Search begins for the 2017 Van Hero Awards candidates

VANARAMA is rewarding the hard work and dedication of the UK’s four million van drivers for a second year with the Vanarama Van Hero Awards 2017.

Vans now account for one in five of all urban and motorway vehicles, operated by drivers who do everything from putting up our buildings to delivering parcels, maintaining the internet to growing our crops.  And as we witness more vans on the roads than ever before, the awards, in their second year, celebrate the diversity of van drivers in the UK, no matter what their trade or profession.

As well as providing a platform for van or pick-up driving firms to get the valuable business boost of winning the Vanarama Van Hero 2017 title, they also offer the chance for one of our ever- growing van driving population to win either a three-year van lease or £5,000 cash.

Andy Alderson, founder and CEO of Vanarama, says: “What is a van hero? It’s not just our valued tradespeople that are the backbone of our nation, the UK’s on-demand economy means more and more people view van and pick up drivers as their heroes, as they’re constantly satisfying peoples’ demand for one-click purchase and convenient delivery.

“Not to mention the many businesses from dog walkers to personal training instructors who provide invaluable services using a van or pick up to operate their day to day business.

“Far too often van drivers get a bad press but the majority are hardworking family people running their own business.  We want to celebrate their entrepreneurialism and reward them.”

Last year saw husband and wife dream team Rachel and Lee Greenley of North Wales scoop the Van Hero title for their outstanding customer service and selfless work in their community.

The couple are reaping the financial and publicity rewards of entering the competition.  Saving money they would have spent on a vehicle and increased interest in their business has helped them to afford to rent a new unit.

Rachel explains: “We won the award last September and since then we’ve taken on five people on full-time contracts and one of them is very happily driving our free van around!”

Vanarama is encouraging van driving business owners to enter the awards.  Whether they have gone above and beyond for their customers, mentored an amazing apprentice or perhaps worked hard for charity or community, most businesses have a positive story to tell.

The Van Hero competition is open now – click here for details – with entries to be submitted until the deadline of 31 July 2017.