We’regreatdelivering things
Welcome to the first edition of our new-look Newsforce magazine, celebrating the best of our Palletforce people
everyone right across the business.
The magazine is our chance to shout about successes, let you know about all the developments across the business and bring you up to speed with important company news and initiatives.
In these pages, you’ll find stories of innovation, dedication and collaboration. You’ll learn about the important work we’re undertaking around the appointment of our new Employee Champions, the operational innovations we are pioneering and the great work everyone is delivering to ensure our members and their customers continue to benefit from the highest levels of customer experience and logistics excellence.
In this 2024 roundup edition, we look at all departments and see how they are working hard both for our business and our communities.
From the IT team earning our muchvalued Cyber Essentials Plus certification, the Marketing team’s brilliant launch of our Mission, Vision and Values programme and the HR team’s work with them on bringing in Employee Champions to so many people’s charity fundraising efforts and
marking the milestone achievements of our longserving colleagues, we are exhibiting excellence in action across the business.
And, as you will see, there is plenty for us all to get excited about and to look back on with pride from
The continued success of Palletforce is down to all of you, working together at all levels to give our customers with best service in the logistics sector. The quality of our offering, the professionalism of our people and the experience we have accumulated over the years come together to ensure we continue to be the stand-out pallet network in a competitive
I know how hard everyone is working at such a busy time of year and I want to put on record my thanks to you all for the dedication and professionalism you all show.
I am continually inspired by the passion and commitment of our team.
Your hard work and creativity are driving our success and shaping the future of our company. Thank you for all that you do.
I hope that during the festive season you are able to enjoy your time with friends and family – as this edition of Newsforce proves, you definitely deserve it.
MARK TAPPER Chief Executive Officer.
How our hard-working teams across every department
PERFORMANCE
IT
• Palletforce 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.
• ETAs were successfully launched to ensure precision, efficiency, and convenience with every shipment. Our ETA windows deliver precise timing, so there’s no waiting around – just reliable, on-time arrivals every time. Our flexible and accurate system increases efficiency and provides real-time updates.
• And we’ve been keeping our members in the picture, with an innovative solution that enhances transparency and trust. When delivering goods, proof of delivery is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and reducing disputes. With Palletforce’s Picture on POD service, we provide photos taken at the point of delivery, providing undeniable proof of where and how the item was delivered. Both senders and receivers can have confidence that their goods are delivered correctly and securely and the system improves accountability and traceability for every delivery.
• Turn to page 12 to find out how Tia Newbold has become a Palletforce Excellence in Action Champion.
Sales
As we report in this edition of Newsforce, it has been a busy and productive year for our sales team. Inside, you’ll find much more information
about how our commercial workshops and showcase events have ensured an ever closer relationship with our members and customers.
• We’ve had record new business results for the sales team – and it is estimated that the total will be over 100,000 pallets.
• D900 have experienced a record number of pallets handled. The daily average increased from 1,200 pallets handled per night to 1,700 pallets.
• We’ve retained our Nestlé contract, with a new, two-year contract awarded.
• In partnership with EV Cargo Solutions we won a new 150-pallets-per-night account with Vernacare.
Marketing
This edition of Newsforce has an indepth look at our new Mission, Vision & Values, which should inform how everyone goes about the daily work at Palletforce. We also look at how we worked with HR to create the Excellence in Action programme and how it is inspiring colleagues across the business to reach new heights.
• Marketing has organised, run and staffed events including: Palletforce Members’ General Meeting, the Internal Driving Change Event with Jez Rose, the Palletforce Showcase, the 2024 Road Transport Expo, Commercial Development Workshops, Regional Ops
& DEDICATION helped Palletforce to get even better throughout 2024
Meetings, Burton Albion FC Ladies Day, the 100% Club and Uttoxeter Ladies Day.
• The team helped with the launch of the new UKFM and Dobbs websites (see this edition for more details).
• We have worked closely with the Sales team to update CRM.
• We have also begun an overhaul of all of our sales collateral, from the Members’ Operating Manual to our pallet dimension guidance and information on the benefits of EV Scope to send out a consistent and coherent message to our members and customers about the services and support that Palletforce can provide for them.
HR
• HR worked with Marketing to devise and launch of the new Champions programme and we welcomed and integrated new members of the team in the HR department and the wider Palletforce family.
Operations
• Despite the four bank holidays in spring this year, we saw the consistent uplift in volumes reflected in the performance tables and increased noise levels across the business.
• Summer began with our annual Operational Engagement Meetings in Glasgow, Reading, Rugeley and
Leeds, with sessions based around new products and processes (including ETA and Irish services), promoting Spirit of the Network and best practice. Getting the operational teams across the network together to talk and share common experiences, while ensuring they fully understand the importance of their activities within the business, has had real benefits not just for the teams, but for the whole business.
• We have been working on new depot implementations to help expand capacity further.
Member Relations
• Abigail Lear joined the Network Development team, from Network Operations.
• New mapping software has helped our team to give the presentations for prospective members a more modern, professional new look.
Finance
• Martin Leece retired at the end of May. We were sorry to see him go but delighted for him as he could focus on his allotment and international cooking, which is his passion.
• We ended our offshore contract with WNS and bought the work back onshore.
• We had three new team members starting with us during July, April Wood transferred to our accounts receivable team, Sarah Orchard was a new starter in our accounts payable team while Adam Brooke joined the management accounts team.
• We held a team-building event in Burton including the wider finance team from UKFM.
• We moved our accounts system from Netsuite to Sage. It was a brilliant team effort to achieve the go-live date as we had a short implementation deadline.
NEW STARTERS
WELCOME TO OUR GREAT TEAMS
All the 2024 new starters now part of Palletforce
NAME JOB TITLE
Mohammed Azad FLT Apprentice
Kacper Adamski FLT Apprentice
Bradley Chell FLT Apprentice
Darren Wood Depot 900 Administrator
Grzegorz Marcinkiewicz FLT Driver
Filip Sapak FLT Driver
Silvia Lovasikova FLT Driver
Szymon Skrzyniecki FLT Driver
Philip Donger FLT Driver
Declan Lord FLT Driver
Ian Newton FLT Driver
Christopher Jones FLT Driver
Aiden Wright FLT Driver
Alice Stott Depot Support Coordinator
Garry Mossop FLT Driver
Viktors Cvetkovs FLT Driver
Alfons Tefaj FLT Driver
Robert Wallington Gatehouse Security Supervisor
Arnold Doni FLT Driver
Christopher Billings FLT Driver
NAME JOB TITLE
Sarah Orchard Accounts Payable Administrator
Craig Thomson Regional Operations Manager
Matthew Allen FLT Driver
Jakub Kaleta FLT Driver
Adam Brooke Assistant Accountant
Kiril Michailov Depot Support Coordinator
Sean Hay FLT Driver
Oliver Halyckyj Security Officer
Abdirashid Cumar FLT Driver
Mahdi Elme FLT Driver
Roman Popyc FLT Driver
Graham Taylor Depot 900 Administrator
Amine Belbina FLT Driver
Tyler William-Carter Yard Marshall
Tim Hoyle Depot Support Coordinator
Mark Kendall Commercial Director
Jack Boylin FLT Driver
Jamie Price FLT Driver
Joshua Topley FLT Driver
Adrian Hanson FLT Driver
HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL
Loyal long-service workers who help make Palletforce special
PALLETFORCE
Celebrating the achievements of all of our great colleagues
We are delighted to announce that Shona Callow, Palletforce’s Digital Marketing Manager, is engaged to her partner Kieran.
