Winners - Microlise Driver of the Year Awards

Previous Winners

2024

Overall Winner

Fraser Macalister, Co-op

Fraser is an experienced driver who was commended for his consistency and described as ‘excellent’ across the board. The judges were impressed with how he constantly strived to improve his own performance whilst helping to mentor and train other drivers. Cleary a very trusted and safe pair of hands, Fraser’s manager told us how they relied on him to help implement projects with the driving team, including the recent introduction of new vehicles into the fleet.
A great quote from his manager showed that Fraser is an unsung hero, quietly effectively and efficiently carrying out his job, and proud to do it well. “He is a very safe and competent driver, in fact, we see less of him than other drivers because he just never ever causes us any problems”.

Medium Distance Winner

David Rideout, Gist

David was chosen as the winner of this category not only for his long service and commitment to the job but because of the breadth of driving skills that he expertly uses to carry out a very diverse range of jobs. Moreover, he still consistently achieves top driving scores despite driving demanding vehicles. He is also a fountain of knowledge, never late, never absent and supportive to his colleagues. His manager told us “ if I was starting a new business and was looking for drivers from all those I’ve come across in my long career to take with me, this driver would be at the top of my list".

Long Distance Winner

David Staley, BSS Group Ltd

David’s manager told us that he really sets the standard on what a professional driver should be, consistent in every way with regard to safety, processes, compliance and his own moral obligations. He is clearly thought of very highly across the group. With a zero road accident history and exemplary driving results he is also a role model for other drivers, who he helps with advise and tips.

Compliant Driver Winner

Marlon Lessey, EV Cargo

With zero infringements, and 100% compliant over the entire 2023 period, Marlon was described by his manager as a ‘real unsung hero’, a genuine go to driver who will always go the extra mile and help on any awkward jobs. He is also commended for being quick thinking, calm and methodical under pressure, but with an all important ever present smile. He also mentors other drivers and is happy to pass on his skills.

Extra Mile Winner

Terence Childs, John Lewis Partnership

In a category with a record number of nominations, the judges were unanimous over their choice of winner. With a selfless attitude Terence is clearly totally committed to the company. In addition he is always willing to support and help new drivers and his peers look up to his calm demeanour. A quote from his manager sums up how highly he is regarded ‘ Terence would be a valuable asset to any transport operation and we are very grateful to have him in ours’.

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Philip Devonport, Hovis

Philip has dedicated his entire working life to Hovis with an incredible 57 years service, until retiring recently. He was described as a role model to all on the site and is well known and loved by customers who welcome his constant smile and positivity. Other drivers would ask to go on rounds with him for his knowledge, and ability to make others feel good. His manager told us that this award will be the icing on the cake for Philip after a long and happy driving career.

Most Improved Driver Winner

Jade Small, Waitrose

Jade has only been qualified for just over a year and has quickly progressed through many different vehicle types. Demonstrating consistent increases in skills across all types of kit and a high degrees of focus and attention throughout all shifts and roles. Her manager described her as focussed, positive and ultra professional, becoming a top performer in a very short space of time and demonstrating a real determination to succeed.

Young Driver Winner

Kamil Krakiowiak, Stobart

Kamil has loved trucks all his life and always dreamt of being a driver. Since joining Stobarts he has 100% attendance record, with exemplary driving style and zero incidents. But he was chosen by the judges as his manager described how his passion and pride for the job shines through in everything he does. Committed, safety conscious, compliant, diligent, methodical, smart and organised being just a few of the attributes listed. *Award presented to Neil Rowbotham (Managing Director of Stobart) on behalf of Kamil.

Driver Hero Winner

Gordon Adair, Tennents Caledonian Brewers

Gordon has worked for the company for over 20 years and is seen as a true ambassador for their brand. Whilst delivering to a pub on a dark and rainy evening the landlady did not come out to take the delivery as planned. Thinking it was strange, Gordon went inside and found her being seriously physically assaulted by a drunk customer. He intervened and restrained the customer until the police arrived. *Award presented to Alex Walker (Microlise Account Manager -Tennents Caledonian Brewers), on behalf of Gordon.

