Over 100 colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders gathered in Castle Donnington to recognise and participate in the 2024 Saint-Gobain Driver of the Year awards which were once again held in partnership with XPO Logistics.

This annual event recognises drivers from across all Saint-Gobain sites, including British Gypsum, Isover, Weber, PAM, and Pasquill, and sees the shortlist of 21 drivers take part in a series of challenges.

These test the contenders on their skill, expertise, and professionalism, taking on challenges such as tight manoeuvring, reversing, figure of 8, and dealing with vulnerable road users. 

Over the previous year, drivers who have opted-in for the awards have been monitored by telematics and the results combined with the outcomes of the on-the-day challenges to decide the winners.

There are multiple awards to be won on the day including Team of the Year and Most Improved, before the prestigious Best Driver is announced, which was taken home this year by Matt Pearson from British Gypsum, Sherburn. 

This year, there was a heavy focus on sustainability as part of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland’s drive to reduce the environmental impact of its transport activity, with Richard Hobson from Isover, Runcorn, winning the award for Most Sustainable Driver. 

Mike Chaldecott,chief executive of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, who attended the day said: “It was great to see so many of our drivers from across Saint-Gobain in attendance on Thursday, celebrating each other and their achievements.

“The work they do is integral to our operations. They are in front of customers every day and to many are the public face of our business delivering essential solutions to our customers. 

“As well as the investments we are making in new technology and fuel, such as HVO, driving behaviour can have a big impact on the emissions from our transport.

“We also used the event to look forward to ways we are continuing to develop our work with drivers in the future. This includes working with XPO on our female driver academy.

“It’s vital that we support the development of new drivers and create a space for them to potentially win these awards in the future. Congratulations to all the worthy winners on the day.” 

Dan Myers, XPO Logistics MD UK and Ireland, added: “Both groups share a passion for safety, sustainability, and people. This event celebrates all three of these values and recognises the vital role our professional drivers fulfil. I am genuinely proud to recognise and celebrate their success.”

 

 

 

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