2023 Winners
The winners of the 2023 Motor Transport Awards were announced on 6 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Safety in Operation Award
Partnered by TVS Interfleet
WINNER: CLEAN Linen and Workwear
The CLEAN Linen & Workwear team, led by head of transport Peter Cox (holding trophy, left), collect their award from TVS Interfleet commercial director Phil Ashton (holding trophy, right)
CLEAN Linen & Workwear’s
winning entry focused on a
“radical change” to its health
and safety processes to
address a number of issues
including the fact that its
vehicle collision rates were
not falling fast enough, it did
not have enough trained staff
to investigate incidents and
there was lack of consistency
across its sites.
ROSPA Fleet Safety Gold
award winners, Earned
Recognition member and
Royal Warrant holder,
CLEAN Linen & Workwear’s
975 employees operate
100 HGVs across seven
sites serving 5,500 clients
in the hotel, restaurant,
automotive, engineering,
and pharmaceutical
sectors. It is one of the
UK’s leading independent
laundry companies providing
professional linen and work
wear rental services.
The company reviewed its
incident investigation process
to identify the root cause of all
collisions and near misses.
This enabled it to have a clear
vision on how collaboration
with key stakeholders should
take place and revealed areas
for improvement and training.
After a review CLEAN
decided to outsource collision
investigation to Road Safety
Smart, which interviewed
drivers at the end of their
shifts and produced an
incident report within seven
days.
All vehicle collisions and
incidents are now monitored
centrally, with monthly
reviews of trends across the
different sites. This allowed
the pro-active introduction
of targeted training that
addresses particular issues.
“By having a fully
independent companywide
investigation process we are
not only further reducing
road related risk, but we
have found this to have a
significant benefit in providing
a heightened duty of care
and wellbeing towards our
drivers,” the submission said.
Judges said: “An excellent
submission meeting all
criteria. It followed a very
structured approach,
demonstrating results with
benefits to the company and
employees.
“Great to see the
engagement with drivers
to ensure their wellbeing is
taken into consideration.
“This company has gone to
a third-party for assistance
in reducing collisions and
accidents and has run with it.”
Operational Excellence Award
Partnered by Palletforce
WINNER: Abbey Logistics Group
The Abbey Logistics team, led by head of liquid operations Peter Cunningham (holding trophy, right), collect their award from Palletforce chief operating officer Mark Tapper (far right)
Abbey Logistics is a leading
service provider and one of
the UK’s most recognised
and respected road tanker
transport brands.
Operating throughout the
UK and Europe, it provides
road tanker haulage and
logistics services to bulk
liquid and powder customers
and boasts a growing
reputation in the plastics
and polymers, minerals,
animal feed, construction and
warehousing sectors.
Approximately 65% of
the bulk food delivered in
the UK is delivered by the
Abbey operations team,
demonstrating its central role
in the smooth running of the
nation’s economy.
Products include fats, oils,
glucose, sugar, flour, salt,
chocolate, water and other
beverages.
Abbey insists its operations
department is fundamental to
the success of the business
and its customers.
The company consistently
goes above and beyond the
call of duty to ensure that
products and services are
delivered on time and to the
required quality to satisfy
customers.
Abbey’s team of
professionals navigated
the challenges associated
with the distribution of bulk
products, came up with
ingenious solutions, created
opportunities, and improved
overall performance.
The company has managed
to adapt and successfully
navigate the market
challenges, provide flexible,
reliable services and peak
volume capacity, identify cost
reduction and cost control,
and most importantly,
become a resilient supply
chain partner. It manages
adverse events and lets
customers concentrate on
production and sales without
constrain while focusing
on efficient and continuous
improvement reporting.
Judges said: “This
was a slick and relevant
presentation.
“Abbey has an excellent
compliance record, delivered
98% on time and in full, and
understands and excels in a
complex sector.”
Livery of the Year
Partnered by Tiger Trailers
WINNER: Pall-Ex Group
The Pall-Ex Group team led by chief executive Kevin Buchanan (second left) collect their award from Tiger Trailers corporate social responsibility manager Alison Cartwright
Supporting current and
ex-armed forces personnel
is a key objective for Pall-
Ex Group, demonstrated
by receiving the Employer
Recognition Scheme (ERS)
Gold Award from the Ministry
of Defence in 2022.
It is also a long-term
partner with Combat Stress,
the UK’s leading charity for
veterans’ mental health
Pall-Ex was proud of its
ERS achievement, becoming
the first pallet network and
one of just 18 logistics and
transport companies in the
UK to hold the accolade.
To shout about this success
and demonstrate its ongoing
commitment to the armed
foces community, Pall-Ex
decided to use “mobile
billboards” to create a
commemorative livery.
