UK NORTH WEST\\\


Warrant Group invests in people power


Issue 3 2015 - Freight Business Journal


Dachser UK has had a strong presence in the North-west since it took


over Rochdale-based


Leach Transport in 2010. The company’s UK business, including its membership of the Palletline and Hazchem networks has been maintained, but the new owner has added a strong European element. “European shipments have


grown 50% in number and 35% in tonnage from Rochdale,” says Dachser UK managing director,


Nick Lowe. The difference between the two figures is explained by the relative increase in groupage traffic. The North-west is a good market


for exports, he adds. Goods are not only made in the area – like specialist printing equipment – but there are also firms that manage European distribution of products like footwear or clothing from the area. Chemicals are another important sector and being able to plug into the rest of the


Dachser European network is very advantageous, says Lowe. Of Dachser’s three UK depots


– the others being Dartford and Northampton - Rochdale is currently the smallest with around 45 departures a day, but as the latest addition to the UK network it is the fastest growing, currently running at around 50% a year compared with 15% for the UK as a whole. The Northwest of England is a strong exporting


Dachser spearheads Lancashire export drive 35


area – although perhaps the UK Government could do more to encourage exports to the rest of Europe, as opposed to further flung destinations, Lowe suggests. Rochdale has also become a


very important import platform. In time, Dachser will outgrow


its premises in Rochdale but Lowe would like to stay in the area. “This is a very good location. It’s close to Manchester, the M62 and Yorkshire.”


Liverpool-based Warrant Group has ground-breaking supply chain visibility, a new image and an advanced social media strategy – but the most important investment is in its people, says group managing director, Ian Jones. “We’re very people-focused,” he


told FBJ. “In fact we’re passionate about developing them.” With the business starting to


grow significantly, Warrant is investing heavily in training, both in internal workshops and through external providers. The idea is not just to allow people to do the job they are paid to do, but to develop a broad range of skills and attributes, while at the same time embracing the ‘Warrant Way’. The group oſten takes in people of school-leaving age and personal development is as important as learning how to do the job in hand. “I’m a perfect example of that,” Jones says. “I leſt school at 16. I didn’t excel academically, but I worked hard – and I probably never thought that I would one day end up as a managing director. And I have a business development manager who travels all over the world for us, who started off as an accounts clerk.” As the business expands,


there will be many more similar opportunities, Jones predicts: “We’re in Liverpool today, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be in other countries in future. I wouldn’t rule anything out.” It’s important that people don’t


become blinkered but learn about the other activities in the business, he believes – an airfreight specialist should know the essentials of shipping, or logistics. The group has, for the first time this year, earmarked a personal development budget and will be encouraging its staff to take full advantage of it. That could, for instance, mean taking shipbroking exams or other professional qualifications, or qualifications from BIFA and other bodies. With the Mersey Maritime organisation


also offering training, there is no shortage of suitable courses available on the doorstep. Three apprentices have been taken on through the local Chamber of Commerce – who couldn’t be more helpful, says Jones – and they will given a broad induction into the whole business. People do tend to stay loyal


to Warrant, he says. “We have managers who are now in their early 30s who have been with us since age 17.” Warrant Group made a name for


itself in sectors such as chemicals and recycled materials. Now, it is also targeting high-end retailers and getting its name well known in the market place. To help it, it has made four


appointments to its management team. They are: Iain Carvill, who joins as air freight manager; Steve Cox, who has been made commercial director; Andy Simpson, has become sales and supply chain director; and Joanne Jones, has also been made commodities director with responsibility for overseeing recycled, chemicals, food and drink, and general exports, as well as the domestic steel haulage business. In Steve Cox, the group has


gained someone with “vast experience”. He will be doing all the sea and road buying. Iain Carvill is an experienced


airfreight expert who can develop what Jones admits was not one of its strong points in the past. “He will bring his expertise and help us to develop, including setting up our own consolidations this year, initially to the Middle East, which we hope to start in April.” Andy Simpson is Warrant’s first


ever sales director. He is tasked with increasing the sales force and bringing in new business. And Joanne Jones, who has been with Warrant for 17 years, brings not only a wealth of experience but “a fantastic attitude.”


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