The couple got engaged in November at Peckforton Castle, a place that is very special to them.
Shona and Kieran been together for 13 years. The news sparked celebrations among the marketing team.
Best wishes from everyone at Palletforce to them both.
We are delighted to announce that Abi Lear has transitioned from Network Operations to the Network Development team at Palletforce.
In her new position as Network Recruitment Manager, Abi will apply her extensive experience to strengthening and expanding our network.
Abi’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable in her previous role, and we are excited to see her take on this new challenge. Congratulations, Abi,
on this well-deserved advancement!
Congratulations to Rachel Bradbury, our Commercial Sales Director, and her husband, Simon Bradbury, Sales Director, on the birth of Maya.
Little Maya is the couple’s third child, joining their lovely daughters, Eva and Amber. Meanwhile, we are thrilled to congratulate Simon again – this time for achieving a fantastic win at the Chester races as part of the prestigious 100% Club. Simon’s luck was in
on the last race of the day, aptly named “Chase the Dollar,” where his chosen horse secured an impressive victory, earning him a total of £344.
Simon’s success at the races highlights not only his good fortune but also his enthusiasm and participation in memorable events beyond the workplace. We celebrate Simon’s win and look forward to more exciting achievements from him in the future.
ABI LEAR NETWORK RECRUITMENT MANAGER
SHONA CALLOW DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
RACHEL & SIMON BRADBURY COMMERCIAL SALES DIRECTOR & SALES DIRECTOR
PALLETFORCE PEOPLE
ABIGAIL HUGHES WORK EXPERIENCE
Abi Hughes, daughter of our EVP of IT, Dean Hughes, joined the Palletforce marketing team for a threeday work experience in June.
Abi embraced this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of marketing and to see firsthand the dedication and teamwork that define our company.
Here’s what Abi had to say about her experience:
“I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to join Palletforce as a work experience student. I came to Palletforce because my dad works here, and I see how hard he works and how well he does, so I knew it was the right place to get advice on my future with a wide range of knowledge.
“As someone new to the world of marketing, my time here has been both eyeopening and enriching. I
have been lucky enough to learn from the best about the different roles within marketing and have received exceptional advice from the marketing team. The positive work environment and friendly people are a perfect example of Palletforce’s core values of respect for others and teamwork.”
HAYYAN AZAD, KACPER ADAMSKI, BRAD CHELL NEW APPRENTICES
We’d like to welcome new apprentices, pictured from left, Hayyan Azad, Kacper Adamski, Brad Chell and look forward to seeing how they progress their careers within the Palletforce family.
Abi’s reflections capture the essence of what makes Palletforce a great place to work and learn. We are proud of the positive impact our team has had on her and look forward to seeing her continue to grow and succeed.
Thank you, Abi, for sharing your experience with us!
EMMA THOMPSON, KELLY CHILTON, SALLY OGLEY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS
Emma Thompson, Kelly Chilton and Sally Ogley have been actively posting on LinkedIn, raising awareness and showing the personal side of Palletforce.
Emma has been celebrating productive meetings with customers, Kelly has started making videos and Sally has been explaining how she’s gone from SuperGirl to one of the star team at the SuperHub.
LISA JOHNSON DAY OPERATIONS TEAM
Lisa Johnson completed the Great North Run in 3h 5m 36s. Amid an emotional time, after the passing of her father just days before the race, Lisa showed incredible strength, running in his honour, fulfilling his last words to her: “Run, Run, Run”. Lisa’s efforts raised an amazing £630 for Breast Cancer Now, a charity close to all our hearts and in memory of Palletforce team member Karen Hugo – Kazza.
KIM RAFFLE DEPOT 900 SUPERVISOR
Depot 900 Supervisor
Kim Raffle has completed her first half marathon. Kim ran 13 miles to help raise funds for Palletforce customer FareShare, a fantastic charity that supports food banks across the UK. FareShare is making a real difference by rescuing surplus food that’s perfectly good to eat and redistributing it to nearly 8,000 local charities and community groups. This vital work helps feed over one million people across the UK.
OUR ALL NEW MISSION VALUES VISION &
We recently proudly introduced the refreshed mission, vision and values of Palletforce, marking a pivotal step in our journey toward continued excellence in the express pallet distribution sector. These principles reflect our commitment to our members, customers, and the broader market, setting a clear direction for our future.
OUR MISSION
Be the express pallet distribution network of choice for our members and their customers.
challenges head-on to drive progress.
Drive Innovation
Our Vision
OUR VISION
Become the market leaders of the express palletised distribution sector.
Innovation is key at Palletforce, driving us to seek new ideas, technologies and processes that enhance efficiency and customer experiences.
Stay Agile
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
Our Values
OUR VALUES
Act with Integrity
At Palletforce, integrity means consistently prioritising honesty, transparency and accountability in all our interactions, building trust and reliability.
Be Courageous
We embrace courage at Palletforce, encouraging bold initiatives, challenging the status quo and empowering each other to meet
Agility defines our ability to make quick decisions and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, market demands and customer needs, maintaining our competitive edge.
Embrace Teamwork
OUR VALUES
At Palletforce, we are one cohesive team, united in our mission, vision and values, collaborating seamlessly to deliver exceptional results. These core elements are more than just statements –they represent our collective commitment to excellence
and guide our actions as we navigate the dynamic landscape of pallet distribution. They are the foundation on which we build our strategies and the compass that directs our daily operations. We encourage everyone at Palletforce to embody these values and work together towards achieving our mission and vision. This unified approach will not only enhance our internal culture but also reinforce our position as leaders in the industry.
Here’s to a bright orange future driven by our shared mission, vision and values!
THE FUTURE IS ORANGE
Our Palletforce team came together for an unforgettable event brimming with excitement and anticipation. With enthusiasm and our signature bright orange spirit, we celebrated the launch of our new mission, vision and values (MVV) and the introduction of the “Excellence in Action” employee champion program.
Our New MVV: A Bright Orange Future
Our new mission, vision and values are more than just words – they are the guiding principles that shape our daily work and future aspirations: These elements define our commitment to excellence, innovation and integrity, and they are the foundation upon which we build our strategies and interactions. As a forward-thinking company, we aim to ensure every team member thrives, contributing to a positive and dynamic work environment.
Excellence in Action: Empowering Our Team
The event also marked the launch of our “Excellence in Action” champion program. This initiative is dedicated to fostering positive change and building a culture of wellness and teamwork within Palletforce.