The livery would highlight
the pallet network’s
association with the Armed
Forces Covenant to any
veterans, reservists or
cadets, further strengthening
its dedication to achieving
excellence through the ‘forces
friendly’ policies on offer.
An impactful camouflage
design was agreed,
incorporating both the
Pall-Ex branding and the
Armed Forces Covenant logo.
A complementary design
including the Fortec (part of
the Pall-Ex Group) colours
was also created.
The Pall-Ex livery, aptly
named Poppy, was revealed
at a special ceremony at the
Reserve Forces and Cadet
Association (RFCA) awards
event which took place at the
National Memorial Arboretum
ahead of Remembrance
Sunday.
Pall-Ex is working with
its shareholder members
and owned operations
with an ambition to help
them all achieve ERS Gold
accreditation. Once achieved,
a bespoke camouflage livery
will be created to incorporate
their own brand colours.
This special livery will bring
benefits to the Pall-Ex Group,
its members and the wider
community by encouraging
ex-military personnel to join,
especially from the logistics
regiments, bringing in skilled
workers.
Judges said: “A very
impressive livery, with the
camouflage design lending
itself well to the different
colours of individual Pall-ex
members’ brands. The armed
forces link conveys values of
trust, strength and reliability
back onto the Pall-ex brand.”
Best Use of Technology Award
Partnered by Hankook Tyre UK
WINNER: JM Clark
The JM Clark team, led by partner Joe Clark (holding trophy, right), collect their award from host Jack Dee and Hankook UK sales director Paul Emery (second right)
JM Clark’s AI-based route optimisation algorithms provide real-time visibility into operations, enabling the company to make better decisions. The AIOne solution, created in partnership with Omnia Smart Technologies, has allowed the firm to dramatically reduce the amount of time spent on route planning from five hours to just 30 minutes per day. But AIOne is more than a fancy new route planner; JM Clark implemented the technology because of its integrated nature – it includes a comprehensive planning and scheduling tool, driver app, electronic proof of delivery, and seamlessly handles job and customer management.
The judges were impressed by the significant improvement the system had already made to invoicing turnaround time, improving JM Clark’s cashflow by speeding up invoicing from three weeks to just one day. AIOne has also improved paper-based processes, leading to an increase in overall operational efficiency. The platform's cost-effectiveness has helped improve the company’s bottom line and reduce the environmental impact of the business. The juding panel praised AIOne as a “solution that embraces technology”, saying that it “delivers really clear benefits in terms of improved processing times”. One judge also commented on the benefits of using “tailor-made technology to overcome problems, reduce costs, and step away from a more manual processes”. JM Clark now has full visibility and control of live and historic data. By drawing on Omnia's expertise and track record of delivering innovative and effective logistics solutions that drive tangible business value, AIOne has enabled the business to achieve measurable targets, streamline its operations, and generate real business value. “For software to have such an impact on a business is a rare thing in this modern age,” said our judges. “JM Clark and its supplier have taken the best of what is on offer and transformed operations as a result.”
Home Delivery Operator of the Year
Partnered by Palletways
WINNER: DPD UK
CEO Elaine Kerr (holding trophy) and the DPD UK team collect their award from Palletways UK managing director Rob Gittins (holding trophy)
Parcel giant DPD UK
continues to go from strength
to strength as it grows its
customers and increases its
reputation as the benchmark
in home delivery.
Its network has seen
significant increases, with
new customer acquisitions
and renewals from household
name customers leading to an
increase in delivery volumes.
Customer satisfaction
continues to improve and so
does loyalty with 70% of its
top 100 customers having
now been with DPD UK for
more than five years. Several
high-profile customers have
also renewed contracts for up
to five years and the company
has seen a significant growth
in new business.
The introduction of its
Pinnacle service in May
2022 has seen extended
sortation at DPD UK’s
Hinckley Hub enabling its
biggest customers to take
advantage later ordering
times – some customers now
have until as late as midnight
to guaranteed a next-day
delivery, rather than 9pm or
10pm as had previously been
the case.
Since launching Pinnacle,
DPD UK has already shipped
an extra 9 million parcels, a
figure that is expect to double
by the end of the year.
A world-class Net
Promoter Score of 76, as well
as a commitment to improve
upon TNTs (tiny noticeable
things) has seen DPD UK
improve many facets of the
business, from hub sortation
to improving first-time
delivery rates with a new
pinpoint address function.
