Fastlane Magazine by Pall-Ex Group

fastlane Spring 2015 Magazine www.pallex.com

Driving service excellence

In this issue P4 Pall-Ex’s national members’ meeting P9 New app keeps everybody’s business on track P11 Milestone anniversary for Taylors Transport International P14 Pall-Ex Group aims for European commercial growth

Network of choice

Business development

International distribution

Pall-Ex welcomes four new members

Chris Tancock shares his ambitions

Quick quote tool and five easy steps

PALL-EX NEWS

Welcome to our Spring edition of Fastlane I am delighted by the enthusiasm powering our invigorated Pall-Ex network.

strengthen our brand and benefit all of our stakeholders: these improvements are already apparent in our expanding membership.

every corner of our network, as we continue to drive our UK and Europe expansion and business development strategies.

Since the appointment of Kevin Buchanan, our members have thrown their full weight behind the Pall-Ex Group board as well as one another; advocating cooperation, best practice, and above all, positive progress.

I was so pleased to be able to offer assistance to members and customers of UK Pallets following the network’s proposed closure, and was delighted to welcome the first of our new UK members on board.

Pall-Ex is a network to be proud of, and we will continue to deliver the very best.

We have a pipeline of potential new members and are meeting and assessing each potential new business partner with vigilance. Quality will be paramount, in

Hilary Devey

Since Kevin’s arrival, he has made massive strides towards addressing the network’s issues, building momentum throughout the membership. Our national members’ meeting in February demonstrated both our management and our members’ belief and commitment to Pall-Ex. I speak with Kevin on a daily basis and can assure you that Pall-Ex is in safe hands. He will make necessary changes to

Pall-Ex honours top members

“As Pall-Ex members, we all support one another’s businesses. Everything we achieve is the result of team effort and belief in the Pall-Ex brand. We are excited about the future and the network’s further achievements.”

Pall-Ex has recognised two of its leading members with annual awards.

Gerard Culbertson, managing director of Birmingham’s Linkline Express Services, a Pall-Ex member since the network’s inception in 1996, commented: “Pall-Ex has presented Linkline Express with a great number of opportunities, and we appreciate our fellow members for their support, cooperation and dedication throughout the years.

STD Developments (D57) of Congleton scooped the prestigious Depot of the Year title, while Birmingham’s Linkline Express Services (D29) received the Outstanding Contribution to the Network Award. The member-nominated awards were presented during Pall-Ex’s annual national members’ meeting by group deputy chairman Adrian Russell, along with group managing director Kevin Buchanan, who outlined his vision for the future development of the Pall-Ex Group. Lynne Stevens, co-director at STD Developments, said: “It was a great surprise to be named as Depot of the Year. This award is testament to our hardworking staff and all our Pall-Ex partners. We are lucky to work with such fantastic colleagues.

“My staff and I are delighted to have been recognised for our contribution and are looking forward to playing our part in the future of this industry-leading network.”

As always, thank you all for your support, loyalty, and dedication.

Founder and CEO, Pall-Ex Group

Kevin Buchanan added: “With quality partnership at the core of our strategy, Pall-Ex’s national members’ meeting was a fitting occasion to recognise the contribution of two of our longeststanding members. “All of our members, old and new, play an integral and essential part in the future of our Pall-Ex network. Working together, we have the strength and determination to further develop our robust and profitable network, delivering quality solutions for all of our stakeholders and customers. “I’m very much looking forward to celebrating the further achievements of our business.”

Next Fastlane: Summer 2015 News & feedback: Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Executive E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079

PALL-EX NEWS

Pall-Ex emerges as network of choice for new members Pall-Ex has welcomed four new members as a result of its pledge to offer support to hauliers and customers of the UK Pallets network.

Pall-Ex was recommended as the official network of choice by UK Mail Group, which announced the proposed closure of UK Pallets in January 2015. Kenneth Howley Transport (D139) of Castleford, West Yorkshire, was the first UK Pallets haulier to make the move, followed by Bristol-based haulier I.C Express (D143) and Ipswich’s Magnus Group (D140). Kenneth Howley Transport will cover part of the DN and WF postcode areas, while I.C Express joins Pall-Ex to cover the BS postcode area, and Magnus Group takes control of services in part of the IP, CM and CO postcode zones. Ken Howley, director of Kenneth Howley Transport, said: “We are delighted to be able to strengthen the Pall-Ex network. Our existing customers have not seen any immediate change to service thanks to Pall-Ex’s ongoing support.” Explaining the reasons behind the move to Pall-Ex, I.C Express’ managing director, Ian Crook, said: “While many networks remain stagnant, Pall-Ex’s network is moving forwards, which is clearly the way ahead and will enable us to offer our customers the level of service they’ve come to expect from us.

