lorry week

Fagan & Whalley showcased its driver training scheme to local Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham and the RHA just days before the RHA’s National Lorry Week.

Launched today (24 October) and running until the end of the week, the annual initiative aims to shine a light on the businesses and individuals who work around the clock to keep the UK’s supply chains moving, highlighting the fact that 85% of all goods bought in the UK are transported by lorry – a statistic which the RHA says is often overlooked.

Ahead of the launch this week it has been travelling across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to celebrate the very best of the UK’s road transport industry. Last week it was the turn of north west haulier Fagan & Whalley.

The company’s driver training scheme, known as Future-bound, aims to make driving careers more accessible. Launched in 2021, in response to the driver shortage crisis, it boasts a pass rate of 90%.

Successful applicants begin their training in one of two F&W 3.5-tonne vehicles, progress to 12-tonne, 18-tonne, and eventually 44-tonne vehicles.

Fagan & Whalley said that the course “places a real emphasis on ensuring students are equipped for a lifetime of success on the road as a driver, “preparing them not only to pass their test but for the ins and outs of their future day-to-day roles”.

Fagan & Whalley business strategy director, Sam Fagan, said: “We are honoured to have been visited by the RHA as part of this year's National Lorry Week.

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“The day was a tremendous success and was a great opportunity for us to shout about the outstanding success of our Future-bound scheme.

“At a time when getting into the HGV industry has proven to be more challenging than ever, we are proud to be doing our bit to help tackle the national driver shortage, as we help to make driving careers more accessible.”

RHA MD, Richard Smith, added: “The UK's logistics industry is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy. Just look around you.

“Everything you see has at some point been handled by logistics professionals – from producer, to warehouse operative, to distributor, to delivery driver and, in most cases, to store shelf.

“People in our industry have shown great resilience over the last couple of years in the face of huge challenges; from Brexit and the pandemic to driver shortages, and most notably, this year’s fuel crisis, and with Christmas just around the corner, it’s likely we’ll face even greater challenges.

“National Lorry Week is our opportunity to celebrate them and the great work they do.”

This year’s National Lorry Week campaign is supported by a wide range of industry organisations and sponsors, including Backhouse Jones, Michelin, D4Drivers, DAF, Digihaul, Driver Hire Nationwide, Fuelcard Company, Michelin, Michelin Connected Fleet, RHA Insurance Services, SNAP, Transaid and Tructyre.

It can be followed on social media using the hashtag #NationalLorryWeek.

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