Issue 2 2016

FOR-WORD A ROUND UP OF NEWS FROM THE NETWORK

In this issue: UEFA EURO 2016 wall chart & sweepstake | News from depots across the network | GEODIS Ireland is in the spotlight | Industry news... plus all the latest updates from Fortec.

CELEBRATE EURO 2016 WITH FORTEC

DID YOU KNOW? GEODIS is handling the distribution of Euro 2016 equipment kits for referees and volunteers to the stadiums in France hosting games during the tournament. Here are a few facts and figures that might interest you:

Euro 2016 is fast approaching offering a month of glorious football with kick off on 10th June. To help you celebrate the tournament we have launched a Fortec Network sweepstake and accompanying wallchart (enclosed).

Euro 2016 mascot,

Super Victor, shipped

It’s free to enter and each participating depot will be entered into a draw and assigned one of the 24 Euro nations involved in the competition. The winning depot will receive a luxury summer hamper! Entries will be accepted until 8th June. To take part in the sweepstake, register using the events page on your member login area or email [email protected] UEFA E

URO 2

10th J Group

une -

FRANC E

Group Group

June 20,

Stade Velodrom RUSSIA e, Mars eille SLOVA Stade KIA Pierre Mau roy, Lille Stade Bollaert-D WALES elelis, Lens ENGLAN Stade Geoff roy Guich D ard, St Etienn e Stadium de Toulo WALES use, Toulo use

GERMA NY

June 12,

8pm

GERM ANY

3

8pm

5pm

UKRAIN E

June 16,

5pm

GERMA NY

June 16,

8pm

UKRAIN E

June 21,

N IREL

5pm

June 21,AND 5pm

2

UKRAINE POLAND N IRELA ND

POLAN D

June 12,

EURO 2016 WINNER

SLO Stade de Bordeaux VAKIA , Bordeaux

8pm

2pm

2pm

8pm

Stade Pierre

N

Winner Match 1 8pm

June 30,

pallets

8pm

v 3rd

pla Stade Bollaert-Dce B/E/F elelis, Lens

Winner B

June 25,

5pm

v 3rd pla Parc desce A/C/D Princ es, Paris

SEMI -FIN AL Winner QF1

July 6,

8pm

v

, Nice

Stade IRELAND de Lyon , Lyon

POLAN

GERMA NY Princ es, Paris

4

Winner Match 8pm 3

July 1,

Winner F

June 26,

8pm

v

Stadium Runner -up de Toulo use, Toulo E use

Stade Bollaert-D TURKEY elelis, Lens

v Win ner Ma Stade Pierre Mau tch 4

Winner Match 8pm 5

July 2,

SEMI-FIN AL Winner QF3

July 7,

8pm

v

5pm

AL

v

, 5pm

v

2pm

, Lyon

Winner

Runner -up 8pm B

Run

Stade ner-up de Fran D ce, Paris

v 3rd -place C/D Stade de Lyon /E

Ma Stade de Fran tch 8 ce, Paris

June 27,

June 17,

v

ITALY Stade de Lyon , Lyon SW

2pm

BELGIU M

June 18,

ITALY

June 22,

2pm

8pm

22, 8pm

Winner A

QUAR TER-FIN

5

Lille

SWEDE N June

Winner E 27 June

June 26,

Winner Match 8pm 7

July 3,

v 3rd -place Stade Pierre Mau A/B/F roy,

Win

Stade de ner Ma Bordeaux tch , Bordeaux6

Win Stade Velodromner QF4 e, Mars eille

roy,

Lille QUAR TER-FIN AL

June 26,

v

8pm

REP OF IRELAN D 5pm ITALY June 13,

Winner C

AL

SEMI-FIN AL Win

BELGIUM ITALY REP OF IRELAND SWEDEN

BELGIU M

June 13,

QUAR TER-FIN

Stade ner QF2 de Lyon , Lyon

Stade Geoff CROATIA roy Guich ard, St Etienn e Stade de Bordeaux SPAIN , Bordeaux

