UK Transport Awards 2026 Best Travel Industry Food Development Consultancy 2026 Travel has seen a significant rebound in the years following the pandemic, with international arrivals reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024. The increase in long-haul and non-stop flights has led to a greater need for quality meal services onboard. As more and more travellers take to the skies, the airline catering industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period of 2026 to 2035. At the forefront of this industry-wide shift is Brown Sugar Development, a trusted consultancy in food product development for travel sector clients. We took a closer look below, as Brown Sugar Development succeeds in the UK Transport Awards 2026.
UK Transport Awards 2026 Phone: 01283 365204 Website: smenews.digital Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. SME News is thrilled to announce the return of the UK Transport Awards 2026 – celebrating eight incredible years of movement, innovation, and excellence on the road, rail, sea, and sky! Now in its eighth successful year, the UK Transport Awards continues to honour the very best across the nation’s transport and logistics sectors. From cuttingedge fleet operators and eco-conscious couriers to pioneering public transport providers and trailblazing technology firms, we’re celebrating those who keep Britain moving – safely, smartly, and sustainably. Over the years, the UK Transport Awards have shone a spotlight on the dedication, creativity, and forwardthinking that drive the UK’s Transport industry. As mobility evolves faster than ever, the 2026 edition promises to be our most exciting journey yet.
Contents 5. Brown Sugar Development: Best Travel Industry Food Development Consultancy 2026 6. MB Motors Rugeley: Most Trusted Independent Garage & MOT Centre – Staffordshire 7. SRS Logistics and Storage LTD: Most Trusted Medical Courier Business 2026 8. Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training: Best HGV & LGV Training Provider 2026 – Northern Ireland 9. Ignition Risk Management: Fleet Risk Management Provider of the Year 2026 & Customer Service Excellence Award 2026 10. Carrosserie: Best Classic Car Repair & Restoration Services 2026 – North East England 11. Assist Cambridgeshire Limited: Best Accessible & Assisted Transport Provider 2026 – Cambridgeshire 12. Tansley Transport & Removals: Removals Company of the Year 2026 – Derbyshire & Customer Service Excellence Award 2026 13. PDT Fleet Training Solutions: Driver Training Company of the Year 2026 & Client Service Excellence Award 2026 14. driveJohnson’s: National Driving School of the Year 2026 15. West Midlands Accident Repairs: Best Vehicle Repair Bodyshop 2026 – West Midlands & Customer Service Excellence Awasrd 2026 16. FAST UK COURIERS LIMITED: Best Same-Day Courier Service 2026 - Midlands 17. c2c: Train Operator of the Year 2026
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Travel has seen a significant rebound in the years following the pandemic, with international arrivals reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024. The increase in long-haul and non-stop flights has led to a greater need for quality meal services onboard. As more and more travellers take to the skies, the airline catering industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period of 2026 to 2035. At the forefront of this industry-wide shift is Brown Sugar Development, a trusted consultancy in food product development for travel sector clients. We took a closer look below, as Brown Sugar Development succeeds in the UK Transport Awards 2026. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Brown Sugar Development has been developing and supplying quality products and services to the travel sector for over 14 years. The close-knit, family-run business is owned and operated by Founder Ian Rutter, who also manages the Development and Sales divisions of the business. Ian is joined by wife and Finance department lead Patty Rutter, alongside business partner Caroline Thompson, who is Director of Sales and Operations. Brown Sugar Development proudly partners with clients across the travel sector, playing an instrumental role in developing products and service strategies that will help them stand out and thrive in a competitive environment. It supplies and consults on projects with catering and airline clients, supporting them from design brief to menu and packaging development to overseas airline lounge consolidation and tender approval to costsaving exercises. In tandem, the company also works handin-hand with local artisans, retailers, and manufacturers to help them grow their presence within the travel and leisure sectors. This enables it to show the industry fresh, new products from businesses that they may have never had the chance to work with. With this, Brown Sugar Development aims to give these clients an edge on their competitors and make life easier during what is for many a hectic and financially trying time. Each project begins with Brown Sugar Development forming early-stage partnerships with high-quality manufacturers, who typically demonstrate extensive core competence in their individual lines of expertise. The team will then bring the manufacturer and end-user together to work hand-in-hand, delivering an attractive product designed in alignment with the business identity and manufactured at a budget agreed upon by all parties involved. Brown Sugar Development has created myriad bespoke products designed to meet a wide range of unique needs. These offerings include fresh and frozen homemade artisan pastries and desserts, available in portions and whole formats; frozen entrée components for “buildyour-own” meals; first and business class dessert kits with step-by-step guides for crews to build restaurant-style desserts on board; frozen, certified Halal meals and components; boxed meal solutions for all classes and events; and both fresh and frozen grains and compound salads, bulked and portioned for the grab-and-go market. Whatever a client’s vision or budget, whether they are providing for first class or economy class guests, Brown Sugar Development strives to deliver a culinary solution that gives each client’s business a distinct edge. The company has collaborated with clients from all corners of the travel