a treat for customers even better services for people who travel with us, during the week by handing out exclusive vouchers whether that’s before, during or after the journey. n A helping hand for free first-class upgrades and access to the “We’ve got a great team of frontline staff and I’m RICHARD Brookes, lead driver at depot first-class lounge and Virgin Trains East Coast offered very proud of the work they do to provide customers recently showed off his caring side when a free massages, played on-train bingo and invited with a pleasant and safe travel experience. blind couple with a new baby needed help with guidance on how to travel by bus. Richard arranged for A trip down memory lane a bus to be taken out to them personally so STAGECOACH West Scotland celebrated its heritage they could practise and sixty years’ service of its number 4 route by everything they need painting one of the vehicles in an old Western livery. to know from boarding The Enviro E300 bus was given a new cream and to departing. This red paint job complete with gold vinyls in a modern helped ensure they interpretation of the old Western livery which used to were confident in all grace the buses of and beyond. It is hoped situations that could that the sight of the bus will provide a pleasant trip The re-painted vehicle out in service arise when travelling down memory lane for customers and enthusiasts with Stagecoach. across the region. celebrate the importance of public transport to the Tom Bridge, Managing Director Stagecoach West communities we have served over the years and will Richard (left) received vouchers from Stagecoach Scotland, said: “This nostalgic nod to our past is to continue to serve in the future.” during National Customer Service Week for his actions in helping the couple 9 Did you know? East Midlands Trains manager Ross Sexton has been featured in local media for his witty on-train announcements and singing. ON STAGE n Awards triumph STAGECOACH Manchester celebrated a successful evening at the annual CILT Awards, collecting three awards at the ceremony. Chris Bowles, former Stagecoach Manchester HRH Prince William Managing Director, was awarded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award after dedicating over 40 years to the industry. Other wins for Stagecoach Manchester included The company’s #BeNiceBus, which was introduced in Ross Stafford, who was awarded the Young partnership with the Diana Award charity, has been touring If you, or one of your colleagues, have Manager of the Year title and Stagecoach UK schools to highlight the impact of cyber-bullying. a claim to fame – perhaps a hidden Manchester’s Hadi Aghababaei was awarded As a result Stagecoach Group Director of Communications, talent, a meeting with a celebrity or an Student of the Year after demonstrating his first- Steven Stewart was invited to a lunch hosted by HRH interesting hobby – please email details class attitude throughout the training programme, Prince William where the Duke of discussed the to [email protected] led by the Job Centre and TFGM. campaign and was very positive about the project. n Chloe’s new role On your bike ‘Tiger’ bus on the prowl GRADUATE Chloe Gray STAGECOACH East Midlands has launched a new bus is now getting to grips A 100-mile Charity Bike Ride around London with a striking design inspired by the Hull City Tigers. with the running of a and was undertaken by four friends and Football club legend Dean Windass and Head Coach bus depot as she takes colleagues at Stagecoach depot, Leonid Slutsky attended the launch to take photos on the role of Assistant raising a magnificent £2,800 for Bloodwise with the bus, along with Kerry Ryan from Stagecoach. Operations Manager which funds life-changing blood cancer research The bus will operate at the Park & Ride service on with Stagecoach North and provides practical and emotional support to home match days, and will run on services around East. Twenty-three- patients and their families. the city. year-old Chloe has Craig Fallon, Relief Controller at the Northampton Kerry, Operations Manager for , New Assistant Operations been welcomed on depot, decided to enter a team in the Bike Ride Manager Chloe Gray said: “The Tiger bus is a great way to celebrate the board at the Stockton because his sister-in-law Shebby died from team, the fans and our partnership with the Club.” depot and joins the team as part of the company’s Leukaemia three years ago. Graduate Training Programme, where she has just “It was an amazing feeling, completing what was started her second year of training. a very tough challenge. We were blown away by Chloe, who is from , spent the first year the level of support we received. We didn’t think of her training based at Stagecoach . we would raise so much money,” said Craig. She said: “I’m now looking forward to doing the job, bringing my learning and experience from Oxford to see how it may be implemented here and putting some ideas forward once I have settled in, or discover what the Teesside depot does better in terms of operations for my future career.” (L-R): Leonid