Innovations to the shipper
and shopper experience has
included the introduction of
zero emission home delivery
robots to the fleet in Milton
Keynes with 1,500 successful
deliveries in a six-month
trial. There’s also been
improvements to health and
safety, focused on training
1,500 managers in mental
health awareness to create a
culture where DPD UK people
feel safe to talk about their
emotional wellbeing.
The judges welcomed DPD
UK's innovations and were
impressed by its long-term
vision in coping with rising
volumes and the greater
need for fleet efficiency.
“DPD is always raising the
bar in the sector,” they said.
“The number of initiatives
it launches and executes
succesfully is a blueprint for
innovation in any business.”
Fleet Truck of the Year
Partnered by Texaco
WINNER: Volvo FM
Volvo Trucks network sales director UK & Ireland Joe Roddy collects the trophy from Texaco B2B & OEM sales manager Daniela Patrizi
The Volvo FM has been
around for 25 years in
various incarnations and is
now looking to the future
with alternative drivelines
including LNG, battery
electric and hydrogen.
Today the FM and FMX
ranges represent 30% of
Volvo’s UK sales and with a
wide range of engine and cab
options is the OEM’s most
flexible vehicle. Engines
range from 330hp 11-litre to
500hp 13-litre diesels, plus
420hp to 500hp LNG versions.
There are three interior
trim levels and six cab
designs available with the
top of the range Globetrotter
the most popular among UK
buyers.
The cab interior has been
improved after feedback from
drivers with easier access, a
new digital dash display and
50% more storage space.
The FM comes with a
wide range of passive and
active driver assist systems,
including a left corner
camera, and the FM can
achieve three stars under
London’s DVS.
Volvo is already compliant
with the General Safety
Regulations 2 coming in
2024 and has just launched
a built-in side detection
system to warn the driver of
objects down both sides of the
vehicle.
When it comes to
productivity, reliability and
fuel efficiency the FM has
proved hard to beat. The
FM13 with a lightweight
pusher axle weighs in at just
7.5 tonnes with 400 litres of
fuel, giving a payload capacity
of up to 36.5 tonnes.
Judges said: “What is a
fleet truck? If you are away
one or two nights then a
small cab is OK but if you’re
out all week you want a big
cab.
“We are looking for the one
vehicle that encompasses
all these operations and if
you have the FM with the
Globetrotter cab then that
is the nearest to filling both
options.
“I have never had a Volvo
that has done anything wrong.
“The Volvo Group gearbox
is still the best - no one has a
box that comes near it.”
Haulier of the Year
Partnered by MAN Truck and Bus UK
WINNER: Goldstar
The Goldstar team led by director Charlie Fulk (second left) collect their trophy from Tracey Perry, MAN Truck and Bus UK sales director for truck, bus & coach (far right)
Airfreight specialist Goldstar
impressed our judges with
its “clear, honest and factual
submission that ticks every
box”.
Goldstar was founded in
1998 and is celebrating its
25th anniversary this year.
During this time the business
has grown from a modest
courier service to become
one of the most prominent
operators in the commercial
airfreight transport sector.
It is led by three directors:
MD Katie Crozier, operations
director Kirsten Crook and
commercial director Charlie
Fulk.
Turnover has grown from
£21m in the year to March
2020 to a projected £35m
in the same period this
year, while pre-tax profits
increased from £1.2m to £3m.
The company operates from
Heathrow, Birmingham and
Manchester, with sites close
to each airport.
Its entry described the
devastating effect the
Covid-19 pandemic had on its
business: “On March 15 2020,
all flights to and from the US
were suspended. This was the
last in a number of countries
to stop international travel
in the fight against Covid.
Overnight the business was
brought to a halt.
“That date will remain
pivotal in the company’s
history. There were choices.
Either lay down and accept
the situation or fight for
survival. The company
elected the latter and the
management team galvanised
and had the tenacity to react
in adversity.”
Judges said: “An
outstanding example of
adaptability and resilience
over the last three years.
“This is a well-managed,
agile and robust business
with a clear customer focus.”
A report on the financial
strength of each entrant
prepared by Andrew Galliers,
director of accountants
Menzies, highlighted
Goldstar’s performance.
Galliers said: “Turnover
has grown 60% over the three
years of data provided, whilst
profit margins have held up
across that time.
“This has been done while
growing cash holdings to
£5.3m – up from £4.1m, so it
has been done not through
excessive or extravagant
investment in properties or
vehicles.
“For an owner-managed
business, these results are
highly creditable.”
New Talent Development Award
Partnered by EV Cargo
WINNER: DPD UK
DPD UK director of people and talent Sharon Hughes and the DPD UK team collect their trophy from EV Cargo CEO Andy Humpherson (second right)
DPD UK’s company strategy
places the highest emphasis
on recruiting and developing
customer-centric people who
can deliver optimum levels
of service to the UK’s leading
retailers.
