FOR-WORD - Fortec Distribution

Issue 3 2014
FOR-WORD
A ROUND UP OF NEWS FROM THE NETWORK
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - 2014
18th Sept - Selling to win training day (Fortec Hub)
25th Sept - Customer Service Excellence (Fortec Hub)
To book your place at any of the events above please contact
Jo Marks on 0845 0750 620 and select option 5 or email her on
jo.marks@fortec-distribution.com.
WELCOME...
... to the Summer issue of Fortec’s newsletter.
INDUSTRY EVENTS IN PICTURES
MOTOR TRANSPORT AWARDS
The last few months have been a busy time
for the network with Regional Meetings at the
end of May, further roll out and improvements
to Connect in June and the Motor Transport
Awards at the start of July. You can read more
about these throughout this issue.
We’ve also increased our scanning capacity
by adding an additional lane to our scan
shed, this will make scanning faster and more
efficient, and much improve the flow of
vehicles into and out of Watford Gap.
We have lots to do to prepare for the
traditionally busy last quarter of the year, but
we are confident that our usual high levels of
service will be maintained.
Have a great summer and I look forward to
seeing you all in the Autumn.
From Left: Rob Brydon, Dave Coulson, commercial director (Abbey), Steve Lucy, support services director (Abbey),
Steve Granite, managing director (Abbey) and Neil Hodgson, managing director (Fortec)
The Motor Transport Awards were held on 2nd July and played host to over 1600 guests at the
Grosvenor Hotel in London.
The winners of the newly created Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Fortec, were
Abbey Logistics Group who won two awards on the night, the other for Haulier of the year! Our
congratulations to Steve Granite and the team! You can read more about it on page three.
TRUCK OPEN 2014
DINNER WITH THE PRIME MINISTER
Truck Open 2014 saw Fortec’s green team win
the trophy from a field of 29 four balls at the
Golf event held in June at Heythrop park.
Fortec were lucky to be invited along by Alan
Jones OBE to a recent dinner attended by
Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Clive Harris and Gavin Taylor (Fortec), Evan
Sparrowhawk (Wyvern Cargo) and Dave
Webster (Brocklehurst) were the winners on the
day with a score of 109.
He talked at length on a variety of subjects
and discussed successful UK businesses
including Fortec Distribution Network.
IT DEPARTMENT UPDATE
The IT department has been very busy over
the past few months supporting the network,
particularly with the roll out of Fortec Connect.
Here’s a taster of what you can expect from us
over the coming months:
•
Initial phase of Fortec Connect deliveries
nears completion with just a handful of
Member Partners left
•
Integration of Fortec Connect deliveries
for non-Fortec freight is underway with 4
Member Partners
•
NWL go live week 30
•
Geodis by week 35
•
Fortec Connect Collections and dynamic
updates has been released for testing.
Keep your eyes peeled for further news!
•
Fortrack Live! has been well received
since it’s release and we’ve had
great feedback and suggestions for
enhancements. This is being collated and
a specification for improvement is being
written.
•
We have launched a customer feedback
initiative for every 5th IT support call
received. This will enable us to review and
refine our IT support to the network and
address any weaknesses. Initial feedback
is encouraging so if you receive a request
from us please complete electronically
and send to support@fortec-distribution.
com.
•
A new consignment enquiry screen is in
test and is expected to be released soon.
•
The project to re-brand the POD server is
underway and we expect to see the new
layout in the coming weeks.
NEED HELP GETTING IN FRONT OF POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS?
FORTEC TELESALES CAN HANDLE IT!
£99
TELESALES DAY
Want to give us a try? Why not
take advantage of our Telesales
Day special offer?
•
One day dedicated to
your business!
•
Between 60 and 80 cold
calls to local businesses
promoting your company
and services.
•
On average we book
between 2-3 quality
appointments to get you
face to face with potential
customers.
•
A detailed report on the
activity we’ve generated
for your reference.
•
Value for money – saves
paying for a full time sales
person!
Did you know that over the past two years Fortec Telesales
has:
•
•
•
•
Introduced over 300 new companies to the network?
Added an additional 70,000 pallets?
Generated over £200,000 worth of new business?
Booked 1,230 face-to-face appointments for over 40%
of the network?