sector to work on a variety of projects large and small, earning itself a remarkable reputation for helping travel sector clients build an exceptional service experience for their guests. In addition to establishing a growing base of loyal, returning clients, Brown Sugar Development has also been rightfully recognised as the Best Travel Industry Food Development Consultancy 2026. We at SME News would like to congratulate Brown Sugar Development on this achievement and cannot wait to see what the team does next. Tony Moores, Head of Product Management at Saudi Arabian Airlines, reported: “Ian worked with my present company in menu development. He has extensive food knowledge from his time as a senior Executive Chef. He is always on the lookout for new trends and ideas and is quick to develop those ideas within the travel sector. Ian is great to communicate with and knows immediately what solutions to offer. I would highly recommend Brown Sugar Development to those requiring immediate and future development in their own sectors.” While Group Managing Director and CEO Anthony Finlayson-Green FCILT said: “I have known and worked with Ian over many years in different roles. Ian is a passionate ambassador for food and indeed service and has been for the 24 years I have known him. He is innovative, extremely skilled in people, food and project development. Is superb with customers and colleagues always able to provide a solution. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Ian and Brown Sugar whatsoever.” Contact: [email protected] Company: Brown Sugar Development Web Address: www.brownsugarne.co.uk Best Travel Industry Food Development Consultancy 2026
UK Transport Awards 2026/ 6 Most Trusted Independent Garage & MOT Centre – Staffordshire For people living in Rugeley, Stafford, Cannock, Lichfield, or across the surrounding areas, MB Motors Rugeley is the go-to place for those in search of their local and trusted MOT, servicing, and diagnostics specialist. Boasting a DVSA-approved MOT test centre with a ten-bay workshop that is more than equipped to handle almost everything that can be thrown at it, MB Motors is distinguished as a result of its expert technicians, transparent pricing, same-day appointments, and fivestar reviews. Below, we take a closer look at what is Rugeley’s leading independent garage. It has been more than 12 years since MB Motors Rugeley first opened its doors, and in that time it has gone on to position itself as the benchmark for quality car care across this corner of Staffordshire. Not only is MB Motors known for its blend of trust, precision, and expertise, it also happens to be the top-rated independent garage in the region based on customer reviews, with dozens of five-star testimonials to its name across Google and Trustpilot. This unique combination makes MB Motors Staffordshire’s number-one garage. Unpacking the reasons behind its hard-fought status as the independent garage and MOT centre of choice for discerning drivers across Staffordshire, MB Motors’ distinction starts with its aforementioned workshop, which offers the kind of state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology usually only found at the dealers themselves. What this means is that the team of IMI-qualified technicians here can provide dealer-level insights across all makes and models, from BMWs and Audis to Mercs, Land Rovers, and Teslas. The benefit to customers is that they get this high-level service at a fraction of the cost of what the dealer would charge them, so whether they need simple car repairs, help with their AdBlue issues, remapping, or anything in between, they can rest easy knowing that the team here can handle their every need with speed, accuracy, professionalism, and transparency. It likely goes without saying, but this approach is the same regardless of if the customer’s car has a regular combustion engine, is a hybrid, or even a fully electric vehicle. Covering all of the bases across all of these vehicles is essential in today’s market, given that the types of cars on the road are more diverse than ever. This applies not only to the sort of fuel they take, but also to their internals, including the likes of advanced driver assistance systems. Such a huge scope means that mechanics today have to be more on the ball than ever. Having recognised this, MB Motors has invested heavily in the likes of its hybrid and EV capabilities, as well as in training its most valuable asset – the team. With all of this equipment and knowledge to boot, it should come as no surprise that the team at MB Motors are today specialists across areas such as vehicle security, performance tuning, servicing prestige vehicles, and more. And whilst these provisions are invaluable for many members of Staffordshire’s expansive community of car enthusiasts, MB Motors recognises that many of those who bring their car in will simply need an MOT every year or a service every 10,000 miles or so. As this award suggests, it is happy to oblige. MB Motors knows that when it comes to MOT testing in Rugeley, the thing people want most is reliability. Across its Class 4, 5, and 7 MOTs, which it carries out in Staffordshire’s most advanced MOT test centre and what is the largest MOT bay in Rugeley, the garage stands for exactly that. Offering same-day MOT availability and a free retest when repairs are completed on site, the team take care of everything to make sure that every vehicle passing through their shop is safe, compliant, and as reliable as this local service. Ultimately, this goes a long way in outlining the sense of trust that has not only resulted in MB Motors Rugeley being recognised as the Most Trusted Independent Garage & MOT Centre – Staffordshire in this programme, but also it being the highest rated car garage in Staffordshire today. There is so much more to MB Motors that we have not been able to cover here, so to find out more about all of the ways it embodies the very best of vehicle maintenance in Staffordshire, visit it at its official website linked below. Contact: Michael Ballard Company: MB Motors Rugeley Web Address: https://www.mbmotors.com/
