Outstanding network members celebrated in annual Palletline Awards

The cream of the crop of UK transport companies came together to celebrate their achievements throughout 2023 at Palletline’s recent annual awards ceremony.

Colleagues from across the 96-strong member network joined together to celebrate the awards at a prestigious ceremony guest hosted by world-class comedian, Russell Kane, at the five-star Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport, Wales.

Among the winners was Stirling-based H & R Gray which won the award for Service Excellence.

It followed consistent excellence in service levels and recognised the company’s success in becoming the first member of the Palletline network to be awarded the coveted Diamond Star Status.

Wembley-based Door To Door Transport Solutions picked up the Commercial Development Award.

A member of Palletline since 2018, the company enjoys a solid customer base largely built on word of mouth.

But with increasing challenges affecting the industry the company took the decision to invest in a new sales system, drawing up a clear and measurable plan to grow its customer base. The move led to fantastic growth and a more diversified customer portfolio.

Browns Distribution was this year’s Commercial Growth Award winner.

The Stoke-on-Trent company was highlighted for its success in establishing an exciting brand with a nationwide reputation for quality, using a fresh approach to business and ensuring the integration of the very best technology and customer service and growing its network volumes by 1,000 pallets a month.

Welch’s Transport has added to its trophy cabinet with a double award win for Outstanding Commitment and Environmental and Social Impact.

The Outstanding Commitment Award came in recognition of Welch’s efforts to consistently support the network, offering its resources to ensure full coverage at all times, whilst maintaining an unrivalled service for its own customers.

The Environmental and Social Impact Award came in recognition of the Cambridgeshire company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, collaborating with its local community and operating a people focused organisation with a strong sense of charitable responsibility.

Sheffield-based Shepherd Distribution won the Health and Safety Award in recognition of its exemplary record and health and safety policies.

Accredited with FORS Gold for a decade the company serves several customers responsible for major projects requiring the FORS standard.

Also serving a number of key players in Sheffield’s manufacturing industry the company is often ahead of the transport industry in building the latest health and safety regulations and procedures into its policies.

Coventry-based Reason Transport won the coveted Member of the Year Award – the only accolade voted for by fellow members.

The company won the award for its contribution to the network over the past 12 months and encompassing all principles of partnership as detailed in Palletline’s Charter. This includes respectful and honest communication, a consistent demonstration of accountability for service and quality and, above all, for showing support to the membership in genuine partnership.

Palletline’s Individual of the Year Award was presented to Lead Application Specialist, Kate Vickery for her outstanding commitment to her role throughout her 14 years with the company and, more recently, her pivotal role in the development of Palletline’s next-generation hub and member system – her unique knowledge of the network, its processes and the Transport Management Systems used by network members has been invaluable.

And last but certainly not least, Carl Hepworth from Bradford-based Expect Distribution, was named Palletline’s Rising Star.

The 24-year-old commenced his logistics career through the Novus programme at Huddersfield University, studying a four year degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. He completed a year long placement at Expect Distribution in September 2020 just as the UK was battling Covid, and today he is a Palletline Supervisor with ambitions to work in transport management.

Graham Leitch, Group Chief Executive Officer of Palletline, said: “We had a fantastic evening and a huge congratulations to all our winners.

“As a member owned network, our members are the very lifeblood of Palletline. Their achievements are a reflection of the hard work and dedication throughout the network ensuring that Palletline remains at the forefront of the palletised freight distribution marketplace.”