A trampoline enthusiast who swapped acrobatics for bus driving has won an Employee of the Year award for his work on an airline service.

Jake Saw entered the family business as a trampoline coach a decade ago before working in forensics and as a delivery driver during the pandemic.

The 33-year-old from Didcot turned to bus driving with Oxford Bus Company in October 2022 after being told about the role by a fellow driver while he was commuting.

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He now transports over 20,000 passengers each year from Oxford city centre to Heathrow and Gatwick airports on the airline service and hasn’t looked back.

After receiving multiple commendations from satisfied customers, the keen drummer was presented with the company’s Employee of the Year prize, and he’s used a voucher presented to him to buy his own drum kit.

Mr Saw said: "Driver is in our job title, but it’s equally a customer service role.

“Personally, I pride my work on keeping people safe, providing an important service and making customers happy.

“I find my work fulfilling, more so than previous jobs.

"At the end of my shift, my responsibilities on the road won’t weigh on my mind, and I can be confident knowing I’ve helped begin or conclude people’s journeys with a smile.

(Image: Fortitude Communications) “Reading customers’ commendations is very touching, and I never expected to receive Employee of the Year so soon in my role at Oxford Bus Company.

"I’d recommend this career to anyone – it’s a simple but effective way of having a positive impact on the community.”

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The bus company’s airline service operates 50 coaches each day from the city centre to the UK’s busiest airport, plus Gatwick’s northern and southern terminals.

Mr Saw can transport up to 100 customers each day and will complete two return trips to Heathrow or one return trip to Gatwick as part of his daily shift.

He added: “The service runs 24/7, 365 days a year, so shifts are flexible, which works for me.

“Sometimes the smallest attention to detail can make the biggest difference, such as personalising our announcements and approaching every task with a smile.

“Receiving Employee of the Year was very flattering, and I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support.”

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company managing director, added: “Jake’s enthusiasm for his role has really shone through, and he is a deserving winner of our Employee of the Year award.

“It is enthusiasm and professionalism equivalent to Jake’s among our airline drivers, which contributes to the service’s punctuality and reliability.

“We’re pleased to hear Jake is enjoying being part of our team, and we thank him for going the extra mile for our customers.” 

Further information about Oxford Bus Company’s airline service is available online via www.oxfordbus.co.uk/airline.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.