As the regulated pharmaceutical supply chain continues to grow, the demand for reliability, compliance, and trust has grown in tandem. Rising to meet this demand head-on is SRS Logistics and Storage, an MHRAregulated courier ensuring that medicines and healthcare products are transported safely and efficiently across the UK and, in turn, supporting the pharmacies, healthcare providers, and patients who rely on these essential supplies. We spoke with Director Shahed Miah to learn more, as SRS Logistics and Storage is named in the UK Transport Awards 2026. Most Trusted Medical Courier Business 2026 “Our company is built on the principle that logistics is more than simply moving goods from one location to another; it is about delivering trust, consistency, and value to every client we serve.” Maintaining a network spanning the entire UK, SRS Logistics and Storage is a company bringing reliability, efficiency, and a customerfocused approach to the UK transport industry. Since its inception in 2019, the company has been on a mission to provide safe, efficient, and dependable logistics services that help businesses operate smoothly and grow with confidence. In doing so, it aims to become a trusted partner for companies that rely on timely transport and secure storage. In particular, SRS Logistics and Storage specialises in providing flexible and dependable transport and storage solutions for businesses across the UK. Its services support a wide range of clients, from small- and medium-sized enterprises to larger organisations requiring dependable logistics partners to maintain their supply chain. The company offers tailored solutions, ensuring that each client receives a service aligned directly with their specific operational needs. Since the establishment of SRS Logistics and Storage, the UK transport market has played an important role in shaping how the team operates and develops its services. The industry has become increasingly regulated, competitive, and focused on reliability, especially so in sectors where the safe and secure transportation of goods is essential. Working within this evolving environment has encouraged the SRS team to build strong operational standards and focus heavily on areas where compliance and precision are critical. “A significant part of our work involves operating within the pharmaceutical supply chain, where we function as MHRA-regulated couriers,” Shahed told us, “requiring strict adherence to the standards set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. This has influenced the way we train our drivers, manage deliveries, and maintain high levels of accountability and traceability in our operations.” In a relatively short period of time, SRS Logistics and Storage has grown into a strong and reliable logistics partner. The company has achieved over £5 million in turnover between 2024 and 2025, with projections of £9/10 million in turnover in 2026. This growth does not only reflect the rising sector-wide demand for specialist logistics services, but also speaks to the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the SRS Logistics and Storage team as it continues to grow alongside the business. The future of SRS Logistics and Storage is focused on continued growth, strengthening its position within regulated logistics whilst expanding its operational capacity to meet increasing demand within the pharmaceutical supply chain. As demand for specialised and regulated logistics continues to increase, the company is focused on scaling the business in a way that maintains the high levels of reliability, accountability, and regulatory compliance that define the SRS Logistics and Storage experience. Rather than operating as a general transport company, SRS Logistics and Storage has built its reputation around delivering high standards in regulated transport, demonstrating the crucial qualities of trust, reliability, and compliance. The company has set new benchmarks of service excellence within the pharmaceutical supply chain whilst delivering essential products to the healthcare providers, pharmacies, and patients who need them. For this exceptional work, we at SME News are proud to recognise SRS Logistics and Storage as the Most Trusted Medical Courier Business 2026. In reflection of the team’s significant success, Shahed commented: “Our success is driven by strong relationships with our clients and a team culture built on responsibility, professionalism, and trust. Our aim is to continue growing while maintaining the high standards that define our work and ensuring that we remain a dependable partner within the UK logistics and healthcare supply chain.” Contact: Shahed Miah Company: SRS Logistics and Storage LTD Web Address: www.srslimited.info
UK Transport Awards 2026/ 8 Best HGV & LGV Training Provider 2026 – Northern Ireland The UK’s HGV and PCV driver shortage came to a peak in 2021 and, although it has seen a decline, there remains much room for improvement in 2026. The country is calling out for qualified, educated, and confident drivers to ensure that business continues to move as smoothly as possible on the roads. Today, we explore the standout services of Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training, a trusted provider of training courses for drivers of HGVs, LGVs, PCVs, and ADRs, and a recent recipient in the UK Transport Awards 2026. For more than 40 years, Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training has delivered a wide range of professional driver training courses. Operating from the Seagoe Industrial Area in Portadown, Craigavon, the family-run business is ideally located for businesses and applicants across Northern Ireland. In a saturated industry, Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training stands as one of Northern Ireland’s leading names in the field of driver training for specialise vehicles. The company offers a driving course for every category of vehicle, working with individuals and companies alike to help its clients attain their licenses. Whether you are wishing to kickstart your career in HGV driving or just seeking to brush up preexisting skills, Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training truly offers a course for every educational need. Its offerings span training courses for LGV and HGV drivers, ADR drivers, bus and coach drivers, and more. Whilst it specialises in haulage, the company also offers training and certification in industry-based areas that complement its driving education. Designed for both