Winner of Microlise Overall Driver of the Year 2025 award revealed

The accolade was presented at the Microlise Transport Conference on 19 March after category awards were announced at a ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena the evening before.

The independently judged awards recognise the exceptional performance and dedication of commercial drivers in the UK.

The selection process combines advanced analysis of anonymised telematics data, collected from more than 230,000 drivers during the previous 12 months, with qualitative assessments from employers. 

Microlise said this approach ensures that the awards “highlight outstanding driving performance and acknowledge the invaluable contribution drivers make to the transport industry and the broader economy”.

Pagett (pictured left with Microlise chief executive Nadeem Raza), was praised by judges who said the way he handles the complexity of his job, involving difficult loads which require high levels of skill to achieve his driving scores were integral to his victory.

His manager, John Maguire, said: “If I had a workforce full of Grahams, I could retire!

“His work is legally compliant, while his actual paperwork is exemplary, as are his electronic versions.

“He epitomises the modern, professional driver and is the archetypal high performer who never lets an issue pass to the next person, nor perhaps gets the recognition he deserves.”

Raza said: “We could not have hoped for a better line-up for this year’s Driver of the Year awards.

“Our nominees are a testament to the tireless work of drivers up and down the country who keep goods and services moving. 

“We are proud to support these often-unsung heroes and to shine a light on their vital work. The recognition of their excellence and the reward for their performance is thoroughly justified.” 

Member of the judging panel, Transport Commissioner for Wales, Victoria Davies, commented: “It was a privilege to sit on the panel again this year.

“I have a particular and keen interest in the professional drivers who I regulate, and the shortlisted drivers all demonstrated high levels of professionalism and dedication, which was fantastic to see.

“The winners thoroughly deserve to be recognised and rewarded.” 

Fellow judge Richard Smith, RHA MD, added: “The experience of judging the Driver of the Year awards reminded me of the criticality, skill, determination and dedication required for this fundamental role that supports our daily lives, businesses and communities. 

“Having judged the awards for several years, I can confidently say that this year’s entries have reached even higher standards of excellence.

“Everyone who participated is truly a credit to their business, industry and themselves as professional drivers.” 

The nominations and winners in each of the ten categories are as follows: 

Compliant Driver (nomination-based and based on driver performance, determined through analysis of anonymised telematics data)

• Graham Pagett, Unipart Logistics - Winner and overall Microlise Driver of the Year 2025
• Christopher Drury, Frontier
• Kingsley Omoruyi, Hovis

Short Distance (based on driver performance, determined through analysis of anonymised telematics data)

• Ted McLean, Aldi  - Winner
• Catalin Lordache, Greggs
• Neil Crossland, Energas  

Medium Distance (based on driver performance, determined through analysis of anonymised telematics data)

• Peter Gunthorpe, Maritime Transport  - Winner
• Daniel Burns, Schenk UK
• Michael Holland, Eddie Stobart Logistics 

Long Distance (based on driver performance, determined through analysis of anonymised telematics data)

• Alan Dodds, Schenk UK - Winner
• Mark Timothy Blow, Maritime Transport
• Vidas Miskinis, Maritime Transport Ltd 

Extra Mile (nomination-based)

• Stephen Dore, CCF - Winner
• Andrew Airens and Paul Hill, Co-op
• Jamie Harrison, Polypipe 

Young Driver (nomination-based)

• Josh Anderson, Bidfood Scotland - Winner
• Corey Goodinson, Frasers Group
• Joshua Sykes, Travis Perkins/Keyline 

Lifetime Achievement (nomination-based)

• Derek Parry, Wincanton - Winner
• David Richards, Keyline Civils Specialist
• Thomas Beekman, Co-op 

Most Improved (nomination-based)

• Olegs Kovalko, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain - Winner
• Edgaras Kalpokas, John Lewis Partnership
• Imants Licitis, Aldi 

Driver Hero (nomination-based)

• Aleksandras Surpickis, Greggs - Winner
• Jessica Harris, Culina Logistics Limited
• Raymond Ridgeway, KB Event 

Driver Excellence (operator with highest percentage of drivers in the final list of 1,000, determined through analysis of anonymised telematics data)

• Tesco - Winner
• Fine Lady Bakeries
• Greggs