NewsBRIEF

S u m m e r 2 0 1 6 G r e g o r y D i s t r i b u t i o n . N o r t h P a r k . N o r t h T a w t o n . D e v o n E X 2 0 2 E B

GREGORY RENEWS CONTRACT WITH CROWN PET FOODSGregory Distribution Ltd has successfully retained the UK storage and distribution business for Crown Pet Foods Ltd based in Castle Cary, Somerset, effectively reinforcing a nine-year long relationship.

The contract will see Gregory Distribution become the sole provider for Crown Pet Foods in one consolidated location in Shepton Mallet, for at least the next three years.

Andy Walker, Managing Director at Gregory Distribution, said: “We have considerable experience in the fast-moving consumer goods market and have developed logistics systems that ensure we meet the highest food quality standards whilst maintaining a very efficient operation.The service we provide Crown Pet Foods is particularly complex and tailored to their requirements.

“We are delighted to have retained this business and, as one of the largest

employers locally, it is excellent news for Shepton Mallet where the contract helps secure some 150 jobs.”

Jakub Kolesa, General Manager for Crown Pet Foods said, “Our business environment is continuously changing and we require a partner with not only resource, but know-how and flexibility as we seek to best support our customers with an unparalleled level of service that meets our demanding quality standards.

“Gregory Distribution has proven capability in fulfilling these requirements. Our two companies share a very similar ethos and we look forward to building on this relationship in the future.”

WHAT’S A FIREFIGHTER DOING TAKING A STROLL IN THE COUNTRYSIDE? TURN TO THE BACK TO FIND OUT...

Pictured top: Mendip Distribution Centre

Pictured below: L to R: Lee Kingham, Mark Wareham, Alex Clarke, Adam Crump, Julie Purchase, Paul Seward, Melvyn Cole and Tom Frampton of the Mendip Distribution Centre team

STOP PRESS! 1We have been advised by Mondelez of the outcome of the tender process in which we have been involved during the past 18 months. We are informed that the contract for transport in the Midlands and South of England has been awarded to DHL from 1 August 2016.

GDL has operated this contract for more than 15 years, originally with Cadbury, then Kraft and more recently with Mondelez.

This decision is part of an overall Mondelez strategy to work with fewer service providers who are able to provide a wider scope of logistics services. The service and commitment provided by our teams

in Minworth and Milton Keynes has been commended by the Mondelez team and has not been a factor is this decision. See the ‘Minworth Wins Mondelez Managers Award’ story on page 3.

GDL SUPPORTS APPRENTICESMarch was a busy month for apprenticeships. It started with National Apprenticeship Week where the GDL team attended the Exeter College Apprentice Expo for the second year. With support from some of our apprentices and the Driver Training team, we again displayed a vehicle to tempt young people into a career in the logistics and distribution industry.

That same week, GDL supported Eggbuckland Community College in Plymouth with their Aspiration Day for year 7s. This time Kay Transport helped out by bringing along a 26 tonne vehicle for an interactive day demonstrating the workings of the vehicle, moving pallets, safety awareness and giving a general overview of the business. We’re grateful for the support on the day from Bob Heath and Ian Reynolds from Lee Mill, driver trainer Kevin Hould and Robyn Ross, HR and Recruitment apprentice.

GDL currently employs 16 apprentices across the business in areas such as the workshops, driving, warehouse, Business Support, HR and

transport operations. Of these, eight of them recently took part in a new internal training programme designed specifically for apprentices to help improve their skills in team working, communication, assertiveness, customer focus and presentation skills.

Again in March, their final ‘project’ was to deliver a presentation to members of the Executive and senior management team. Despite some nerves, each gave a fantastically confident performance and the feedback from the audience was one of admiration and appreciation of the calibre of the young apprentices we are currently developing in the business.

Finally, at the end of March, we were shortlisted for Apprentice Employer of the Year in the

Express and Echo Business Awards 2016. It was a fantastic honour to be recognised in this way for our support of and dedication to apprentice programmes. The awards were held at Sandy

Park in Exeter in early April and whilst we didn’t win the top award, we came away with a special

runner up ‘front cover’ page. Pictured below: Paul Willis, Kate Tennant and Paul Jefferson.

