Nikki King, managing director of  Isuzu Truck, was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award at this year’s CV Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Initially, King was led to believe that she was just observing the presentation of another award that was being given to Isuzu Motors Europe’s chairman, Masayuki Murata, for Isuzu’s 3.5t Grafter truck.

However, Trade Van Driver’s editor, Matthew Eisenegger sprung a pleasant surprise on Nikki by telling her that the 2013 awards panel also wished to recognise her own career achievements in the commercial vehicle industry with a separate award. 

According to the judges: “Nikki is an extraordinarily charismatic businesswoman who has risen to the top of her profession, in a business sector traditionally dominated by men, through her sheer talent and determination. This award celebrates her achievements before her official retirement in August later this year.”

Eisenegger presented King with her award, as part of a series of TVD 2013 Awards presented at the CV Show.

Now in their second year, the TVD Awards are not only judged by journalists from the publication, but also by a panel of readers who use light commercial vehicles as part of their everyday business.

Commenting on this latest industry recognition, Nikki King said: “The presentation of this award definitely caught me unawares and the publication did well to keep me in the dark until the last minute. 

“However, to be recognised by industry colleagues is extremely gratifying, and also very humbling.  I genuinely would like to thank everyone at ‘Trade Van Driver’ as well as the judging panel for the award, which I will treasure in my retirement.”