Press releases

Arriva plc has been presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade after trebling the size of its bus and rail business in mainland Europe in just six years.

The Award rose bowl was presented to Arriva chief executive David Martin by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Nigel Sherlock OBE, at the company’s head office at Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland.

Since its first move into mainland Europe in 1997, Arriva has developed a network of operations which now reaches 12 countries, including the UK.  The Award recognises Arriva’s progress over the six years to 2007 when it grew rapidly outside the UK, almost trebling revenue from its mainland European businesses.  During that time Arriva significantly expanded in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, and entered new markets in Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland.

Arriva plc chief executive David Martin said: “It’s very rewarding to see the recognition which the Award brings for the successful transformation of Arriva into one of the leading players in European public transport.  That success reflects the ability of our people to deliver for our passengers and transport authority customers wherever they are. 

“The acknowledgement of our contribution to the UK’s international trade is especially rewarding as when Arriva began its move into Europe many commentators thought it couldn’t be done successfully.” 

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Nigel Sherlock, said: “The region’s business community continues to develop and play an important role in developing the local economy.

“Arriva, which has a strong North East heritage, has proven that it can compete and deliver on an international stage.  The group’s venture into Europe is impressive and this Queen’s Award is a suitable accolade to mark Arriva’s achievements.”

Mainland Europe is now the largest of Arriva’s three divisions, contributing more than £1.39 billion to the group’s £3 billion revenue in 2008.

Image caption: David Martin, chief executive of Arriva, is presented with the rose bowl by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Nigel Sherlock OBE