Palletforce Networker | Autumn 2023

NETWORKER the magazine for our members

AUTUMN 2023

MEMBER CELEBRATION

GALA GLORY

Members shine at return of glittering event THE STAGE IS SET

THE SON IS SHINING

WE ARE ONPOINT

GLASTO VISITS

GLENN MITCHELL

10th BIRTHDAY

CONTENTS 4

MOTOR TRANSPORT AWARDS

7

GERMAN ENGINEERING

8

NEW MEMBERS

16

ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS

12

MSD INNOVATION

20

GALA GLEE

30

25

ON THE ROAD

31

2

Palletforce and members praised

Improvements for exporters

Strengthening our network

Palletforce Golf Day

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Glenn taking company forward

Joy as members triumph

Latest member news

THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

TEN OUT OF TEN

Onpoint anniversary

GOLDEN YEARS

14th RoSPA Gold award

MARK TAPPER

Putting members first

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ear Member, firstly, it was great to see so many members at the recent Palletforce Gala Awards Dinner and fantastic that we could all celebrate the achievements of our incredible members together during the course of an excellent evening in London.

Our first in-person Gala since 2019, it was a record-breaking event for several reasons. We had the most amount of guests ever, representing the highest number of member companies.

And we celebrated a record number of members receiving the Chairman’s Award for delivering an incredible 100% service during the year, demonstrating our network’s commitment to delivering service excellence and putting our customers first.

That customer-centric ethos was our key message at the MGM in February and it’s encouraging to see our network as a whole really living out that message on a daily basis and focusing on customer care.

That relentless approach to excellence will continue to ensure that Palletforce stands out from the competition, providing our membership with a competitive advantage in the marketplace and their customers with an unrivalled service.

We continue to grow and strengthen the network.

With an improving market share, we are growing against our competitors against a backdrop of challenging trading and we are continuing to grow the network by adding quality new members that create additional network capacity and allow us to secure best-in-class hauliers in key postcodes.

Our team at Palletforce is also growing to ensure we continue to provide the best possible support to you, with Chris Dennigan (Member Relations

Director), Paul Dillon (Logistics Director) and Mark Bischler (Network Operations Director) all joining the business.

With sustainability one of the critical focus points for customers, operators and the industry as a whole, we continue to promote our network model one of the most sustainable road freight solutions and leverage our tech expertise to provide value-adding support like EV Scope. Indeed we contributed significantly to EV Cargo’s recent Sustainable Transport Award win at the Motor Transport Awards.

Finally, it’s great to see our events really ramping up again.

The camaraderie across the network and the success of our collaborative approach is particularly evident at our in-person events, with the UK golf tournament, our business breakfast sessions and commercial workshops and of course the Gala Dinner, producing excellent feedback.

MARK TAPPER Chief Operating Officer

Palletforce

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MOTOR TRANSPORT AWARDS

IN PURSUIT OF

EXCELLENCE Palletforce and members on shortlist for 2023 MTA awards

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

MOTOR TRANSPORT AWARDS

Together with our fantastic membership, the entire Palletforce network has really epitomised the criteria of the Business Excellence Award

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alletforce was a finalist in the Business Excellence category at the 2023 Motor Transport Awards, which celebrated distinction in the UK’s road freight transport sector.

And three members – Onpoint Logistics, Willmotts Transport and Menzies Distribution – were also up for awards at the glittering event.

The Business Excellence Award

rewards business best practice and excellence, including financial performance, superior customer service, strategic thinking and the agility to respond quickly to industry and market challenges and opportunities.

Judges were looking for companies that had detailed CSR policies in place to ensure their business is sustainable, makes a positive impact on its communities and prioritises staff development and retention.

As part of its submission Palletforce highlighted how, when the industry faced labour and cost challenges,

it implemented swift and decisive action to secure service and customer excellence across the network.

Investing in measures to prioritise customer service and delivery performance, it introduced a range of transformative measures, both at its central SuperHub and across the network.

It invested in people by adding additional supervisors, restructured its hub management, collaborated with its membership at a senior level and leveraged its award-winning technology to drive hub efficiency, productivity and performance.

Delivery postcodes were reviewed and aligned to member resource and a record 16 new member companies were recruited in 12 months.

As a result, delivery performance improved to consistently sectorleading levels.

Palletforce continued to pioneer tech innovations, launched emissions reporting tool EV Scope, which

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MOTOR TRANSPORT AWARDS

Willmotts was a finalist in two categories

contributed to EV Cargo winning the Sustainable Transport award, and secured a RoSPA Gold award for its 14th consecutive year.

Mark Tapper, Palletforce Chief Operating Officer, said: “Our response to industry-wide challenges was swift and decisive, enabling our directors to lead a number of initiatives right across the business which collaboratively secured service and delivered excellence. Together with our fantastic membership, the entire Palletforce network has really epitomised the criteria of the Business Excellence Award, continually delivering the very best service in every UK postcode by prioritising our customer experience.

