Fakenham’s Near and Far chauffeur company shortlisted for four nationwide awards at ceremony in Brighton
The owner of a chauffeur business is “buzzing” after being shortlisted for multiple awards.
Chris Cockrell from Fakenham, who is the owner of Near and Far and an ex-soldier, has announced that he is up for four awards at the QSI (Quality Standards and Innovation) National Professional Driving Awards 2025 at a glitzy ceremony in Brighton next Thursday.
The business was started by Chris 12 years ago and provides private hire chauffeur, wedding, funeral and chaperone services. He has won several other awards.
The awards Near and Far have been shortlisted for are ‘Best Chauffeur Business’, ‘Best Private Hire Operator’, ‘Business Diversity Award’ and the major one being ‘Professional Driver Of The Year’.
Chris said: “I am chuffed to bits as this cements the service and professionalism that Near and Far produce every time so that we deliver 100% customer satisfaction.
“Whether it be a one-time traveller, VIP, celebrity or customer that needs that extra security and peace of mind, to be among the best of the best nationally puts Norfolk on the map and makes Near and Far the number one company of choice in Norfolk and UK.”
Near and Far offers a “professional and reliable service from Fakenham to all major towns, cities, villages, airports, seaports and any destination nationally or internationally.
It provides onboard refreshments and depending on the vehicle choice, massage rear seats and recline can be put in place to ensure the customers' journey is “comfortable and they arrive in style, luxury, comfort and on time”.
“I am buzzing”, Chris said.
“There are people coming from Scotland and Wales to the awards ceremony, which has also been shortlisted, so it's a national thing that makes it big.”
“I am the sixth best chauffeur company in the whole of the UK, and on the professional driving status I am the tenth best driver at the moment.
“I cover anything and everything within my business and this for me is a way of saying you are doing it right and this is the reward.”
For Chris, if he wins, it's about bringing hardware back to Norfolk but if not it is the recognition that “here in Norfolk we are the best of the best as well”.
“This is massive and I think it is for Norfolk as well and I just want people to know that I don’t want it to be ‘look at me I’m this and I’m that’ it is more of a personal thing and I am very proud.
Chris thanked J-Cat car service and Spencers' car sales of Norwich, Hunstanton’s James Johnson Accountancy, Fakenham Tyres and all his subcontractors.
But most of all to all of his customers for their continued business and support who have all been keeping his “business at the top of the game over the last 12 years as without them, this would not have been achievable”.
