Hat-trick of shortlists in region’s premium business awards

Judges of the prestigious North East Business Awards have shortlisted Go North East for three accolades at the annual event, in the heart of the community; apprenticeship; and, company of the year categories.

The region’s largest bus operator, a finalist in the Northumberland and Tyneside awards, will learn its fate at a black-tie ceremony on Thursday 2^nd March, at the Gosforth Marriott.

In partnership with Gateshead College, Go North East’s bus and coach engineering and maintenance apprenticeships are hugely popular thanks to the combination of hands-on experience, vocational training, higher than average salaries, staff benefits and career progression opportunities. Last year, it received 546 applications for its 10 positions and currently employs 30 apprentices at varying levels of study.

Go North East’s customer-first attitude, commitment to inclusivity and partnership initiatives also make it a front-runner for the heart of the community award.

In the company of the year category, the organisation which boasts a fleet of nearly 700 vehicles, a workforce of 2,100 people and transports more than 66 million people a year, has also been recognised for its sector-leading innovations and exemplary measures to support the region’s growth agenda. These include back-to-work employment initiatives, enhanced services to support North East tourism and strategic input on transport infrastructure decisions.

Stephen King, Head of Commercial and Retail at Go North East, said: “Being shortlisted in three categories in the forthcoming North East Business Awards is great. This demonstrates how as a locally run bus operator we continually strive to go over and above for our customers, to grow and retain a contented workforce and make a difference to our local communities through partnerships.”