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“We have a reputation as Bristol’s leading logistics provider and Pall-Ex is well placed to not only maintain, but also improve that image.”

“Through our meetings with members of UK Pallets, it became clear that Pall-Ex was best placed to offer quality and consistency for these hauliers and their customers.

Kevin Parker, managing director of Magnus Group, agreed that future vision and passion were evident from the initial meeting with PallEx, commenting: “There’s a definite synergy in the core values of the network and our own business. Both parties are forward-thinking and driven by results, and both want excellence to be synonymous with their brand name.”

“Not only are we able to grow our own network with the addition of quality members who share our vision of partnership and quality, but we can also help these businesses to thrive and grow in their own right. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership.”

Pall-Ex group managing director Kevin Buchanan, said: “We at Pall-Ex were delighted to be endorsed as recommended partners by UK Mail Group.

In addition to the arrival of Kenneth Howley Transport, I.C Express and Magnus Group, South Link, of West Sussex (D132) completes Pall-Ex’s haul of new members, covering a range of BN postcode areas on behalf of the network.

FASTLANE SPRING 2015

PALL-EX NEWS

National members’ meeting sets the standard for the Pall-Ex Group

Pall-Ex powered into 2015 with confidence and intent; a mood which characterised the UK network’s annual national members’ meeting in February. Representatives from every corner of Pall-Ex’s UK-wide network assembled to hear from its board of directors, discuss their views, share best practice, and play a part in shaping the future of the network. The event was Pall-Ex group managing director Kevin Buchanan’s first opportunity to personally address the entire network, and he took advantage of the occasion to call for endorsement and delivery of the event’s main theme: partnership in performance. Kevin explained: “Pall-Ex’s uncompromising focus will be upon delivering quality solutions for all of our stakeholders and partners. Together we will further establish our brand as the market-leading palletised freight distribution network solution. “Pall-Ex has come a long way since my appointment in November 2014. The shape

and focus of our board is evolving, and so is our network. My team and I have already brought about a good deal of positive change within the membership, and will deliver constant development, much to the benefit of the network and its service-users. “Further change is on its way. Challenging but exciting times lie ahead and, as partners in performance, we will deliver a consistent and unrivalled quality service, in order to establish Pall-Ex as a true, international market leader. “Our mission, during tough times for the industry, is to provide a service which is the envy of all of our competitors. We will become the most attractive network proposition through a policy of honesty, commitment and transparency; advancing mutually beneficial relationships and offering a responsible, cost-effective service which is remarkable for its sustainability, innovation, and profitability.” Commenting after the event, David McCutcheon, managing director at Bullet Express (D105), said: “I was impressed by

the sense of energy and unity at Pall-Ex’s national members’ meeting, and greatly encouraged by Kevin Buchanan, whose determination and focus are clear. “There will be challenging times ahead; but I am confident that everybody at Pall-Ex is aware of the issues, and determined to achieve our shared vision.” Maggie Larrimore, managing director at PMB Pallet Express (D02), added: “Quality, leadership, and discipline are the way forward for our network. Kevin understands this and has invigorated our membership with confidence. It was fantastic to have the whole UK membership together for this very positive event. Our network goals are right on target and my entire team is excited. We can’t wait to showcase the network’s future achievements among our customer base.”

Next Fastlane: Summer 2015 News & feedback: Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Executive E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079

PALL-EX NEWS

Trunk Driver of the Year Pall-Ex has announced Duncan McGeoch as its UK network’s central huboperative-voted Trunk Driver of the Year for 2014. Duncan, employed by Port of Tyne (D48), undertakes daily night-trunk journeys into Pall-Ex’s central UK hub from Port of Tyne’s base in Tyne and Wear. Class 1 LGV driver Duncan celebrated 17 years at Port of Tyne in March 2015, having started out at the company in 1997 after seven years of service in the armed forces. Newcastle United fan Duncan was originally deployed as a local day-shift driver, delivering consignments within a 50-mile radius of the port. In 2006 he transferred

to the team’s night-shift and began trunking palletised freight to Pall-Ex for onward distribution throughout its interconnected UK and European networks. Pall-Ex’s central hub operations team, whose nominations led to Duncan’s award, identified him as “a pleasure to work with”, and “extremely committed, always making every effort to ensure smooth operations for the hub and all of our Pall-Ex depots.” Graeme Hardie, head of logistics operations at Port of Tyne, commented: “As a long-serving member of our distribution department, Duncan is a credit to the team as well as to the Pall-Ex network. He is a humorous and cheerful character, and is reliable and happy to help in any area of the business. He is an

excellent colleague and we at Port of Tyne fully endorse his award, which Duncan is very proud to have achieved.” The Port of Tyne, named UK Port of the Year in 2014, is a major multimodal sea-port, handling conventional and bulk cargoes and offering cruise, ferry and car terminals as well as logistics services provided through the Pall-Ex network.