“We were delighted to be at the finals and it was a brilliant night.

“To be alongside some of our valued members was a real honour.

Just getting on the shortlist is a real achievement for them all and testament to their hard work and service quality and to the strength of our network across the country.”

Willmotts Transport was shortlisted in Business Excellence and Haulier of the Year categories, Onpoint Logistics for Livery of the Year and Menzies Distribution was up for the Partnership Award.

Onpoint said: “We are incredibly proud to be nominated for Livery of the Year. While we didn’t clinch the title, the recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation. A big thank you to our dedicated team for making this possible. Here’s to setting and achieving even greater milestones in the future!”

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

EV Cargo won the Sustainable Transport Award

To be alongside some of our valued members was a real honour. Just getting on the shortlist is a real achievement for them all and testament to their hard work and service quality

Onpoint Logistics was shortlisted for the Livery of the Year award

EUROPEAN SERVICES

Taking the fast lane to Germany Trade lane change improves service for members and customers

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alletforce has refreshed its trade lane for palletised freight deliveries to Germany, further enhancing service excellence for its members and their customers.

Goods are now being delivered by EV Cargo in an internal solution which secures the best possible service for all members by leveraging EV Cargo’s expertise in European, crossborder freight forwarding.

To ensure ease of use for members, all customs processes are managed in-house by EV Cargo, and international freight can be delivered by normal line haul vehicles visiting the Palletforce central SuperHub with domestic freight.

Departures from the UK are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with overnight line-haul arriving into EV Cargo’s state-of-theart Nettetal logistics centre on the Netherlands-Germany border the following morning.

From the Nettetal hub, the final leg distribution across Germany is taken care of by EV Cargo’s proficient local teams in Germany.

EV Cargo is an expert in European cross-border freight forwarding services for both groupage and full loads and offers full track and

trace on all freight to ensure unrivalled visibility and peace of mind.

The service to Germany had previously been provided

by Palletforce member Simarco.

Lee Matthews, Palletforce General Manager European Services, said: “This new trade lane service will ensure shipping palletised freight to and from Germany is easy and efficient for our members and their customers.

“An in-house, internal solution guarantees services in the long term and provides members with a sector-

leading offering. EV Cargo’s expertise in cross-border deliveries and the investment that has been made in the Nettetal logistics centre will guarantee a stress-free, high-quality service for all members.

“I’d like to thank Simarco for how they have operated this route and their help with the changeover. Palletforce and EV Cargo can build on the strong foundations they have provided, to ensure our members receive an unrivalled service.”

EV Cargo has been focusing on developing its

Nettetal operation and, by improving its offering to members, Palletforce is driving volume growth in road freight forwarding to and from Europe.

Lee Matthews

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NEW MEMBERS

ARRIVAL OF MORE NEW MEMBER FIRMS HIGHLIGHTS HOW

NET GAINS

FOR EVERYONE

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print Xpress, an awardwinning network operator, has chosen to partner with Palletforce because of its reputation for high service quality, exceptional membership and track record of investing in its network.

Operating 20 vehicles from its base next to Norwich Airport, the family owned and operated business is keen to further expand its customer base in the knowledge that the commercial relationship with Palletforce will provide the competitive advantage required to continue on its growth trajectory.

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

SPRINT XPRESS Sprint Xpress will cover NR postcodes around north and east Norfolk, including Fakenham and Great Yarmouth.

Sarah Coulthard-Caine, Sprint Xpress Depot Principal, said: “The opportunity to join Palletforce was too good to miss. The network has a reputation for service prestige and we felt it was a great fit to help us take Sprint Xpress forward.

“Our major customers distribute time sensitive print and packaging products nationwide so the Palletforce network model offers reliability, efficiency and

environmental benefits, alongside the confidence that the expertise of local members will ensure a premium quality service.”

NEW MEMBERS

PALLETFORCE CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN NETWORK

FOULGER TRANSPORT

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he second well-established and high-performing pallet haulier to join the Palletforce network and maintain its policy of having the best hauliers in every postcode in the country, is Foulger

Transport.

Foulger Transport, which began operations in 1935 as a family business and is now part of the Kinaxia Logistics group, will add considerable depth of experience.

Foulger Transport is a trusted industry

leader and, with broad experience in warehousing, general haulage and palletised freight, it is well placed to serve the needs of customers and the existing Palletforce membership.

Operating 60 vehicles and serving clients in the retail, manufacturing, food and pharmaceutical sectors from its base in Snetterton, Foulger Transport will cover central Norfolk, including Norwich and Dereham.

Mike Ketteringham, Foulger Transport General Manager, said: “A number of other Kinaxia companies are members of Palletforce and they all talk about the collaborative approach that Palletforce fosters and its approach to quality.

