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5 Things You Should Know Before Becoming An HGV Driver

Becoming an HGV driver can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you dive in. HGV driving requires a certain set of skills and qualifications, as well as a willingness to work long hours and be away from home for extended periods of time.

In this blog, we will cover five things you should know before becoming an HGV driver and by the end, we hope you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to become a successful trucker and whether this career path is right for you.

1. Starting your HGV journey

Becoming an HGV driver in the UK requires obtaining a Category C or C+E license, which involves meeting eligibility criteria. To obtain a Category C or C+E license, you will need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid UK driving license, and pass a medical examination. You will also need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test that includes on-road driving and manoeuvring exercises.

The cost of obtaining an HGV license in the UK can be significant, with training courses ranging from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the type of license you require and the training provider you choose. However, government-funded training schemes are available for eligible candidates and despite the investment of time, money, and effort required, the profession offers high earning potential and job security in a growing industry.

2. Working hours

Concerned about driving long hours alone as an HGV driver? Rest assured that there are laws and guidelines in place to prevent excessive driving. As a trained HGV driver, you are permitted to work up to 15 hours for three days of the week, and up to 12 hours for the other two or three days. It is important to note that there is a distinction between driving hours and working hours. While a driver can drive for a maximum of 9 hours per day, with a possible extension to 10 hours twice in one week, their overall working hours should not exceed 56 hours in a single week or 90 hours over two consecutive weeks. Regulations also require you to take 45 hours of rest every week and take a 45-minute break every 4.5 hours of driving to ensure you’re always alert on the road. So taking frequent breaks is crucial for safety and your mental health

3. Your earning potential

Of course, when looking into a new career, everyone’s first questions is how much money you can earn, so let’s take a look… As an HGV driver in the UK, you can expect a competitive salary which varies depending on your experience, the type of vehicle you’re driving, and the company you work for. According to the National Careers Service, the average salary for an experienced HGV driver is around £30,000 per year, with the potential to earn up to £40,000 or more with overtime and bonuses.

However, it’s important to note that salaries may be lower for new drivers with less experience, although some companies may offer benefits such as paid time off and pension contributions, which can increase the overall value of the job.

4. Opportunity to travel the world

Being an HGV driver means you don’t have to wait all year to save up for a holiday to explore the world. Instead, you can earn money while travelling as part of your job. Your work can take you to various locations, from different parts of the UK on a contract job to exotic destinations in mainland Europe. With a job as an HGV driver, you can see and experience new places and cultures whilst earning a living!

5. There Are Job Opportunities Across Many Industries

Finally, HGV drivers are in high demand across a variety of industries, including transportation, logistics, and construction. This means that there are many job opportunities available, with the potential for high earnings and job security. However, it’s important to research potential employers carefully and choose a company that aligns with your values and career goals.

In conclusion, becoming an HGV driver can be a rewarding career path, but it’s important to understand the obligations of the job before getting started. With the right training, mindset, and employer, you can build a successful career as an HGV driver.

We hope that our blog has provided you with valuable insights into the world of HGV driving and has helped you to determine if it’s the right career choice for you. If you’re eager to take the next step and start your career as an HGV driver, please visit our website to explore the available roles with Drivers Direct.

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Your Questions Around Driving Careers Answered

If you’re thinking about becoming an HGV driver, you probably have a lot of questions about the recruitment, application, or entry requirements, don’t worry – we’ve got all the answers for you! Read on to find out the answers to your driving questions…

Your Questions Around Driving Careers Answered

What training do I need to become a driver?

To become a qualified HGV driver, you must:

  • Have a full car licence
  • Be over 18 – but there are some exceptions
  • Get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive an HGV, bus, or coach as the main part of your job.

There are 5 tests that make up the full Driver CPC. You might not need to take all 5 tests, for example if you previously qualified as an HGV driver and you want to retrain.

Head to the Government’s website to read the full list of requirements.

What skills will I get from a career in driving?

There an endless number of skills you will obtain from becoming an HGV driver. As it involves both working both in a team and independently, you’ll develop the ability to be a team player as well gaining the initiative required to work by yourself.