Pall-Ex supports international charity project Pall-Ex has teamed up with Legs4Africa to provide 1,000 prosthetic limbs to amputees in West Africa. The leading UK and European palletised freight network will transport the prosthetic limbs to Gatwick Airport, where they will be flown to West Africa for onward distribution to hospital mobility departments throughout Gambia and Senegal. Kevin Buchanan, group managing director of Pall-Ex, said: “This is an ambitious project for the charity, particularly with the threat of Ebola affecting the region – but that gives

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Pall-Ex even more incentive to help in whatever way we can. Under EU law, unwanted prosthetic limbs – even those in perfect working order – are deemed as medical waste and cannot be distributed within the EU. This even applies to prosthetics which have been tried on and do not fit first time. “It is estimated that over 5,000 prosthetic limbs are destroyed every year within the UK due to these EU regulations,” explains Tom Williams, founder of Legs4Africa.

“We can’t change the law, but there’s nothing stopping us improving the lives of amputees in Africa. With the support of companies like Pall-Ex, we are able to make an incredible difference to amputees’ confidence, mobility and prospects.” Pall-Ex supports many charities both in the UK and abroad, including the Carers Trust and The Stroke Association.

FASTLANE SPRING 2015

PALL-EX NEWS

Focus on business development Chris Tancock was announced as group deputy managing director in November 2014. Chris gave Fastlane an insight into his ambitions for the role. As Pall-Ex network director for seven years and group sales director for three, I bring a strong commercial focus to my new role, which will drive positive progress and quality throughout our entire Pall-Ex Group operation. I have commenced an extensive and ongoing schedule of meetings, which will see me visiting each of Pall-Ex’s existing Principal National Partners as well as potential players in our European expansion strategy. Initially I will focus my attention on developing a first-hand understanding of our European

partners’ businesses, visiting a number of their members to gain a thorough understanding of every region’s particular strengths and challenges. The outcome will be to build productive relationships, ensuring a strong focus on compliance, the very highest levels of service, and increased brand awareness. We will maximise the cost-effectiveness and opportunities created by our Pall-Ex hub-and-spoke model to enhance interpartner trading. There will be an element of trouble-shooting within my role, and I will be committed to improving processes and promoting best practice to further establish PallEx as the European and international market leader. Driving sales is a key objective. It’s imperative that our Partners are identifying and targeting the best business opportunities, which will lead to quality domestic and international business development throughout our networks.

The outcome will be to build productive relationships.

Looking beyond our existing business, I will support the expansion of PallEx’s growing pan-European network, setting business in motion and developing Pall-Ex’s international distribution solution.

Pall-Ex celebrates the best of British citizenship Pall-Ex joined the British Citizen Awards for its inaugural awards ceremony, celebrating the contribution of people whose efforts make a difference to communities throughout the UK.

The ceremony was compered by TV personality Michael Underwood, while medals were presented by Adrian Russell, Pall-Ex group deputy chairman. Other supporters of the event included Afghanistan war hero and double amputee Duncan Slater, actress Linda Robson, and Will Gore, deputy editor of the Independent’s i newspaper.

Twenty eight individuals were recognised with a British Citizen Award for their endeavours in areas including business, education and volunteering at a presentation ceremony hosted by Baroness Cox at the House of Lords in January.

Adrian Russell commented: “The British Citizen Awards presentation event was a truly inspirational occasion and I am thankful to have been able to represent Pall-Ex to take part in such a worthy initiative. “Like Pall-Ex’s freight distribution network, the UK is made up of

Top left: Baroness Cox and Adrian Russell with Rick Wilson, acknowledged for his contribution to healthcare after his volunteer campaign motivated thousands of people to take up running.

communities which are shaped by individuals doing great things, often behind the scenes of everyday life. It is important to celebrate the commendable endeavours of those who make a difference.”

Next Fastlane: Summer 2015 News & feedback: Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Executive E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079

Trucklink.eu assists jobseeker thanks to Pall-Ex business growth Trucklink.EU (D114), which provides network services throughout Northamptonshire, has funded training and provided employment for a father-of-five.

Nigel Todd explained: “We jumped at the chance to offer a helping hand to a local person. Anthony is proving to be a valuable asset to the company at a crucial time in Trucklink’s development. Pall-Ex membership has seen our pallet volumes double in less than one year, creating employment opportunities within our company. I couldn’t be happier with this very positive situation.”

Ashby de la Zouch-based Trucklink has reported a 50 per cent rise in pallet distribution volumes since joining PallEx in April 2014. In response to this growth, its directors invested in a scheme designed to help new talent enter into the sector.