individual and corporate clients, often acting on behalf of their employees, these courses cover areas such as health and safety, fire safety, plant and machinery training, and transport management. Education can be delivered to any chosen premise within Northern Ireland, or completed at Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training’s base at the Seagoe Industrial Area. The training facilities comprise two highly modern classrooms that can each hold up to 25 learners, offering an engaging and comfortable training setting that is occupied by patient, qualified instructors. Equally important to the company is the learner experience. In addition to creating an environment that is conducive to learning, the company also goes a step further to ensure that each learner is placed at the heart of its operations. This is demonstrated in the topquality training its team delivers, as well as through the high calibre of care carried across its courses. As Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training’s very own Alison Clarke told us: “We value each and every one of our customers, and everyone who attends our centre receives the same level of respect and training. Our aim is to ensure that drivers are fully knowledgeable when entering the industry and taking on the role of driving a goods vehicle. These drivers are vital to ensuring the delivery of our everyday needs, which is achieved through the quality of training we provide.” From its educational environment to its toptier training techniques, Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training has established itself as the go-to partner for aspiring and professional drivers across Northern Ireland. With an expansive reach, competitive course prices, and a team of highly skilled professionals who are as passionate as they are knowledgeable, it is truly no surprise that Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training has been named Northern Ireland’s Best HGV and LGV Training Provider 2026. Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training’s wellearned status has also earned it significant praise from its community of drivers, who have all elevated their professional careers with the training provider’s unwavering support. The company enjoys a remarkable five-star rating on Google, with many clients attesting to the team’s warm approach and unrivalled expertise. One driver wrote: “I passed my Class 2, CPC, and Class 1 – all with Ken Irwin and his fantastic team. I had never reversed a trailer in my life before starting yet, thanks to their expert training and support, I passed my Class 1 on the first attempt. They truly are the best in Northern Ireland for a reason. I cannot recommend them highly enough – professional, patient, and genuinely invested in your success.” While another reported: “From day one, I was given nothing but the very best training from Ken, Nigel, and Stephen. Their level of professionalism is unmatched. They will make every possible effort to ensure that you pass first time. I truly believe that they are the best in the country! If you are thinking of taking the big step on completing your HGV Class 1 or 2, there is nowhere else I would recommend.” Contact: Alison Clarke Company: Ken Irwin Class One Driver Training Web Address: www.classonehgv-lgv.co.uk
A comprehensive package of services and digital systems all revolving around managing on-road risk is at the heart of Ignition Risk Management, a Greater Manchester-based company that has been developing cultures of risk awareness across organisations and their people alike since 1991. The encompassing support the company provides across this service suite ranges from practical guidance in developing and implementing work-related road safety procedures through to providing digital systems, licence checks, and driver training. What follows for its clients is a reduction in accident rates, insurance premiums, environmental impact, and more, and with this service being available across fleets of all sizes, discerning businesses of any kind can benefit from these provisions, at a time when they are needed more than ever. Driving this demand is the fact that the transport industry is continuing to embrace modern technology and call for more personalised solutions across the areas of driver risk assessment and training, both of which the team focus on. Commenting on this, Stephen explained: “Off-the-shelf solutions often do not address the risks faced by a company or their drivers, and they are today looking for bespoke solutions which can be easily integrated into their infrastructure.” Ignition Risk Management’s prowess in this space comes from the more than a decade of developing bespoke e-learning solutions on its own platform, or through a client’s LMS systems. Aiding the integration offered is the support it provides across the likes of single sign-on and self-registration. All of the above shows Ignition Risk Management’s ability to help the industry overcome some of the major challenges it is currently facing, chief amongst them being the labour shortage experienced when it comes to drivers. With a number of companies pushing the recruitment of new drivers to appease this, it is vital they are risk assessed and trained to a high standard, and this is where the company’s aforementioned driver training comes in, with courses designed to help improve skill and compliance and reduce risk for drivers. These trainers are all wholly dedicated to transforming attitudes to driving, and are all enrolled on the DVSA Fleet Register with further advanced qualifications. They have more than the necessary qualifications and experience so clients can rest easy knowing that these experts in occupational road risk training will apply their knowledge to make every fleet safer. This devotion, combined with these training courses being delivered in a relaxing and supportive environment, see that the things drivers learn stay with them for as long as they work out on the road. This commitment to safety is a cornerstone of Ignition Risk Management, with another example of its deployment being across the integrated licence checks mentioned above. By automatically checking every aspect of a driver’s history on the road, safety is not only prioritised, but compliance and employee management are both