The role of a van driver is varied and complex, and Logistics UK is proud to formally recognise the best of the best. Kevin Green, Marketing and Communications Director at Logistics UK comments:
“Van drivers are the lifeblood of the UK’s economy, continuously servicing the needs of the nation via the delivery of goods and essential services. It is vital that as an industry we recognise and celebrate these unsung heroes, and these awards are the perfect opportunity to do just that.
“The role of a van driver requires a multitude of skills; drivers often have to navigate changing road spaces and time pressures while ensuring they demonstrate safe and efficient driving at all times. The challenges entrants have taken part in as part of our competition were designed to replicate some of the skills needed in industry, including ‘safe driving’ style, legislative knowledge, and safe and efficient manoeuvring, and we have been extremely impressed with the level of skill from this year’s entrants. All participants should be very proud of their achievements, and I’d like to extend my congratulations to our well-deserved finalists and winners.”
Winner, Paul Simonds, comments: “I am thrilled to have won Logistics UK’s Van Driver of the Year 2022. I love my role as a van driver and to be recognised on this scale is overwhelming. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with so many talented drivers here who share the same passion for driving and upholding the high standards and reputation of the sector. I would like to thank all of my managers for their ongoing support, particularly Tony Baker and Chris Wilcox for their assistance with this competition. I would also like to thank Logistics UK for recognising the work of our vital sector.”
Second place was awarded to Alex Tilley of Moy Park, with Adam Fretter of Truline securing third place. Additional awards were also presented to winners of particular skills tasks:
- Safe driving style, supported by Quartix: Paul Simonds
- Economical driving, supported by WTW: Alex Tilley
- Legislative knowledge, supported by Lex Autolease: Paul Simonds
- Manoeuvring, supported by Brigade Electronics: Paul Simonds
- Pre-use defect checks, supported by AA: Carl Lightbown
- Risk assessment, supported by TVL: Adam Fretter
A presentation took place on the day (11 May 2022) where winners were awarded their well-deserved trophies and prizes, which included a holiday voucher, a Red Letter Day voucher and Amazon vouchers. The 11 shortlisted individuals included those from Truline, Moy Park, G4S Cash Solutions, Wayfair, Greencore and Chamberlain Doors.
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk
