Watson Fuels driver Mircea-Daniel Petreus earns 2024 Driver of the Year Award at UKIFDA industry awards

Earlier this month at the annual UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) Awards, Watson Fuels driver Mircea-Daniel (Dan) Petreus won the prestigious Driver of the Year Award for 2024.

Dan was nominated for his ongoing standout performance, his diligence with HSE, and also his heroic actions in December 2023: whilst on his routine deliveries, Dan came across a car on the side of the road that had burst into flames. Stopping his truck, he quickly put out the fire with his fire extinguisher and helped the family until the emergency services arrived. His timely actions not only helped keep everyone safe, but also enabled the family to recover some of their treasured possessions.

Held as part of the UKIFDA annual prize giving, the Driver of the Year Award aims to recognise drivers who have excelled during the past year, going above and beyond the call of duty for customers and in their approach to work. This year’s prize marks the second Driver of the Year win for Watson Fuels in recent years, following Sean Hewitt’s win of the same Award in 2021.

It also adds to the 2024 Feefo Trusted Service Award that Watson Fuels earned for our customer service performance throughout 2023.

Matt Whitton, VP Land Supply and Operations commented:

“We were so proud of Dan to have made the initial shortlist, and even more delighted that the organisers judged Dan to be the Award Winner for 2024.” 

"At Watson Fuels, our operations teams continue to work hard to foster a safety-first culture, with a rigorous focus on Heath and Safety, and continuous improvement in our operating procedures in addition to high levels of customer service. Dan’s Award win – coming just two years after he first joined the fuel industry – is a testament not only to Dan’s own personal high standards, diligence and quick thinking, but also to all colleagues who support our drivers through recruitment, onboarding, training and reporting.

We extend our thanks to UKIFDA and the judging panel, and congratulate to all award winners and nominees.”

Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UKIFDA, commented:

"The UKIFDA Driver of the Year award is highly prestigious and provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the dedicated drivers who make a difference in our communities. Our driving superstar of the year, Daniel, has displayed exceptional professionalism, particularly during a challenging situation, and continues to be a role model for others."

Congratulations to Dan!

Pictured below: Mircea-Daniel Petreus (left) receiving his award from Karl Jones, representative of Award-sponsors OAMPS Hazardous Industries.

Pictured below: Sean Hewitt (left) and Mircea-Daniel Petreus (right) with their UKIFDA Driver of the Year Awards.