Slutsky (Hull City Manager), Kerry Ryan (Operations Manager Stagecoach), Mark Reeves (Bus Three of the Stagecoach riders at the finish (l to r) Designer & Competition Winner) and Dean Windass Craig Fallon, Barry Marlow and Iain Callaghan n Life Saving Rules (Former Hull City Player and Legend) A HOME Safe Every Day initiative and Life Saving Rules were launched by Stagecoach Supertram boss confirmed London recently having been developed through the company’s safety forum with its H&S TIM Bilby has officially joined Stagecoach Supertram in January 2012 as representatives. been confirmed Head of Finance and Commercial. The Health and Safety representatives worked by Stagecoach as Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of Stagecoach very hard in getting this initiative across to all Managing Director of Group’s Rail Division, said: “I would like to employees and during the launch, staff were . congratulate Tim Bilby on being officially appointed really positive about the Life Saving Rules Tim has been covering as Interim Managing Director as Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram. Tim and how the safety of staff and customers is since March 2017 when Margaret Kay, previously has done a fantastic job during the past few months paramount in everything the company does. Managing Director, moved to to and I am certain under his leadership, the business oversee the last few months of the franchise. Tim will continue to go from strength to strength.” 10 Rob gets on board... Find out more on p12. ON STAGE n Lighting up the Nightrider ticket launched Queensferry Crossing STAGECOACH East Scotland has launched a brand THE team at Stagecoach East Scotland played new ticket to encourage people to travel across the an important role in the official opening of the region for less in the evenings. Queensferry Crossing, which was carried out The new £2 ‘nightrider’ can be bought from the by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, driver from 7pm on any evening of the week, and providing vintage buses as well as modern can then be used on any subsequent journeys the vehicles for a parade across the new bridge, and same evening/early the following morning. transporting invited guests to and from the event. Douglas Robertson, Commercial Director for Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “This is a brand new initiative for us and we’re really excited to be helping Operations Director David Frenz (left), launches the our customers enjoy a great night out for less, nightrider ticket at Perth Concert Hall with guests especially as we approach the festive season.” heading to a show in the city Charity walkers Wedding bells A TEAM from Stagecoach West including Rupert Cox, on megabus.com Rachel Geliamassi, Sumaya Mulla, James O’Neill, MEGABUS.COM US recently hosted a contest Graeme Allardyce and his wife Karen, took part in encouraging customers to enter to win a free the Five Valleys walk in order to raise money for the The crowd gathers for the official bridge opening wedding on a coach. Meningitis Now charity. The company received more than 2,000 entries The group walked 21 miles in 8 hours and 20 mins from customers who were eager to tie the knot on a and raised more than £340. n Dodging disruption megabus.com vehicle and the winning couple were Donna and Omar who met on a megabus between VIRGIN Trains has launched an industry-first tool New York City and Toronto and later used the bus to aimed at helping customers avoid rail disruption travel back and forth to each other to keep their long on their journey and get to their destination. distance relationship alive. TrainMapper, powered by Google Maps and This August, the excited couple exchanged wedding Enquiries, will allow passengers vows in front of their friends and family on a decked to check real-time travel information, delay out megabus in Atlantic City. Congratulations! predictions and find alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in disruption. The tool has been developed by Virgin Trains, Southeastern and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and displays disruption information for passengers across the UK’s rail network. Warrick Dent, Safety and Operations at Virgin Trains on the East Coast, said: “We know how frustrating it can be when services are delayed, which is why we’re not only investing in our stations and trains, but also in new technology that we hope will help customers make The happy couple with their son and megabus.com The Stagecoach team during the Five Valleys walk decisions about how they travel.” mascot Chuck n New General Manager Long-serving employees dance the night away TOM Nicholson is STAGECOACH North Scotland presented 11 joining Coach USA as members of staff with commemorative long the General Manager service awards in recognition of an impressive 320 of years between them. in Westwood, NJ To celebrate their careers, they danced the night reporting directly to away at their own Scottish traditional ceilidh. George Grieve. Of the 11 employees presented with awards for Tom