READING Buses has once again celebrated its staff at its regular event, including one crowned Star of the Year.
The company welcomed staff to the Hilton Hotel in Kennet Island, where they hosted their 14th annual Night with the Stars.
The event seeks to recognise and reward those people within the company who have done great things over the previous 12 months.
The culmination of the evening was the announcement that Devonn Reid would take the crown as the company’s new Star of the Year from fellow driver Alma Cox.
From the company’s Stars of the Month, the three overall function stars were chosen – Driving, Engineering and Support.
It was from these three awards that the overall Star of the Year was chosen.
Devonn took the title of Driving Star after being star of the month twice during the year – once for intervening when two passengers were making other passengers uneasy, and the second for stepping in to help after a serious accident happened in front of his bus, even though he wasn’t involved.
Elsewhere, Robert Yellop won Engineering Star for his commitment, attention to detail, and consistently high standard of workmanship, while the Support Star award went to Driving Standards Supervisor Sandra Amarante.
She has played a significant role in supporting drivers improve their performance, utilising high-tech telematics data as well as traditional one-to-one training.
There was also recognition for each of the Stars of the Month, before special awards were announced for Guiding Star, Rising Star, Unsung Hero, Community Hero and Customer Champion.
The evening was compered by local broadcaster David Sheppard, who guided proceedings with awards for retirees, long service, qualifications and external recognition.
The evening also included a raffle with money raised for Reading Buses newly announced charity of the year, Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs.
Representatives from the charity attended to talk about work and how much it means to them to be working with the bus company this year.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, said: “We have a fantastic team at Reading Buses who keep our community moving with passion and dedication, and we want to recognise and reward the best of the best.
“An amazing night was had by all and we are so happy that Devonn is our new Star of the Year.
“He has embodied all of our company values this year and is a very popular person around the depot and beyond–the other two stars were equally worthy, but were just pipped to the post.
“I also want to thank our wonderful sponsors who help to make the event happen – Alexander Dennis Limited, Bus and Coach World, R2P, Velociti, Power Fleet, PSV Transport Systems, Lazzerini, FCL, Uniform Express, Michelin and Dawson Group.”
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