It’s also highly likely you’ll become a very skilled driver – if you aren’t one already! From extreme patience in traffic, to being able to navigate tricky situations safely, you’ll be a guaranteed whizz on the road thanks to your new role. With the supply chain more important than ever, skilled drivers are an essential workforce, which means that this will likely guarantee you a job for life.

Other ‘softer’ skills such as communication and problem solving are also a dead cert for those becoming an HGV driver. So, what are you waiting for?!

What should I look for in a logistics recruitment agency?

When applying to different companies, it can be a minefield – especially if you don’t know the background of each one. At Drivers Direct, we are proud of our good reputation and hope to keep it as positive as it is.

Try to find references and testimonials from past customers or employees to truly figure out the work culture and expectations of each agency. For example, you can find a lovely testimonial on our past blog here, from a happy employee – you can also read more details about what to look for in a logistics recruitment agency. Happy hunting!

Can I become a driver from a career in something else?

The job market is particularly unpredictable right now, and it might be that you’ve decided, for whatever reason, to change career. There’s nothing wrong with that – in fact, it’s encouraged!

When you change jobs, you’re bringing with you a wealth of experience from your previous roles, and are able to apply it to the new challenge of becoming an HGV driver – or any other role in the logistics industry.

Whether you were an accountant, a bricklayer, or a CEO, we’ve put together a list of skills you can use from your prior role that will ensure you fit in perfectly in the world of logistics…

  • Commercial awareness
  • Numeracy
  • Good problem-solving capabilities
  • The ability to think quickly, logically, and analytically
  • An appetite for learning new
  • Project management
  • Team working skills.

Check out our blog on career backgrounds that have the perfect skills for logistics.

Do I need a university degree?

Lastly, while university can be a great step forward into the right career for you, it’s not a route you need to take when becoming an HGV driver.

There are plenty of reasons why you might opt to become an HGV driver as opposed to going to university – read all about it in our previous blog!

Got any more questions? 

That’s just some of the questions you might have answered – there may well be more! To get in touch with us, you can find us on Twitter and LinkedIn, or get in touch with one of our friendly team via our contact form.

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5 Perks Of An Apprenticeship In Transport

Looking to make your first foray into the world of work? Maybe you’re considering a move to university, but aren’t sure what to study? You wouldn’t be blamed for being unsure of what to do with regards to your future – there are so many options out there, each with their own pros and cons lists!

 

For those considering a career in the logistics industry, here are 5 reasons to choose an apprenticeship in transport. With a bit of luck, you’ll be knocking on our door soon!

 

5 Perks Of An Apprenticeship In Transport

 

  1. An alternative to university

 

University is not for everyone, but sadly it is often touted as the be all and end all when it comes to the next step young people should take after finishing their studying. While there are many valid reasons for choosing to pursue a degree, there are other options available to you – and many reasons why you might not feel like studying for another 3 years, minimum!

 

From the large fees to the heavy workloads, university isn’t an attractive option for some people. Fortunately, apprenticeships don’t require any fees – in fact, you are paid while you learn! It’s a great way of starting to earn money whilst bypassing the loans that a degree would cost you, while giving you a head start in the work force.

 

  1. An (almost) guaranteed job

 

Provided you’re reliable, keen to learn, and work well with others, there’s little chance you won’t be guaranteed a job after an apprenticeship in transport. That’s not just due to the current drivers shortage in the UK! HGV drivers will always be needed, so you’re unlikely to have to struggle through the hiring process.

 

There’s also the likelihood that you’ll be hired by the company that’s going to provide your apprenticeship. While this isn’t always a guarantee, it’s the perfect chance to prove yourself!

 

  1. Transferable skills

 

Further education might provide someone with a qualification, but it doesn’t necessarily provide them with the transferable skills needed in the world of employment – so-called ‘soft skills.’ From working in a team, to dealing with customers and clients, there are some things that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom.

 

You’ll be able to take the skills learned in a transport apprenticeship forth throughout your entire working life, making connections with others and developing your personal abilities. It’s a win-win!

 

  1. Buy yourself some time

 

You might be truly stuck as to what to do with your career, but the beauty of apprenticeships is that it provides you with thinking time. If you don’t like the one you’ve chosen to do, then there’s no need to panic! You can always change your mind.