“Palletforce will help provide us with the platform we need to extend network operations in the area and we look forward to leveraging the commercial opportunities that will provide.”

David Breeze, Palletforce Network Development Director, said: “We welcome both Foulger Transport and Sprint Xpress to Palletforce as we continue to add high quality members that focus on service excellence.

“They share our network’s collaborative approach, not only will that help them grow and develop their businesses locally but it will ensure our members’ nationwide customers will receive unrivalled service across Norfolk.”

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JAD TRANS dynamic and multioperational logistics specialist based in Scotland has become the latest member of the growing Palletforce

network.

JAD Trans Scotland, based in Airdrie, will cover EH postcodes for the UK’s leading palletised freight distribution network, and its recruitment is further evidence of Palletforce’s commitment to secure the top pallet network

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MEMBER SUPPORT

David Breeze

JAD TRANS hauliers north of the border.

The firm was founded in 2000 by husband-and-wife team Jim and Agata Blaber and today offers ambient and temperature-controlled storage and distribution to clients across a range of industry sectors.

“This is an industry in which you can’t afford to stand still, and we’ve grown our business by being flexible to the needs of a loyal customer base and by not being afraid of forging partnerships,” said Jim. “That philosophy is at the heart of our decision to join a pallet network for the first time, and Palletforce specifically.

“It’s a crowded market, but Palletforce’s customer-first ethos matches ours.

“They also have the best members in the business, which is why we are delighted to be a part of growing its success.”

David Breeze, Palletforce network development director, said: “Scotland is traditionally a challenging area for pallet networks, which is why it is vital to ensure we have the very best members north of the border and promote effective collaboration between them.

“JAD Trans has a proven track record of service, reliability and of being able to adapt to the demands of the sector when necessary.

“I have no doubt they will be a huge asset as we continue to create capacity and deliver customer excellence in Scotland.”

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A&R HAULAGE

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

alletforce has continued to take proactive steps to secure long-term stability in challenging areas, with the recruitment of a new member in Cambridge.

Ensuring Palletforce members and their customers will continue to benefit from sector-leading service excellence as A&R Haulage joins the network to take on CB postcodes in Cambridge and Saffron Walden, along with northern CM postcodes around Stansted.

Based in Risby on the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire border, A&R Haulage works with some of the biggest trailer operators and freight forwarders in the UK and Europe.

With container operations at Felixstowe and Harwich ports, the business offers container unloading and fulfilment services, alongside full and part load palletised freight final leg delivery.

Initially A&R was set up by Roger Arnold and his cousin Richard Reynolds as a two-man operation under the guidance of Roger’s father.

“He started his own haulage business in 1972 and over the years it became a family-run concern,” Roger says.

“I grew up around lorries and learned the trade with dad, but ultimately I wanted to strike out on my own and

eventually dad lent us the money to buy our first two vehicles.”

A&R now runs a team of around 40 full time drivers and Roger says the move to join Palletforce fits with their plans for future growth, and the demands of their customers.

“A lot of our customers have been asking us about pallet distribution and, in order to meet their requirements and to help us diversify our offering, we felt it was important to be part of a dedicated network.

“It’s a crowded market, but Palletforce ticks all the boxes in terms of reliability and technology, and the quality of its membership was also an important consideration. We’re delighted to be part of the UK’s leading distribution network.”

David Breeze, Palletforce Network Development Director, said: “A&R Haulage has established itself as a force to be reckoned with and is the latest move by Palletforce to deliver both strength and long-term stability in East Anglia, bolstering our existing coverage in the area.

“The business shares our collaborative approach, and we look forward to helping them grow and develop their businesses locally as well as ensuring our members’ nationwide customers will continue to receive unrivalled service in every postcode across the UK.”

MEMBER SUPPORT

Members have 100% success at the races

VIP day out celebrates excellence among Palletforce membership

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he members of the Palletforce 100% Club were rewarded for their achievements with a glitzy day of VIP hospitality at Chester Races.

Announced every year at

the annual Gala Awards, the 100% Club is the pinnacle of excellence for Palletforce members.

To reach those echelons, members must have delivered a 100% performance record

of quality service throughout the year, making every delivery on time and in full.

Well done to all the members of the 100% Club for demonstrating our Palletforce ethos of quality service.

Cereal entrepreneurs at Business Breakfasts

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hroughout the year, Palletforce hosted seven Business Breakfast events across the UK, which were an opportunity for Depot Principals to network, share best practice and practical business information whilst highlighting subjects that are relevant to hauliers.

Guest speakers covered topics such as keeping ‘Business Fit’ in a recession, a practical guide to sustainability and getting noticed in the digital world.

The sessions encouraged a good exchange of views and different approaches, exchange of contacts and resources and new ideas for

From left, Commercial Engagement Workshops at Southampton FC, Birmingham FC and Aintree

Palletforce to implement.

