April 14 2022

Two Abellio London staff who scooped awards in the Covid-affected 2021 UK Bus & Coach Awards have been recognised at a special mini-ceremony at Transport for London’s (TfL’s) headquarters.

Back in November 2021, Driver Septimus Williams scooped Top London Bus Driver, while Fleet Manager Mike Harvey was recognised as an Unsung Hero by a panel of top industry judges.

The prestigious UK Bus & Coach Awards celebrate the best in the Bus and Coach Industries, shining a light on the special people, stories and achievements of the past year. 

Usually held in person, due to Covid restrictions at the time, the winners were instead announced during a streamed online ceremony.

Originally from Somalia, Septimus - known as Sep to all his colleagues - was recognised for going out of his way to help drivers from other countries settle in and for assisting them with training, learning phrases in several different languages. He’s also helped with adapting training and with route learning, and is an outstanding driver with many years of accident-free driving.

Mike was recognised for the way he supported team members at the Battersea garage after the sad death of a much-respected colleague and the compassion he showed to the man’s family. Mike was also commended for supporting another colleague who is suffering from long Covid.

Although both Sep and Mike were sent their trophies and certificates by organisers some time ago, Abellio London wanted to mark their achievements more formally - and arranged with TfL to host a special mini celebration for them at its Palestra headquarters. 

Mike and Sep’s achievements were marked by a small assembled audience, including Louise Cheeseman, Director of Buses, TfL and Jon Eardley, MD, Abellio London Bus.

Lorna Murphy, Operations Director at Abellio London Bus, said: “We are all so proud of Sep and Mike for their outstanding work and dedication. We really wanted them to have a moment in the spotlight and are grateful to colleagues at TfL for inviting us over to celebrate the pair’s achievements.”