Through “Excellence in Action,” we aim to:
• Promote Positive Change: Encourage innovative thinking and initiatives that enhance our workplace and operations.
• Support Wellness: Prioritise the wellbeing of our team, ensuring that everyone feels heard, supported and empowered.
• Build Teamwork: Strengthen our collaborative spirit, making teamwork an integral part of our success. We believe that by focusing on these areas, we can create a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
A Celebration of Team Spirit
The event was a vibrant celebration of our team’s dedication and the bright future ahead. With engaging activities, team-building exercises, and inspiring presentations, we reaffirmed our commitment to our new MVV and celebrated the introduction of the “Excellence in Action” program.
Our journey is powered by the incredible people who make up Palletforce, and, together, we are a force to be reckoned with.
As we embrace our new mission, vision and values, and champion excellence
in action, we are excited about the positive impact we will continue to make, both within our company and in the wider industry.
Thank you to everyone who made the event a success, and here’s to a future filled with growth, innovation and collective achievement!
CHAMPIONSHIP points points
CHAMPIONSHIP
KATE BROOKER
What inspired you to become an employee champion and what are you most excited about in this role?
What inspired me is a new challenge, I can’t wait to see what results we can achieve as a team and how we can make our work environment even better.
Can you share a bit about your background and career journey that led you to your current position?
I’m originally from Russia. I moved to England seven years ago. In Russia I used to work in a fashion industry as a commercial buyer and product manager. When I moved to England, I understood that I would probably have to start my career from the scratch, so I started working as a transport admin for NR Evans, which was a part of NFT. In 2018 when NR Evans made all employees redundant, I was highly recommended to Palletforce by NR Evans management. My skills and experience were enough to get me a finance analyst position. Soon I was promoted to commercial manager role to work with David Breeze and his team, which I am really enjoying
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the team?
I feel like my experience of working in different countries and with people from all over the world is very important. I
know how important it is to respect other people’s feelings and understand that every single individual can have different cultural and moral values.
What do you enjoy most about working at Palletforce, and what do you hope to achieve in your role as a champion? I feel very comfortable working at Palletforce. I know I can always share my thoughts and ideas with my colleagues. And I know that any of my ideas, even if they are crazy ideas, will be taken into account and supported. I enjoy the work-life balance that the company provides, but I’m sure that we can do better and introduce some healthy habits to employees. This is what I would like to achieve as a champion. I want every single employee to be aware of their mental and physical wellbeing and how they can introduce a little bit more goodness in their lives. Also, I believe I’m good at coping with stressful situations, because I moved to a different country and had to fit into a different culture very quickly. I want to share my experience and hope it can help others.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? I love spending time with my family, doing yoga and mindfulness exercises. I love reading classic literature and travelling.
What inspired you to become an employee champion at Palletforce, and what are you most excited about in this role?
I was inspired to become a champion by the opportunity to get to meet and speak to more people at Palletforce and within the community. I am most excited about giving back to the community through helping and supporting local charities and finding more ways for us to get involved and give back.
Can you share a bit about your background and career journey that led you to your current position in Palletforce?
Before my role at Palletforce, I did an ‘application and data development’ course at Burton College alongside a part-time job as a baby photographer! After deciding photography wasn’t for me and receiving my certification, I wanted to get stuck into a role where I could get real-world experience. So when a technical analyst role became available at Palletforce I was really excited due to the opportunity to learn such a unique business and to apply and advance my IT knowledge.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the team that you believe will make the most impact?
Skills I’d bring to the team would be creativity and adaptability. When planning for initiatives and putting ideas into motion I think I can be quite creative with expanding on ideas and
Our employee champions on life inside and outside of Palletforce
thinking of the different ways to make a task most beneficial. I also believe I’m quite adaptable and can easily adapt my way of thinking to overcome obstacles, understand new ideas and take feedback.
What do you enjoy most about working at Palletforce, and what do you hope to achieve in your role as a champion?
What I enjoy most about working at Palletforce is the people. Throughout my time here everyone I’ve met within Palletforce has been nothing but kind, supportive and genuine. By becoming a champion, I hope to make a positive impact on our work environment by communicating with people to form ideas and initiatives to make Palletforce a more enjoyable place to work.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Any hobbies or interests that you are passionate about?
Outside of work, I like to spend time with my dogs, going on walks and to little agility courses with them. I also love to read; this year I’m trying to reach my reading goal of reading 100 books.
EXCELLENCE IN ACTION EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
LEE MATTHEWS
What inspired you to become an employee champion and what are you most excited about in this role?
Having supported employee champion schemes in previous companies, I’ve seen the benefits they can bring to both employees and the company. It’s an excellent way to achieve inclusion and drive communication, bringing a great sense of pride when the team achieves. We can all make a difference, no matter big or small. Having been given the opportunity to start the initial employee engagement forums, the launch of Excellence in Action is a fantastic way to build on and continue the work we started – I’m excited for what we can deliver.
What is your background and career journey that led you to your current role?
I started my career under what was then a Youth Training Scheme, now a modern-day apprenticeship, with Schenker Eurocargo –they are now DB Schenker and a Palletforce member I work closely with each week. I’ve always worked in European road freight, also working for Europa Worldwide and
DHL. My current role is General Manager
European Services – I oversee all our European Network operations. Palletforce has offered me an opportunity to stamp my mark and work with a great team to develop our EU products. It’s challenging –but isn’t that the exciting part?
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the team?
I enjoy speaking with people and allowing team members to voice their opinion. How can I make an impact? I’m tenacious, and a stickler for detail – values I believe will help drive the champions forward.
What do you enjoy most about working at Palletforce, and what do you hope to achieve in your role as a champion? I enjoy the freedom offered by the company to allow me to develop personally and the opportunity for me to make a difference. As a progressive company we are always looking for the next step, or a way to improve – what can be better? In my role as a champion, I hope to see us continue and build on the journey we’ve started; ensure our teams are supported and that the benefits can be shared not only internally but with our neighbours and communities.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Any hobbies or interests?
I enjoy travel and art. But, I guess my biggest interest, which I’m well known for among friends and colleagues, is my love of all things cheese!
SHONA CALLOW
What inspired you to become an employee champion and what are you most excited about in this role?
I was inspired to become an employee champion at Palletforce because I believe in the company’s values of integrity, courage, innovation, agility and teamwork. The chance to actively promote these values and help make a difference excites me. I am most excited about creating initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being, foster a collaborative and inclusive culture, and drive community and charity initiatives.
Can you share a bit about your background and career journey that led you to your current position in Palletforce?
I began with a BSc in Sport Science and Management from Nottingham Trent University. After graduating, I started as a Marketing Assistant at Rosliston Forestry Centre, where I developed skills in digital marketing, event management, activity leading and lodge break booking/ hospitality. I then moved to Normans Musical Instruments as a Website and Marketing Assistant, gaining experience in e-commerce, website development and PPC advertising. At EV Cargo/Palletforce, I progressed from Digital Marketing
What inspired you to become an employee champion at Palletforce, and what are you most excited about in this role?