• Saved countless hours of cold calling and
administration for our Member Partners?
• Promoted ALL aspects of each of the Member Partners
in Telesales?
• Achieved consistent results through understanding and
working together with Member Partners?
The team is dedicated to working with you on promoting
and enhancing your presence in your local area.
We can take away the time spent researching and
generating leads, cold calling and qualifying a customer
and the administration involved in setting up a meeting.
Let us do this for you, so you can sell your services to them!
For any queries or issues, please get in touch
with the IT department on 0845 0750 620 and
select option 6 or alternatively send them an
email to support@fortec-distribution.com.
If you think your business would benefit from our Telesales
service, give us a call. Contact Chris Ware on 01327
306361 / chris.ware@fortec-distribution.com.
BUYING A NEW TRAILER?
The DFT have granted 900 licenses to operate longer length trailers across the UK on trial basis. If you
think you’d benefit from running a larger trailer, which allows an additional 6 pallets on a single deck
and 12 on a double deck, let us know.
We’d like to support you in your application to enable a detailed assessment of the potential benefit
of longer length trailers.
Contact Adrian Bradley, Network and Operations Manager, on 01327 306341 or email adrian.bradley@fortec-distribution.com.
DIP’S TOP TIP: CUSTOMERS’ OWN
PAPERWORK PROCESS
You can now include your customers’ own
paperwork (COP) within the Fortec Connect app.
Follow these steps to get the most from the system:
1.
2.
Dipesh Patel
Network Support Supervisor
Attach COP to the pallets using “documents
enclosed” wallets. Place next to the Fortec
delivery address label before putting them
through the network.
Attach COP to pallet No. 1 when sending
multiple pallet consignments. Include
duplicate copies, where needed, in the
document wallet. The delivery driver will be
required to have the paperwork signed on
delivery.
3.
Take a photo of COP and save in Fortec
Connect.
4.
Scan and upload POD back at depot.
5.
Return completed COP to owning depot
using the yellow POD envelopes.
NOTE: As a temporary measure you must scan the
POD through a scanner on return to depot.
In the event that you or your team are unable to
use the Fortec Connect device, the following rules
and timescales must be followed to ensure full
clarity across the network.
•
Ensure the manual POD is available in
ForTrack on the SAME DAY as the delivery
•
Obtain clear and legible signatures on COP
along with their name, time and date.
•
Confirm delivery with a VERBAL POD on
timed or AM deliveries.
•
Enter VERBAL PODS onto ForTrack within ONE
HOUR of delivery being completed.
•
Upload images by 9 AM the following day.
NOTE: Service reports will be run daily, at 9 AM. Any
missing PODs will be recorded as service failures.
If you have any questions regarding this process
please get in touch with Network Support on 0845
0750 620 and select option 5.
MP VISITS NORTH WEST LOGISTICS
MOTOR TRANSPORT AWARDS 2014
North West Logistics played host to Graham Jones, the local MP for
Hyndburn in May. Covering a range of issues, their main discussion focussed
on fuel duty and the impact it has on the transport industry.
The annual Motor Transport Awards were held on 2nd July
2014, marked with a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel on
Park Lane, London.
Members of the management team at North West Logistics sat down with
Graham Jones and discussed the industry’s issues face to face with their MP.
Stephen Dunn said “I was very impressed with Graham’s can do attitude.
He took the time to listen and understand the industry. It really helps having
these kind of conversations with people who have a finger on the pulse of
parliament.”
Attended by 1,600 guests
from the transport and
logistics industry, the
ceremony was hosted
by Justin Stanton,
Editorial Director at Motor
Transport magazine. The
event was compered
by comedian Rob
Brydon and included
performances from Rich
Hall and house band The
Lionels.
As it stands at the moment, the Government have agreed not to apply any
further charges on duty.
FORTEC BECOMES FORS ASSOCIATE
The Fortec Distribution Network has become
an associate member of the Fleet Operator
Recognition Scheme (FORS), TfL’s Londonbased accreditation.
Recognition as an associate member backs
up Fortec’s commitment to sustainable
distribution within the capital.
Chris Dennigan, Network Support Manager
said: “We are delighted to have been
awarded FORS associate status, which shows
our commitment to raising the standards of
safety and sustainability on the roads.