 

There are many different options out there for you, from practical work to less traditional avenues. You can do an apprenticeship in almost anything nowadays, so even if you opt out of your original plan, there’s nothing lost but a bit of time. You may end up finding that you want to go to university after all – which many people do after spending some time in the work force. Apprenticeships are still an important stepping stone to getting you where you need to go.

 

  1. A great career path ahead of you

 

Finally, you’d be equipping yourself with a great career path. We might be a little biased, but we think that working in logistics is a fulfilling career that provides you with camaraderie, job satisfaction and great security! Why not give it a go and see if it’s for you?

 

Plus, it’s a great option for younger people too. Just take this story for example, of 19 year old Jack who loves his career in transport.

 

At Drivers Direct, we’re dedicated to providing a great working environment for our employees. To learn more about working for us, head to our contact page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, too!

 

 

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National Careers Development Month: Creating A Career in Logistics from Early On

Thinking about getting your foot on the logistics ladder? You’re not alone. Since early 2020 the focus has been on logistics to keep the country running during the hardest of times. The sector’s resilience over the past 18 months has shown it to be an attractive career choice.

 

The pandemic has increased the importance of the supply chain, and strengthened the need for job seekers to improve their supply chain skill sets. The focus on logistics is bound to increase as top business brains grapple with ways to control the havoc wrought by the pandemic and plot a way forward so that these lessons can be learned for good.

 

Just What Does a Logistics Worker Do?

 

In the simplest terms, those connected to the supply chain industry are involved in one way or another in contributing to, or managing the process of, making or procuring goods and ensuring they reach the end-customer on time and in good order, with customer satisfaction and profitability being a priority.

 

 

What is the Entry Point for Supply Chain Jobs?

But how can you get into logistics? There are numerous ways to get your foot in the door early on, or even break into the industry at entry-level:

 

Using a Recruitment Agency

When starting out, many people talk to recruiting companies and head-hunters. This is of particular benefit if you wish to test the waters before committing to one job and one employer. A recruitment agency may be able to find you a temporary position, which, if you prove to be a good fit with the company, could lead to a permanent job.

 

 

Networking

Look out for industry-type events in your area, as these provide an opportunity for you to meet lots of people. Speak to as many professionals as you can—discuss your various options with them. And don’t be afraid to ask their advice on how to start out in the industry.

 

 

Marketing Yourself

LinkedIn is the best platform for this. Put your profile up so that managers can find you. Be sure to include all the keywords for the type of work you want to do. Recruiters and managers are increasingly using social media, LinkedIn in particular, to assess prospective candidates through their links and posts. You can significantly raise your profile by writing and sharing posts—the more the merrier. You can also use LinkedIn to scour the many logistics jobs that are advertised on the platform.

 

 

Logistics Companies

Some of the best ways to get stuck in are through logistics companies. You could pick up a job as a warehouse picker, a forklift driver, or even a truck driver. If you lack the qualifications to drive a HGV, don’t worry, pass schemes are easy enough to find and relatively affordable. Many companies are even offering joining incentives which often make up for the cost of training.

 

Whichever way you decide to join us, welcome! The logistics industry is a great place to work. Join the conversation over on our Twitter or LinkedIn pages and let us know how you got into the industry. For more blogs, click here.

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Career Backgrounds That Have Perfect Skills for Logistics

Logistics, and transport management, are dynamic careers with many roles needing to be filled at the moment. In order to keep the supply chain moving, every part must work in sync with each other, however, not all elements are so straightforward.

 

Luckily, the logistics sector covers a wide range of jobs. So, whatever experience you may hold, there is sure to be something you can excel at within the industry. Below, we detail the skills and career backgrounds, both generic and specific, that might make you perfect the perfect candidate for a career in transport.

 

Career Skills That Are Perfect For Logistics

 

Generic Skills

 

Whatever your employment and educational background, we’ve found that the essential skills for a career in logistics include:

 

  • Commercial awareness
  • Numeracy
  • Good problem-solving capabilities
  • The ability to think quickly, logically, and analytically
  • An appetite for learning new
  • Project management
  • Team working skills.