I wanted to give my colleagues the opportunity to voice their opinion and ideas in the right forum. I’m excited to see the changes we make as a team. Making this an employer of choice.
Can you share a bit about your background and career journey that led you to your current position?
I have worked in transport for 17 years, starting out working in a hub then moving to Depot 900 in 2014. It started out with just Pennie and I working with 600 pallets a night. We’re now a team of eight dealing with 1,800+ pallets a night.
Executive to Digital Marketing Manager, managing global campaigns, projects and strategies, and contributing to rebranding projects. Palletforce has provided me with a fantastic opportunity in a company that perfectly balances a corporate and family business ratio. I enjoy being part of it and, of course, working with the colour orange every day!
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the team that you believe will make the most impact?
KIM RAFFLE
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the team that you believe will make the most impact?
I am very organised and like to get things closed off in a timely manner.
What do you enjoy most about working at Palletforce, and what do you hope to achieve in your role as a champion?
I enjoy working with our depots and my team, closing loops on investigations we receive every day. I hope everyone sees the positive impact the champions will bring and it encourages people to
I am creative, I embrace change and I bring lots of positivity. I listen to others’ perspectives, share knowledge and resources, and work collaboratively to achieve our common objectives. I recognise the strengths of each team member and encourage a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
What do you enjoy most about working at Palletforce, and what do you hope to achieve in your role as a champion? Palletforce has a strong sense of community and a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. The collaborative environment encourages everyone to contribute their best ideas and work together towards common goals. In my role as a champion, I hope to enhance this collaborative spirit by implementing initiatives that promote well-being, creativity and teamwork. I aim to assist in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to get involved in community projects.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Any hobbies or interests that you are passionate about? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time golfing, socialising with friends, seeing family, going for walks, planning holidays and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
get more involved and speak up.
How do you spend your time outside of Palletforce? What hobbies or interests are you passionate about? Running, sewing and DIY.
Do you know a colleague who consistently goes above and beyond, embodying our values and making a significant impact at Palletforce? Now is your chance to recognise their efforts through our Excellence in Action nomination programme.
• Pick up a Nomination Form: Forms are available at designated locations throughout the office.
• Complete the Form: Include the name of the colleague you are nominating and provide specific examples of how they demonstrate excellence in action.
• Submit Your Form: Place the completed nomination form in the nominations box or hand it over to the HR department to initiate the review process.
Recognising outstanding contributions fosters a positive work environment and encourages others to strive for excellence. Your nomination can highlight dedication, innovation, teamwork, or any other exceptional qualities.
Selected nominees will be celebrated regularly in our internal communications, highlighting their achievements and the positive impact they have made. Each nominee will receive recognition for their efforts, contributing to our culture of appreciation and continuous improvement.
Let’s celebrate the individuals who embody our values and contribute to making Palletforce a great place to work.
Nominate a deserving colleague today and help us recognise Excellence in Action!
TAKING TOWARDS STEPS WELLBEING
Palletforce Pacers, a lunchtime walking group created by our employee champions, has launched to promote wellbeing and health amongst our team members.
One of the first walks took us through scenic views, canal paths, and over the marina bridge.
This little walk added around 4,000 steps each to our individual totals and added up to a fantastic 20,000 steps for the group as a whole.
Read all about it
A new chapter is beginning for Palletforce – with the launch of our book club.
We’re hoping to foster a community of keen readers among our staff.
The book swap scheme will allow you to browser the book shelves and sign up a new read every time you return a book. Try out new reads and different genres for free with us.
Here’s hoping that it is going to be one big success story.
Best dressed desk award & raffle prizes up for grabs during festivities
STAR PRIZES & DESKORATIONS
It’s time to get the festive feeling! Palletforce is once again supporting the When You Wish Upon a Star charity, which helps dreams come true for seriously ill children and their families.
And this Christmas we ran a special raffle, which raised £1,825 for this brilliant charity.
There was a selection of great prizes on offer to make Christmas period extra special for the winners. And that’s not it for festive fun.
This year we are encouraging everyone to add a little cheer to their workspaces with a Best Dressed Desk competition. Come up with a special theme of your
choice and let’s see who can come up with the most Christmassy desk. You’ll have to go that extra mile to impress though as we’ve got a pair of tough judges to decide on the winner –Mark Tapper and Dave Holland. Only the best-dressed desks will ensure they don’t look like the Grinch this Christmas.
1. Sales Team Achieves Record New Business Results
Palletforce’s Sales team has achieved outstanding results, surpassing previous milestones in securing new business.
Currently on track to exceed last year’s impressive figure of 96,000 new business pallets, we anticipate surpassing 100,000 pallets this year. This achievement underscores our team’s dedication and effectiveness in expanding our market reach and delivering exceptional service.
2. Depot 900 Sets New Handling Record Depot 900 has achieved a remarkable milestone in pallet handling efficiency.
The team now handles an average of 1,700 pallets per night, up from 1,200 pallets previously.
This increase highlights their commitment to operational excellence and their ability to manage higher volumes effectively.
3. Nestlé Contract Renewed for Two Years
Palletforce is pleased to announce the successful
OF THE CENTURY
Success across Palletforce’s Sales team
renewal of our contract with Nestlé, a testament to our strong partnership and consistent service delivery.
This renewal secures our collaboration for the next two years, reinforcing our commitment to providing reliable and efficient
logistics solutions.
4. Vernacare Joins as New Corporate Account
Palletforce celebrates the acquisition of Vernacare as a new corporate account, achieved in collaboration with EV Cargo Solutions.
This partnership will see the handling of 150 pallets per night, marking a significant addition to our growing portfolio of corporate clients. We look forward to delivering exceptional service and building a successful relationship with Vernacare.
GAINS NET
2024 saw the redesign and relaunch of the websites for both Dobbs Logistics and UKFM,
The modern, user-friendly layout is designed to attract customers and boost business growth.
The new site will serve as templates for other member freight companies to utilise and the new website framework is being offered to Palletforce’s entire network, providing a robust and efficient solution for their
digital needs.
Palletforce CEO Mark Tapper said: “Firms’ digital offerings are often the source of the first impression
potential customers get of a business. By providing a professional, clean, easy-touse website for customers to use, UKFM and Dobbs
Logistics are increasing their chances of attracting new business and selling their unique client offerings in the best possible way.”
It’s ready, Teddy, go at Dobbs Logistics
Dobbs Logistics welcomed a new member to the team this year – labradoddle Teddy!
Teddy is the new office puppy and is already doing a great job of brightening up everyone’s workdays and has won the hearts of everyone at Dobbs, keeping spirits high and stress low.