The Commercial Engagement Workshops brought our UK network sales community together to

exchange valuable insights, celebrate success and share best practice.

The six regional sessions, held throughout 2023,

covered topics including TNTs, the importance of the customer experience, customer testimonials, EV Scope, a competitor analysis, marketing collaboration, European services and the sales process. New business awards were presented for the team member who has the highest new business freight generated each quarter.

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PALLETFORCE GOLF DAY

SWING

COMMANDERS

Record entry of members for Palletforce Golf Day

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alletforce held its bestever attended Annual Golf Day at the world-famous Belfry Golf Club – and raised more than £1,400 for charity.

A total of 71 players took part, with the team from Kinaxia Logistics coming out on top, while Matthew Winfield, of Willmotts Transport, claimed first place.

The golf was followed by a presentation ceremony and dinner.

Palletforce executive vice president marketing and communications Dave Holland said: “It was a great day at a wonderful venue. More members than

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

ever, from all around the country, took part and it was brilliant to see them all.

“Best of all, we raised more than

£1,400 for FareShare to help with the vital work they do distributing surplus food to those who need it most.”

PALLETFORCE GOLF DAY

WINNERS NEAREST THE PIN 7TH: Matthew Canwell LONGEST DRIVE 16th Will Storr BEAT THE PRO Tom Prescott (after a draw featuring 16 players) MOST GOLF PLAYED Robert Keirle (with one point) THIRD 38pts Tom Prescott SECOND 43pts AJ Maiden FIRST 47pts Matthew Winfield TEAM WINNERS 93pts Kinaxia Logistics: Matt Hathaway,

Carl Wagstaffe, Robert Simon, AJ Maiden

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PALLETFORCE GOLF DAY

The 2023 winning team from Kinaxia Logistics, with 93 points, was Matt Hathaway, Carl Wagstaffe, Robert Simon and AJ Maiden

First place: Matthew Winfield, of Willmotts Transport, with 47 points

Second place: AJ Maiden, of Kinaxia Logistics

Beat the pro and third overall: Tom Prescott from Willmotts Transport

Nearest the pin: Matthew Canwell from Lifetime Brands

Most played golf: EV Cargo Sales Manager Robert Keirle

Longest drive: Will Storr of Ideal Standard

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

PALLETFORCE / APN GOLF

The Beat the Pro challenge raised £1,400 for food charity FareShare

Above and below, the Palletforce teams at the APN Golf Day

STROKES OF

GENIUS

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alletforce recorded its first-ever victory at the annual APN Golf Day, held at Little Aston Golf Club on 29 September.

Palletforce scored 97 points, level with TPN, and were declared winners after scoring higher on the back nine holes.

It was Palletforce’s first victory in the 12 years the event has been going.

Teeing off at 10:30am were Dave Holland, Simon Bradbury, David Breeze, and Kieran Stephenson (Trouw

Nutrition). They were followed by Steve Coleman, Shona Callow, Geof Armstrong and Macauley Christopher at 11:44pm.

A crisp, sunny autumnal day set the scene for the day at Little Aston Golf Club, which is listed as one of the top 100 courses in the UK and is set across 141 acres of parkland.

The day began with bacon rolls, tea and coffee followed by a few putting competitions on the putting green ahead of teeing off the 1st tee to kick off this year’s golf day.

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FUTURE FOCUS

HOW TECH-SAVVY SON GLENN HELPED PUT FAMILY FIRM

TECH-ING

CARE OF BUSINESS

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ike many Palletforce members, Leicesterbased Mitchells Storage & Distribution started life as a one-man-one-van courier operation.

And, like many which have since

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

evolved into much larger and more sophisticated companies, the family-run firm has successfully blended the hardwon practical experience of the past with the tech-savvy skill-set of the next generation.

At the helm is managing director

FUTURE FOCUS

IN PERFECT POSITION TO SUCCEED IN THE DIGITAL AGE computer databases, live tracking, labels and integrator systems.

“Dad had been a transport manager before starting the business, so he knew the nuts and bolts – but he also knew that to grow the business had to modernise, and that’s where I came in.”

Bill is 60 now, and while he has stepped back from the frontline Glenn is keen to stress that his dad still plays an active role in the company.

Indeed, the Mitchell family is stamped through it like writing through a stick of rock.

“My mum is finance director, my brother-in-law is a driver, and my granny is the cleaner!” he says. “But we like to think that everyone who works here is part of the family.

“In fact, one of the biggest changes we’ve seen over the years is how we work with our staff. When you’re our size, you can’t just have two guys running it – and when you’ve got more than 60 people on the payroll you have support them.”

Mitchells has been part of the Palletforce family since 2018, having previously been a member of Fortec.

“We became their biggest inputter per volume and the biggest depot. But it ended up with a heavy imbalance of pallets, at which point we decided to look elsewhere.