comes with service between 20 and 50 years, one member more than 28 years of diverse experience in the of staff, Charlie Macdonald from Moray, has transportation and trucking industries where he accumulated an impressive 50 years service. was the Operations Manager for companies such Managing Director Mark Whitelocks said: “We as DHL and FedEx. The company welcomes him are very fortunate and delighted to have such and wishes him well in his new position. dedicated and experienced staff.” The long-serving North Scotland employees 11 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n Happy retirement GETTING TO KNOW YOU... Maggie Ricky Sickelmore, Business Development Manager for the Loop STAGECOACH Midlands ■■ Who are you? ■■ What are you most proud of? recently wished Ricky Sickelmore, The Stagecoach Champions Award that I won Maggie Kingston, Business Development last year for the Ferne McCann project. Engineering Manager for the Loop. ■■ Favourite holiday destination? Administrator, ■■ What do you like America. a very happy most about your job? ■■ Most embarrassing moment? retirement, saying I now get to travel For our Christmas night out a few years ago we farewell after 25 around the UK speaking went to see an ‘adult’ panto in London, and I was years with the to all of the Group’s called up on stage. It made everyone’s night... company. businesses about Loop usage and how we can except mine! Maggie Kingston with her improve engagement. ■■ Favourite Music? retirement flowers Maggie won the hearts of ■■ What do you like least about your job? I listen to Radio X so I’d say the music that’s on her colleagues and was always willing to help I have too many food options for lunch now! there. impart her wide knowledge of the business Previously working at West Ham Garage where ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner whenever she was called upon. Not only will there were very little options, I now have with? her commitment be missed but her warm and everything on the doorstop at Stagecoach Kelly Brook. welcoming personality will also be missed by Digital. ■■ First thing you would do if you won £1m? many. All at Stagecoach Midlands wish Maggie ■■ Favourite Food? I would probably travel to America and around the a very happy retirement. Nandos. world following WWE – it’s already taken me to parts ■■ Least favourite food? of America that I never really would have thought Tuna. about going to so would like to continue that. n Rob gets on board ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff OXFORD Tube has announced Rob Hough as its as possible. To suggest the next participant, email [email protected] new Operations Manager. Rob, from Thame, has been working with Stagecoach in Oxfordshire for 10 years and for the past year he has been the Oxford Deport Assistant Operations Manager. Jenny bids farewell after 53 years’ service Rob will be based at the Stagecoach depot on COLLEAGUES of a long-standing travel Horspath Road in Oxfordshire where he will shop administrator showed their appreciation for report directly into Paul O’Callaghan, Service her incredible 53 years’ service, as she headed into Delivery Director. retirement. When Jenny Harris showed up for her first Rob said: day of work back in 1964, she had no idea she’d still “I am excited be assisting with customer journey plans and tickets about the new more than 50 years later. challenge that Jenny joined the travel shop team with Aldershot Operations and District, subsequently working for in Manager will 1972 and with Stagecoach from 1992. Up until her Jenny Harris enjoys her retirement celebrations bring. The retirement, Jenny held the title as longest service continued hard work and loyalty to the business has Oxford Tube employee for Stagecoach across it’s , contributed towards our success. I hope she enjoys is a fantastic Surrey and West business. her well-deserved retirement.” service and one Jayson Smith, former Operations Manager at Jenny’s career highlights are when she used to book that I am very Stagecoach’s Aldershot depot, said: “Jenny’s really nice holidays for people through the travel shop proud to lead.” commitment to the company over the past 53 and meeting the many interesting people that have years has been exceptional and without doubt her come through the doors over the last 50 years. New Oxford Tube Operations Manager Rob Hough n Contacts Long service Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach STAGECOACH held recognised loyal Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW service at its Long Service Awards dinner. Email: [email protected] A total of 10 employees, with service spanning from 20 to 40 years, enjoyed a meal and If you have a story for On Stage, please contact presentation from Managing Director Nigel Winter. Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for Among the attendees was Stephen Wren, former the next edition of On Stage will be Friday 15 Commercial Manager who retired in September December 2017. 2016 after 50 years of Service with the company. South Wales’ long serving employees 12