KEEP AN EYE ON THEM – SOME FUTURE

MANAGERS ARE IN THERE SOMEWHERE!

Pictured above is Bob Heath demonstrating the use of the tail-lift at Eggbuckland Community College

Below from L-R is: Robyn Ross, HR; Emily Wadman, Compliance & Operational Training; Hannah Sharpe, Cullompton Distribution; Jack Johnson, SWW; Leah Jones, Minworth; Lauren Broom, Cullompton Workshop; James McNary, Lostwithiel Workshop; Tim Pitt, North Tawton Workshop

Amy gets a taste of workAs part of her college’s ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’ programme, Amy James spent a day alongside her dad, North Tawton based milk driver, Peter.

13 year-old Amy, whose family live in Lifton, accompanied Dad in his truck to observe his day at work and the milk collection process on farms. She enjoyed her day and was surprised at how much her Dad did during the course of a day and how much milk is collected from so many farmers. During the day, Amy spoke to all the farmers she visited and she would like to thank them all for letting her visit their farms and gain an understanding of how the milk gets from cow to factory.

She would like to also thank operations manager Phil Forder for arranging the day and North Tawton operations supervisor Les Cheriton for showing her the office routine.

This was a great experience for the Launceston College student but also an important initiative which highlights GDL’s support for drivers and the encouragement we are giving to younger people to learn about the company and our industry.

DARREN DELIVERS A 100% PERFORMANCEFollowing the decision by Volvo to use South Molton depot for a six month vehicle evaluation and the selection of long serving driver Darren Clifford to drive the latest generation Volvo FH460 2x2 TAG Axle Globetrotter XL and report on its performance, nobody was suspecting records to be broken – except maybe Darren himself.

The Cornwall based driver coaxed a consistently improving performance from the vehicle until he hit the exceptional heights of 98%, with consistent results across a number of parameters measured by the Volvo Dynafleet on-board telematics system.

Volvo’s regional transport solutions manager Martin Kelley reported that Darren could not do any better and he was highly praised by both GDL and Volvo.

But there’s more. Darren set himself the target of achieving 100% performance in the course of a

week and he did it, despite such a set of results never having been seen before.

Darren was rewarded with an invitation to join local Volvo supplier ‘Stuarts of Exeter’ for a Volvo factory trip to Ghent, Belgium in May where he was shown the production facilities and made to feel very special indeed.

South Molton contracts manager Bob Lovelace said: “On behalf of Team SMO and the wider Gregory business I convey a heartfelt ‘Well done!’ to Darren for an outstanding and truly exceptional performance.”

STOP PRESS! 2Just before going to press, Newsbrief learned that four GDL Cullompton apprentices have been shortlisted for the Pride of Devon Apprentice of the year award. Well done to Robyn Ross, Emily Wadman, Hannah Sharpe and Jack Miles. We’ll report on the outcome in our next edition.

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Graham’s a TOP DRIVER

DAF Trucks has launched its DAF Transport Efficiency Driver Challenge – a UK-wide search to find Britain’s best commercial vehicle drivers – and a Gregory driver made it to the shortlist of 20.

Graham Hirst, a Haverfordwest based driver with 23 years’ experience of driving all sizes of trucks, participated in a series of challenging practical and knowledge-based assessments at a two-day live event at the Millbrook testing facility in Bedfordshire in May.

To compete in the challenge, Graham had to demonstrate impeccable levels of driving style, performance and efficiency across different sizes of truck and driving conditions along with road knowledge, legislation and the Highway Code, as well as vehicle knowledge, defect reporting and pre-use checks.

During his two days at Millbrook, Graham made a short video (available on YouTube) where he talks about his love of the open road and the independence that truck driving brings. He said that the qualities that make a good driver are being calm, confident and professional.

He also said that his teacher once said that Graham would ‘never get a job staring out of the window all day’. Well he got that one wrong, didn’t he? Well done Graham.

Gregory hosts CILTA delegation from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) were guests of GDL in May when they were given a guided tour of Cullompton depot hosted by business unit director Darren Beaven.

Darren, who recently became a Fellow of this influential organisation, received a glowing report from Peter Murnaghan, the regional officer for the CILT who wrote saying: “We all came away with a very much better understanding of what Gregory does, your impressive values and an appreciation of a successful local company in the world of logistics.”