“The natural evolution was to join Palletforce, and the key criteria was their commitment to customer service.

Dad knew the nuts and bolts – but he also knew that to grow the business had to modernise, and that’s where I came in

Glenn Mitchell, whose father Bill was the original man with the van back in 1996. At the age of 17, his dad asked him to build a corporate website – and the rest is history.

“I was at college, studying for an A-level in IT, and because dad didn’t

have a clue about such things he asked me to help out with the tech,” Glenn recalls. “I never left.”

Now 39, Glenn presides over an award-winning logistics specialist which boasts a 75-strong fleet, a staff of 65, storage capacity for up to 10,000 pallets, and a roster of blue chip customers across the UK. But he freely admits that the secret to the company’s success has been the blend of old and new.

“When I came in, at the turn of the millennium, the industry was already changing from analogue to digital,” he says. “People didn’t want hard-copy POD, it was all about entering jobs on to

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It meant we could be confident of migrating our customers across.”

Glenn now sits on the Member Services Committee, and says the position gives him a valuable insight into the workings of the network and the wider concerns of the industry.

“It’s been very good for us. It’s allowed me to connect with like-minded members across the UK, exchange ideas, get a vibe for what’s going on and keep ahead of the game.”

Mitchells is also a proud member of the 100 per cent club. “It’s important to us because if we offer 100 per cent then it shows the level of service we expect.”

It’s not all been plain sailing, of course, and Mitchells has not been immune to the problems which have beset the industry in recent years. The after effects of Covid and Brexit have transformed the sector, although Glenn says the biggest headache has been the chronic lack of drivers.

“We don’t use agency staff, we like to recruit. In order to do that we’ve had to increase salaries, and as a result the rates to our customers.

“But we’ve come through it, and it’s a case of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. We picked up a lot of work from the collateral damage, and we’re looking forward to the future.”

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

PALLETFORCE NEWS

Happy Trevor after Events manager says goodbye after 21 years with Palletforce

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special retirement lunch was held at the Palletforce SuperHub to celebrate Trevor Mudd’s remarkable 21-year career with Palletforce.

Current and past employees were joined by suppliers that Trevor had worked closely with over the years.

In his role as events manager, organising and hosting key events like the MGM, golf days and, of course, the Palletforce Gala Awards Dinner, Trevor was well liked by both members and his work colleagues. He joined Palletforce in May 2002 and retired in April 2023, but did make a special comeback this year to host the Gala.

He was presented with a retirement gift of a trip on the luxury Statesman train.

55 million pallets, 22 brilliant years

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ot only did Palletforce turn 22 in August this year, we have also reached 55 million pallets through the Palletforce network since day one.

This significant milestone is a testament to the dedication and loyalty of our Palletforce

members. Your trust in our network and your enduring partnership have been the driving forces behind our

achievements.

Meanwhile, EV Cargo is celebrating its fifth birthday..

Looking ahead, we’re filled with anticipation for the limitless opportunities that

the future holds as we continue to grow, adapt, and excel together.

Thank you, Palletforce members, for your invaluable contributions to our shared journey. Here’s to another 22 years of continued excellence and collaboration!

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GALA AWARDS

MANY HAPPY Celebrating the members who have been in the Palletforce network for 20 years

RETURNS Palletforce Gala Awards is back and better than ever

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alletforce’s Gala Awards dinner returned for the first time since 2019 and attracted a record attendance and a record number of member

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

businesses to celebrate the continued success of the network.

After two virtual galas, members converged on the Westminster Park Plaza hotel in London for an amazing night of achievement and

entertainment.

Members from all corners of the UK came together to mark a year where the Palletforce network has prospered thanks to a stronger and more resilient membership.

GALA AWARDS

The year has seen Palletforce add eight new members, secure a 14th consecutive RoSPA Gold award for safety, launch its EV Scope sustainability tool, be a finalist in the Business Excellence category at the Motor Transport Awards and help EV Cargo win the Sustainable Transport Award.

And it was a landmark night for members, with a record 13 being inducted into the 100% club.

The Chairman’s 100% Club is the pinnacle of quality and takes immense dedication to service and customer excellence during the year to achieve a perfect delivery performance.

There were also some special awards on the night, with lifetime achievement honours going to Steve Holt, of HB Holt & Sons, Rob Lloyd, of Sureway Express Transport, and Palletforce’s very own Trevor Mudd.