The company strongly
believes that bringing new
blood into the industry helps
to future-proof the business
and has launched a broad
range of initiatives to develop
and retain new talent.
At the time of its entry, DPD
UK’s Warehouse to Wheels
(W2W) programme for
existing employees had taken
68 people from entry-level
warehouse operative roles
to better-paid, professional
roles as LGV drivers. A further
300 staff are enrolled on the
scheme for 2023.
The programme is open
to anyone who has passed
their probationary period,
has a clear DVLA check and
has support from their line
manager. All costs are covered
by DPD UK and include
training, three test attempts,
hotel accommodation plus
subsistence expenses.
The W2W programme is
supported by the company’s
LGV Apprenticeship scheme,
which aims to bring new
talent aged 18 to 50 into the
business.
Apprenticeships are also
offered across the wider
business, with roles available
in departments such as
finance, HR, legal, hub
operations and IT.
At the time of making
this entry, DPD UK had 249
apprentices studying for 33
different qualifications.
The business has also
developed 30 warehouse
operatives into supervisory and
middle management positions
across its five national
sortation hubs through its Hub
Development Programme.
DPD UK’s senior leadership
team places an emphasis
on attracting and retaining
enthusiastic, talented
graduates, with around 40
brought into the business
each year. More than 200
are already working in roles
across the network.
The parcel firm’s approach
has been praised by industry
qualification bodies and
higher education institutions.
Judges said: “Amazing to
see the results and that DPD
UK is bringing in new people
into the industry; the entry
demonstrates a clear people
strategy focused on both
the business and the wider
sector.”
Team of the Year
Partnered by Hiab
WINNER: Abbey Logistics Group
The Abbey team led by finance director Matthew Male (holding trophy) collects its award from John Carnell, vice president sales & services UK & Ireland, Hiab (far right)
Abbey's finance team has an
unusually broad remit with
extra responsibility for fleet,
compliance, IT and payroll.
It has been the engine in
driving continuous business
improvement over the past
four years and particularly the
past 12 months.
The tanker haulier has been
through a series of challenges
in recent times, including a
management buyout in 2016.
Within the space of six
months, Abbey had also won
its largest-ever customer in
British Sugar and acquired
its largest competitor, Armet
Logistics.
Unfortunately, the pace of
change was too quick and the
business struggled to integrate
the new management.
However, in 2019 the current
finance team was installed
and reporting processes
were significantly revised and
improved. This began the
journey towards generating
much better financial analysis,
reporting and control.
When a management
transition took place during
2022, with Steve Granite
moving from chief executive
to chairman and Dave Patten
becoming group MD, the
finance team was alert to
the short-term challenges in
trading volumes and supported
the shift in management.
The team has also
identified additional price
rises where margins were too
low, walked away from lossmaking
contracts and taken
cost and fleet out of specific
areas where required.
It helped soften the impact
of temporary issues such as
driver availability and fuel
price rises, improved cash and
working capital management
and supported commercial
growth with a cost tool to help
win new business.
The team has contributed
directly to EBITDA through
taking ownership of the
procurement process to
generate cost savings. A fuel
tendering exercise in 2022
reduced its suppliers to three
with a 2% saving in annual
costs. It has also made savings
through a tender for Adblue,
tyres, parts and energy and
improved IT processes by
bringing Abbey’s servers and
TMS software in house
Judges said: “Abbey has
demonstrated exceptional
teamwork and an investment
in young people.
“The finance team is at
the heart of the operation
and empowered to make
decisions.”
Training Award
Partnered by Lawrence David
WINNER: Explore Plant and Transport Solutions
The Explore Plant and Transport Solutions team led by managing director David Cox (centre) collects its trophy from Lawrence David commercial director Ben McEvoy (far right)
Explore Plant and Transport
Solutions' Operational
Training programme is a
progressive learning journey
developed to overcome the
impacts of the HGV driver
shortage.
It was set up with an
ambition to boost the number
of flatbed drivers in the
business.
The programme has
become established as a
core element in Explore's
recruitment strategy,
exceeding expectations as a
proven sustainable method of
onboarding new drivers.
It uses a three-step bronze,
silver and gold modular
approach to training to ensure
employees are competent and
confident in all aspects of the
role by completion.
By operating a skill level
assessment, mentors can
adapt the training and
approach to best suit the
individuals’ learning needs.
Gold standard must be
achieved in all units before
the trainee progresses from
the programme.
To ensure the quality of the
training meets high standards
(which are also audited by
third-parties), the company
employed an operational
training team headed up by
an operational driver training
manager.