improved. A big part of this can be attributed to the driver risk assessment system the company offers, which is yet another example of the innovative computer systems discussed above. Diving deeper into this, highlights of the system include e-consent – where drivers can electronically sign their DVLA declarations – as well as a driver profile comprising all of the data available from the DVLA and any CPC and tachograph information. The fact that all of this is then stored in a secure and intuitive platform means licence checking is more straightforward than ever, even for large organisations. This is just another way that Ignition Risk Management is making things easier, safer, and better for fleets across the UK. With plans to continue to grow and develop more innovative and integrated services across the realm of risk management for UK vehicle fleets, the future is bright for Ignition Risk Management as it works towards its vision of becoming the UK’s first choice for bespoke fleet risk management services. Presented with a duo of awards in our UK Transport Awards 2026, we urge those seeking more about Ignition Risk Management to visit the link below. Contact: Stephen Raine Company: Ignition Risk Management Web Address: https://www.ignitionrm.com/ Email [email protected] For more than three decades, Ignition Risk Management has been helping organisations to optimise their fleet risk management systems. The company’s clients come from across the UK and Ireland, with organisations and institutions such as City Electrical Factors, Makita, the University of Huddersfield, and MJ Quinn all trusting the team here to help them transform the way their business manages driver risk. Fleet Risk Management Provider of the Year 2026 & Customer Service Excellence Award 2026
UK Transport Awards 2026/ 10 Best Classic Car Repair & Restoration Services 2026 – North East England The art of restoring classic cars lies in the balance of having a healthy respect for the past and keeping a keen eye on the future, and this is a philosophy that has served Carrosserie well since it got its start 25 years ago. Born from humble beginnings, the principles of exceptional craftsmanship, an unwavering attention to detail, and a long-standing commitment to methodical working have been there since day one. Following its title in this programme, we take a closer look at the company named as offering the Best Classic Car Repair & Restoration Services 2026 – North East England. Founders Dick and Steve established Carrosserie in 2001, before spending the next 19 years building the company up around the principles touched on above. When they retired in 2020, the pair made it made it clear that they wanted their business to be passed on to somebody who would be able take this ethos and put it into practice every single day. That man was Neil Atkinson, who has a had a love of cars ever since he took apart the engine of a Ford Escort 1300 at just nine years old. With Neil, his background in racing/racing engineering, and his impressive car history – a Mk 1 Escort, Alfasud, Evo VIII MR, several Minis, and five Subaru Imprezas are just the tip of the iceberg – to boot, Carrosserie is today capable of striking the same balance discussed in the beginning across the company as it is with each individual car, this being a respect for the past and a focus on the future. This is exactly what Neil planned when he bought the business, and it has guided him as he has grown it over the last six years or so. Of course, Neil is not the only element behind the success of Carrosseries, which also benefits from the team of highly skilled craftsmen who date back to the days of Dick and Steve, right around the time they moved from their initial location to a larger premises in Barnard Castle, County Durham. It is thanks to this team that Carrosserie is today one of the biggest names in Britain for high-quality classic car repair, revival, and restoration, as seen through the dozens of five-star reviews it boasts across Google and Reviews.io. These glowing testimonials are a result of the comprehensive approach the team here take to their classic car restoration services, with all of these offerings being tailored around the painstakingly beautiful process of returning old cars to their former glory. These specialists cover every element of the restoration, from addressing rust issues and restoring the car’s bodywork through to overhauling all of the mechanical components, electricals, paintwork, interior trims, ash frames, and more. Besides this encompassing service, what sets Carrosserie apart is that it brings it to every car it has brought into its shop, not just the rarest and finest models. For example, the team have recently had a 1991 Range Rover Classic Vogue, a 2005 Jeep Wrangler, and a 1997 VW Transporter in the shop, and they have been treated with the same care and precision as some of the more ‘traditional’ classics they have worked on, including a 1962 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 1, a 1969 Ford Mustang, and a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. “Preserving the classics of the future means treating cars of the last two decades with equal care as the ones a half-century old.” The same principles of high quality and methodical work which have served Carrosserie well for more than two decades are thus today being provided to an ever-expanding range of vehicles, the purpose being to allow automotive engineering practices to survive well into the future for the next generation of enthusiasts to enjoy, ensuring the magic of restoration is not lost as cars become electric and more uniform in appearance. With no plans to slow down, the amazing work this expert team do will hopefully continue well into the future. Recognised as the Best Classic Car Repair & Restoration Services 2026 – North East England in our UK Transport Awards 2026, more on the full range of repair and restoration services Carrosserie delivers can be found below, as well as pictures from its latest projects, including a 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 and the shell of a 1970s Austin Mini 1275 GT. Contact: Neil Atkinson Company: Carrosserie Web Address: https://www.carrosserie.co.uk/