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GALA AWARDS

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Debach Enterprises Growth Award

15 years Long Service Award

Martin Bullimore: Palletforce hero

Our Spirit of the Membership Award winners

Chiltern: New Member Award

Depot of the Year: Chairman’s Award winners

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

Viamaster: Member Depot of the Year

GALA AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Winners of the VIP trips to Las Vegas, Paris and London

10 Years’ Service: Fullforce Logistics

Murray Hogg: Member Services Committee

SPIRIT OF THE MEMBERSHIP 4S Distribution, Avon Freight Group, Campeys of Selby, C&D South West, Katem Logistics, Matthews Transport, Mitchell Storage and Distribution, Onpoint Logistics, SW Wreford & Sons, Sprint Express, Transvenlo, Willmotts Transport, Wyvern Cargo, White Logistics & Storage NEW MEMBER AWARD Chiltern Transport & Warehousing GROWTH AWARD Debach Enterprises MEMBER SERVICES COMMITTEE Murray Hogg MEMBER DEPOT OF YEAR Viamaster Transport

PALLETFORCE HERO Martin Bullimore, Avon Freight

Express Transport, Transplus, WM. Armstrong (Longtown)

LONG SERVICE: 10 years: Fullforce Logistics

DEPOT OF THE YEAR: CHAIRMAN’S AWARD Evans Transport, Farrall’s Group, Knowles Logistics, 4S Distribution, BM Stafford & Sons, Q Delivery Services, Campeys of Selby, Baynes & Son Haulage, Delamode Nidd, Chamberlain Transport (Holdings), Mitchell Storage & Distribution, MLH Transport, Westfield Transport (Cornwall)

15 years: Simarco International, Baynes & Son Haulage, Debach Enterprises, EDS Couriers, Evans Transport, Griffins Logistics, Katem Logistics, Menzies Distribution, Rhenus Logistics (Corby), UK Freight Masters, Willmotts Transport 20 years: Avon Freight Group, C&D South West, Chambers & Cook Freight, Delamode Nidd, Farrall’s Group, H B Holt & Sons, Online Roadways, Owens (Road Services), R G Bassett & Sons, Sureway

PALLETFORCE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Steve Holt, HB Holt & Sons Rob Lloyd, Sureway Express Transport Trevor Mudd, Palletforce 23

GALA AWARDS

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

MEMBER NEWS

Trans-ten-lo Dutch member reaches a major milestone

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ransvenlo is celebrating a major milestone as a member of Palletforce.

On 8 August, the Netherlands-based member and European Gateway Partner marked its 10th anniversary of joining the Palletforce network.

Transvenlo, which is based in Venlo near Rotterdam, has been a key part of Palletforce’s European operation since joining the network and its cross-dock terminals handle thousands of pallet shipments from across Europe every day.

Dmitri de Swart, commercial director at Transvenlo, said: “Ten years is a fantastic milestone. The very first departure from our hub in the Netherlands to Burton upon Trent was not immediately profitable – with only nine pallets, the trailer was as good as empty.

But perseverance won out and after more than three months, we could proudly say that we had a daily departure from Transvenlo to the Palletforce hub, and the trailers were packed.”

While Brexit brought

new challenges, Tansvenlo was able to prosper and strengthen its UK operations.

“Our UK division outdid itself and took on this challenge to become even more successful. The results are impressive. From the Benelux, we currently leave to Palletforce with 15 groupage trailers a week. All shipments pre-lodged so no more waiting at customs.

“The daily departure from our hub in Venlo is based on a round trip, so all shipments to the Benelux from the UK are in safe hands with us.

“Our team has amassed great knowledge on customs matters and looks forward to sharing this knowledge with our fellow members within Palletforce. Transvenlo is now known as the Benelux’s UK specialist. Full of enthusiasm, we look forward to the next 10 years in the most successful pallet network.”

Palletforce and its members have benefited hugely from having a specialist firm in the Benelux region. Transvenlo, which is celebrating its 15th birthday this year, invested in a new depot in 2017, helping power its and Palletforce’s growth across Europe.

Lee Matthews, Palletforce’s general manager European services, said the relationship with Transvenlo has become stronger and more important over the years.

Europeans get their kicks at Burton Albion

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alletforce’s European Gateway Partners brought some good luck to Burton Albion.

Representatives from Delamode Nidd, Leman, Transvenlo and Simarco saw Burton beat Wigan 2-1 and were presented with a signed top from Palletforce sponsored player John Brayford.

Top, from left, Richard Shenston (Delamode – Anglia), Paul Taylor (Delamode Nidd), Dave Knowles (Simarco) and Dmitri de Swart (Transvenlo). Bottom, from left, Lee Matthews, Heather Glegg (Delamode Nidd), David Breeze and Anders Skovbjerg (Leman)

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MEMBER NEWS

THE ARTIC MONKEYS

Members make sure stage is set for Glastonbury festival

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alletforce members have spent the summer ensuring many of Britain’s most iconic events run smoothly.

The Somerset-based logistics firm Willmotts Transport was on home ground when delivering infrastructure to Glastonbury Festival. 4S Distribution were also on site as Worthy Farm welcomed hundreds of thousands of music lovers.

And after headliners like Elton John, the Arctic Monkeys and Guns n Roses had wowed the crowds,

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Willmotts was back at the Pyramid Stage to help with removal of all of the equipment needed to run the huge festival.