Becoming a FORS Associate is a logical step,
demonstrating that we want to help traffic in
London run more smoothly and safely.”
FORS membership is a subsidised scheme open to any company operating
fleets including vans, lorries, mini-buses and coaches. It offers a range of
exclusive benefits and discounts, and could help you tender for business,
save you money, improve safety and reduce your environmental impact.
There are three levels of membership, bronze, silver and gold, that award
excellence and their aim is to raise the standard not just providing a set of
rules to follow but offering best practice guidance. They offer a range of
advice from Safety through to performance management and even have
discounted breakdown assistance as part of the scheme.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of FORS visit
fors-online.org,uk or get in touch with Chris Dennigan on 01327 306 363 /
chris.dennigan@fortec-distribution.com.
The newly created Business
Excellence Award, sponsored
by Fortec, had five shortlisted
entries; Abbey Logistics
Group, Framptons Transport
Services, GeoPost UK - DPD & Interlink Express, Gist and
Grocontinental. Rewarding best practice and excellence
for companies working in the CV and road freight sector,
judges were looking for commitment to best practices in
financial performance, corporate and Social responsibility,
long term business growth strategy and care for the
environment.
Neil Hodgson presented the award to winners Abbey
Logistics Group, their second award for the night after
winning Haulier of the Year. Judges were impressed with
their clear strategic vision and innovations; which include
leadership of Think Logistics, an initiative to encourage
young people to take up a career in logistics; and their
development of a twin cargo trailer capable of carrying
liquid and palletised goods.
DPD won two awards; Customer Care and Best Use of
Technology. Marston won Livery of the Year, with their
design for Hobgoblin beer, Des Evans for his Service to
Industry and Travis Perkins for Team of the Year.
You can find out more about the shortlisted entries, winners
and videos from the night by visiting mtawards.co.uk.
INDUSTRY NEWS
GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO REPAIR ROADS
The government has unveiled funding to repair
potholes in the UK’s roads.
Local authorities have been allocated £168
million from a dedicated pothole repair fund.
They will be required to produce quarterly
progress updates on how many potholes have
been repaired as a condition of receiving the
money.
The funding comes as part of the largest
investment in the country’s strategic road
network since the 1970’s, which will see £24 billion
spent on roads between 2010 and 2021.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
“Potholes are the bane of all our lives and the
funding announced today is an important step in
ridding our roads of this menace.”
The announcement follows a competition in
which councils were invited to apply for a share
of the £168 million. Some 148 authorities made
successful bids, and a greater amount will go
to those which were able to demonstrate best
practice in highways maintenance.
£2M FUNDING FOR R&D PROJECTS IN THE
TRANSPORT SECTOR
A new competition is set to give SME transport
businesses the chance to win up to £2m (€2.5m)
worth of R&D funding to develop innovative new
products.
The competition is the first in a series run by
leap® from Pera Technology, which aims to
help small and medium-sized businesses, who
have struggled to secure finance for innovative
projects during the recession.
available to SMEs looking to undergo new
product development programmes, please visit
www.peratechnology.com/leap.
NORTH YORKSHIRE BYPASS GETS GREEN
LIGHT
£29 million of investment has been pledged to
allow the construction of the A684 bypass In
North Yorkshire, which will improve journey times
on a major east-west tourist route.
Ten businesses will receive a fully funded
application to the European Union’s Horizon
2020 science and innovation fund to turn new
product ideas into commercial prototypes. Once
a prototype is developed, Horizon 2020 will give
SMEs access to potential investors from across
Europe and further afield.
All of the submissions will be assessed on a range
of criteria including feasibility, commercial
potential and originality.
The project involves the construction of a new 4.8
kilometre single carriageway road from the A684
north of Bedale to the A684 east of Leeming Bar,
which links into junction 51 of the A1(M).
To enter the competition, or to find out more
about leap® and the funding opportunities
Work on the scheme is due to commence shortly
and is scheduled for completion in May 2016.
Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: “We
are putting £29 million into this project because
the government is serious about investing in
the infrastructure the country needs to drive
economic growth, both locally and nationally.”
BRAND SHOWCASE
A look at how the new Fortec brand is being rolled out
across the network.
