Exeter engineer crowned UK's 'Delivery Hero of the Year'

A Cranbrook-based gas engineer, Ryan McBride, has been named 'Delivery Hero of the Year' at the prestigious Retail Week Awards in London, recognised for his outstanding commitment to customer service.

Ryan's achievement follows his recent nomination, which was covered by Exeter Today in December 2024, where he was lauded as an everyday hero with "a wrench in hand and a heart of gold."

Ryan, who works at online electrical retailer AO's Exeter outbase, received the top honour after stepping up to cover shifts over the busy Christmas period, ensuring customers got their essential appliances in time for the big day.

Originally starting as a self-employed delivery driver with AO in May 2020, Ryan climbed the ranks, completing the company’s in-house electric training and joining their gas apprenticeship scheme in 2022. He has since been rated as 'amazing' by 96% of customers, with zero complaints.

“I genuinely can’t believe it! I thought I was being pranked when I first found out that I was up for this award but to actually win it is more than I could have ever dreamed of,” said Ryan. “In the past five years, I’ve really enjoyed progressing from a delivery driver to an installations engineer. Our customers are always at the forefront of everything I do, so to be recognised for that with such a brilliant award is really special.”

Ryan beat five other finalists from across the UK to take home the award, and brought his mum Diane to the star-studded event hosted by Stephen Mulhern at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

AO was also shortlisted in three other categories: Best Retailer Over £250m, Green Initiative of the Year, and Head Office Heroes.

Lynne Wood, director of service delivery at AO, praised Ryan, saying: “Since becoming part of our premier fleet, Ryan has consistently been one of our top performers. Him coming in over the festive period to deliver to our customers on his days off, when he could have been at home with his family, highlights the type of person he is. We’re so proud of him and the award is incredibly well deserved.”