Kevin Buchanan, group managing director at Pall-Ex, added: “Thanks to our strong, efficient and economic business model, Pall-Ex and its members and partners have enjoyed growth during the recession years. Membership of our quality-driven network offers excellent benefits and opportunities for proactive companies such as Trucklink who, in turn, are able to make a real difference to their local economies.”

The Department for Work and Pensions Driver Development Programme, aimed at easing unemployment while tackling the UK’s qualified driver shortage, saw Trucklink welcoming Anthony Smith into the workplace; funding his Category C license training before offering a full-time contract.

Anthony’s training was delivered by Leicester’s Data Academy Ltd, a commercial license training provider, in partnership with Leicester-based qualifications and engagement specialist Train Together.

Now firmly settled into his role, Anthony commented: “I was thrilled and proud to join the team at Trucklink, having wanted to be a lorry driver since childhood. But, due to the high cost of the license, I never imagined I would have the chance to train and secure a job in the sector. This has made a real positive difference to myself and my family.”

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FASTLANE SPRING 2015

D A Clayton Transport A family tradition of fleet investment

D A Clayton Transport grows to meet demand for Pall-Ex’s UK and European services D A Clayton Transport (D14) is awaiting delivery of six new vehicles, having increased its fleet to accommodate growing business generated through membership of Pall-Ex’s UK and European network. Four Renault 380 Euro 6 T Cab trucks will supplement the depot’s Pall-Ex liveried, 26 tonne rigid collection and delivery fleet; while two further 44 tonne 460 Euro 6 T Cab tractor units will take to the road in May, increasing Bicester-based Clayton’s fleet to 15 trucks. D A Clayton Transport has grown steadily since becoming a Pall-Ex member six years ago, and covers the OX postcode range, as well as parts of NN, on behalf of the network. In 2011 the company invested in a second Bicester site, resulting in a total of 20,000 square feet of warehousing; including storage as well as container and trailer docking bays for increased operational efficiency. Managing director Terry Reynolds explained: “D A Clayton’s Pall-Ex operation has really gained momentum, growing from around 40 per cent of our business four years ago to nearly 70 per cent today. “Being a part of the Pall-Ex network has created many new opportunities, with business growth and diversification occurring as a natural outcome of our membership. Pall-Ex’s European offering in particular has allowed us to win new accounts and gain additional business from existing customers, who find the service both cost-effective and reliable.”

“We have been trading for 44 years as a family-owned and operated business. Our success has always been based upon trust and quality service innovation, developing our staff and growing our business in a sustainable and responsible manner. PallEx has proved to be an ideal partner for D A Clayton Transport, and we are proud to be a part of the brand.” Pall-Ex Group managing director Kevin Buchanan commented: “Loyal and ambitious members such as D A Clayton Transport, who take full advantage of the many benefits on offer throughout our network, are the power behind Pall-Ex, and I’m delighted by their success, which leads to further opportunities for members and customers of our quality partnership.”

Promoting talent Paul Davies, employed by D A Clayton Transport Ltd for more than ten years, has taken on the new role of business development manager. Paul, who has occupied various driving as well as transport planning roles during his decade at Claytons, was mentored and promoted in preparation for the retirement of long-serving sales manager Stuart Adams. Paul told Fastlane: “I was delighted to be offered my new role. I’ve always enjoyed working within transport and taken an interest in the industry. My first job was map-reading as a driver’s mate, and I soon learned that doing business with a positive attitude could be fun. “I was there from the start when Claytons joined Pall-Ex. We were looking to increase our collections in the area, so I incorporated relationship building and sales into my role as a delivery driver. I saw

this as a challenge, while it helped me to learn about customers’ requirements as well as the pallet network model. “Understanding our customers is central to my role, and a thorough understanding of the Pall-Ex network is crucial, too. There can be lots to balance. Without our network and service-users we wouldn’t have a business, so good relationships and communication are essential. The team here at the depot, as well as our network colleagues and Pall-Ex’s support team, are fantastic. “There’s no better reward than overseeing a new customer’s freight on its smooth journey through the network. I can’t claim to miss my freezing cold, wet, 5am collection and delivery rounds, but I do stay in touch with the dispatch and goods-in teams I met over the years. “Ten years is a long time to remain with a company, but D A Clayton Transport has always given me a supportive and exciting environment in which to challenge myself.” D A Clayton Transport Ltd managing director Terry Reynolds commented: “Paul has shown great dedication to the company as well as a strong commitment to his own personal development. Like the rest of our team, he is motivated to deliver the very best service to our customers and Pall-Ex network partners. I was delighted to be able to offer Paul his new role and look forward to supporting his further progress.”

