Acorn Taxi Hero Award
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We have received your entry and may contact you if we need further information.
Ash Coakley is Head of Taxi Insurance at Acorn Insurance and has nearly a decade of experience in the taxi and private hire sector. Through his role, Ash has built strong connections with drivers and the wider trade, giving him a valuable understanding of the people and changing needs that shape the sector.
Having heard first-hand how drivers support their communities, Ash sees the Acorn Taxi Hero Award as an opportunity to honour their dedication and give their often-overlooked contributions the recognition they deserve.
“Every day, taxi drivers make a difference in their communities. That’s why we launched the Acorn Taxi Hero Award: to shine a light on the stories that too often go unheard, from drivers helping in emergencies and supporting vulnerable passengers to those quietly doing important work in their communities. As a judge, I’m looking for drivers who go above and beyond for the people they serve. I’m proud and excited to be part of the panel celebrating the exceptional taxi drivers who are so vital to our communities.”
As Director of Safe Systems CCTV Limited, David Lawrie works to support driver safety, simplify compliance and help keep drivers on the road. In his role as Director of the NPHTA, he provides guidance and support and responds to consultations at all levels to help ensure the trade remains workable.
With 25 years of industry experience, he brings an understanding of the sector from many perspectives. He believes the Acorn Taxi Hero Award matters because drivers deserve recognition for their hard work and the contribution they make to their communities.
“We see many awards that are primarily operator-focused and more internal to those companies. I’m excited to be judging this as an impartial judge, and I’m looking for drivers who really take pride in the work they do and the community they serve — drivers who go above and beyond without prompting or encouragement, simply because it’s the right thing to do.”
Liza Lipson is CEO of PHTM and organiser of PHTM EXPO, with nearly 35 years’ experience championing the UK taxi and private hire trade. Through its newspaper, exhibition and digital platforms, she brings the industry together and gives it a voice.
With taxi and private hire drivers so often facing negative headlines, she believes the Acorn Taxi Hero Award offers a chance to celebrate the kindness, care and courage that too often go unnoticed, recognising their vital contribution to the passengers and communities who depend on them every day of the year.
“After nearly 35 years championing this industry, I’m proud to help recognise the extraordinary taxi and private hire drivers whose good deeds too often go unnoticed amid negative headlines. To me, a Taxi Hero is someone who goes beyond the journey, showing kindness, courage or dedication that makes a real difference to the lives of their passengers or the community they serve.”
Having worked in the taxi and private hire industry for over 18 years, William has seen the dedication drivers bring to their work. Since 2015, he has led Rapid PCO, which provides fully licensed private hire vehicles for drivers on platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
With a strong understanding of the challenges faced by professional drivers, William is passionate about recognising those who go above and beyond in their communities.
“I know the dedication and hard work that drivers put in every day. I’m looking for those who go above and beyond, whether that’s helping someone in need, making a difference in their community or simply showing exceptional kindness and compassion.”
Renee Rogers is the founder and CEO of ONO, a software company transforming incident reporting across the taxi and private hire industry. With more than a decade of experience in the trade, Renee has run a fleet of 500 vehicles and championed everything from EV adoption to better driver support.
She is passionate about the people behind the industry and believes the Acorn Taxi Hero Award shines a light on the everyday individuals who keep Britain moving.
“I am thrilled to be judging because I know first-hand just how much taxi and private hire drivers do for their communities, often without recognition. I’ll be looking for the people who go above and beyond naturally, the drivers who consistently make a real difference to someone’s day, simply because that’s who they are.”