There are thousands of people across the UK who cannot safely use traditional taxis or public transport — from wheelchair users and individuals with complex needs to elderly residents living alone and families supporting vulnerable loved ones. For many, this results in missed appointments, delayed treatment, and increased anxiety, with transport becoming a barrier to healthcare, independence, and everyday life. Passenger Assist Cambridgeshire was established to address this challenge — a specialist non-emergency assisted transport provider focused on delivering safe, reliable, and dignified journeys for those who require more than standard transport. Founder Mohammed Bashir told us more. Best Accessible & Assisted Transport Provider 2026 – Cambridgeshire “We believe that no one should miss treatment, sit for hours in a hospital corridor, or feel anxious about getting home because the transport system was not designed for them.” Since its inception in 2022, Passenger Assist Cambridgeshire has been on a mission to remove transport as a barrier to healthcare, independence, and community life. The company provides specialist nonemergency assisted transport using tail-liftequipped wheelchair-accessible vehicles, approved restraint systems, and DBSchecked, uniformed drivers trained to support passengers with a wide range of mobility and care needs. Passenger Assist bridges the gap between ambulance transport and standard taxi services, supporting individuals who require additional assistance but do not need clinical transport. Its service extends beyond transport alone, offering door-to-door and door-throughdoor assistance, wait-and-return services for appointments, and optional companionship support, ensuring passengers are supported throughout their journey, not just at pickup and drop-off. Striving to become the most trusted specialist assisted transport provider in the region, Passenger Assist operates with the core values of dignity, reliability, safeguarding, and accountability. It serves a broad clientele, comprised of Wheelchair users and disabled passengers; elderly and vulnerable individuals living independently; hospital outpatients and clinical trial participants; case managers and rehabilitation providers; families requiring dignified funeral transport; and private clients requiring reliable long-distance accessible travel. “Passenger Assist was built from lived experience, not from a purely commercial idea,” Mohammed told us. “We are not trying to replace anyone in the transport industry, but exist to complement the system and serve the people who cannot simply book a car and go. The business grew because we saw a gap: vulnerable people falling between systems, families under pressure, and individuals missing appointments or life events simply because the transportation available to them did not meet their needs.” “We are responding to a gap that has existed for years, and building a model that prioritises safety, reliability, and care over speed alone.” Over the last 12 to 24 months, Passenger Assist has observed a growing awareness surrounding this under-addressed challenge. Families and professionals are now realising that accessibility is about trained assistance, safeguarding, reliability, and communication, rather than merely possessing a wheelchair ramp. The team capitalised on this clear shift by ensuring that Passenger Assist was positioned as a specialist assisted transport provider operating alongside healthcare and social care systems, rather than as a conventional taxi service. Throughout 2025, the Passenger Assist team has increased its structured advance-booking systems to reduce the risk of last-minute cancellations; strengthened relationships with case managers and rehabilitation professionals; engaged directly with passenger experience teams and community health networks; and invested further in wheelchair-securement compliance and vehicle standards. In doing so, the company ensures that its services are informed, inclusive, and in complete alignment with its client’s expectations. In the four years since its inception, Passenger Assist has proven that there is indeed significant demand for safe, reliable mobility support for people who cannot use standard taxis or public transport. Building on the momentum of such a successful period, the company is moving through 2026 with its focus firmly on structured growth, planning to scale sustainably whilst protecting the high service standards that have come to define the Passenger Assist experience. One of the team’s key priorities is fleet development. Passenger Assist is actively exploring modern, low-emission and electric wheelchair-accessible vehicles that will future proof the business whilst aligning with the UK’s wider sustainability goals. In this respect, the company champions its belief that accessibility and environmental responsibility are qualities that must go hand-in-hand. Internally, 2026 will see Passenger Assist strengthening its systems and processes. The company will be investing in better scheduling technology, structured governance, and team development in order to handle increased demand without compromising care. For this dual commitment to meeting industry needs at no detriment to the outstanding quality of services provided to its passenger community, Passenger Assist has been rightfully recognised as Cambridgeshire’s Best Accessible & Assisted Transport Provider 2026. In conclusion, Mohammed shared: “We believe transport should never be the reason someone misses healthcare, independence, or important life moments. Everything we build in 2026 is centred around removing that barrier. “Long term, our vision is clear: to be recognised as the benchmark specialise assisted transport provider in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties – known not for being the biggest operator, but for being the most trusted.” As demand for supported mobility continues to grow, Passenger Assist is increasingly recognised as a vital service supporting safe discharge, ongoing treatment access, and independent living within the community. Contact: Mohammed Bashir Company: Passenger Assist Cambridgeshire Limited Web Address: www.passengerassistcambs.co.uk Telephone: 01733 208208