Earlier in the summer Willmotts was at Donnington Park to ensure bands like Metallica had enough heavy metal and other infrastructure to ensure Download Festival 2023 went to plan.

The firm has serviced some more genteel events too, providing invaluable logistics support at both Royal Ascot and Henley regatta.

THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

MEMBER NEWS

DOING A POWER OF GOOD

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ampeys of Selby is continuing to lead the way in the drive to more sustainable logistics.

The Yorkshire-based company has taken delivery of a 100% electric truck to trial on behalf of DAF. The DAF LF 19t BEV (Battery

DEGREE OF SUCCESS Lorna Hammond, MD of C&D South West, is continuing to increase her knowledge

Electric Vehicle) joined the fleet in July and will be used for Palletforce operations and for its customers to use locally for zero emissions (Scope 3) deliveries.

The vehicle has zero tailpipe emissions, a 150mile range and a 9t payload.

Commercial and operations

director Harry Campey also featured on the Torquing Trucks podcast, to explain why the company is using the electric DAF and discuss the pros and cons of running trucks on biogas.

UK Freight Masters has also boosted its green credentials by taking

delivery of a full electric Palletforce-branded lorry.

Paul Dillon, from the firm, collected the vehicle at Palletforce’s MGM from Armstrong Vehicle Centre.

The delivery will help UK Freight Masters significantly reduce its emissions.

and skills as she guides the company forward.

Lorna has just graduated from the University of

Sheffield with a Masters in management and strategic leadership after studying for her degree while continuing to run the family firm.

Lorna’s father Darren started the firm in 1987.

Lorna, who is now part of the Palletforce Member Services Committee, joined in 2014, initially in customer services, gradually working her way through the various departments, gaining her CPC qualifications, and absorbing every aspect of the operation.

As her degree success shows, she is keen to keep on learning and is always on the lookout for her next challenge.

EXPO MARKS THE SPOT Durham-based BM Stafford & Sons attended the North-East Expo, a major business event in Tyne and Wear, earlier this year.

They presented their range of services, including their sector-leading offer as a member of Palletforce.

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MEMBER NEWS

LET’S GET THIS SHOW

ON THE ROAD Owens Group is the focus of eight-part BBC TV series

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taff at Owens have become TV stars.

The company is the subject of an eight-part BBC Wales series, Truckers: Life on the Road. The series goes behind the scenes at the company’s Llanelli

base to show how logistics firms keep Britain moving.

It shows how Owens faces the daily challenges of running a 400-truck fleet and how its drivers and other staff dedicate themselves to delivering for their

customers.

Managing director Ian Owens said: “We wanted the challenges that we, and the industry as a whole face, to be represented in the right manner. I think it does.

“It represents Owens

for what we are. We are a family business, and we are all passionate about doing the job as it should be done, while representing the industry of which we have been a part of for 50 years.”

marking Pride month by promoting equality and acceptance.

Meanwhile brothers Kyle and Callum Letheren walked 45 miles from

Dafen Park to Tenby to raise money towards their dad’s life-saving cancer treatment.

We’re the Pride of Wales

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way from the TV cameras, it has been a busy time at Owens.

The company has been revealed as the new training kit and travel wear partner of Swansea City.

The Championship side have been showing off the branded kit during their preseason training.

Owens has also been

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THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

MEMBER NEWS

GIVING US A LIFT Family firm MSD, which is based in Leicester, has been investing in its fleet with the addition of new forklift trucks and 23-plate Luton vans.

And congratulations to logistics director Glenn Mitchell, who completed the 5k Race for Life mud run and raised nearly £3,000 for Cancer Research UK. Glenn was competing in memory of his wife’s aunt Julie.

QUARTER MASTERS

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ongratulations to EDS Couriers, RG Bassett & Sons and Mitchell Distribution & Storage as the Palletforce New Business Award winners.

EDS Couriers won the award in Q1, RG Bassett & Sons in Q2 and Mitchell Distribution and Storage in Q3.

WINNING TEAM Congratulations to Fagan & Whalley for winning the Working Company Owned Truck and Truck of the Show categories at Truckfest Live, held in Peterborough in May. Farralls Group, the Chester-based logistics

specialists, was a finalist in the 2023 North West Family Business Awards, as well as being entered in the People’s Choice for Cheshire Award.

And Menzies Distribution has been shortlisted for the Partnership Award at the Motor Transport Awards.

SOCIAL SERVICES All of the stories on our member news pages first appeared on our social channels.

To find out more about

how Palletforce can help you utilise social media to shout about your achievements, sell your services or highlight the

good work you are doing in your community, email Shona Callow at marketing@ palletforce.com.