It also created a team
of mentors selected from
experienced drivers within
Explore’s existing population,
further ensuring that the
standard of training mirror’s
the company’s processes
while also providing career
development opportunities
for the mentors.
It also set up an internal
Accredited Training Centre,
which is managed by an
in-house learning and
development team. Induction
and training courses are
developed and taught by
Explore’s training leaders
– who are on hand to offer
support when needed.
As operations continue to
expand during 2023, Explore
will develop the scheme and
launch it further across its
Mixer, Heavy Haulage and
Plant Hire divisions.
Judges said: “This was
a well-organised training
programme that achieved
what it set out to do with
an impressive range of
training materials and good
mentoring programme; the
route from bronze to gold
is aspirational for trainees;
entry showed targeted and
tangible results.”
Low Carbon Award
Partnered by Fraikin
WINNER: Speedy Asset Services
The Speedy team led by fleet director Aaron Powell (third right) collects its award from Fraikin CEO Peter Backhouse (far right)
Speedy has committed to
science-based targets to
meet net-zero emissions.
It also uses a carbon
consultancy Hydrock to audit
and support its journey to net
zero and has invested in an
ESG team of experts, with the
ESG director sitting within the
Speedy Hire executive board.
Speedy aims to help
contractors reduce their
own supply chain emissions
through zero-carbon
equipment delivery and
running its own heavy fleet on
HVO when delivering HVO to
customers.
Transforming its fleet with
low- and zero-carbon models
is a key focus and aligns with
an ambition of leading the
hire industry’s journey to
decarbonisation, including its
own property network, tools
and equipment.
It already operates a range
of electric vehicles nationally
including a 27-tonne HGV,
7.5-tonne trucks and 150 Ford
E-Transits. It has also ordered
a further 100 4.25-tonne
single-chassis cab E-Transits
and 50 3.5-tonne E-Transit
vans, which will be distributed
across its UK-wide network to
replace ICE vehicles.
In addition, Speedy has
reduced travel by company
car and grey fleet drivers,
which has cut costs by well
over 50% in recorded mileage
claims.
Speedy’s strategy is to
replace over 60% of all
commercials to fully EV by
2030 and remainder running
on HVO.
The business has also
explored and trialled the use
of sustainable river freight in
London. In collaboration with
Thames Clipper Logistics
and Cross River Partnership,
it initiated a four-week trial
moving goods from its Erith
distribution centre into
central London.
The boat runs on HVO,
with a fully electric boat set
to start work in Q4 2023.
Goods were delivered and
collected from the boat in
electric vehicles. As a result,
Speedy was able to remove
four vehicles from London’s
roads. It now plans to expand
this scheme and bring more
depots into the mix.
Judges said: “A very
strong entry with robust
measurement and reporting
with science-based targets;
significant investment in BEVs
made and grey fleet savings
achieved; successful trial of
waterborne freight with plans
to expand.”
Customer Care Award
Partnered by Pall-Ex Group
WINNER: Walkers Transport
The Walkers Transport team led by group MD Jason Scott (holding trophy) collect their award from Pall-Ex Group CEO Kevin Buchanan (fourth right)
Walkers Transport is a
leading UK 3PL providing
bespoke palletised transport,
storage and fulfilment
solutions to online retailers,
manufacturers and
wholesalers. With an annual
turnover of £50m, it operates
from four sites in Leeds,
Manchester and Lichfield
and is a key member of the
Palletways network, running
the Northern Superhub as
part of a joint venture.
In its winning entry, chief
operating officer Jason Scott
said: “It was imperative that
Walkers continued to deliver
superior service levels to its
customers during 2022, while
resisting macro-economic
challenges and navigating
resource shortages to ensure
its customers were shielded
from any impact.
“We hyper-focused on
retention of higher margin,
loyal and more profitable
customer accounts and let
go of lower margin work in
order to do so. This approach
allowed Walkers Transport to
position resources to protect
key accounts at times of
industry instability and embed
itself into their operation as
an indispensable, long-term
strategic partner.”
Walkers employs 17
full-time customer service
advisors who help deliver
service excellence to its
more than 330 national and
international customers, with
97.87% of deliveries made on
time, in full in 2022.
All customers are
presented with a customised
dashboard via the Walkers
Insight Portal serving
headline information by way
of live consignment data. This
offers complete transparency
and new levels of efficiency.
All data and performance
metrics are live, allowing the
customer to self serve and
access their data at any time.
Judges said: “A really
strong entry from a very
professional company
illustrating how customers
can monitor progress
through the portal, reviews
and account teams. Livery
for customers’ customers
as an example of delighting
the customer was also a nice
touch.
