The annual British Gypsum Driver of the Year competition recently drew to a close as 10 participants took part in the cumulative final at Palletforce’s SuperHub in Burton-upon-Trent. Accolades were presented for Driver of the Year, Most Improved Driver and Team of the Year.
The British Gypsum Driver of the Year scheme began in 2014 and has been designed to encourage safe and sustainable driving practices. Sponsored by three of British Gypsum’s third-party logistics providers – DHL, CEVA and Jempsons – the final of the fifth edition took place on 16th October.
All of British Gypsum’s HGVs have telematics installed, which monitor a number of driving behaviours including over revving, harsh braking and harsh cornering. The company works closely with all of its drivers to improve performance in these areas and offers development and support across all safety best practice identified through the programme. British Gypsum is also working with the industry to develop innovative safety solutions such as CoupleSafe™, a safety feature which reduces the risk of unplanned uncoupling by removing the human element of risk.
Jag Gill, supply chain director at British Gypsum says: “The Driver of the Year competition is now into its fifth year. It is a great way to encourage development across the business in conjunction with our haulage providers to really focus on the key behaviours and development of the drivers. We have evolved the event further with the introduction of new categories, so it is not just about recognising individual efforts but also about recognising the improved performance of the team. It is a fantastic event and is now a permanent fixture in the calendar for the future.”
Over 350 drivers from across British Gypsum’s haulage partners competed in a series of regional qualifying heats before 10 finalists were selected to progress. The final saw drivers participate in five monitored activities which were designed to showcase the drivers’ skills as well as their mechanical, technological and theoretical knowledge. Activities included Driving Assessment, Manoeuvring, Coupling and Uncoupling, Load Securing and Risk Profiling.
After an intense but enjoyable day, Graeme Collingwood was named Driver of the Year; Karl Sargent was awarded the title Most Improved Driver; and the CEVA Logistics team based in Kirkby Thore won the Team of the Year award.
Dave Holland, Palletforce sales and marketing director, says: “We are always delighted to host this prestigious event and the magnificent facilities at our innovative SuperHub make it the perfect location. Palletforce champions excellence and safety and promotes skills development in all areas of logistics to our members, so it’s fitting that we could host the final. Well done to all the finalists and especially our member, Jempsons, who is a key logistics provider to British Gypsum.”