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MEMBER NEWS

ONPOINT CELEBRATING A DECADE OF SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

10 years at the sharp end A

few cupcakes in the office were the order of the day when Palletforce member Onpoint Logistics marked their 10th anniversary.

But such modest celebrations belie a decade of spectacular growth and success for the awardwinning Birmingham-based firm.

“Yes, we kept it pretty low-key to be honest,” says sales and marketing director Anthony Delaney. “But there’s no doubt about how proud we all are of what we’ve achieved over the last 10 years.

“Despite everything that’s been thrown at the sector,

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and the ongoing difficulties that we’re all experiencing, it’s been a story of growth and successful business diversification.”

Since 2013 Onpoint has set about establishing itself as a major player in the Midlands and beyond. Their bluechip clients include iconic automotive brands such as

THE NETWORKER: AUTUMN 2023

JLR, Bentley and McLaren, to IT and telecom giants such as BT, Virgin Media and Fujitsu.

Asked to identify the stand-out highlights of the last decade, Anthony narrows it down to three: the acquisition of Solihull Transport in 2017, the move to a purpose-built

warehousing and fulfilment centre in 2020, and joining Palletforce in 2018.

“That was massive for us, because being part of such a powerful network opened doors and enabled us to grow the palletised transport side of the business quickly and efficiently,” he says.

“It’s also given us the resources and reputational advantages that you only get from being part of the UK’s leading pallet network.”

But a major factor in Onpoint’s continued growth can also be put down to their own inventiveness and flexibility. Typical of this has been a recent switch to the events sector, which has seen Onpoint provide vehicles to transport equipment to such major festivals as Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight, as well as touring artists including Rod Stewart and Tom Jones, both at home and across Europe.

“We dabbled in it over the years, but with live music and events becoming more popular, we’ve redoubled our efforts,” Anthony says.

With 10 years in the bag, Onpoint seem set to enjoy another successful decade.

“We’re looking forward to it immensely,” says Anthony.

“It really is a case of onwards and upwards.”

HEALTH & SAFETY

Cyber plus

Palletforce Health and Safety Manager Beverley Knight receives the award

Safety f irst again Palletforce sets the standards with 14th consecutive gold

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alletforce continues to lead health and safety in the sector after receiving its 14th consecutive RoSPA Gold Award after once again achieving the highest levels of health and safety in the workplace.

The company’s unrivalled reputation for maintaining the highest possible safety standards in the logistics sector has seen it awarded a fourth RoSPA President’s Award, recognising 14 consecutive gold achievements, thanks to its unrelenting focus on the safety and wellbeing of its employees and visiting member drivers.

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the UK, and recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and

safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.

Palletforce’s latest achievement is a result of its ongoing implementation of the latest health and safety procedures, allied with investment in welfare facilities and close collaboration with its 120 member transport businesses to drive the highest levels of safety.

Palletforce Health and Safety Manager Beverley Knight said: “This is a fantastic achievement. Accidents at work and work-related ill health not only cause major disruptions to business processes, but the effect on quality of life to the individual

Our staff work diligently to carry on the safety standards that have seen us gain a gold award for 14 consecutive years.

cannot be understated.

“Our staff work diligently to carry on the safety standards that have seen us gain a gold award for 14 consecutive years. Palletforce is an ethical and socially responsible company and keeping both our staff and our visitors safe is central for us and is a key part of our governance and sustainability strategy.”

The RoSPA Awards are one of the most prestigious and recognised schemes in the world with almost 2,000 entries every year across nearly 50 countries and a reach of over 7 million employees.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director, said: “We are thrilled that Palletforce has not only won another RoSPA Gold Award, but a President’s Award – and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees and visitors safe.”

Palletforce has retained its Cyber Essentials Plus certification after continuing to boost its measures to prevent cyber attacks.

Palletforce has been focusing on its cyber security, safeguarding data, so that both members and customers can be reassured it is well defended against attacks and scams.

With organisations continuing to face significant and increasingly complex cyber security threats, maintaining internet defences is a crucial part of any company’s IT strategy, which includes additional tools, training and testing.

Gaining the Cyber Essentials Plus involved a hands-on technical audit of Palletforce’s systems by an experienced cyber security assessor. Palletforce IT director Kate Lovatt said the Governmentapproved Cyber Essential Plus certification was a significant achievement for the IT team.

Kate added: “We have put a lot of work into gaining and then maintaining this qualification. It is quite a complex process and has involved a lot of hard work so it is great news that this has been recognised again.

“This is something a lot of businesses look for before they consider working with you. People want the peace of mind of knowing you are secure and you take these issues very seriously.”

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Sustainability in action

EUROPEAN SERVICES

EVSCOPE EMISSIONS REPORTS FOR EVERY CONSIGNMENT

• EV Scope tracks emissions associated with all network deliveries • Easily generate reports for individual consignments • EV Scope reporting tool exclusive to Palletforce members @Palletforce www.palletforce.com