Terry Reynolds (left) with Paul Davies

MEMBER NEWS

New app from Pall-Ex keeps everybody’s business on track! Pall-Ex has launched Trace Now, a complete mobile proof of delivery (POD) solution for Android smartphones, designed to deliver even more flexibility and value for the network’s members and service-users. Trace Now is available as a free download from the Google Play store, and is compatible with all mobile phone networks. Its capabilities include onscreen signature-capture, while consignment barcodes can be scanned and registered using inphone cameras. Drop-down menus make status reporting incredibly simple, while notes and images can be added at the click of a button. In areas of poor cellular coverage, Trace Now captures timed POD reports, uploading them as soon as mobile network signal becomes available. Trace Now is ideal for use across entire fleets. With no specialist devices and minimal set up support required, the user-friendly system is perfect for new and agency drivers.

Since 2014, real-time POD reporting has been mandatory throughout Pall-Ex’s UK network. This results in live delivery confirmation, meaning that members and service-users can instantly access POD data through Pall-Ex’s proactive range of tracking solutions. Group IT director, Sean SherwinSmith, commented: “It is no longer enough just to deliver on time. Live POD is crucial to an optimised customer service offering and, thanks to the commitment of our members, the Pall-Ex network consistently achieves market-leading POD compliance levels which give our network a competitive edge. “We are constantly developing a flexible range of user-friendly and cost-efficient solutions which benefit everybody’s businesses while looking to the future. Trace Now offers a complete, all-in-one solution for today’s market, but also has built-in functionality which will allow Pall-Ex to adapt and develop the app in response to future requirements.” For more information, contact Pall-Ex’s IT department: itdepartment@pallex.co.uk 01530 239007

How well do you know your cash-flow? As part of our new series of expert guest columns, Barbara Morton, owner of Nobot Accounting, shares her advice on managing your cash-flow in the freight industry. Recent news reports tell us that, after recent growth, the UK has now surpassed the 2008 pre-recession peak, which is great news! Small businesses around the UK breathed a sigh of relief as the news was announced. But don’t take this news as a reason to take your eye off your cash-flow. Nobody enjoys the seemingly constant phone calls and emails to various accounts payable departments to get those overdue invoices settled, but it’s as vital to keep doing this now as it’s ever been. All too often, business owners and entrepreneurs come to me for help, as they’ve been told, months after the end of their accounting year, that they have a huge tax bill, but have no idea where they will find the cash to pay it. Do you sit back, once a week or once a month, and take stock of who owes you money and who you owe it to? I’m talking about everyone you might owe money to – not just the day-to-day suppliers who show up on your creditors list. Do you know how much you owe to HMRC for PAYE or VAT; or what your next corporation tax bill will be? Even if your next corporation tax bill is a year away, you still need to know how much you owe today. Otherwise you risk taking that £20,000 ‘cash surplus’ in your bank account as a dividend and spending it, only to find out in six months’ time that you should have put it away in a savings account to contribute towards your £25,000 corporation tax bill. If your bank balance is the heart of your business, then your cash-flow is the blood that runs through it and keeps it pumping. For help with your cash-flow and forecasting for corporation tax bills, contact Barbara Morton at Nobot Accounting (Barbara@nobot.co.uk), mentioning this article for a no-cost initial consultation.

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FASTLANE SPRING 2015

MEMBER NEWS

Pall-Ex partnership pays off for A.D.D Express Elland-based A.D.D. Express (D73) has expanded its fleet, warehousing and staff after a record-breaking year with the Pall-Ex network. Business growth of 20 per cent in 2014 enabled directors to invest in a new 30,000 square foot transport facility while converting the depot’s existing, adjacent premises into a fully-racked, 80,000 square foot warehouse. This development has facilitated A.D.D’s transition to a full 24-hour operation and created four new roles for overnight warehouse operatives, increasing the depot’s staff to 45 employees.

A.D.D. Express managing director, Dave Fairbrother, commented: “Pall-Ex membership is key to our success and constitutes approximately 95 per cent of our business. “Pall-Ex membership enhances our operational capabilities and efficiency, giving us access to the network’s resources throughout the UK and Europe. “This is an exciting time to be part of the Pall-Ex community and we are looking ahead to further growth.” Part of the company’s £1million investment and rapid expansion strategy has involved purchasing five single and double-decked trailers, two of which are equipped with Moffett capability, pushing its fleet total to 30 vehicles.

Dave added: “We are delighted to be able to create new jobs, boosting the economy both locally and nationally. The new storage facility is already reaching full capacity, leading the management team to review the possibility of further strategic storage acquisitions.” A.D.D. Express has been a Pall-Ex member since the network’s inception in 1996. Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex group managing director, added: “Since taking up the reins at Pall-Ex, I’ve been delighted with the passion and drive among our network members. Our focus upon quality, high standards, and cost-effective services delivers benefits for all our customers and stakeholders, leading to achievements such as those at A.D.D. Express.”