 

Excellent written and verbal skills are also required in most areas supported by the ability to present thoughts clearly and convincingly.

 

Technology Skills

 

Information technology plays a key role in the management of the supply chain and is an equally important tool to those involved in transport management planning, as well as those in warehousing. All organisations now use some form of information technology to store data and information. Management information systems (MIS) are at the centre of everything we do, but you should not be put off if you are not ‘good with technology’. There are always people to guide you if you have limited experience with these kinds of things.

 

People Skills

 

There is a strong emphasis on the importance of customer care across the sector, and an ability to see the picture from both sides is a useful skill. Drivers and warehouse workers will also benefit from good interpersonal skills. Meeting and interacting with people multiple times a day is part of the job, especially during loading and unloading stops. Good communication skills are also paramount as you will need to ensure that those you deal with always understand what you mean and vice versa.

 

Experience Or No Experience?

 

The modern workplace can be a demanding environment that requires people to think on their feet to meet the daily challenges that come their way. People can get stuck in their ways and fall victim to their own experiences however, those who lack it may also face difficulties. So, which is the right choice? Simply put, there is no clear answer, as long as you can evidence that you perform in areas required for the job, then we believe that the logistics industry will be the perfect canvas for your skillset. To date, we’ve found that career backgrounds in the following areas create an ideal candidate for our industry:

 

Numeracy – with increasing sophistication, the need for numeracy becomes more essential and whilst not necessarily looking for a mathematics graduate, the ability to understand and analyse data, as well as manage your hours and invoices, is very important.

 

Problem-solving – the ability to analyse the hard facts, the hunches and hearsay, and arrive at a logical, workable conclusion (often to do with delivery routes)

 

Project management – such skills are of growing importance across both logistics and transport as people increasingly work in cross-functional teams

 

And for those aiming for the cab in particular, a valid HGV licence (as well as a real passion for the open road) will truly take you places, both literally and figuratively!

 

Sound like a tall order? Despite the rapid rate of change in logistics and transport, common sense and a positive attitude will take you a long way in what is a very rewarding and satisfying career. If you’re interested, we specialise in the recruitment of drivers into both temporary and permanent HGV and LGV roles. You can get in touch with our very friendly team by emailing admin@driversdirect.co.uk.

 

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Considering a career in logistics instead of university

You’d be forgiven for thinking that, after leaving school, your only option is to go to university in order to find a career you enjoy, or make a decent living. But this simply isn’t the case!

 

Here’s why there’s no reason not to consider a career in logistics in place of going to university.

 

Spend wisely

 

It is true that the number of people going to university in the UK has increased in recent years. Data shows that in 1990, the number of people going to university stood at less than 20%. That number has now more than doubled to 40%.

 

However, in that time the monetary cost of going to university has also exponentially increased. In 1998,university fees were introduced at £1000 per year, where they had previously been free. In 2004 they were raised to £3000, now converted into loans repayable on an income-contingent basis. After the 2010 election, the basis of university finance was radically transformed, as student fees were raised to £9000.

 

Though university is often an essential road to go down for those pursuing particular careers, such as in scientific fields, medicine, law and academia, there are often other viable options for those who are looking into a career that doesn’t require degrees. Apprenticeships and training courses are great ways to learn new skills without spending 3 years studying – and don’t come with the costly fees of a university degree.

 

A logistics career doesn’t require a degree – for the full list of requirements, head to the government website.

 

Opportunity knocks

 

Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of HGV drivers. That means there’s a likelihood you’ll be able to find a job with hours and a wage that suits you. For example, you might be limited to only working certain days, or may be looking for a temporary role while you consider what you want to do in the future. The great thing is that you can do this while providing an exceptional service as a key worker.

 

A common struggle amongst those who have left university is the scarcity of roles that are available for new graduates. Sometimes, those with degrees find themselves unable to find a role for months or even years after finishing university – and even the role that they do find might not be the kind they had in mind, often not relating to their specialised subject.

 

It’s important to really think about what you want to do in the future, and there’s no rush to go to university: while 18 might be the most common age to attend, there’s no reason at all that you can’t go a little further down the line. In the meantime, you might just find the career you’d like to be in for life in the form of an HGV driver.