Swing Commander
• The Dobbs team finished ninth in this year’s Palletforce golf tournament. With a record attendance to play on the Brabazon course at the Belfry Resort, the day was the best ever and was
a great way for members to socialise together and swap best practice. Dobbs Commercial Manager Dean Hammer finished eighth overall. For UKFM, Logistics Director Paul Dillon and Management Accountant Klaud Lupa competed against their opponents and the difficult course.
Jump start
• Dobbs Warehouse Manager Adam Dickison powered through his 100 skips a day for Cancer Research in October – and roped in donations of £250 for his amazing efforts.
In it for the long run
• Driver Sean Tester has
been in Vienna supporting the European Respiratory Society Congress with Dobbs’ event logistics services.
The 1,780-mile round trip wasn’t enough for Sean, during a stand-down day Sean took part in the Donaupark Park Run in 28C heat.
Adam Dickison
Sean Tester
Dobbs UKFM
MAGNIFICENT GENERAL MEETING
R
ecord attendance hears of network strength and innovations
Palletforce’s biggest-ever Members’ General Meeting was hailed as a huge success by both directors and member hauliers as new technology launches, a string of new members and initiatives to enhance its already sector-leading service were revealed.
With over 250 people attending, the event attracted a record number of guests from a record number of member companies and celebrated how the focus on delivering an unrivalled customer experience ensured Palletforce continued to gain market share in 2023 despite challenging economic conditions.
Members heard from Palletforce directors, with presentations covering customer service, technology, network operations, sustainability, member relations and marketing.
Palletforce announced that it is set to introduce an ETA service for all deliveries, a move that received strong support from members.
Plans to increase the number of member companies were also outlined, as Palletforce continued its drive to ensure it has the best member haulier and offers unbeatable service in every UK postcode.
Mark Tapper, Palletforce CEO, said: “Our directors had the opportunity to present our objectives and roadmap to maintain excellent customer service and explain how innovations around technology, sustainability and efficiency will enable the network to go from strength to strength.
“But the best thing about the MGM is always the chance it gives us at Palletforce to meet members face-toface and thank them for the support they give us and each other and the
service they provide. The record turnout showed just how much they value the network and how keen they are to grow with us. We are there for them every step of the way and we have the
resilience and determination to help them thrive over the next year.”
As part of its dedication to growth, innovation and sustainability, Palletforce is continuing to drive environmental
and financial sustainability among its membership and working to decarbonise the distribution chain.
The evening meal after the MGM raised more than £21,000 for two
charities, the Midlands Air Ambulance and When You Wish Upon A Star.
The MGM was held at the Hilton at St George’s Park, which is the base for all of the FA’s England teams.
SAFETY FIRSTS
Order of Distinction confirms Palletforce commitment to H&S
Palletforce proudly accepted the RoSPA Order of Distinction at the prestigious Gala Awards Dinner in London. This recognition marks Palletforce as the first UK palletised freight network to achieve 15 consecutive Gold Awards, a testament to our steadfast commitment to workplace safety.
Members of the Palletforce team were honoured to collect the award, celebrating alongside industry peers and safety leaders. This achievement
underscores our dedication to protecting the wellbeing of our team members and visitors through rigorous
safety protocols and continuous improvement initiatives.
The RoSPA Awards recognise organisations globally for their outstanding commitment to health and safety, making this accolade a testament to Palletforce’s leadership in the industry.
Networks’ healthy collaboration
Palletforce joined forces with The Association of Pallet Networks (APN) to commemorate World Health & Safety Week. This collaborative effort aimed to heighten awareness and champion best practices in health and safety throughout our industry.
During the week-long event, members of our team gathered to affirm their commitment to prioritising health and safety in the workplace.
Through various activities and awareness initiatives,
we reinforced our dedication to fostering a safe and secure environment for all at Palletforce. Together, we successfully promoted a culture of safety across pallet networks, ensuring the wellbeing of our team members remained our top priority throughout World Health & Safety Week.
FACILITIES FANTASTIC
Behind-the-scenes team keep Palletforce operations flowing
At Palletforce, behind the scenes of our bustling operations, there’s a dedicated team that ensures our workplace runs smoothly and looks its best every single day—the Facilities team. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes, keeping our building operational, presentable, and ensuring every team member has a comfortable environment to work in.
Keeping
the wheels turning
From maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to managing repairs and renovations, the Facilities team is the backbone of our infrastructure. They respond promptly
to any maintenance issues, ensuring minimal disruption to our daily operations. Their proactive approach ensures that our facilities are always in top-notch condition.
Creating
a welcoming environment
Beyond technical expertise, our Facilities team takes pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone at Palletforce. They ensure that communal spaces, meeting rooms and work areas are clean, organised and equipped with everything needed for productive days. Their attention to detail contributes to a positive and professional workplace environment.
A heartfelt thank you
We extend our sincerest thanks to the Facilities team for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. The team’s efforts do not go unnoticed by colleagues across the business, and they play a crucial role in making Palletforce a great place to work.
Join us in appreciation
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible efforts of our Facilities team. Their diligence and professionalism contribute significantly to our success and ensure that every team member can perform their best every day.
Our commercial teams make the perfect pitch at workshops
REACHING OURG ALS
April marked a significant milestone for Palletforce as we embarked on a series of impactful Commercial Engagement Workshops with our valued members. These workshops were hosted at iconic venues such as Leeds United FC, Nottingham Forest FC, and Watford FC, where we collaborated closely with members’ commercial teams to foster learning, collaboration, and growth.
Empowering through knowledge & collaboration
The workshops featured a diverse range of sessions aimed at enhancing our
members’ capabilities and fostering deeper collaboration within the network:
• Rate calculator training: Providing insights and tools to streamline pricing strategies and enhance competitiveness in the market.
• Sales training: Equipping teams with the latest sales techniques and strategies to
drive growth and customer satisfaction.
• IT updates: Introducing advances in technology to improve operational efficiency and customer service.
• European updates: Discussing market trends and opportunities across Europe, ensuring members stay informed and proactive.
• AI presentation: Demonstrating the power of Artificial Intelligence in optimising sales efforts and enhancing decision-making processes.
Positive feedback and insights
The workshops received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, highlighting their value in knowledge sharing and skill enhancement. Attendees appreciated the practical insights gained and the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts.
Nestle
Member stories and customer feedback
A highlight of the event was the sharing of member success stories and feedback from esteemed customers like Ideal Standard.
These sessions not only celebrated achievements but also provided valuable insights into best practices and customer expectations.
Sales awards
Congratulations to Daniel from Wilmotts for winning the Q1 Sales Award at our Commercial Engagement Workshop. Daniel’s outstanding performance and dedication were recognised and celebrated during the event, highlighting his exceptional contributions to our team’s success.
The Q2 award was won by John, of Wyvern Cargo, with Sam, of Fagan & Whalley, collecting the Q3 honours.
Kicking off for autumn
The autumn Commercial Development Workshops started at Brighton & Hove Albion, with a meeting in Hull the following day. Another meeting was held at Nestle, East Midlands Gateway. The Palletforce team met with members to share some great insights, celebrate success, and learn from local members and their customers.
