ABE Ledbury training programme boosts staff skills and careers

ABE Ledbury is celebrating a number of promotions and qualifications gained as part of a staff development programme aimed at attracting and retaining staff.

The Palletline member employs a 75-strong workforce and operates 50 vehicles and 60 trailers, serving customers across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Powys and Shropshire.

Among staff celebrating promotions is Kelly Wright, national planner, who has attained her Transport Manager CPC.

Craig Jenkins has also gained an accreditation, achieving his HGV Category C licence after completing ABE’s Warehouse to Wheels programme along with apprentices Ashley Norton and Jack Clifton who have also completed the qualification.

Victoria Evans has been promoted from team leader to supervisor in the customer services department, whilst George Harrison has made the same move in the warehouse division.

In addition, Joe Feakins begins a new chapter in his career with ABE Ledbury as a fully-fledged HGV fitter after successfully completing his HGV mechanic apprenticeship.

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Their promotions follow 12 months of intensive training and includes successful completion of a mentoring programme, team leader course, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health safety course and first aid training.

Clive Brooks (pictured), MD of ABE Ledbury, said: “There are no contracts between ourselves and our customers so there is no requirement for anyone to offer us repeat business.

“This is a great motivation for our team. They know we always have to give our very best from the first phone call with the customer through to the final delivery.”

He added: “With this in mind, the development of our staff is a key priority and we pride ourselves on our ability to keep them engaged and motivated through a mix of regular cross training, internal training and external training. The aim is for our teams to have the know-how on as many roles as possible within the business.”

The company recently invested in a training package with access to almost 30 online courses, to be completed by all employees, teaching them a variety of skills including customer services, time management and diversity and inclusion.

Brooks added: “Our aim is to help our staff build their skills and develop their careers not just for the benefit of ABE Ledbury but also for the wider industry.”