Another CILT delegate praised the use of ‘hands-on’ operatives to conduct groups around the depot and explain the operation in detail. He said: “An excellent visit this evening, a really interesting look at a diverse operation and very well conducted by Gregory staff.”

Darren Beaven added: “This was a highly successful visit which helped to spread the word about how everyone at GDL is working together and striving to improve performance and service. I’d like to thank everyone at Cullompton who made the evening so memorable.”

Pictured is Bob Lovelace in the tug’s cab with Terberg’s Peter Giles standing on the left and Andy Price GDL’s external and technical manager on the right

BUSINESS BITESSupply Chain changes to Business Support

GDL’s Supply Chain function has been renamed Business Support.

Business Support’s role is to help the business to achieve its objectives, in particular in the areas of compliance and health and safety, vehicle specification and procurement, vehicle maintenance, recruitment and development of our employees.

The reasoning behind the change is that the new title is more readily understood by more people and more adequately reflects its diverse responsibilities.

Headed by Business Support director Paul Jefferson, the unit’s five main activities will be led by Paul Willis (head of Compliance and Operational Training), Paul Turner (head of Human Resources), Nick Street (Fleet Services manager), Andy Price (External and Technical manager) and James White (Fleet Administration manager).

A document detailing the areas that each of the main functions gets involved with, as well as the names and job titles of all the key team members, is available on request.

A very special bit of kit

South Molton’s new baby is a brand new Terberg yard tug which was delivered in early May. Described as more like a car inside than a traditional tug, the new vehicle has a range of ergonomic improvements and it will improve access and egress due to its low level design. Visibility is further improved by the extensive use of glass and additional forward and rearward facing LED lights as well as heated mirrors to improve visibility in the dark.

Contracts manager Bob Lovelace said, “This is an important investment in a vehicle that will provide another decade of service to this Norbord partnership.”

Read All About it!

After the announcement of a planned closure of the Smiths News site in Plympton near Plymouth and relocation of its distribution centre to Newport, KTL was keen to try and keep the business despite the change in location. The good news is that after going through a re-tender process KTL has again won this exciting contract for the UK’s leading newspaper and magazine wholesaler. With average volumes of 29 full loads per week from Newport and deliveries across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, this is a fantastic win for the business.

New contract for KTL

Vital Pet Products are a family owned business with more than 35 years’ experience of wholesaling to the independent specialist pet and aquatic trade. Having covered all of their own transport needs up until now, KTL was delighted to announce it has taken over part of the contract from the beginning of April.

Minworth Wins Mondelez Managers Award

Minworth operations manager Guy Humphries has scooped the Mondelez Manager’s Award for ‘Services Above and Beyond the Call of Duty’. The award is for the best team in the land for planning the highest volume weekend ever in Mondelez history. Well done Team Minworth – and of course Guy whose name is on the award.

Did you know? Kraft, the owner of Cadburys, split its business in two last two last year retaining its name for US food manufacturing and introducing Mondelez as their global snacking brand. The name derives from an employee competition and is a portmanteau word from the French for world (monde) and ‘delez’ an alternative term for delicious.

Newsbrief is produced by Neil Devons. Any news items or photographs you would like considered for inclusion please send to: Neil Devons, Old Malt Scoop Cottage, Lapford, Devon EX17 6PZ or email: neil@proteusmedia.co.uk

Congratulations... to Shepton Mallet based warehouse administrator Charlotte Whittaker and her partner Rob on the birth of baby boy Mason who arrived on 5th April 2016 weighing 7lb 7oz.

... to Cornwall based KTL driver Ryan Reeves and wife Jamie who welcomed Riley into the world on 11th April 2016 weighing 6lb 14oz.

Farewell ... to Harold Jennings who retired in February after 24 years of collecting Milk. Harold has spent a lifetime in agriculture, firstly on farms and then hauling animal feed around Devon. He joined Dairy Products Transport driving

farm collection tankers in 1992 at Torrington Dairy and was relocated with GDL to North Tawton in 2000.

... and to Paul Cowell who has retired after 25 years’ service. Paul was a shunter working for GDL Minworth but was based at Bournville. Enjoy a long and happy retirement, Paul.