We discussed new product launches, heard from local members and their customers and even had time for an interactive quiz.
The greatest show in town
A customer showcase event, the first of its kind in the pallet network sector, has allowed Palletforce members to strengthen customer relationships and secure new business by giving them an insight into the operational excellence at the beating heart of the network.
More than 100 attendees including Palletforce members and their customers joined the showcase event at the Palletforce SuperHub in Burton upon Trent, which included presentations, a complete tour of the national hub and a behind-thescenes look into the quality processes that underpin the network’s reputation for customer and delivery excellence.
An exclusive tour through the centre of the SuperHub immersed customers in the energy and scale of the network operations, where freight from 15,000 daily trading customer accounts is handled every night.
There was an opportunity for customers to experience Palletforce’s patented technology in action, including instant pallet weighing, scanning and image capture, which
allows it to provide realtime updates and unrivalled freight visibility as goods pass through the hub.
The award-winning systems deliver efficiency benefits, helping decrease turnaround times and allowing members’ trucks to return to their depots earlier.
Simon Bradbury, Palletforce Sales Director, said: “We are fortunate that we have the SuperHub as a sector-leading facility to showcase the infrastructure, processes and technology that is the bedrock of our network operations.
“It’s fair to say customers were blown away by the scale of our hub operations, and how the efficiency of our processes, combined with the award-winning technology deployed on
our forklifts, helps generate additional customer value.
“The event helps our members retain and win new business, as well as cementing customer relationships. It has really given customers a unique insight and better understanding into how the entire network is focused on delivering excellence and the highest possible quality service.
“We also discussed a range of other exclusive benefits including our EV Scope emissions reporting tool, our commitment to quality through SMETA accreditation and how Palletforce is the first network to achieve the RoSPA Order of Distinction for excellence in health and safety.”
Daniel receives his award
PUTTING YOU IN THE PICTURE
Continued innovations enhances our service to customers
In 2024, Palletforce continues to innovate with new technology releases aimed at enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction. Two notable advancements have been introduced to streamline operations and elevate member services.
Picture on POD: Enhancing proof of delivery
One of our latest innovations, Picture on Proof of Delivery (POD), has been launched to empower our members with enhanced proof of delivery capabilities. This feature allows for visual documentation of deliveries, providing clear and undeniable confirmation
of receipt. This not only enhances transparency but also strengthens customer trust and satisfaction.
New ETA service
Our new Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) service is set to revolutionise logistics planning. This service will offer accurate ETA predictions, enabling our members to provide reliable delivery information to their customers.
This proactive approach not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances sales efforts by delivering a superior customer experience. These technological advancements underscore Palletforce’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge solutions to drive operational excellence and customercentricity.
By integrating Picture on POD and ETA services, we aim to empower our members with tools that optimise efficiency, reliability, and overall service quality.
Showcasing Palletforce’s services and people OUR EXPO EXPEDITION
In June, Palletforce made a memorable impact at the Road Transport Expo, held at NAEC Stoneleigh. Our team eagerly embraced the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and showcase our expertise in pallet network services. At our vibrant stand,
Palletforce combined business with enjoyment, creating an engaging atmosphere for all attendees. Beyond highlighting our industry-leading services, our stand was buzzing with insightful conversations, valuable networking and a touch of Palletforce fun.
A showcase of success Central to our presence was our famous hoopla game, where participants won teddy bears, balloons and the chance to win an iPad. The stars of the show, our branded Palletforce bucket hats, were a hit among visitors. We also delighted
guests with freshly made popcorn and candy floss from our own branded machines, adding a unique touch to the event.
Building Relationships and Opportunities
Throughout the expo, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with around 20 existing members while also fostering promising new business opportunities. This dynamic interaction underscored our reputation for being both enjoyable to work with and highly effective in delivering results.
Looking Ahead
The Road Transport Expo 2024 was a resounding success, affirming Palletforce’s commitment to innovation, client satisfaction and industry leadership. As we reflect on this event, we look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and collaboration within the transport and logistics sector.
Welcoming new members as
Palletforce helped ring in the new year in style at the start of 2024, with the recruitment of one of the South West’s most respected names in road distribution.
Based in Hallen, South Gloucestershire, Wrings Transport operates 65 vehicles and joined an express pallet network for the first time to help create additional commercial opportunities and drive business growth.
Operating across three sites and with 100 employees, Wrings Transport was started in 1995 by Managing Director Stuart Wring and is taking on south-west BS postcodes around WestonSuper-Mare.
The business is a renowned and respected operator in the region and will ensure Palletforce members and
stronger THE NEW THE NEW
our network grows ever
their customers continue to benefit from best-in-postcode service, unrivalled quality and an unbeatable customer experience.
Stuart said: “Joining a pallet network was a strategic decision as it fits well with our current infrastructure and operational platform, where we have the capacity and capability to handle additional palletised freight.
“With volumes fluctuating across the industry, it also ensures we can offer our customers an agile, scalable and sustainable solution for smaller consignments.
“We know many Palletforce members in the Transport Association and their ethos of quality and strive for
excellence is well-aligned with our business, so Palletforce was the obvious choice for us.”
Mark Tapper, Palletforce Chief Executive Officer, said: “Wrings Transport is an extremely respected operator and certainly the stand-out pallet network member in the area, so we are very happy that they’ve turned to Palletforce for their first foray into network operations.”
Yes, we Wood!
Another notable new member is Woodside Distribution, one of Ireland’s most successful transport companies.
The move has provided Palletforce members with a marketplace advantage and their customers with an unrivalled and streamlined service for freight distribution across the island of Ireland.
Woodside handles the network’s operations in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Headquartered in Ballynure in Northern Ireland, and with operational depots in Preston and Dublin, Woodside Logistics Group was established in 1967 by Robert and Ian Woodside. The group employs 670 staff and operates nearly 300 vehicles and 850 trailers.
ON THE ROAD
ON THE ROAD
Dave really delivers
At Palletforce, building strong relationships with our members is at the heart of what we do. Recently, our team has been actively engaging with various members across the network, fostering collaboration and enhancing service offerings.
Kevin’s key to our team
Kevin Vaughan, a key member of our team, has been instrumental in visiting multiple members to support and enhance their service capabilities. His efforts have focused on optimising operations and ensuring our members deliver topnotch logistics solutions to their customers.
While visiting some prospect customers in Warrington on behalf of John K Philips Group, we bumped into Dave the driver delivering! Dave kindly took the time for us to capture this moment on camera before he went back to his busy day collecting and delivering essential pallets, ensuring deadlines are met and making the world go round.
A commitment to collaboration and excellence
Sally celebrates industry milestone with Fagan & Whalley
Sally Ogley embarked on a visit to Fagan & Whalley, marking their upcoming celebration of 96 years in the industry. This visit not only celebrated their long-standing commitment but also allowed Sally to gain first-hand insights into their operations,reinforcing our collaborative efforts and commitment to mutual success.
