H&G wants to raise the standards of agency drivers
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Words: Laura Hailstone H&G RECRUITMENT Solutions plans to raise the image of agency drivers by putting its drivers through a full induction, assessment and training programme, and kitting them out with a uniform.
Carl Stairs, executive director at H&G and a former Stobart sales manager, said: "We want to present top-of-the-range drivers. I was at Stobart for eight years and we wanted an agency driver that turned up on time, looked smart, could drive a truck sensibly and efficiently, and understood the regulations. Unfortunately, there wasn't a single agency that could provide all of that. Some came close but they didn't assess the driver's driving ability."
H&G is investing in three Mercedes-Benz trucks and will be putting every new driver on its books through a driving assessment. "Every driver that comes to H&G will get an interview; if they pass that, they'll do a theory test; if that's successful, they'll go on the road for an hour's driving assessment. If this goes well and we want to place them, we'll enrol them on a full day's induction, which ends with them receiving an H&G uniform," said Stairs.
"Our aim is to supply a better class of driver to the workplace. When an H&G driver goes to a customer, we will have peace of mind knowing they've passed all of our tests and we are providing a well-rounded driver," he added.
The agency is opening a driver training academy in April and plans to open a fifth branch south of the M25 later this year, adding to its Rugby, Hatfield, Manchester and Scotland offices. H&G's clients include Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, Boots, DIAL and Stobart.
D: MOBILE ENGINEERS Bullwell Trailer Solutions has launched a recruitment drive for mobile engineers in Luton and Milton Keynes.
The mobile trailer repair and maintenance specialist employs 55 engineers and is looking for three new recruits to cover the demand from clients in the South, with particular focus on Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
"Demand among both new and existing clients is at an all-time high," said MD Gary Bulley.
"We are looking for three engineers in Luton and Milton Keynes to help ensure we are continuing to deliver a high-quality service to customers."
He added that Bullwell prides itself on its high-quality standards for the trailer industry. "Each of our engineers goes through a strict training programme, designed specifically to suit the needs of Bullwell. This means we can ensure each engineer is trained to our high standards and is capable of repairing and maintaining vehicles to the levels outlined by the manufacturers.
"During the past year, we have invested large amounts of money, designing bespoke data capture and tracking systems, becoming 100% paperless and equipping our mobile vans with the latest technology," Bulley said.
The firm is also recruiting in the Midlands, close to Bullwell's HQ in Lichfield.
Bullwell manages the maintenance of 600 semi-trailers and tractor units in the South, with clients including TK Maxx, Royal Mail and DHL.