Written by
William Geldart
Content Manager
The 29th annual National Courier Awards proved to be a special night for the Whistl Group. We picked up six awards across multiple categories, including an outstanding individual recognition.
Hosted by the Institute of Couriers (IoC), the glittering 2025 ceremony received the largest number of recognitions on record. We are especially delighted by the fact that our award winners represent multiple sites, across all levels of the business.
Special Recognition for Services to Industry
Louise O'Neil (HR Business Partner, centre) was presented with a special Services to Industry award for continually demonstrating her "vision, dedication, and leadership" within the logistics sector. Louise is a champion for the next generation of talent and for women in the industry.
This is evidenced by her leading role in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives at Whistl, as well as her role as Co-Chair of the IoC Education Group and involvement with apprenticeship schemes, in collaboration with various government bodies. Louise joined TNT Post (now Whistl) in August 2006 and continues to be a fantastic brand ambassador.
Driver Trainer Team Wins Road Safety Award
The Whistl Driver Trainer Team, spearheaded by Graeme Snowball (pictured holding the award), won the David Jamieson Road Safety Award for the second year running. The team successfully demonstrated its continued focus on road safety, community engagement and accident reduction.
In 2024, the team helped to deliver a 34% reduction in accidents compared to the previous year with 2025's data showing a reduction in their severity.
As well as upskilling existing drivers, our trainers have also embarked on community outreach projects in local schools. Meanwhile, Bedford driver, Steve Gelling, completed a parachute jump to raise over one thousands pounds for Brake, the leading road safety charity.
Apprentices Secure Double Win
Matthew Crane (Bolton, left) and Amber Pickard (Bedford, right) both won Apprentice of the Year awards for their outstanding academic achievement and proactive approach to on-the-job learning.
HGV apprentice Matthew was nominated by John Metcalfe, Transport Manager. He said: "I would like to recommend Matthew Crane for Apprentice of the Year. Throughout his HGV driver apprenticeship, Matthew has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a proactive attitude that sets him apart as a true role model within our organisation."
Matthew successfully completed his end-of-year assessments, receiving a Distinction in each test.
Amber is the first Whistl apprentice to pass the Level 2 Express Sortation course having transitioned from a Warehouse Operative role in Bedford.
Her progression has continued, resulting in a subsequent promotion to Asset Controller, further highlighting her dedication and the opportunities for growth.
We are delighted with our success at the NCAs, rewarding colleagues from across the business for the vital contributions they make. It is great to see their hard work recognised.
Ian Keilty, Chief Executive Officer, Whistl
Glasgow Driver Demonstrates Nightshift Dedication
Thomas ('Tam') Geddes (centre) goes above and beyond for his colleagues and this has been rightly recognised by an award win in the Road Category (Four Wheels and More) category.
The Glasgow-based driver provides exceptional nightshift service in delivering first-class mail to Scottish Royal Mail Centres, including late customer collections.
And when his depot was facing driver shortages, Tam voluntarily offered to assist by working the dayshift for 2-3 weeks, significantly alleviating operational pressures.
Congratulations also to Audrius Austys for being nominated for this award.
Outstanding Contribution to Transport Optimisation
Connor O'Neil (centre) collected the big prize in the Office category. The Bolton-based Transport Optimisation Manager has significantly contributed to enhancing operational efficiency through the development of innovative data analysis.
Connor joined Whistl in 2019 as an Asset Administrator and has since gone on to drive transformative initiatives.
This includes delivering £100,000 worth of cost savings annually from van route optimisations and more than £200,000 from trunking efficiencies.
The National Courier Awards recognise excellence in the final-mile sector and we'd like to offer another huge congratulations to our winning team!
About Whistl
The Whistl Group is a £820m+ revenue delivery management company that provides mail, parcels, leaflet advertising, fulfilment and contact centre services in the UK and internationally. Headquartered in Marlow, the Whistl group of companies operate across the UK.
For media enquiries, please contact Paul Donlon by telephone at 020 3355 0959 or email pdonlon@owlms.com.
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