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Rhys Davies Start Freight Forwarding Expansion Plans
Gary Phillips, Commercial Manager of Rhys Davies Freight Logistics has taken over responsibility for the company’s Freight Forwarding Division, with a brief to significantly expand its operations during the next two years.
Rhys Davies Forwarding already provides export services to blue chip clients offering a one stop service for the import and export of a wide range of goods, as well as goods more difficult to manage such as hazardous materials, gases, chemicals and oversize products to and from any location in the world.
Rhys Davies Forwarding has been operating for 20 years and has developed close working relationships with trusted partners across the globe. Some shipments are particularly challenging, for example one customer regularly needs to transport refrigeration gasses in 40 ft tanks to the Middle East, including Libya and Syria, so reliable contacts and an in depth knowledge of the regulations regarding moving goods through war zones is essential. Food ingredients from the Far East, skin and beauty products from India and photocopy paper for offices throughout the world are some goods handled by Rhys Davies’ Forwarding Division.
“Surprisingly many of our customers are not aware that we have a worldwide logistics division,” said Gary. “I’ll be working hard to put that right during the next few months and we’ll be launching a new marketing campaign in February to get the message out there.”
Key to this growth plan is the installation of new IT systems which will further streamline operations and give customers enhanced visibility of the progress of their shipments at every stage of their journey. This system will control all activities, and provide the frontline staff with more time to focus on growth and customer service.
“My aim is to significantly increase the turnover of the division within the next twelve months,” said Gary. “It’s a tall order, but I’m confident that when companies see what we have to offer in terms of international expertise and technology, we will win their business.”
New Yearsley Fleet Helps Reduce Its Carbon Footprint Further
Yearsley Group, the UK’s largest cold storage and distribution provider, has taken delivery of a £1.4m fleet of 20 trucks that will help it further reduce the carbon emissions from its nationwide operation.
The Heywood-based company, which is committed to sustainability, recently announced a £2.2 million investment in solar panels at two of its cold stores as it looks to increase the amount of energy it obtains from renewable sources.
Now 20 new MAN TGX 26.442BLS 6x2 tractor units have been delivered and will be based at five of Yearsley’s 12 depots across the UK. In trials, the MAN units posted lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs that the alternatives Yearsley Group was considering.
“This represents significant investment and is part of our on-going strategy of replacing vehicles to ensure they remain as environmentally friendly and cost-efficient as possible,” said Yearsley Group’s head of logistics, Mark Haslam.
“These vehicles are the first we have ordered from MAN and we believe that they are ideally suited to our operation.”
Other recent green moves from Yearsley Group include the implementation of management systems for reducing waste road miles, and the company has updated many of its cold stores with state-of-the-art insulation.
BRC urges Government Action Against New EU Food Storage Rules
New food storage rules being considered by the European Commission would cost retailers at least £100 million pounds and have a damaging impact on the environment while making no difference to hygiene standards.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is urging the UK Government to do more to support its campaign against the plans.
The Commission is currently consulting on plans to introduce a required temperature of two degrees Celsius for all chilled food while it’s being stored and transported as part of revised Food Hygiene Regulations. The existing UK rules are more than adequate, allowing retailers to establish their own practices providing they can prove the temperatures they operate at are safe.
Upgrading equipment would cost large retailers alone at least £100 million. Energy consumption would have to rise by an estimated twenty per cent to produce the lower temperatures, increasing carbon dioxide emissions and adding further to retailers’ bills.
British Retail Consortium Food Director, Andrew Opie, said: “This is a prime example of unnecessary business regulation making it harder for retailers to invest and grow. Retailers already follow rules which ensure food is stored and delivered at temperatures which keep it in top condition. New legislation dictating a specific temperature wouldn’t do anything to improve safety or quality.
“The Government has made a lot of noise about its Red Tape Challenge and its intentions to reduce regulation. This is a key test. The Government has been supportive on this issue but if it’s serious about supporting business growth, opposing the introduction of this kind of flawed legislation by Europe needs to be a priority.
“These proposals would cost retailers and the environment dear while benefitting no-one. It’s time for ministers to prove their commitment to better regulation by supporting the fight against them.”
Gary Phillips, Commercial Manager of Rhys Davies Freight Logistics has taken over responsibility for the company’s Freight Forwarding Division, with a brief to significantly expand its operations during the next two years.