 

For more reasons why you should consider a career in driving, check out our other blogs! And for regular updates on the world of logistics, be sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Moving From Military To Logistics

Coming out of the military and transitioning into civilian life once more can be scary, and it can also be daunting to choose a career path that’s right for you after spending your working life up until now serving the country.

At Drivers Direct, we’re big on encouraging ex-military into the exciting and opportunistic world of logistics.

Managing Director Gethin Roberts comes from a background in the forces himself. Below, you can find out more about his journey* – and also how you can go from serving in the military, to working in logistics.

Transitioning From The Forces To Logistics

Gethin Roberts, Managing Director of Drivers Direct, joined the RAF at the age of 17 as a driver. He had no formal qualifications from school but found that the RAF gave him the opportunity to re-educate and take courses to develop professionally. At 18, Gethin passed his HGV3 test (now LGV class 2) and 2 years later, passed the HGV1 test (now LGV C+E).  As well as this, during his time in the military, Gethin became qualified in driving coaches, tankers, forklifts, cranes and specialist vehicles for airports, including tugs and air cargo vehicles.

There is a misconception that military life means doing everything differently to that which a civilian organisation would do, when actually there’s a wide range of roles carried out in the services with transferable skills when you return to civilian life. Those roles within the military do of course include logistics. It might well be the case that you already have experience in an industry, before returning to the working world to further develop it.

In fact, over 80% of people who leave the armed forces are employed in other roles around six months after leaving service. There are plenty of skills and qualities that a background in the military can result in.

Speaking of his time in the Armed Forces, Gethin said: “I served in the RAF for 12 years and left at the age of 30 at the rank of Corporal. I suppose looking back, it was quite a daunting concept, having joined the RAF straight from school – it was essentially all I was used to.”

In 2002, Drivers Direct was born after Gethin and 3 friends decided to set up a company specialising in driver recruitment. After 18 years, the company now turns over £26 million, employs 83 staff and has over 1500 drivers working each week.

How To Get A Job After Leaving The Military

The transition from being service personnel to working in a civilian role is one that can absolutely be achieved. There are so many opportunities in logistics, as well as other industries. If you’re hoping to transition from serving in the military, to working in logistics, It’s important that you…

  • Prepare well
  • Update your CV and professional information
  • Keep updated with relevant recruiters on social media (e.g. Twitter and LinkedIn)
  • Stay focused
  • Connect with relevant people who can help with recruitment
  • Take advantage of any initiatives available to you
  • Use your skills wisely
  • Look for positions you enjoy
  • Share your experiences and qualities

Where To Look For Logistics Jobs 

Drivers Direct is a logistics recruitment agency, pairing hard workers to our clients for all of their logistical needs. We employ for a wide range of roles, including…

  • LGV Drivers Class 1
  • LGV Drivers Class 2
  • 5 Tonne Drivers
  • 5 Tonne Drivers
  • Light Van Drivers
  • Minibus Drivers
  • Porters
  • Driver’s Mates
  • Forklift Truck Drivers
  • Warehouse Operatives
  • Transport Clarks
  • Shift Supervisors
  • Transport Managers

And many more.

Logistics has a skills gap, and we’re devoted to closing that. If you think you’d like to be a driver, and especially if you’re looking for a role after coming out of the military, why not contact our team and see what we can do?

You can also find us on social, we’re on Twitter and LinkedIn.

*You can find out more about Gethin’s journey in the July issue of Focus by the CILT.

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International Women's Day with Drivers Direct

International Women’s Day with Drivers Direct

For International Women’s Day this year, we wanted to take the opportunity to show our appreciation for some of the women that work at a selection of our branches.  We talked to them about their careers, the women who inspire them the most and everything in between.

  • What is your job title at Drivers Direct and in what region do you work?

Chrissie Lee: Branch Manager in West Yorkshire

Zoe Parks: Regional Operations Director in the South

Jessica Beecham: Branch Manager in Wales

 

  • How did you come to work in the logistics/recruitment industry? 

Chrissie: I started working as a Recruitment Consultant in the industrial sector and when I was looking for a new role, my current manager approached me and invited me to meet with him about a new Recruitment Consultant role on the driving desk. I was then offered the job and have never looked back.