Expansion for Pall-Ex South West Pall-Ex South West (D10) has more than doubled its premises and invested in six new doubledeck trailers to accommodate growing Pall-Ex network business. Its new four acre-site adjoins the depot’s existing premises in Willand, where Pall-Ex network freight distribution constitutes around 90 per cent of the company’s familyrun business. Managing director Roger Tancock acknowledged the challenges of providing logistics services from Pall-Ex South West’s location, four hours from Pall-Ex’s central hub, explaining:

“The majority of our work involves delivering commodities into the South West of England. Our location poses unique logistical challenges; but our business is thriving. We service a diverse range of cottage industry customers, who produce and dispatch everything from bespoke items to ambient goods. We operate within a competitive, price-driven market and have to be at the top of our game. Pall-Ex membership is integral to our quality solution. “High standards, service excellence and consistency are crucial to our reputation. Our 25 vehicles are Pall-Ex branded and spotlessly clean; our team of 40 is helpful and knowledgeable. We build strong relationships with our customers, delivering the highest levels of customer service, and run an ultra-efficient operation.

“Of course we offer competitive rates; but we really stand out in terms of quality, and this is where the Pall-Ex partnership comes into play. We win and maintain accounts by providing an impeccable service which is backed by the support of our Pall-Ex network partners. “We rely on our network partners to deliver consistent quality throughout the UK, and increasingly throughout Europe. For us, it’s a winning formula. Pall-Ex has a bright future ahead and we’re glad to play our part in that.”

Next Fastlane: Summer 2015 News & feedback: Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Executive E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079

Milestone anniversary for Taylors Transport International

Pall-Ex is celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of its growing members, which has moved to new premises to meet increasing demand for local, domestic and international freight distribution services.

“My father started out with a van delivering newspapers to local shops. We’ve come a long way since. The company now turns over £20m and employs more than 300 staff. We’ve endured several recessions but still manage to continuously build great relationships with our customers and suppliers. Long may it continue.”

Taylors Transport International (D35) of Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, has moved from its former two acre premises to a new three acre site at Export Drive, as it marks four decades in business and 10 years of international haulage.

Alan’s father Barry started the company in 1974, undertaking deliveries with an Austin Morris BMC truck. Forty years later it has 200 trucks and 300 trailers, transporting goods and materials between destinations throughout the UK and across the globe.

The move is thanks to Taylors experiencing significant growth since becoming a member of Pall-Ex in 2013. The firm currently turns over £600,000 annually through its membership of the network, which provides the haulier with contracts in the UK and abroad. To mark its 10th anniversary of service across Europe, Taylors has purchased a fleet of 14 new Volvo trucks in the company’s red and white livery, along with a specially designed one-off Volvo FH4 6x2 PAsuper in jet black, to celebrate four decades on the road. Managing director Alan Taylor said: “It’s rewarding for everyone involved in our team to be able to mark this special milestone with a move to bigger and better facilities. The new premises and fleet enable us to operate more efficiently and improve our service to our Pall-Ex partners as well as our service-users.

Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex group managing director, said: “Taylors is a shining example of what can be achieved by working hard to ensure a consistently high quality of service for customers. Its integrity makes it an ideal match for Pall-Ex, and we look forward to celebrating future milestones in partnership with Taylors.”

IT UPDATE

Sean Sherwin-Smith, Group IT director at Pall-Ex, delivers the latest updates from Pall-Ex’s IT team.

Upgrades and innovation The recent Pall-Ex group board restructure has brought about great potential for reinvigoration which will deliver strength, benefits and value throughout every corner of the business. IT plays a crucial role in Pall-Ex’s UK and panEuropean operations, enabling the countless synergies that fuel Pall-Ex’s success; while TWINE, our core operational application, operates at the centre of our Pall-Ex network.

TWINE V3 Pall-Ex’s IT department has commenced a full systems review and, acting upon member feedback, is now creating TWINE V3. Our target is clear: to enhance userexperience, developing performance and capabilities that will benefit the network’s members and service-users. TWINE V3 will include simplified navigation, enhanced tracking capabilities and functional innovation. The look and feel of the system will be modernised and several layout adjustments will result in a sleeker interface. Overall, users will find the system faster and more convenient.

Standard operating procedure One is the implementation of a standard operating procedure for new members. Pall-Ex is committed to recruiting and supporting quality members, and their seamless integration into the network is of key importance. We will add a TWINE wizard function, aimed at guiding new members on a beginners’ journey through TWINE, it will also help them understand the many benefits of the system as well as its ability to support their business growth both inside and outside the network.

Freight presentation programme Second is the introduction of a collaborative freight presentation programme. This refers to several interlinking projects, all centred around scanning pallets to specific trunk vehicles and all with the aim of increasing consignment visibility. A revised pallet label

will further support operational efficiency, prioritising freight destined for those depots with further to travel, while the introduction of long-range scanners will improve compliance. This will drive positive behavioural change across the network, complementing the achievements already brought about by our quality assurance team. The result of this programme will be to improve efficiency, which will inject extra time into the network, allowing further service innovation for all of our customers. As usual, if you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Pall-Ex IT team. itdepartment@pallex.co.uk 01530 239007

In parallel with this revamp, we are working on two further initiatives which will deliver beneficial results throughout the network.