Driver Excellence Winner

Maritime Transport Ltd

Maritime won this award as they had the greatest % of drivers in the top 1000 as identified in the Microlise Driver of the Year Awards. Maritime use data from Microlise and other technologies which enables Driver Trainers to provide customized Driver CPC courses to address the company's specific needs. Their quarterly reviews couple this with self-assessment via the Driver Performance Management app, to pinpoint individual areas for development. Where necessary, Driver Trainers are then offered tailored 1-2-1 support. This proactive, personalized approach has established the company as an industry leader.

Short Distance Winner

Fraser Macalister, Co-op

Fraser was the winner of the Short Distance category and also voted the overall winner. His story is highlighted above.

2023

Overall Winner

Keith Ashworth, Booker Group

The judges were unanimous that this experienced professional driver should be awarded the title as the overall ‘Microlise Driver of the Year 2023’.

Keith Ashworth had been a loyal and dedicated employee at Booker for over 25 years. Keith’s manager told us that he deserved to win because in addition to being a true gentleman he simply does a perfect job – no tacho infringements, no accidents, no sick days.

Keith also mentors other drivers and his exemplary customer service skills result in him constantly being in demand due to the way he works with staff and customers. When awarded the trophy Keith was about to retire after driving for over 40 years so this award was also recognition of a great life spent behind the wheel.

Medium Distance Winner

Christopher Beswick, GIST

A professional driver for 30+ years, Chris clearly loves his job at Gist and has been with the company for over 10 years. His manager told us that in addition to achieving outstanding driving performance he is a model employee who is always happy to help if he can. He proactively looks to make improvements and will always help less experience drivers.

Long Distance Winner

Keith Ashworth, Booker

Keith’s exemplary performance throughout 2022 was not a one off, he had won the Booker driver of the year on three occasions. His manager told us that he has an exemplary work ethic and has never had a sick day or tacho infringement. A HGV driver for over 40 years Keith also goes out of his way to help younger or less experienced drivers.

Compliant Driver Winner

Andis Rudulis, White Logistics

Andis only gained his class 1 license in January 2017 and is now qualified and competent in a wide range of driving skills. He delivered a fully compliant performance throughout 2022, due to his commitment to the job and hard work. He promotes good driving techniques and is always happy to help and coach other drivers to achieve their best.

Extra Mile Winner

Gareth Bell, Boughey Distribution

Nothing is too much trouble for Gareth who always completes his assignments with pride and passion. His attitude and work ethic make him a model employee but he is also committed to the industry and spreading awareness to help young people. He took a truck into the local school to educate children on general safety around large vehicles such as blind spots.

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Arthur Black, Co-Op

Arthur has been a professional driver for 50+ years and has witnessed a lot of change. Described as a model employee who never causes any problems, does not have accidents or sick days and always goes the extra mile, Arthur was also applauded for his work ethic. He is always happy to be at work and his demeanour has a positive effect on those around him especially the new drivers who he mentors.

Most Improved Driver Winner

Marvin Mandofa, Waitrose

Marvin started his 9-year career at Waitrose as a store manager before joining the distribution team. He was the first person in the depot to achieve a distinction in the apprenticeship scheme and has been a role model to others considering making the change in career. He has worked hard to achieve a good driving standard and also uses the customer service skills gained in retail to good use.

Young Driver Winner

Benjamin David Lumley, Mediq

Originally a warehouse team leader, Ben made the transition to a confident driver in less than one year. His manager told us that he was not phased by any task assigned to him and he willingly undertakes everything assigned, he is supportive of his colleagues and works extremely well as part of a team. He listens to the feedback he is given and adapts himself to meet the needs of the business without question, he is always polite and courteous to others and a great ambassador for the driver colleagues within the Bunzl Healthcare teams throughout the United Kingdom.

