Stagecoach Manchester and its employees are amongst the winners at the 2022 UK Bus Awards, receiving awards across three categories.
The accolades, which champion outstanding service and achievement within the bus industry, were established 25 years ago and have since recognised over 450 top award winners throughout the UK.
This year, Stagecoach Manchester and its employees were triumphant across three categories:
- Zachary McAskill, Hyde Road Depot: Manager of the Year Award
- Jamie Stockton, Ashton Depot: Engineer of the Year Award
- Lesley Hester, Sharston Depot: Unsung Hero Award
Lesley Hester won gold in the Unsung Hero category for her ongoing service to her depot and community. Lesley has more than 34 years of service with Stagecoach Manchester, beginning her career as a driver in 1988. Lesley has since gone on to manage almost all of Stagecoach Manchester’s depots throughout her career and is currently Operations Manager at Stagecoach’s Sharston depot.
She is a proud advocate for several local charities and has worked alongside her team to raise thousands of pounds in fundraising throughout her career. Lesley also organises regular food bank collections at the depot and hosts an annual Remembrance Service for the local community.
Another gold winner was Jamie Stockton, who was recognised in the Engineer of the Year category. Jamie has progressed through Stagecoach’s Engineering Apprentice programme, before successfully moving to the Graduate Scheme. He has held various management positions including Fleet Engineer at Stagecoach Manchester’s Ashton Depot and more recently Hyde Road Depot.
Jamie is an advocate for the Stagecoach Apprentice programme, currently mentoring two apprentices, whilst also supporting the wider recruitment and development of other Stagecoach Manchester Apprentices.
Finally, Zachary McAskill, Hyde Road’s youngest Operations manager, won silver in the Young Manager of the Year category. At just 25 years old, Zachary manages operations for the largest Stagecoach depot in the UK outside of London, with 600 staff and 220 buses covering 15 major routes – stacking up an average of 6.5 million miles travelled per year.
Beginning his career with Stagecoach Yorkshire as a management trainee on the Graduate Scheme, Zachary progressed through supervisory to management roles before taking up his current role.
Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “We are delighted that three members of our staff have been recognised in the UK Bus Awards this year. The results are a true testament of their hard work and commitment to Stagecoach Manchester and it’s a true pleasure to be celebrating with them today.”
The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday 15th November 2022 at Troxy, London.
For more information on Stagecoach Manchester, please visit: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/about/manchester
For more information on the UK Bus Awards, please visit: https://www.ukbusawards.org.uk/new/