Congratulations ... to North Tawton based Devon Chill drivers, Gary Workman and Paula Thompson on their wedding in May. The happy couple married on 7th May at The Bickley Mill Inn, Stoneycombe, Kingskerswell.

Well Done... to North Tawton warehouse operative Steve Cartlidge after reaching 20 years’ service at GDL.

Condolences

Bob DrewIt is with much sadness that we have to advise of the death of Bob Drew who passed away peacefully on 21st April at Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay after a long battle with cancer. Bob, who joined GDL in 2001, played a key role in establishing our Spar contract and will probably be most remembered by all as our Fleet Services Manager until his retirement in May 2012.Bob will be missed by all who knew him and we send our deepest sympathy to his wife Norma and his children and grandchildren at this sad time.

Steve FarrantSadly we have also lost Steve Farrant of the Cullompton Transhipment team, who passed away on 29th May in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital following a year long battle with illness. Steve worked for GDL for over 20 years and will be missed by his colleagues; our condolences are sent to his family at this time.

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CHARITY CHECKPirate FM Easter Egg Appeal

Pirate FM’s Easter Egg Appeal gave people the chance to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children at CHICKS, a children’s charity providing free respite breaks to disadvantaged children from all over the UK.

KTL in Cornwall helped out by travelling around the county collecting easter eggs from the many collection points, ensuring delivery to CHICKS on 23rd March 2016.

Pictured above with Pirate FM team are Nikki Ings from KTL’s Cornwall operation and driver Sean McGall

CHICKS is committed to providing an environment where children can build their confidence, create childhood memories and give them a chance to just be children. The children come from a variety of backgrounds – they may be living in poverty, be young carers, be victims of bullying or abuse, or have been bereaved. This life changing charity provides the opportunity for a well-deserved break, to make new friends and enjoy brand new experiences.

KTL helps with Plymouth Foodbank

Kay Transport recently provided food to the North Plymouth Foodbank, a project working to serve the community and fight poverty. The Plymouth Foodbank is helping people who are in financial crisis by providing them with much needed food and also a listening ear and useful advice. The charity has sent a big thanks to all at KTL and at Burts Crisps who KTL managed to get involved and provide food for this worthy community help programme.

Ruckfest

GDL loaned a trailer to the Norman Laud Association for their Ruckfest event showcasing local bands which was held at the end of May at Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club. The charity raises funds to provide quality short break services for children and young adults with special needs – a very worthwhile cause.

Hot feet for charity

GDL’s own crew of retained firefighters completed a leg of the arduous challenge of walking from Okehampton Fire Station to Lynton Fire Station – a total of 83 miles in 24 hours in full fire kit including breathing apparatus and protective boots.

The GDL team who walked from their base at North Tawton to Hatherleigh (9.3 miles) comprised Paul King (NT Workshop), Ian King (NT transport planner), Kevin Murrin (SWW tanker driver) and Craig Patrick (NT Accounts).

The heroic effort put in by all the participating crews raised over £2,000 (and still counting) for The Fire Fighters Charity and for Children’s Hospice South West.

Ian King said: “Everyone finished okay but there were some very sore feet. Firefighters boots aren’t really made for long distance walking!”

If you would like to support them you should visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/BAChallenge and help them raise as much money as possible for these two fantastic charities.

Fire crews in the square at North Tawton before they set out for Hatherleigh

County Show SuccessThe GDL team attending the Devon County Show have hailed the initiative as a resounding success after attracting some serious business leads and widespread interest in working for the company.

Ten Gregory people drawn from Kay Transport, Business Support, HR, Driver Training and Distribution as well as apprentices attended each of the three days of the show, and such was the success the company has decided not only to attend again next year, but to add the Royal Cornwall Show and the Royal Bath & West Show as well.

In addition to a hospitality suite and exhibition material, the Gregory stand featured a Batak wall, a piece of hi-tech equipment which gave visitors a real challenge and is specifically designed to test and improve reaction times and hand eye co-ordination.

Paul Willis, head of Compliance and Operational Training at GDL said: “We took an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team and we built a great exhibition stand in a very good location. As a result, we were packed out with visitors right from the outset. As a PR, marketing and recruitment exercise it went fantastically well and we achieved all our objectives.”

The Gregory stand at the Devon County Show

Gregory People