A Ledbury transport firm which actively encourages every member of staff to reach their full potential is celebrating a number of promotions and qualifications.
The ongoing programme of staff development is part of ABE Ledbury’s quest to be the ‘workplace of choice’ among prospective team members.
Its recent successes come as the company celebrates 50 years in business this year.
Among those celebrating are Victoria Evans, who has been promoted from Team Leader to Supervisor in the customer services department, and George Harrison, who has been promoted from Team Leader to Supervisor in the warehouse.
Their promotions follow 12 months of intensive training and includes successful completion of a mentoring programme, team leader course, IOSH safety course (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and first aid training.
Kelly Wright, National Planner, has attained her Transport Manager CPC. Also, in a bid to combat the ever-present driver shortage Craig Jenkins has gained his HGV category C licence after completing ABE’s Warehouse to Wheels programme along with apprentices Ashley Norton and Jack Clifton who have also completed their HGV Category C qualification.
Joe Feakins begins a new chapter in his career with ABE Ledbury as a fully-fledged HGV fitter after successfully completing his HGV mechanic apprenticeship.
Clive Brooks, Managing Director of ABE Ledbury, said: “There are no contracts between ourselves and our customers so there is no requirement for anyone to offer us repeat business”.
“This is a great motivation for our team. They know we always have to give our very best from the first phone call with the customer through to the final delivery.”
He added: “With this in mind, the development of our staff is a key priority and we pride ourselves on our ability to keep them engaged and motivated through a mix of regular cross training, internal training and external training. The aim is for our teams to have the know-how on as many roles as possible within the business.”
The company recently invested in a training package with access to almost 30 online courses, to be completed by all employees, teaching them a variety of skills including customer services, time management and diversity and inclusion.
Clive Brooks added: “Our aim is to help our staff build their skills and develop their careers not just for the benefit of ABE Ledbury but also for the wider industry.”
ABE Ledbury was recently named the Small Business of the Year in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Awards. It was also shortlisted for the Customer Service Award.
Also this year ABE made its biggest investment by purchasing its site that was rented for 20 years, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the local area.
Starting out with just two vehicles, the company today employs a 75-strong workforce and operates 50 vehicles and 60 trailers, serving customers across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Powys and Shropshire.