NEXIS EMBRACE THE BRAND
Take a look at Nexis’ brand new company car. Using the Fortec Livery
as a style guide, they have produced a really eye catching design.
We think it looks great! If you would like help designing promotional
items see the article below on the marketing services we now offer.
STEPHEN DUNN RUNS FOR CHARITY
The Great Manchester run 2014 was held on May 18th with over 40,000
participants running the 10k route. Stephen Dunn from North West
Logistics was one of those runners raising an impressive £258 to be
added to the millions raised for charity.
Despite the heat, Stephen Dunn managed a very respectable time of
1 hour and 3 minutes, in line with the average times of around an hour.
Stephen was amongst a wide range of runners from celebrities such as
Denise Welch, Bill Turnbull and Phil Neville. plus thousands of fun runners
taking part all in the name of charity.
HICKS LOGISTICS EXPANDS
Hicks Logistics has acquired its second
warehousing unit in the space of
a year as it expands to support
customer demand.
The company has purchased a 30,000
sq ft warehouse and purpose built
transport yard facility near its existing
base in the Monmouthshire town.
NEW LIVERY FOR GEODIS IRELAND
Geodis Ireland have taken delivery
of their brand new livery which
includes their own logo on the rear
panel.
Let us know your branding successes
or to talk to us about how we can
help you with your visibility on the
road.
Call Sophie Parker, brand manager,
or Andrea Martin, marketing assistant
on 0845 0750 620 and select opt 5.
Hicks diversified into warehousing in July last year when it acquired
a 20,000 sq ft industrial unit, but that facility is already operating
at capacity. With a 700 strong fleet of vehicles in use at present,
the company will also take on 10 new employees to support the
expansion, bringing total staff numbers to approximately 90.
Terry Hicks said: “We moved into warehousing last year but the
growth of that side of the business has been phenomenal and
that is why we have purchased this much larger unit, which also
provides storage space for our vehicles. This latest investment
gives us significant capacity for growth and we can take on new
customers to expand the business.”
WIN INVESTORS IN PEOPLE ACCREDITATION
As part of Geodis’ long term strategy, Ambition 2018, they have successfully achieved the bronze Investors in People (iIP) accreditation, which
covers the entire group, including Fortec.
IiP accreditor, Dawn Jones, said “I was impressed with the enthusiasm and passion that people have for the organisation. I spoke with a cross
section of employees who provided me with examples of improvement within communication, people management and development,
particularly over the past two years.
Katie Webber, human resources director at Geodis, said “Receiving IiP is great from a business perspective, as it’s an independent audit of our
systems and processes that relate directly to the people in our organisation.
Geodis have had great feedback which to suggests that the Silver accreditation should be achievable within the next 18 months! Read more
about the accreditation on the IiP website: investorsinpeople.co.uk.
NETWORK MARKETING SERVICES
FROM FORTEC
Fortec is now able to offer marketing and
branding services to member partners across the
network.
It is a free and effective way of helping you
brand and market your business, provided
through the central Fortec marketing
department which understands your business
model.
To find out more call Sophie Parker, Brand
Manager or Andrea Martin, Marketing Assistant,
on 0845 0750 620 option 6 or send an email to
sales@fortec-distribution.com.
LOGO DESIGN
Refining a current logo, creating
a new logo, establishing a new
strapline etc.
BROCHURES AND FLYERS
Amend existing brochures,
literature and flyers or create
new literature with fresh
branding
WEBSITES
Amending existing sites, advise
on search-engine optimisation,
providing copy amends to
current sites. Creation of new
websites.
MERCHANDISE AND SIGNAGE
Company-branded goods
including clothing, business
cards, promotional items and
signage.
PR AND MEDIA RELATIONS
Draft press releases, articles and
copy for use in the press.
GET IN TOUCH AND LET US KNOW YOUR STORIES
CONTACT SOPHIE PARKER OR ANDREA MARTIN ON 01327 306 313 / 314
SOPHIE.PARKER@FORTEC-DISTIBUTION.COM / ANDREA.MARTIN@FORTEC-DISTRIBUTION.COM
CONTENT DRAFT
Provide content and copy for a
variety of marketing purposes.