CZECH REPUBL IC 8pm

AL

Win

ner Stade VelodromMatch 2 e, Mars eille

EDEN Stade de Fran ce, Paris

SWEDE Stadium de Toulo N use, Toulo use REP OF IRELAN Stade de D Bordeaux , Bordeaux REP OF IREL AND

Stade Pierre

6 7

AUSTRIA

A range of 450 different items to be packed into 13,000 sports bags

TUR Stade de Nice KEY , Nice

June 21,

QUAR TER-FIN v

CRO

Parc des ATIA Princes, Paris CZE Stadium CH REPUBL de Toulo use, Toulo IC use

21, 8pm

Stade v Geoffroy Runner Guichard -up C , St Etien ne

Winner D

June 25,

2pm

2pm

8pm

CZECH REPUBL IC 5pm CROATIA June June 17,

Runner -up 2pm A

June 25,

roy, Lille

Stade D de Fran ce, Paris Stade VelodromPOLAND e, Mars eille Parc des

1

UKRAIN E Mau

N Stade IRELAND de Nice

SPAIN CZECH REPUBL IC TURKEY CROA TIA

TURKEY

June 12,

SPAIN

June 13,

SPAIN

June 17,

Group

RUSSIA

June 15,

ENGLAN D

June 16,

FINAL

10, 8p

m France , Paris

VS

5pm

SLOVA KIA

June 20,

FRANC

Mauroy, E Lille

ENGLAN D RUSSIA WALES SLOVA KIA

ENGLAN D

RUSSIA

Stade de

AN Stade de Lyon IA , Lyon

Stade Pierre

June 11,

Sunday July

ALB

8pm

Group

8pm

SWITZE RLAND

WALES

EURO 2016

SWITZE

RLAND Parc des Princes, Paris ALBAN Stade Vélodrom IA e, Mars eille

ROMA NIA

June 11,

competition equipment on 750

ROMA NIA

Stade de Fran ce, Paris SWITZE RLAND Stade Bollaert-D elelis, Lens

15, 8pm

June 19,

120 tonnes of

6,500 volunteers

ART

16

GEODIS shipped the machine used for the official draw

8pm

2pm

5pm

FRANC E June June 19,

016 W ALL CH

uly 20

Group

June 10,

ALBAN IA

June 11,

ROMA NIA

June 15,

10th J

FRANC E ROMA NIA ALBAN IA SWITZE RLAND

and installed by GEODIS

Mauroy, Lille

BEL

GIUM Stade de Nice , Nice

PORTUG AL ICELAN D AUSTR IA HUNG ARY

Games held at 10 different stadiums across France

HELLO & WELCOME... ...to the latest issue of For-Word. Fortec is enjoying another successful year, with healthy increases in volumes, turnover and bottom line. However, managing growth in an ever changing environment has created new challenges for the pallet sector, which is something we’re acutely aware of at Fortec. There’s now a need to create growth plans so individual members can identify what is realistically manageable on an operational basis and what is not. Fundamentally, at the centre of the network, we have a responsibility to help you ensure that consistent growth in either the network, or indeed your own businesses, does not trigger a negative situation for you - be that financial or operational. That’s why we’ve been improving our communication with you and trying to ensure members old and new operate within achievable operational parameters. Many of you joined our network to add value to your businesses – in most cases to expand. However, at some point, unplanned network growth or perhaps even a customer acquisition, might have triggered a negative financial position, in terms of trunking imbalance, or inability to achieve service levels. It is at this point we at the centre of the network need to be involved and have a conversation with you about the situation and help where we can. As you know, we have certain service level expectations of all our members and we do not wish you to grow to a point where the service is negatively affected and where operationally members fail to deliver. Suffice to say, we face new challenges, new decisions to consider every day of the week in our businesses and it is in all our interests as a network to not only maintain but to continually improve service levels.

Dave Spong General Manager Commercial

Adrian Bradley General Manager Operations

UPPING THE SALES GAME WITH NEW COMMERCIAL FORUMS!