Next Fastlane: Summer 2015 News & feedback: Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Executive E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079

EUROPEAN UPDATE

Five easy steps to booking one-stop international distribution! With Pall-Ex UK network exports growing at an average of 15 per cent year on year, the network’s Pall-Ex Connect service provides a complete range of seamless, streamlined European and international services, and is robust and flexible enough to meet the needs of members and customers in a growing global market. Connect Europe features regular departures from each of Pall-Ex’s national hubs, providing cost-effective transportation of palletised consignments throughout the continent. Connect World, meanwhile, is a bespoke solution to transporting consignments, either by air or sea, to destinations around the globe. The simplicity of the service means that just one booking process is required, making it just as easy for members and customers to book and manage transportation across the entire continent as it is for their freight consignments to travel between two UK cities. Pall-Ex provides a quick-quote tool and five step guide to assist its UK members in obtaining rates and booking consignments destined for any European destination. The simple process is as follows:

STEP

Members can obtain an indicative price, using the quick-quote tool located within Epicentre.

Members contact Pall-Ex’s international service team, who provide a formal quotation and unique Pall-Ex Connect reference number by email. Members next confirm their bookings with the international service team, by phone or by email.

The team books distribution for members’ consignments, generating a confirmation email for every booking.

Members finally enter their consignments into TWINE, Pall-Ex’s cloud-based logistics management platform.

Anand Assi, Pall-Ex Group’s project director, commented, “Simplicity and user-friendliness are key to our Pall-Ex services. In-house systems have allowed Pall-Ex to make the most of cross-border technology; creating efficient, reliable, convenient, and above all, cost-effective solutions for domestic, continental and global freight distribution. “The more our Pall-Ex Connect service is utilised throughout Pall-Ex’s growing UK and European network, the more costeffective it becomes: much to the benefit of our members and service-users.” For bespoke distribution throughout the rest of the world, for all over-sized consignments, and for assistance with any queries, members are advised to contact the Pall-Ex international service team helpdesk directly. To contact Pall-Ex’s international service team, email connect@pallex.com or call 01530 239069

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NNECT FASTLANE SPRING 2015

EUROPEAN UPDATE European logistics presents challenges as well as opportunities for businesses operating across the continent. Group deputy chairman Adrian Russell discusses the future for Pall-Ex’s growing pan-European network. In spite of the economic challenges faced by mainland Europe, and uncertainties concerning the future nature of the Eurozone, the continent presents significant development opportunities for businesses such as our own.

Pall-Ex Group aims for European commercial growth

Consistent cost-pressures on increasingly global supply chains will continue to encourage manufacturers and distributors alike to explore the cost-effective service model being developed by Pall-Ex on a panEuropean basis. There is potential for significant growth across all of our existing European networks. This presents opportunities for our business here in the UK, where freight destined for locations throughout the EU makes up 50 per cent of our total export value; and inbound freight travelling from within the EU accounts for 51 per cent of our total import value.

Pall-Ex Romania builds on excellence Pall-Ex Romania now provides network-wide, real-time mobile electronic proof of delivery (EPOD), bringing the Pall-Ex partner closer to its goal of complete sign-on-glass visibility. “We are going from strength to strength, driving technological innovation within our sector,” commented Claudiu Hila, managing director of Pall-Ex Romania. “Our members now submit live proof of delivery (POD) from mobile devices. Delivery confirmation is instantly visible, leading to greater convenience, increased productivity and reduced administration for all of our Pall-Ex service-users.”

Founded in December 2011, Pall-Ex Romania was the first palletised freight distribution network in Eastern Europe, and last year launched a 4,000 square metre southern hub in Bucharest to complement its Sibiu headquarters. Claudiu added: “Participation in Pall-Ex’s expanding network means that we can share expertise and develop the very best practices. “Sharing strategies, knowledge and ideas within our network leads to innovative new procedures and services; ultimately developing the best services and generating sustainable growth for all of our Pall-Ex members and Partners.”

In spite of occasional ‘eccentric’ bureaucratic initiatives visited upon the industry by Brussels, the relative legislative harmony provided by the EU results in a stable platform for Pall-Ex’s growth across the continent. We must be extremely mindful of the shifting political complexion of various European administrations, resulting from a groundswell of anti-austerity sentiment; but Europe, particularly those countries in the east of the continent, should provide a substantial increase in road transport volumes throughout the coming years. Although forecasting European logistics trends continues to be an imprecise science, I believe that the prognosis is positive. GDP, energy prices and the globalisation of trade continue to constitute the major determinants of our economic wellbeing, and all three elements are currently assisting growth rather than inhibiting it. Pall-Ex’s pan-European expansion and service strategy continue to gain momentum. Every Pall-Ex member is empowered with solutions to take advantage of increasingly evident European business development opportunities, and together, we will continue to succeed.

