2015 July

Just when you thought we couldn’t get any bigger

we go and open a brand new outbase!

We’ve opened yet another depot in the South of England, and this time it’s in Basildon!

For those of you who need to brush on your geography, Basildon is just to the right of London on the map, and whilst we already have 2 depots covering both the North and South of the capital, Basildon will give us the perfect foothold to deliver to the rest of the South East.

In the hot seat is Star Programme pupil Gareth Stephens. He joins a growing list of Stars who have moved on to become Depot managers (with Karl Williams now in managing at Crewe, Shaun Carter at Leeds, and Gregory Cole in Potters Bar), and he will report directly to experienced area manager Adrian Hasson

It will no doubt be a steep learning curve for Gareth, and we wish him the best of luck in our shiny new depot.

But the hard work began long before the doors opened for our first delivery this morning, and we want to thank everyone who helped get the site up and running, especially Matthew Beardmore and Simon Ratcliffe. Their hard work and dedication meant the site was turned around in just 3 weeks. Website value Their efforts, as well as everyone else’s are greatly appreciated.

Thank you again to everyone involved. We’re sure base number 10 will be just as amazing as the other 9. Welcome to the family Basildon!

Congratulations to Crewe’s Karl Williams

We are incredibly proud to announce that Crewe’s Karl Williams has been given the North West Young Logistics Manager of the Year award.

At just 27, Karl was a pupil on last year’s inaugural Star programme, and has quickly risen through the ranks since joining the company back in 2012.

Starting as a Transport Administrator, his last role before coming to us was working in hospitality behind a busy bar – so to say Karl has made big strides in his Transport career these past few years would be a bit of an understatement.

The Ceremony

Karl was given his award at a prestigious, black tie event held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, hosted by The CILT (The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport).

Their Annual Awards for Excellence have raised the bar by recognising outstanding achievements in logistics and transport by encouraging organisations (large, small or even individuals) to strive towards the highest possible standards.

Companies from all around the North West, ranging from National rail to independent coach companies were in attendance, so to even make it to the short list for such an accolade was no small achievement.

What’s the secret behind Karl’s meteoric rise?
We managed to get 5 minutes with Karl to ask how his first 3 years with the company had shaped his career.

“I’m just really grateful, and lucky that the company took a chance and invested in me over the past few years. Being on courses like last year’s Star Programme have helped because they taught me a lot; Things like planning, communication and management – so it all put me in good stead for the job I have now. It also got me noticed by the top management, which can be priceless when you’re trying to make a good impression on the business.

Don’t get me wrong though, Its been a lot of hard work on my part to get to this point. Like finishing my CPC course and working some pretty long hours, but I’ve loved every second it – more or less.

I also have to thank Jon Makin for putting my name forward. He wrote a recommendation that was a few pages long. Im still not sure how he managed to write so much about me but it must have been good to even get my name on the shortlist.

I’m not sure I’d be sat where I am if it wasn’t for his help, and I certainly wouldn’t be sat here without the support and investment from the company. So I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped make this happen”

Karls Manager, Jon Makin:

The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport drives education & excellence throughout the logistics industry.

Winning the Young Manager of the year award after being shortlisted is a great achievement from a very strong sector in the North West, and this award is the accumulation of hard work & determination from Karl. His achievements reflect our values & our commitment to the future of our business through the continuing success of the STAR program.