Zoe: Purely by accident, I worked in commercial recruitment in London and re-located to the South coast and fell into a job as a Branch Manager for another agency that was opening a new logistics and transport branch in Poole.  Before working in commercial recruitment, I was an Account Manager for Clinique in London and fancied a change, so I went and registered with Reed Employment for reception jobs and they offered me a job as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant.

Jessica: I have always had an interest in the transport sector and a good friend of mine was working in driving recruitment at a time where I was hunting for my perfect long term career. The more she discussed her job role, the more I became interested and the passion to take on something new became more and more desirable. Helping others has always been something that I wanted to be involved with and therefore driving recruitment just seemed to be the perfect match for my interests.

 

  • How has your background moulded / influenced your work with Drivers Direct? 

Chrissie: Within the driving industry, every day I speak with people from different backgrounds and growing up, I was taught to be respectful of everybody and so this is something I bring in to my working life too.

Zoe: Dealing with people and managing staff previously helped massively.

Jessica: I previously worked as a retail manager before joining Drivers Direct. I believe this gave me the experience and skills required for this job as it was a forever changing environment where daily challenges constantly varied. This taught me how to diplomatically deal with challenging individuals which has become a beneficial and invaluable skill that I generally use day to day. Relationship building has always been a strength of mine and the ones I have with my client have all been built on trust, hard work and honesty. I make the effort to know each individual client’s requirements to ensure longevity between us.

 

  • Do you have any advice to other women who might be looking to venture into the world of logistics and recruitment?

Chrissie: If it’s an industry where a woman would like to work, I’d say go for it, there is absolutely nothing stopping you or any reason to hold back from pursuing a career in the world of logistics and recruitment! I’m speaking with more female Transport Managers now than I was 10 years.

Zoe: Go for it, Transport and Logistics is for everyone and it’s a great environment to work in and is definitely my most preferred sector …

Jessica: Logistics has always been a very male-dominated environment which has made me even more determined to be the best in my field. There is a stigma around women in transport which we all need to abolish by empowering each other to take the plunge and join an industry that you wouldn’t generally feel associated with. There is nothing I would love to see more than more women HGV drivers on the road. Our skills and input in the industry are as of just as much value.

 

  • What woman inspires you the most?

Chrissie: My mum will always be my inspiration but then Emily Pankhurst won women the right to vote in 1918.

Zoe: My mother, she has always been incredibly hardworking, loyal and had the most amazing work ethic.

Jessica: Undoubtedly my mother, she has always been my inspiration to succeed. Growing up in an all-female household with my mother and sister, she has taught us very much how to be independent, strong and to build a future for ourselves. Whenever I do something in life, she will always say ‘you can do better than that’ and push me past boundaries that I don’t know exist half of the time. She will never allow me to just settle unless I have given something 100% and without her pushing me along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am now at such a young age.

 

  • What have you learned / changed on your career journey at Drivers Direct?

Chrissie: When I first started working in the driving recruitment industry, I’d mainly be speaking to men every day and, in all honesty, I was a little nervous as it was very much a male- leading industry and I didn’t always receive the respect/ warmth I deserved. However, over the years I have pushed myself to show people what I know/ can do, and this has changed things for the better.

Zoe: I’ve learnt that if you invest time in good people you will always reap the rewards and sometimes employing people from different backgrounds and with different experience is the way forward, I’m also a great believer in creating opportunities for the right people

Jessica: When I joined Drivers Direct, the vision was to build a career and to step outside of my comfort zone. I soon discovered that I am more ambitious that I originally thought and have learned that I always want to push myself above what is expected of me. As a naturally passionate individual, I have learned how to deal with the frustrations of being unable to change something that is impossible and use those emotions to drive myself further than I thought possible when dealing with the next obstacle of the day.

 

  • How do you see the role of women in logistics in the future?

Chrissie: There are many more females working in the logistics industry and I can only see this increasing.