These visits highlight Palletforce’s ongoing dedication to strengthening bonds with our members and supporting their growth and success in the logistics sector. By actively engaging with our members, we continue to drive innovation, efficiency and exceptional service across our network.
New member Woodside transforms our delivery capabilities
OUR NEW HAUL-IRELAND SERVICE
We are thrilled that Woodside Distribution has joined Palletforce, significantly bolstering our delivery capabilities to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This partnership marks a strategic enhancement in our network’s reach and service offerings, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence across borders.
Woodside Distribution brings extensive expertise and a strong reputation in the logistics industry, aligning perfectly with Palletforce’s mission to provide efficient and reliable palletised freight solutions.
Their addition to our network further strengthens our ability
to meet the evolving needs of our customers and members.
To facilitate a seamless transition and ensure our members are well-prepared, Palletforce hosted a series of webinars.
These sessions provided valuable insights and guidance on integrating Woodside Distribution into our network, enhancing collaboration, and optimising operational efficiencies.
We are excited about the opportunities this partnership is already bringing. Together, we are continuing to innovate and set new standards in palletised freight delivery, delivering exceptional service and value to our customers.
FAB AT FIFTY
John K Philips is celebrating 50 years as one of the highest regarded hauliers in the north west – not by looking back but by literally moving forward.
John K Philips Group has relocated from St Helens to a state-of-the-art, carbonneutral new 135,000sq ft warehouse and office building in Warrington.
The facility – Solar 120 – is powered by solar panels and includes LED lighting, 20 electric charging points, two level access, 10 dock level loading doors and heat pumps. It won Building of the Year at the National Sustainability Awards last year and shows the group’s commitment to sustainability with the ability to offer carbon-neutral warehousing.
Commercial Director Karrie Hughes says: “Sustainability is a big priority over cost for larger companies and we are planning a significant
investment in electric vehicles to add to the five electric forklifts which are powered by the warehouse’s solar panels.
“The new location is close to the motorway and more central between Manchester and Liverpool, which should attract new customers and reduce delivery miles. That all goes alongside our membership of Palletforce, which allows us to provide an environmental solution to reduce empty mileage and delivery emissions.”
John K Philips now has a fleet of 35 trucks and 32 trailers and employs 80 staff. All of its drivers have specialist ADR training and its fleet is ADR compliant.
Karrie says: “This is an amazing time for everyone here. To move to such an extraordinary warehousing and office building, to be leading the way in sustainability and to be celebrating 50 years of business, it has been busy but brilliant.”
Special anniversary is icing on cake
A special anniversary truck, a charity golf day and a great cake – just some of the ways Premier Logistics has been celebrating its 20th birthday. Premier Logistics said: “Acknowledging these milestones helps us reflect on our growth, appreciate the hard work of our team, and stay motivated for the future.
It reinforces the strong bonds within our company and the importance of our collective efforts.”
The golf event, at Lingdale Golf Club, saw suppliers and customers coming together
to support the Bodie Hodges Foundation, which supports families who have lost a child. Nick Hodges and Ian Stringer played pivotal roles in making the day a success, helping to raise £1,850. Team Menzies Distribution were the winners. Another highlight was a delicious cake baked by Nana Jacquie.
Fagan & WAHEY!
Fagan & Whalley were named both Employer of the Year and Large Business of the Year at the Burnley Business Awards, 2024.
The evening, organised by Burnley Council, was an incredible opportunity for members of the Fagan & Whalley team to celebrate just how far the Palletforce member has come in its almost 100-year heritage.
Managing Director Sam Fagan said: “Winning these awards is a true testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of every member of the Fagan & Whalley family. People truly are at the heart of what we do.
“The nature of the logistics industry means that uniting a team can be challenging when our drivers are out on the roads, scattered all over the country, and often without the close day-to-day contact that many other businesses enjoy. Because of that, we’ve always strived to create an environment where our employees feel valued and empowered, and to have this recognised through the Employer of the Year Award is very encouraging.
“Being named Large Business of the Year is equally humbling, especially given the incredibly strong competition. We couldn’t be prouder of our team and our journey.”
TOWER IIEVEMENTS
Doing what we can to help two excellent charity initiatives
Elephant gets help from trunking experts
Palletforce is delighted to announce our involvement in transporting 30 large sculptures of Elmer the patchwork elephant to Blackpool for Elmer’s Big Parade. Each sculpture, uniquely designed, graced the streets of Blackpool for eight weeks, raising funds for Trinity Hospice and Brian House Children’s Hospice. We are proud to have collaborated with our members, including EVTS, to provide complimentary transport for these sculptures, supporting such a meaningful
initiative. Our best wishes go out to all involved in this fantastic effort.
Delivering Easter Joy to Burton Hope charity
Thanks to the generosity of Palletforce employees, we were able to deliver Easter eggs to Burton Hope charity this year. The donations collected from our team made it possible to spread joy and sweetness to those in need during the Easter season. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting our community and making a positive impact beyond logistics.
THE FINEST LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Palletforce sales team hosted Nestle employees at our SuperHub.
The Nestle employees spent the whole day at Palletforce to get a full overview of the operation.
Sales Director Simon Bradbury gave a presentation, while there were EV Cargo divisional presentations from Commercial Director Dan Mowbray and Ruth Bardsley, Divisional Director Supply Chain Management EV Cargo Global Forwarding.
Nestle were also given a review of 2023/24 service, volume and trends as well as demonstrations of the Palletforce Alliance portal
and the forklift trucks. Simon Bradbury said:
“We hosted multiple Nestle employees at our SuperHub so that they could learn more about what we do, how we deliver their goods and
understand EV Cargo’s wider offering. The day included a welcome lunch, presentations from members of the team, an FLT demonstration and of course an evening hub tour to see the Palletforce magic in action.”
Tackling challenges together
Our Regional Operations Meetings took place in various locations around the UK: Reading, Leeds, Ideal Standard and Glasgow. Bringing together ops colleagues across the network to encourage collaboration, share valuable insights, and tackle the challenges collectively faced.
The agenda included an overview of current network performance and business update, new product and process launches, member engagement and the ‘Spirit of the Network’, best practice and an open forum for Q&A and feedback.
We are proud to have collaborated with our members to provide complimentary transport for these sculptures, supporting such a meaningful initiative.
The blackberry bushes on our entrance road are proving berrylicious for a passer by snapped in action sampling Burton’s finest blackberries. Palletforce always ensures you’re never stuck in a jam, as demonstrated by our Director Dave Holland, who handed over a Palletforce high-vis to ensure safety was paramount from the footpath pavements.
Merry berry
HAVING A BALL AT BURTON
From football matches to Royal Ascot, it’s all kicking off at Albion
Finance team enjoys Burton Albion finale
The finance team had the pleasure of attending the final match of last season at Burton Albion as part of our ongoing sponsorship and support for the Community Trust. They enjoyed a delightful three-course meal followed by an exciting match against Reading. This experience not only strengthened our ties with the local community but also showcased our commitment to fostering relationships through sports sponsorship.
