BDoY welcomes Kathryn Pulham

Kathryn Pulham will present the prizes

The 58th National Final of the UK Bus Driver of the Year Competition takes place in Blackpool on Sunday 6th September when prizes will be presented by Kathryn Pulham, President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

Joe Mackie, Chairman of the UK Bus Driver of the Year Association, which organises the competition, said: “We are particularly pleased to welcome Kathryn at a time when the bus industry is putting increasing emphasis on recruiting women.”

Kathryn, a licenced PSV driver, has over 17 years' experience in the bus and coach industry, having been a Director of Pulhams, the Gloucestershire-based bus and coach operator bought by Go-Ahead in 2023.

In addition to being CPT President, she remains an adviser to Go-Ahead and is Chair of the Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) Coach Subgroup. She is currently Director of BluClarity, an organisation she founded to support operators with compliance and certification. She is also Chair of Headspace, a mental health charity working to create meaningful support systems for young people.

Although entries for the 2026 Bus Driver of the Year National Final are rolling in, there’s room for more. “We are,” said Mr Mackie, “particularly keen to have more entries from all sectors of the industry as the National Final is a fantastic place for operators of all sizes to showcase their drivers’ skills and especially their commitment to excellent customer service.”

Last year’s overall winner, and Bus Driver of the Year 2025, was Mike Leech of First Bus North & West Yorkshire. He was victorious in a field of 100 drivers entered by the major bus groups, municipal operators and smaller companies.

For further information contact paul.mackay@bdoy.co.uk or call 07827 936787.