Driver Hero Winner

Simon Poll, Stobarts

Simon is a multi-trained driver and driver mentor, a key member of the team who will always step in where needed. A serious traffic collision occurred in front of Simon’s truck on a busy carriageway. His quick thinking and bravery had a lasting impact on those involved and prevented any further incidents. His actions gained him a commendation from the Leicestershire Police force in recognition of his bravery

Driver Excellence Winner

Yodel

Short Distance Winner

Ian Simpson, Eddie Stobart

Based at the Carlisle depot, Ian has driven for Stobarts for over 32 years. He had an exceptional driving record and was described by his manager as the ‘perfect employee’ who wore his Stobart uniform with pride. In addition to having exceptional driving standards and an exemplary performance, the judges heard how he was also well liked and respected member of the team .

2022

Overall Winner

Marek Mackiewicz, Great Bear, Culina

Medium Distance Winner

Marek Mackiewicz, Great Bear, Culina

Long Distance Winner

Alan Bateman, Ceva Logistics

Extra Mile Winner

Craig Walker, Hovis

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Pat Elflain, Hovis

Most Improved Driver Winner

Sam Rawlings, Gist

Young Driver Winner

Luke Tranter, EV Downton’s

HGV Hero Winner

Steve Lynch, EV Downton

Driver Excellence Winner

Maritime Transport

Short Distance Winner

Carl McCabe, Gist

2021

Overall Winner

Tony Bell DHL/Argos

Medium Distance Winner

2024

Overall Winner

Fraser Macalister, Co-op

Medium Distance Winner

David Rideout, Gist

Long Distance Winner

David Staley, BSS Group Ltd

Compliant Driver Winner

Marlon Lessey, EV Cargo

Extra Mile Winner

Terence Childs, John Lewis Partnership

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Philip Devonport, Hovis

Most Improved Driver Winner

Jade Small, Waitrose

Young Driver Winner

Kamil Krakiowiak, Stobart

Driver Hero Winner

Gordon Adair, Tennents Caledonian Brewers

Driver Excellence Winner

Maritime Transport Ltd

Short Distance Winner

Fraser Macalister, Co-op

2023

Overall Winner

Keith Ashworth, Booker Group

Medium Distance Winner

Christopher Beswick, GIST

Long Distance Winner

Keith Ashworth, Booker

Compliant Driver Winner

Andis Rudulis, White Logistics

Extra Mile Winner

Gareth Bell, Boughey Distribution

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Arthur Black, Co-Op

Most Improved Driver Winner

Marvin Mandofa, Waitrose

Young Driver Winner

Benjamin David Lumley, Mediq

Driver Hero Winner

Simon Poll, Stobarts

Driver Excellence Winner

Yodel

Short Distance Winner

Ian Simpson, Eddie Stobart

2022

Overall Winner

Marek Mackiewicz, Great Bear, Culina

Medium Distance Winner

Marek Mackiewicz, Great Bear, Culina

Long Distance Winner

Alan Bateman, Ceva Logistics

Extra Mile Winner

Craig Walker, Hovis

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Pat Elflain, Hovis

Most Improved Driver Winner

Sam Rawlings, Gist

Young Driver Winner

Luke Tranter, EV Downton’s

HGV Hero Winner

Steve Lynch, EV Downton

Driver Excellence Winner

Maritime Transport

Short Distance Winner

Carl McCabe, Gist

2021

Overall Winner

Tony Bell DHL/Argos

Medium Distance Winner

Zygmunt Lurzynski - Maritime Transport

Long Distance Winner

Stuart Moore - Gist

Extra Mile Winner

Ron Teskowski - Asda

Lifetime Achievement Winner

Stan Bennion – Alliance Healthcare

Most Improved Driver Winner

Stephen Smith - DHL