Buckley's for Southampton Docks
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"BUCICLEY'S CHANCE" is an Australian or New Zealand slang expression which means no chance at all. It is often shortened to simply "Buckley's". It suggests someone has little or no hope of achieving a particular aim. So has John W
Buckley, the new MD of Southampton Container Terminal, got Buckley's chance of success with his plans to revolutionise current working patterns and practices at SCT? My distinct impression —formed from reading Chris Tmdall's penetrative report (CM 3 June) and recently having had the opportunity to talk to Mr Buckley — is, on the contrary, extremely positive.
Buckley, the new MD of Southampton Container Terminal, got Buckley's chance of success with his plans to revolutionise current working patterns and practices at SCT? My distinct impression —formed from reading Chris Tmdall's penetrative report (CM 3 June) and recently having had the opportunity to talk to Mr Buckley — is, on the contrary, extremely positive.
Can it really be that after some 30 years of hurt and years of obfuscation, not to mention belowaverage operating performance, that the penny has finally dropped and hauliers are to receive a high quality of service?
I believe the answer to be an unequivocal yes. Every so often in life an individual arrives on the scene with clear ideas of what needs to be done to improve certain situations.
This sort of person possesses the will to succeed, the ability, the ruthlessness to make major changes, and is also capable of galvanising colleagues. It should be recognised that, in the balance of probability, Mr Buckley may indeed be such a person.
Jam prepared to take Mr Buckley's statements of intent at face value. I wish him every good fortune in his efforts. He and his revitalised team deserve to triumph over adversity and bring some much needed kudos to the Port of Southampton. This is especially important after the government's bewildering and absurd decision to reject the Dibden Bay project.
So if in the future we hear the phrase "You've not got a Buckley's" let's fervently hope it is not directed at our drivers who, after arriving at the Port, are informed they are just about to join a queue of several hours' duration! John Ward Chairman PMP Logistics Fareham, Hants