New members for Pall-Ex Italia Pall-Ex Italia is expanding in line with its growth strategy and has welcomed a number of leading hauliers into its expanding membership. The network’s 70 members now include Italmaremma, located in Grosseto, in the central region of Tuscany, along with Bologna-based Elleci Service, originally founded as the logistics division of a textiles group. Codogni’s San Rocco Transporti and Nerviano’s Medialologistica both specialise in transporting dangerous and hazardous goods, while MC Logistica is based in Osnago, in the Lombardy province of Lecco, and Wonder Logistic Integrated is based in San Giuliano.

Next Fastlane: Summer 2015 News & feedback: Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Executive E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079

15 Italian update Fastlane caught up with Giovanni Pallastrelli - network and sales manager for Pall-Ex Italia. Are there signs of recovery in the Italian freight market or the wider economy? The market isn’t breathing the air of recovery just yet. We’ve seen decreased prices and price wars in the logistics sector. It’s a delicate situation, but Prime Minister Renzi’s recently-passed Jobs Act should have a positive impact and give the economy new drive. We expect to see tangible benefits in the second half of the year, and are committed to quality network services which offer great value. Northern Italy once dominated Italy’s European import and export market. Is there still a strong north-south divide? Northern Italy, having a high concentration of industrial areas, is the ‘engine’ of the economy and therefore the primary exporting force. However, the centre and south have great potential due to their wine, foods, regional and handcrafted produce.

How is Pall-Ex Italia’s Kilometro Solidale initiative progressing? Our members, clients and associates give their time to support disadvantaged people throughout Italy. The network looks at the ways it can help by collecting and donating commodities and providing transport services to help people in need. Kilometro Solidale doesn’t stop. We provide necessities like stationery for children in education, and distributed more than 2,000kg of food, toys, and staples during the Christmas period. It’s a great scheme, benefitting many people.

Pall-Ex France targets domestic and international partnership Pall-Ex France continues to strengthen its network, recruiting additional regional managers and welcoming new members in support of its drive to increase its growing portfolio of corporate accounts. Pall-Ex France’s latest members include Parisian haulier Solutions Transport, as well as Albi-based Transport Rivals, which now provides network services throughout central and southern France. Transports Liotier is located near Lyon and serves the south east region; Beaunes Transports covers north eastern France

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and is based near Besanҫon, while Diguet Clemont, with its headquarters located between Tours and Nantes, provides services throughout the north-west. Christophe Poupart, managing director at Pall-Ex France explained: “I am delighted with the progress of our growing network. Our members are encouraged to work with international businesses as well as regional clients. The Pall-Ex network provides a reliable solution for costeffective domestic and continental freight distribution. Our operational model appeals to both hauliers and customers, and we are keen to support and promote these partnerships.”

Twenty five per cent growth for Pall-Ex Iberia Pall-Ex Iberia has welcomed new members and reinvigorated its management in order to complement the network’s growing domestic and international freight volumes. SDLOG Madrid is one of the newest additions to Pall-Ex Iberia’s network, becoming the latest in a trio of members offering services throughout the Spanish capital, while Galiport Vigo has come on board to strengthen the network’s already well-established presence in Pontevedra. Leo T Pallet has commenced network services in Albacete and Cuenca, while Transnatur has signed up to cover the province of Guipuzcoa and Caliche has taken up responsibility for network operations in the north-eastern port city of Tarragona. Pall-Ex Iberia has made strategic appointments to assist in supporting the network’s 25 per cent growth, including Gerardo Hermida, sales and business development area manager for the northeast region, and Ivon Vignola, who now heads up Pall-Ex Iberia’s IT management team. “These are positive times for the network,” commented Sergi Tomas, commercıal and business development manager for Pall-Ex Iberia. “It is encouraging to see our success mirrored throughout the Pall-Ex Group.”

Representatives from every corner of Pall-Ex Iberia’s growing network are pictured at its 2015 annual members’ convention in Barcelona.

FASTLANE SPRING 2015

Direction

Emailed to depot principals and TWINE operatives every Friday, Direction keeps our Pall-Ex network up to date with the latest developments and ensures the very best network service levels.

Pall-Ex’s weekly noticeboard Direction is a pin-board for Pall-Ex’s UK network memos and messages.

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o rmation or t fo in e r o m r Fo ct marketing a t n o c , e t u contrib Edwards: ie g r o e G t n a assist llex.co.uk a p @ s d r a w g.ed 65 01530 2390