Zoe: I think there will continue to be more and more

Jessica: I see an increase in the number of women entering the logistics sector and have already noticed a gradual change over the last few years. When I first joined the company five years ago, 100% of both my drivers and client contacts were male. We now have a few female drivers who are amazing and would do anything for us which is really inspiring. The number of women in transport offices have also increased where more and more of our client contact are female, the majority entering high levels of management within the sector, which is incredibly empowering, even for me. It just shows that women really can do anything we set our minds to, we just need to have self-belief and courage.

 

  • Anything else you’d like to add?

Jessica: “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish” – Michelle Obama

 

 

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Drivers Direct Office Opens in Bury St Edmunds Office

Drivers Direct Office Opens in Bury St Edmunds Office

We are thrilled to announce that we have opened a new Drivers Direct franchise in Bury St Edmunds on Angel Hill – the latest addition to our network of branches across the country as we look to expand to keep up with the growing demand from our clients.

 

On 4th February, local photographer Andy Abbott came along to document the launch and take photos of Drivers Direct MD Gethin Roberts and the Bury St Edmunds team, including Franchise Directors John and Bev Major, as well as Recruitment Consultant, Lewis Abel.

 

 

Our new office will offer more jobs in both the professional driving and recruitment industries to East Anglia.  We’ve appointed John & Bev Major as directors, following their success heading the Northampton office.  We’re looking forward to building a strong client base in the region and we’ve already had an encouragingly high volume of temporary HGV drivers pre-register.

 

With plenty of narrative surrounding driver shortages in the UK circulating in the media over the last couple of years, we feel it’s a step in the right direction for the sector to be opening another branch and creating more opportunities in the industry.

 

Gethin Roberts comments: “We’re delighted to be opening our third franchise in Bury St Edmunds and to be bringing new jobs to another region of the country.  The office will be managed by a strong team who have a wealth of experience, ensuring our customers will receive top quality service.”

 

John Major, Director of the new office adds: “After the great success we’ve had in Northampton, we’re looking forward to building another successful Drivers Direct franchise and establishing ourselves as key recruiters in Bury St Edmunds.”

 

If you’d like to register for any upcoming jobs, give our team of friendly professionals a call on 01284 763476 to see what we have available.

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Drivers Direct on: Charity of the Year

Drivers Direct on: Charity of the Year

Every year we select our charity of the year, it’s a decision that is given careful consideration as all our employees throughout our 21 branches can offer their nominations for a worthy cause.  Having supported the Victory Services Club in 2017, this year we chose the NSPCC, whose excellent work is nationally recognised.

 

Our main fundraising came from our annual charity ball, with every attendee making a donation and we held a raffle to help raise further funds.  £1,000 was raised from the night alone which was then generously Increased to £2,500 by our Managing Director, Gethin Roberts.

 

NSPCC stands for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and protecting children is their sole purpose.  As an independent organisation, they rely on the public to fund their work.

 

NSPCC fundraising manager Janette Drew commented on being selected as our Charity of the Year: “We’re thrilled to have been selected as Drivers Directs Charity of the Year and would like to thank the staff who nominated us showing their support for our work for vulnerable children. Every penny raised for us helps us be there for children when the need us the most, whether it’s through Childline’s around the clock service, teaching children to stay safe through our schools service, or receiving support from our centres.”

 

The NSPCC focuses on a number of aspects of child protection, from support for new parents and babies, to working with mobile brand O2 to make families safer online by delivering online safety workshops to parents and offering advice.  The charity also offers support to victims of abuse who are giving evidence in court, campaigning for a better system for child witnesses.

 

The organisation also provides the secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Abused and Neglected Children (APPG) – this is a crossbench groups of MPs and Peers and their sole purpose is to raise the profile of child abuse and neglect in parliament.  The meetings are held in Westminster and involve inquiries with professionals, academics and frontline staff to focus on the key issues of child protection, as well as investigating policies and upcoming areas of legislation.  In 2016, the APPG held an inquiry on therapeutic support for children, focusing on the mental health of children in care and the best practices for delivering support.

 

We’re so proud to have picked the NSPCC as our charity of the year, they carry out their work in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  We admire the work they do and how they make it their one mission to protect children the children of the UK.  It is certainly a worthy cause that we wanted to get involved with, as the organisation are essentially supporting the children of the future.  If you would like to find out more on how you can support this great cause in your country, you can visit their website.

 

 

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