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Four hauliers have been nominated for Haulier of the Year, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, at the 2018 Motor Transport Awards - which takes place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane on 4 July. Congratulations to Miniclipper; Stephen Sanderson Transport; Howard Tenens and Expect Distribution - as they look to follow 2017 winner Wincanton.
Haulier of the Year
(sponsored by Volvo Trucks)
Formed nearly half a century ago by Mick Masters as a one man and a van operation, Miniclipper now runs 40 trucks, 35 trailers, four warehouses and a 24-hour DC, and delivers 250,000 pallets each year.
The Palletline member saw turnover rise 10% to £13.1m in 2016/17 with pre-tax profit up 8% to £397,400. Customer service statistics are highly impressive, with delivery KPIs between 97.5% and 99.4%. Every customer is allocated a specific customer services rep to build trust and improve relationships. The company has invested in longer double-deck trailers to carry 25% more pallets per trailer, cutting two trailers from the nightly trunk schedule. It has put solar panels on its owned warehouses and installed energy-efficient lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
Judges liked the way the company encouraged its 130 staff to come up with ideas in a 'Dragons' Den’-style pitch and said this was a “well-managed business showing both turnover and profit growth”.
Customer feedback gathered by Analytiqa included: “A can-do attitude makes it our first point of call for anything out of the ordinary.”
This family-owned haulier, founded more than 40 years ago, prides itself on its reputation for “highly adaptable and personal service, combined with the strength to deliver almost any consignment”.
The Market Harborough operator runs 70 vehicles and 100,000ft2 of warehousing. A member of the Transport Association and Palletline, its turnover in 2017 rose to £11.4m, while pre-tax profit increased to £925,586.
The entry was based on the company’s six key values: breadth of capability and expertise; first-call customer service, communication and quality; investment in our vehicles, technology and innovation; commitment to sustainability; developing and caring for our staff; giving back to our community.
Average employee length of service is 12 years, and the company has recently employed three apprentices in its workshop.
Judges commented on the focus on staff retention and the firm's dedication to the local community and environment “all while running a very high-profile fleet, growing its business and making continued profit”.
Customer retention is excellent, with one telling Analytiqa it had used Stephen Sanderson for 37 years. Another said: “It is like having our own transport company.”
Although based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Howard Tenens is a national operator, with sites throughout the country. One of its biggest is Swindon Europa, where it has more than 1 million ft2 of warehousing for customers in the retail and automotive sectors.
Last year was one of the most successful in the privately owned firm’s 65-year history, with group turnover of £85.5m and pre-tax profit of £9.4m. A new board of directors was tasked with delivering an ambitious growth strategy. The company believes its people are its most valuable asset and it invested £450,000 in improved internal development and rewards programmes, which culminate in an annual staff awards ceremony.
It added 650,000ft2 of new warehouse space at a cost of £34m, with a further £655,000 spent on upgrading existing facilities.
Judges were impressed by the renewed vigour following the board restructure, with one saying: “Great to see the profit growth challenge required from new business.” Another said: “It is clear Howard Tenens is focused on managing its carbon footprint and cares about its staff.”
One customer told Analytiqa the company was “always willing, always capable, and delivers on promises”.
Family-owned Expect Distribution has been in business for 30 years, but still has a 'fresh and dynamic' approach to transport and warehousing. Last year it continued to boost turnover and pre-tax profit, making £1.25m on sales of £24.2m. It employs 250 staff, runs 94 Euro-6 vehicles from three sites, and is the largest member of Palletline, handling more than 3,000 pallets each day. The owners have reinvested £12m in the business in the past seven years, including £1.7m expanding warehousing facilities at its Bradford headquarters.
As well as rewarding and retaining its existing staff, the company is actively developing its talent pipeline by recruiting four apprentices every year across the business.
Judges liked the high levels of employee engagement and the ‘presence’ the firm’s branding and distinctive livery commands. One said: “A financially stable business with a clear sustainable operating model.” Another said: “The investment in people and infrastructure, and good management control, is clear. It is a safe and environmentally aware business.”
Customers told Analytiqa: “Its can-do attitude makes for a streamlined customer experience.”