UK Transport Awards 2026/ 12 Removals Company of the Year 2026 – Derbyshire & Customer Service Excellence Award 2026 Tansley Transport & Removals has quickly established itself as one of Derbyshire’s most trusted moving companies — a reputation that was recently recognised at the 2026 SME Awards, where the company received Removal Company of the Year 2026 – Derbyshire and the prestigious Customer Excellence Award. Founded as a family-run business, the company has grown through dedication, professionalism, and a clear focus on customer satisfaction. Moving home can be one of life’s most stressful experiences, and the team at Tansley Transport & Removals understands the importance of delivering a smooth and dependable service. From the first enquiry to the final item placed in a new home or business, the company prioritises communication, care, and efficiency. Their services include home & business removals, professional packing, furniture protection, secure storage solutions, and much more, all delivered with the same commitment to quality that has helped build their awardwinning reputation and brand. Customers regularly praise the company for its reliability, friendly approach, and the extra effort taken to protect belongings during every move. With businesses choosing them for their efficiency, care & communication. Winning both Removal Company of the Year 2026 – Derbyshire and a Customer Excellence Award for 2026 reflects not only the company’s high standards but also the trust placed in them by customers and businesses across the region and beyond. For Tansley Transport & Removals, The awards reflect not only the company’s growth but also the trust placed in them by the local community. As the business continues to expand, Tansley Transport & Removals remains focused on the values it was built on: reliability, care, and a personal approach that larger companies simply can’t replicate. With plans to continue enhancing its services, expanding operations, and supporting customers across Derbyshire, nationally, and soon internationally, the future is clearly moving in the right direction. Moving Derbyshire with Pride: The Award-Winning Family Business Behind Tansley Transport & Removals
“By combining industry expertise with a down-to-earth approach, PDT Fleet Training Solutions helps UK transport businesses protect their people, their reputation, and their bottom line.” PDT Fleet Training Solutions was established in 2009 as a direct response to the rising demand for skilled, trained, and compliant drivers throughout the UK. Since its inception, the company has strived to support the country’s transport industry by helping organisations operate more safely, compliantly, and efficiently. It provides practical, results-driven driver and fleet training that goes beyond ticking boxes to focus on real-world skills, risk reduction, and long-term behavioural change. PDT Fleet Training Solutions is a part of Pertemps Network Group, an independent family-run recruitment business that has grown to stand as one of the largest staffing solutions in the UK. PDT Fleet Training Solutions has followed in its footsteps to become the UK’s largest fleet training provider, offering individuals and businesses the expertise, resources, and facilities they need to be safe on the road. “Our mission is to raise standards across the transport sector by improving driver competence, reducing incidents, and helping businesses meet their legal and duty-of-care responsibilities with confidence,” Samantha told us. “We work with a wide range of clients, from small- and medium-sized fleets to large national operators, local authorities, and organisations with grey-fleet drivers. They span logistics, distribution, construction, utilities, public service, and any business where driving is a critical part of operations.” The UK’s transport industry is currently a challenging and highly pressurised environment. Operators must balance rising costs, tighter margins, and increasing regulatory expectations, whilst still being expected to maintain high standards of safety, service, and compliance. Operating within such a complex landscape, PDT Fleet Training Solutions understands the importance of guiding clients in their journey to becoming safe on the road. One of the major challenges facing the sector is ongoing driver shortages and retention issues. This obstacle is being compounded by an ageing workforce, changing workforce expectations, and the need to attract new drivers into a role that is often perceived as high-pressure. Alongside this, increasing insurance premiums, fuel costs, and vehicle operating expenses are placing additional strain on businesses of all sizes. Concurrently, regulatory scrutiny and external oversight continue to intensify, with operators required to demonstrate robust systems in the areas of driver competence, duty of care, and risk management. Whilst the growing use of telematics and digital monitoring has proven beneficial, it has also created challenges surrounding data interpretation, driver engagement, and ensuring technology is used to support improvement rather than drive disengagement. At PDT Fleet Training Solutions, these challenges are merely opportunities to drive positive change. By focusing on targeted, risk-based training and meaningful driver engagement, businesses can improve safety, reduce incidents, and build stronger relationships with their drivers. The improved used of data allows training to be more precise and impactful, while increased emphasis on wellbeing, fatigue management, and communication supports better retention and performance. The future for PDT Fleet Training Solutions is focused on sustainable growth, increased impact, and continued innovation in how it supports the UK’s transport industry. As the sector continues to evolve, the team’s number one priority is to remain agile and responsive whilst maintaining the high standards and practical approach valued by clients across the country. PDT Fleet Training Solutions expects to grow both its client base and its team, with a strong focus on developing internal talent and specialist expertise. This will include upskilling trainers, expanding its capacity to deliver tailored and risk-based training, and strengthening the team’s ability to support organisations with duty of care, compliance, and driver development across both professional and grey fleets. “For our team, 2026 represents a period of opportunity and progression,” Samantha