Meachers is celebrating the latest graduate of its ‘warehouse to wheels’ programme after team member Matthew Cox passed his HGV Class 1 licence.

Becoming a professional lorry driver has been a lifelong dream for Cox, inspired by his HGV driver dad Andy Cox, who also works for Meachers.

Cox jnr joined the company two years ago, starting his career in the warehouse at Fair Oak. His ambition to progress within the company led him to take part in Meachers Global Logistics’ warehouse to wheels programme, which supports employees transitioning from warehouse roles into professional driving positions.

“I’ve been around lorries my whole life and I always knew this was the career I wanted to pursue,” he said.

“The theory test was a big challenge and the reversing manoeuvres were a steep learning curve.

“The company was incredibly patient with me during my theory test challenges, allowing me time to revise during quiet periods and providing access to a spare computer for study materials.”

Meachers's new driving graduate Matthew Cox.

Meachers’s new driving graduate Matthew Cox

He added: “Passing my reversing and practical test on the first attempt was an incredible personal achievement.”

The newly qualified driver paid tribute to Matt Robinson, who helped him learn coupling and uncoupling techniques and provided key tips for reversing and to commercial director Gary Whittle, who regularly checked in and offered words of encouragement throughout the process.

Whittle said: “At Meachers, we believe in investing in our people and helping them grow within the company.

“Matthew’s dedication and determination are truly commendable, and we are delighted to see him achieve this milestone.”