NEWS\\\


The transport industry does not have the most glamorous image. The general public’s perception is, unfortunately, that it is a bit ‘rough and ready’, and this, however inaccurate, is unlikely to attract the brightest and the best candidates that are needed to drive the industry forward. David Doolan, director


of Brackley-based Xclusive Recruitment, believes that the national industry associations and carriers need to continue to work together to improve the image of the sector. “We all know that if a


teenager is asked whether they would be interested in a career in the transport sector, it is very unlikely that they would respond with the comment: ‘Wow! I want to have a career in pallet, express parcels or logistics!’ They may consider that a role in the transport industry would best be summed up by the two words – ‘lorry driver’. It is vitally important for the industry to change this perception,” comments Doolan. To attract


school leavers,


graduates and candidates from other industries to join


to change. With its this


expanding sector, the image of the transport and logistics needs


broad spectrum of business facets, from IT systems and technological developments, customer service, sales, infrastructure, HR, sales and marketing,


the sector offers


a dynamic, challenging and vibrant career choice. “At the moment, candidates do not automatically search


for a career in logistics, so it would be a very positive and necessary step if we could find a way of making the industry more attractive. We want and need people to aspire to join it rather than fall into it by accident or coincidence,” adds Doolan. Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex


Group managing director, supports David Doolan’s comments: “Logistics isn’t just about


driving a lorry, and we need to educate the younger generation about the wide variety of roles and opportunities available within the sector. “Pall-Ex has supported the


RHA’s annual ‘Love the Lorry’ campaign since its inception in 2015; which focuses on why different people within the industry love the sector. Our staff got involved and shared their favourite aspects of working within logistics, as well as their outstanding career achievements. The campaign really highlighted to everyone, myself included, the breadth of different people within Pall-Ex who have been essential to the network’s success.” Kevin Buchanan concludes:


“I would welcome a joint initiative to showcase this brilliant industry and to give bright futures to the people that join it.” Doolan continues: “The


industry is very much one which you either love or hate; someone might join it for three to six months – and then find that it just doesn’t suit them. But a great deal of problems result


Making the Earth move


Earthworks specialist Ground Developments Ltd (GDL) is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 1060. GDL is based in Scotland an


with established and


experienced team that offers cost-effective earthworks, ground improvement and piling solutions to a wide range of clients. It can deliver high- profile projects across Scotland as well as the rest of the UK. Managing director Kevin


Mackenzie, says: “Multimodal offers us a fantastic opportunity to engage with


new audiences and have the chance to showcase our approach for the construction of


industrial facilities where


it is common to require high- capacity floors, crane and container pads and cope with high axle loads. “We’re constantly looking


at ways in which we can deliver innovative ground improvement techniques in the UK, and we’re leading the industry in the UK in our advances using the latest ground improvement and piling techniques.”


Multimodal 2017 Daily Issue 1 - Freight Business Journal Improving the image of logistics


from a lack of understanding of the industry and the vast array of careers it provides. “In my opinion, the industry


should be more proactive in its approach and focus on actively selling itself and promoting its image as a collective group. It would be ideal if we had a forum representing the industry working together,


investing resource into this


essential process,” he said. “If the industry is seen to be


more proactive in its approach, clients will be better able to understand the added value that the transport industry can provide, and will hopefully be prepared to pay a more representative fee for the service.”


Doolan is calling on the FTA, RHA, CILT, and other industry bodies to continue to work together to actively promote transport as a career option and as an exciting industry, to further build upon the “Love the Lorry” campaign and other similar initiatives. “This would support the


recruitment industry in its role of identifying and attracting the quality people we so desperately need.


9 “If we take this collective


approach, and market the transport industry with a theme, a slogan and a campaign to present


the 21st Century, fast-paced, technology-led service that it is, we can recruit and attract the essential


quality people


with the right skill sets, background and experience to develop the industry and respond to the needs of the increasingly dynamic market.”


it as


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