“Objectives and key results
are clearly demonstrated
operationally and against
delivery targets. Strong onboarding
process and the
three- and six-month reviews
provide good opportunities for
gathering and responding to
customer feedback.”
Innovation Award
Partnered by Goodyear
WINNER: Brigade Electronics
The Brigade Electronics team led by managing director Peter Squire (holding trophy) collects its award from Marc Preedy, Goodyear managing director truck replacement sales Europe (far right)
Brigade’s Radar Predict is
one of the most technically
sophisticated products in
the company’s portfolio and
will identify the behaviour
of the vehicle as well as the
vulnerable road user (VRU).
It has been developed as
a highly accurate collision
detection system using
artificial intelligence (AI)
to determine potential
collisions and warn the driver
with sufficient time for an
intervention.
As a predictive system that
minimises false alerts Radar
Predict can detect VRUs up
to 5m from the side of the
vehicle, 7m in front of the
vehicle and up to 30m to the
rear of the vehicle's cabin.
Turning manoeuvres
involving collisions between
trucks and cyclists, typically
occurring at lower driving
speeds, usually have serious
consequences for VRUs –
particularly cyclists.
In 2021, 111 cyclists were
killed in the UK, while 4,353
were reported to be seriously
injured and 11,994 slightly
injured.
Brigade is committed to
a continuous programme of
innovation to ensure VRUs
are protected and lives saved.
And never has this been more
evident than in this latest
product innovation.
A dual radar system, Radar
Predict is small – roughly the
size of a mobile phone – and
features an integrated central
processing unit, gyroscope
and GPS unit.
The AI system is able to
use its ‘intuition’ to assess
how VRUs and the vehicle
will move and work out if a
collision is likely.
Object detection data,
which includes speed,
direction, acceleration
and the turning rate of the
vehicle, is put through a
processor created by Brigade
technology partners to
calculate the point of collision
with VRUs alongside the
vehicle and warns the driver
of any risks through a visual
display teamed with audible
warnings.
Judges said: “This is a
great product and a solid
entry.
“Radar Predict has the
potential to greatly reduce all
risks around the vehicle.
“It provides more
confidence to drivers and
ensures legislation like DVS
is met.”
Business Excellence Award
Partnered by Hireco
WINNER: Miniclipper Logistics
The Miniclipper Logistics team collect their trophy from Hireco sales director Tim Gibson (far right)
Miniclipper Logistics is a flourishing 3PL offering tailored warehousing and distribution solutions for over 200 customers in central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Staffordshire. Starting as one man and a van back in 1971, the company has matured into a successful SME with almost 200 employees. It operates a 24-hour DC in Dunstable and six warehouses with over 500,000sq ft of racked storage space for palletised goods and fulfilment services. It has over 50 vehicles, ranging from 7.5-tonne rigids to double decker trailers for deliveries via its membership with Palletline, UPN and The Hazchem Network. The company now manages over 300,000 warehouse picks, handling over 375,000 pallets and delivering 200,000 pallets per annum. In 2019, Miniclipper’s directors set a new five-year goal to improve net profit margin by more than 7% year-on-year, yield a profit of over £1.5m (before tax) and successfully integrate the third generation of Miniclipper into the family business. The company achieved two out of three of these targets within a year, despite the challenges of Covid-19, Brexit and driver shortages. Two years later, Miniclipper reported the best turnover and profit performance in its 52-year history [2021-2022 financial year]. In a 12-month period, turnover increased by 19.5% with profit before tax also increasing by 46.5%. Net assets almost doubled from £4.5m to £8.1m following extensive improvements to its facilities in Houghton Regis and moving its truck and trailer fleet to a dedicated site in Dunstable. Its 2023 full-year figures are predicted to hit an annual revenue of £22.7m. Judges said: “What a success story. “Turnover was up from £13m in 2018 to £19m in 2022. They've got things perfectly right. This is a good business that ticked every box in terms of the criteria. The presentation blew me away.”
Partnership Award
Partnered by Palletline
WINNER: XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland
The XPO Logistics and Saint-Gobain teams collect their awards from Palletline network and operations director Glenn Baker (far right)
XPO Logistics and Saint-
Gobain UK & Ireland
have created a ‘One
Team’ approach based on
collaboration and trust.
Together, they run an
effective supply chain solution
with aims and achievements
based on risk, reward, and
transparency.
As a result, XPO has
not only significantly
reduced carbon emissions
and increased the safety
of operations, but its
partnership has grown and
evolved to encompass nine
brands in the Saint-Gobain
portfolio.