shared. “We are committed to creating clear development pathways, supporting continuous professional learning, and fostering a positive, collaborative culture as we grow. By balancing innovation with our core values, PDT Fleet Training Solutions is well positioned to play a meaningful role in supporting a safer, more skilled, and more resilient workforce.” “By embracing change rather than resisting it, the industry can become safer, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.” Contact: Samantha Leleu Company: PDT Fleet Training Solutions Web Address: www.pdtfleettrainingsolutions.co.uk The UK’s transport industry is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by increased regulatory scrutiny, technological change, and a stronger focus on safety, sustainability, and driver wellbeing. As a result, operators are under more pressure than ever to demonstrate compliance and evidence continuous improvement. PDT Fleet Training Solutions was formed to meet this demand with top-quality driver training service that enhance driver skills, behaviours, and on-the-road safety. We heard more from Director Samantha Leleu below. Driver Training Company of the Year 2026 & Client Service Excellence Award 2026
UK Transport Awards 2026/ 14 National Driving School of the Year 2026 There is a reason celebrities including Stephen Graham, Tom Grenan, Deli Alli, and even F1 driver Alexander Albion all chose to learn to drive with the national driving school driveJohnson’s. They wanted the best. Having embodied excellence ever since it was established in 2005 by Anthony Johnson, the company has grown from just one man and his car to more than 850 driving instructors across the UK. On the back of the company’s recognition in this programme, we caught up with Anthony for more. When Anthony Johnson delivered the first driving lesson under the driveJohnson’s banner 21 years ago, he had no idea his one-man driving school would grow to encompass close to 900 instructors nationwide over the next two decades. Its growth is a testament to the power of treating people how they want to be treated, with this winning formula being applied to the three main client groups driveJohnson’s serves: franchised driving instructors, prospective instructors doing their instructor training, and, of course, learner drivers. Although it is based in Milton Keynes, driveJohnson’s today serves more than 1,000 locations across the UK, offering driving lessons everywhere from London to Birmingham. The guiding ethos of serving people well carries over to every instructor in every location, and this is reflected in the tremendous accomplishment that this is the only national driving school to boast a five-star rating on Trustpilot, with this coming from more than 6,000 reviews left by happy service users. Despite the remarkable growth his driving school franchise has been on over the last 20 years, Anthony remains as involved as ever, and can be found in the office on most days. When he is not in the office, Anthony is out on the road, training driving instructors to improve their standards and deliver a continuously excellent service. Anthony’s handson approach is not the only differentiator for his instructors, who also benefit from not being tied into the long contracts standard across many other driving school franchises. All of these small things add up to make driveJohnson’s a textbook driving school, a feat that is becoming harder to achieve as a result of the state of this space following the COVID-19 lockdowns. Anybody who has either been learning to drive themselves or knows somebody who has will be aware of the difficulties inherent in driving tests today, with a black market for them having arisen and some third parties charging learners more than £250 per test by abusing the DVSA’s booking system. Whilst driveJohnson’s is unwilling to exploit this system itself for shortterm financial gain, or advocate others doing so, it is aware that some pupils may still acquire tests in this fashion. So, to ensure their shortterm needs are supported, it has invested heavily in educating and supporting its instructors in this challenging environment. In the longer term, Anthony is hoping that the DVSA will go ahead with its plan to introduce software that means pupils must book their own tests, which will help put an end to this unfair practice. Exploring this further, Anthony told us: “If this is implemented in Spring 2026, driveJohnson’s will be in a much stronger position to support all learners – not just those with urgent requirements. If the DVSA does not follow through, this challenge will unfortunately continue to affect all driving schools and instructors who refuse to engage in black-market test purchasing at extortionate rates.” To end this once and for all, the DVSA will have to train more examiners to get on top of the test backlog dating back to the lockdowns. Whilst many of these wider issues are out of driveJohnson’s control, one thing it can control is its internal culture, which revolves around the simple equation that happy instructors equal happy pupils. By prioritising the wellbeing of its instructors, the driving school franchise starts a chain reaction that reaches every pupil it takes on. A great example of this is the fact that every instructor is truly part of driveJohnson’s family, and not subcontracted like they are at many driving schools. This reinforces unity and consistency across the board. Finally, with 2025 having been a major year for driveJohnson’s, which launched new apps for both learners and instructors and rebuilt its booking system to integrate seamlessly with these, Anthony told us 2026 is set to be equally exciting, as his team are currently finalising another app, this one to be used by driving instructors during lessons. A brandnew website is also set to follow in autumn, alongside the extensive training planned for both its driving instructors and the office team, all to elevate it service standards even further. Named the National Driving School of the Year 2026 for its commitment to making learning to drive personal and for genuinely caring about its instructors and pupils, we are delighted to feature driveJohnson’s in this programme. Contact: Anthony Johnson Company: driveJohnson’s Web Address:
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