Marketing team supports Wm Armstrong at Carlisle In a show of support and camaraderie, the marketing team joined members from Wm Armstrong to cheer on their local team, Carlisle United, at a recent match. This collaborative outing
not only bolstered team spirit but also reinforced our dedication to our members and community engagement through sports sponsorship.
Virtually perfect Ladies Day Palletforce employees,
alongside ladies from our member depots, celebrated Ladies Day at a virtual Ascot event, raising funds for the Community Trust.
This enjoyable and charitable event underscored our commitment to
supporting local initiatives and community welfare. The occasion not only brought us together for a good cause but also highlighted the spirit of giving and camaraderie within our organisation.
Biggest-ever entry for Palletforce’s annual golf day at Belfry
AVOIDING A ROUGH RIDE
Palletforce’s annual golf day attracted a record entry as colleagues, members and customers took on the worldfamous Brabazon course at the Belfry Golf Club.
A total of 110 players – up from 71 last year – enjoyed a day of high-quality golf, presentation ceremony and an evening dinner at the Belfry, in the process raising over £1,000 for charity.
A joint team from Wyvern Cargo and Wm Armstrong won the day, while the best individual golfer was Matthew Canwell.
The 110 players included teams from Palletforce members and their key customers. The day raised £1,040 for the Fareshare food charity, of which Palletforce has been a long-time supporter.
Palletforce Executive Vice President Marketing and Communications Dave Holland said: “The fact that more and more people want to join us on the golf day every year shows just what a great event it is.
“Everything Palletforce does is about its members and it was great to see so many of them at such an iconic venue.
“It is such a fun day and being able to raise so much money for a charity as important as Fareshare is an added bonus.”
Sales Director Simon Bradbury, Premier Logistics
Client Relationship Manager
Macauley Christopher, Vice Chairman Wm Armstrong
Group Geof Armstrong and Kieran Stephenson from Trouw Nutrition finished second at The Association of Pallet Networks Golf Day. Putt it there!
CAMPEY’S PRIZE HAUL
Campeys of Selby was named Haulier of the Year at the 2024 Motor Transport Awards, with Palletforce on hand to celebrate their magnificent achievement with them.
The awards judges praised Campeys as a “forwardlooking haulier that sees challenges as opportunities”. Campeys beat competition from some of the UK’s biggest and best logistics companies to claim the award.
The judges’ decision, announced at the glittering Park Lane awards ceremony in early September, is recognition of one of the UK road haulage sector’s outstanding success stories. Campeys’ focus on intelligent leadership, environmental awareness, innovation and customer
service has combined to bring growth and success. The company has grown from two vehicles in 2007 to 130 trucks today.
And this forward-looking philosophy has enabled it to have the agility to respond to market challenges and new environmental expectations.
Led by Managing Director Paul Campey and his son Harry, the Commercial &
Operations Director, the business undertook a significant strategy review after Covid to ensure it could overcome any future market and economic challenges. They focused on efficiency, sweating business assets, creating value for customers and ensuring the company had the agility to respond quickly. They embarked on a journey to be net zero
by 2030 and Campeys is now an industry leader in sustainability and decarbonisation.
Campeys grew turnover by 38% from 2021 to 2022. In the last 12 months, in the face of rising operating costs, economic challenges and declining volumes, Campeys continued to deliver service excellence, cost reduction and sustainable transport to a growing customer base.
Its Palletforce volumes have increased from 98 pallets weekly in 2022 to 1,348 in 2024.
The win was particularly welcomed on the Palletforce table. Palletforce sponsored the Operational Excellence Award this year.
Palletforce Chief Executive Mark Tapper said: “It was wonderful to see Campeys collect such a well-deserved award.
“They are a company that everyone in the industry can look up to and learn from and we are incredibly proud to see a network member be honoured at the Motor Transport Awards.”
Palletforce guests at the Motor Transport Awards
ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
New EV Cargo roles for Heath and Simon
EV Cargo has announced that from 1 January, Heath Zarin will take on the role of Executive Chairman. Since founding the company in 2018, Heath has served as Chairman and CEO, leading the organisation through a period of remarkable growth and innovation.
Under his leadership, EV Cargo has rapidly developed into a global leader in transport and logistics, recognised for its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach. Heath’s vision to create an integrated logistics network has driven the company’s growth, leading to significant acquisitions and organic expansion.
As Executive Chairman, Heath will focus on guiding the overall strategic direction of EV Cargo to deliver exceptional value to our customers, employees and
stakeholders.
Additionally, current Chief Strategy Officer Simon Pearson will be promoted to Group CEO. As Chief Strategy Officer, Simon has successfully led initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer service, contributing to significant growth and profitability. As Group CEO, his focus on innovation, operational excellence and customer satisfaction will continue to drive the company’s growth and success.
This leadership transition is part of a well-planned succession strategy aimed at ensuring operational continuity while positioning EV Cargo for future growth.
Heath Zarin, Executive Chairman of EV Cargo, said: “Founding and leading EV Cargo has been an incredible journey. I am proud of what
EV Cargo’s Ashby site has achieved the highest grade possible, an AA, in our recent BRC audit. This remarkable achievement comes after receiving an A grade last year, showcasing our continuous commitment to excellence.
we’ve accomplished together and thankful to everyone who has contributed to the successful development of EV Cargo. I am excited to transition to a new role that allows me to continue to lead EV Cargo with a focus on our long-term vision, strategy and corporate governance.”
Simon Pearson, incoming Group CEO of EV Cargo, added: “I am honoured to step into the role of Group CEO. I look forward to building on our successes and leading EV Cargo into the next chapter of growth and innovation. Together with our talented team, we will focus on enhancing our capabilities, generating value from the major investments and strategic developments we’ve made in recent years, while staying true to our mission of managing supply chains for the world’s leading brands.”
Over 70 sales representatives from 30 different countries across EV Cargo’s global network have attended EV United in Hong Kong – an event to help refine our customer strategies, explore growth opportunities and strengthen the global trade lane programme.
EV Cargo has held a series of Supply Chain Outlook events to keep key customers updated with news and initiatives. The latest focused on supply chain resilience and presented the benefits of EV Cargo’s technology and tools for managing supply chain resilience.
GOING IS GOOD AT UTTOXETER
We attended the Uttoxeter Races Ladies Day with our members, and it was an incredible experience for everyone involved, with even a few winning moments! The day included VIP entry, a three-course lunch, afternoon tea, an exciting afternoon of races featuring talented horses and jockeys, the awarding of the bestgroomed horse inside the horse enclosure, and a DJ set by Ronan Kemp to wrap up the event.
It was fun-filled and fantastic to be with our members once again. A special congratulations to
Charlie’s Glance, his trainer Andrew Martin, and jockey
James Martin for winning the Palletforce Handicap Chase
2M, a Palletforce-sponsored race.
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