Within five years, XPO has
gone from 40 orders per
day for Saint-Gobain with no
specific fleet assets to more
than 1,000 orders, with 1,200
fleet assets
Each quarter, the
partnership’s joint steering
committee drives the
strategic direction of its
operations forward to identify
any areas that need focus
or deliver new initiatives to
improve the success of the
collaboration.
While achieving this
game-changing growth, XPO
has also managed to bring
significant cost savings,
equivalent to £15m across all
aspects of the partnership, in
less than four years thanks
to improved backhaul activity
and continuous improvement.
Green initiatives have
delivered savings of more
than three million ‘core fleet’
kilometres since 2019.
The joint business culture,
along with the skills and
dedication of the joint
team, has allowed the
partnership to deliver these
achievements.
The plan is to now
accelerate joint network
efficiencies even further to
lead the way as one team
with best practices, and drive
phenomenal results in all
areas.
Judges said: “This is
an exceptional entry with
evidence of real tangible
benefits. The pair have
demonstrated value, results
and growth.
“You can’t grow as fast as
they have together unless
you have an embedded
understanding between
you and work as one.
Exceptional.”
Clean Fleet Van of the Year
Partnered by Close Brothers Vehicle Hire
WINNER: Ford Pro E-Transit
Ford of Britain E-Transit product manager Iain Brooks collects the award from Close Brothers Vehicle Hire sales director Richard Gosling (second right) and MT editor Steve Hobson (far right)
The future of zero emission
light goods vehicles is well
and truly being dictated by the
successor to the most iconic
name in the van world.
The Ford Pro E-Transit has
grasped the baton handed
to it by the immensely
successful diesel Transit and
stormed ahead in making
serious headway in the large
electric van market.
Designed to satisfy a wide
range of customer usecases,
it has a 68kWh usable
battery capacity and has been
redefining the way operators
look at electric vans thanks
to its near-200-mile WLTP
range, uncompromising
payload and an extensive list
of standard equipment and
safety features.
As a result, the E-Transit
has found a home on many
large fleets since its launch.
Unlike much of the
competition, the E-Transit
range is available with two
differing power outputs
offering 430Nm of torque and
a choice of 135kW or 198kW.
Payload is up to 1,758kg on
panel vans but there’s an
extensive range of variants,
with double-cab-in-van and
chassis cab bodies stretching
the customer base.
Vans are available in
multiple lengths and roof
heights, as well as with GVW
from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes.
Judges praised it for being
“a game-changer” and
commented that the support
mechanisms of Ford Pro's
E-Telematics set it apart from
the pack, and have proven
to be “a big hit with fleet
managers wanting insights
and alerts”.
While impressed by their
dealer infrastructure and
support, it’s the product itself
that continues to justify the
hype about the E-Transit
thanks to features like the
Ford ProPower Onboard
system, that can deliver
up to 2.3kW of power for
conversions or running
equipment.
It retains its title as the
Clean Fleet Van of the Year
despite a growing number
of competitors in the market
that continue to present
a robust challenge to this
trailblazing electric van.
“There’s no doubt that the
E-Transit has changed the
electric van landscape” said
our judges.
“It has a good range and a
wide choice of bodies – the
Transit is once again the
vehicle everyone is looking
towards.”
Urban Operator of the Year
Partnered by Harris MAXUS
WINNER: DPD UK
The DPD UK team, led by associate director of network Gavin Dolan (holding trophy), collect their award from Harris MAXUS director Mark Barrett (second left)
DPD UK continues to
transform its urban operation
with the expansion of pickup
points and deployment
of its all-electric fleet – 30%
of its vehicles now operate
emission-free.
During 2022, DPD UK
invested £111m switching
3,000 vehicles from diesel to
electric (100% growth versus
2021), which delivered 35
million parcels.
The firm’s ‘Vision 30’
strategy to decarbonise
deliveries in 30 UK cities by
the end of 2023 saw diesel
vehicles taken off streets in 21
UK cities in 2022.
DPD UK has trialled and
implemented autonomous
robot deliveries and used
HVO to fuel 60% of its
HGV fleet, whilst building
relationships with companies
to expand its urban charging
infrastructure, ensuring it can
deliver ‘clean’ in the urban
environment.
It has also focused on
road safety and rolled out
VisionTrack in its HGVs;
lobbied central and local
government to garner
support to accelerate the
UK achieving net zero; and
instigated its own clean air
programme, with over 400
sensors measuring pollutants
in cities and sharing that data
with consumers and local
government.
In 2022, DPD UK extended
its local Pickup network to
over 6,000 stores/lockers so
that consumers can collect
their parcel on their way
to work or when shopping
locally. It also partnered
with Quadient to create a
nationwide network of smart
parcel lockers (500 initially,
5,000 ultimately) with many of
these 24/7 outdoor facilities.
