Veezu takes the title
Veezu, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing private hire vehicle (PHV) business, is proud to announce that it has been named the ‘National Private Hire Company of the Year’ in the 300+ fleet size category at the prestigious Taxi Summit Awards 2024. Additionally, Nia Cooper, the company’s Chief Legal Officer, has been awarded ‘Woman of the Year’, recognising her significant contributions to the PHV sector. The Taxi Summit Awards celebrate industry leaders who drive innovation and excellence within the industry.
Since its inception in 2013, Veezu has rapidly grown in popularity, transforming the way people travel by seamlessly combining the local expertise of traditional taxi and PHV firms with the efficiency and scale of a national platform. This unique approach ensures that both urban and rural communities receive an exceptional booking service, setting Veezu apart as an industry leader whilst resonating strongly with UK passengers.
“We are honoured to be named the National Private Hire Company of the Year,” said Nathan Bowles, CEO of Veezu. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Reliable and sustainable transport plays a vital role in connecting communities, and this award underscores our commitment to providing a safe and dependable booking service. We remain focused on investing in people, technology and innovation to enhance our offering and continue shaping the future of mobility across the UK.”
Veezu is also celebrating the achievements of Nia Cooper, who has been recognised as ‘Woman of the Year’. Since joining Veezu in 2018, she has led the company’s legal affairs and compliance strategies, ensuring that Veezu adheres to the highest regulatory standards. With over two decades of experience in employment law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, Nia has been instrumental in managing Veezu’s legal strategy and advancing Veezu’s mission to deliver safe, highly accessible on-demand and prebooked transport solutions to passengers.
Nia’s achievements at Veezu and this accolade dovetail to highlight not only her individual accomplishments but also the vital role women can and do play in shaping the industry’s future. It serves as an important stepping stone toward greater diversity and inclusion within the sector.
In her tenure as Chief Legal Officer Nia has overseen significant legal triumphs including the landmark Court of Appeal victory in the Uber vs Sefton Borough Council Case in July this year where Veezu is proud to have been part of the team that successfully reversed the Court’s prior decision. The previous declaration by the High Court had asserted that PHV operators enter into a contract with passengers, making them liable for VAT at 20% for all operators outside London which would have negatively affected countless lives and imposed significant administrative challenges on operators. The favourable ruling and appeal outcome secured represented a huge win for the entire private hire industry and its drivers.
Nia Cooper said:“I’m honoured to receive this award and grateful to be part of such a dynamic sector. The private hire industry plays a vital role in connecting communities, and I’m proud to contribute to its evolution. This achievement reflects the collective effort of the entire Veezu team as we continue to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable transport solutions.”
Nathan Bowles, CEO of Veezu, added: “Nia’s expertise and strategic vision have been invaluable to Veezu’s growth. Her leadership has ensured that we remain compliant while continuing to innovate and expand. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to both Veezu and the taxi and PHV sector.”
