Arriva presented with Queen’s Award for International Trade

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

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

Since its first move into mainland Europe in 1997, Arriva hasdeveloped a network of operations which now reaches 12 countries,including the UK. The Award recognises Arriva’sprogress over the six years to 2007 when it grew rapidly outsidethe UK, almost trebling revenue from its mainland Europeanbusinesses. During that time Arriva significantly expanded inScandinavia, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, and entered newmarkets in Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland.

Arriva plc chief executive David Martin said: “It’svery rewarding to see the recognition which the Award brings forthe successful transformation of Arriva into one of the leadingplayers in European public transport. That success reflectsthe ability of our people to deliver for our passengers andtransport authority customers wherever they are.

“The acknowledgement of our contribution to the UK’sinternational trade is especially rewarding as when Arriva beganits move into Europe many commentators thought it couldn’t bedone successfully.”

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, NigelSherlock, said: “The region’s business communitycontinues to develop and play an important role in developing thelocal economy.

“Arriva, which has a strong North East heritage, hasproven that it can compete and deliver on an internationalstage. The group’s venture into Europe is impressiveand this Queen’s Award is a suitable accolade to markArriva’s achievements.”

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

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