Consumers who collect
their parcel from a Pickup
shop/locker can reduce CO2
emissions per parcel by 63%
compared to a standard home
delivery. These collections
have increased by 102% on
the previous year with the
associated CO2 savings on
5,738,383 parcels.
Judges said: “DPD UK
has demonstrated its
commitment to changing both
the urban and non-urban
delivery landscape; the entry
has shown how innovative and
dynamic the road transport
sector is, particularly in terms
of urban operation; the scale
of the EV rollout coupled to
the electric cities initiative is
particularly impressive, as is
a wide roll-out of HVO while
trialling an EV HDV.”
Sustainable Transport Award
Partnered by Vertellus
WINNER: EV Cargo
The EV Cargo team, led by chief sustainability officer Virginia Alzina, collect their trophy from Vertellus managing director Nigel Baxter (second right)
As a signatory to the UN
Global Compact, EV Cargo
has made significant progress
in its sustainability strategy.
From setting relevant
ESG topics and targets to
measuring its emissions for
the first time and producing
its inaugural Sustainability
Report, EV Cargo is focused
on becoming carbon neutral
by 2030.
Over the last 24 months it
has delivered big emissions
reductions alongside
pioneering people, culture,
safety, recruitment,
engagement and diversity
schemes to deliver its
sustainability strategy.
This includes initiatives
such as partnering with
key customers to reduce
emissions and introduce
HVO fuel as a replacement to
traditional diesel, creating an
immediate 90% reduction in
CO2 emissions.The business
has also invested in electric
trucks, with each vehicles
helping save 17,500 litres of
diesel. In addition, enhanced
driver training and telematics
has reduced engine idling
and improved fuel-efficient
driving.
To ensure a vibrant
workforce, EV Cargo has
developed a robust diversity,
equity and inclusion policy
that prevents bias and
creates inclusive workplaces
by undertaking a range of
engagement initiatives –
including Women Forward
Lean in Circle, International
Women’s Day activities and
events celebrating religious
and cultural festivals.
The number of females
in management positions
at the end of 2022 improved
to 73 or 36.68% of senior
management. Over 15,000
training hours were delivered
with over 900 hours of
diversity training.
EV Cargo is also
committed to upholding
the highest standards of
ethical conduct. Training
is available to all on key
compliance topics including
anti-bribery and corruption.
Maintaining data privacy, the
IT team implemented new
cybersecurity defences.
Judges said: “ESG
principles and initiatives
are widely embedded into
the business - emissions
reduction, staff training,
health and safety all covered;
it is pleasing to see a focus
on a diverse management
structure, and in a
challenging market have a
robust recruitment plan.”
Service to Industry Award
Partnered by Aquarius IT
WINNER: Steve Granite, Think Logistics
Think Logistics founder Steve Granite collects his award from Aquarius IT director Guy Reynolds (second right)
Abbey Logistics chairman
Steve Granite started Think
Logistics following a visit to
his old school in 2013 and
being shocked to discover
that out of group 50 students
not one knew what ‘logistics’
meant.
After explaining what the
industry was all about, the
students were asked how
many would now consider
a career in logistics – 48
said they would, and Think
Logistics was born.
With an ageing workforce
across the sector, and since
there was no industrywide
coordinated effort to
encourage young people to
join, Granite decided to start
a not-for-profit organisation
that would work with schools
and colleges to dispel the old
image of ‘trucks and sheds’
and give 11- to 18-year-old
students and educators a
better idea of the huge variety
of different roles that an
industry employing 2.5 million
people has to offer.
Granite himself rose
through the ranks from
apprentice accountant at
Abbey Logistics to become
chairman of the Bootle-based
tanker business, meaning
he was ideally placed to
show young people the great
possibilities on offer.
Until the pandemic halted
school visits, Think Logistics
was reaching well over
1,000 young people a year,
providing work placements,
internships, mentors,
apprenticeship opportunities
and careers advice.
Together with its partner,
education and social mobility
charity Career Ready,
Think Logistics won the
Partnership of the Year
category at the MT Awards in
2016 and 2020.
It led to the creation of the
government and industry joint
initiative Generation Logistics,
which was launched in 2022
with £345,000 of government
funding. It has now received a
further £300,000 funding for a
second year.
Judges said: “Granite can
take credit for creating the
largest recruitment initiative
in the industry, no small
feat, and Think Logistics
became an effective and
highly influential brand in the
sector.
“This is all thanks to his
relentless drive, high standing
in the sector, influencing and
networking skills, charisma
and clear communications
that persuaded others to join
his crusade.”