We’re delighted to be able to offer another way of helping you improve your sales this year: our new Commercial Forums. Two forums, the first on 7th September in the North and the second on 14th September in the South, are targeted at people within your businesses who go out to visit prospects and customers. The forums will be day-long events and will share best practice amongst members and Fortec centrally. Led by our General Manager, Commercial, Dave Spong, the day will cover the following topics: • Understanding buyers, prospects and opposition • Presenting yourself and your business • How to maximise the use of Fortec tools (ILT, hub visits, slides etc) • Managing rate increases • Understanding the power to influence • Managing and responding to objections • Marketing and sales toolbox • Developing customers and using a CRM system We hope the forums will be useful to your businesses in overcoming sales hurdles and retaining customers! Confirmation of the locations for each event and registration will shortly be available on the events page on the Member login area of www.fortecdistribution.com

CHANGE TO HUB HANDLING FEES Principals were sent a letter and email in late April regarding changes being made to the hub handling fees later this year. The same hub handling fees have been in place for many years and during that time the cost of running the Fortec hub has risen considerably due to fixed overhead costs and labour costs increasing - in line with all other operators in our marketplace. In addition we have invested heavily in IT developments such as Connect and Fortrack

NEW HUB HANDLING FEES Q PALLET: £4.85

to ensure our network operates as efficiently as possible. Later this year we will also be expanding our hub operations at Watford Gap to enable the network to grow over the foreseeable future taking us into a new phase of growth. Our planned expansion is expected to increase our costs by 21% alone. As a result we need to increase the hub handling fee by £0.35 per pallet, effective from the start of period 10, 25th September 2016. For any queries on these changes, please contact Member Support on 0845 0750 620 and select option 1.

B PALLET: £4.85

C PALLET: £10.35

A PALLET: £4.85 1000kg

1250kg

500kg 300kg

FORTEC’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED AT ANNUAL AWARD CEREMONY This year’s annual award ceremony from Fortec will be an extra-special event as we celebrate our 20th anniversary! The event will take place at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon, on 9th July 2016 with a ‘Roaring 20s’ theme throughout the night. (1920s inspired outfits are encouraged, but optional.) Start the event during the day as free boat tours along the River Avon, have been arranged for guests, departing from the hotel terrace. Additionally, access to the hotel sports bar is available all day. The evening begins with cocktails on the terrace, before a three course meal in the ballroom, entertainment all night from the Booty Band and, of course, the highly coveted awards themselves. If you haven’t already booked your table at the event, visit fortec-distribution.com/members as soon as possible to view a full itinerary, place your vote in the awards and to secure your place at the event. Alternatively, get in touch with Jo Marks on 01327 306 359.

MEMBER NEWS LINKLINE SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS MT AWARD! Linkline, depot 368 in Wellingborough, has been successfully  shortlisted for Livery of the Year in the prestigious Motor Transport Awards!   The new livery design is part of an overall re-brand of the company which they began in August last year.  James Bowes, Commercial Director, says; “I wanted to bring our brand up to date and forward looking with a livery that is clean, crisp and colourful yet simple in design. I’m delighted with the results. We

have even won two new customers on the back of the new look which is very encouraging indeed.” The awards, taking place in July at the Grosvenor Hotel, celebrate the best and brightest of the transport industry. Linkline is up against fierce competition from Arrow XL, Europa Worldwide Group, Freightlink Europe, Malcolm Logistics and Mobile People. Powered.Logistics. We wish Linkline good luck and fingers crossed they win!  

NORTH WEST LOGISTICS INVEST IN QUALITY With business now busier than ever, North West Logistics has introduced a new Compliance Manager, Karen Bozier, to its site in Accrington. Tasked with improving and streamlining the company’s quality, health & safety and compliance, Karen will ensure its operation maintains its high standards as the company continues to grow. Karen brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly from her most recent position as Environment Manager at Johnson

Matthey. Since starting in February, Karen has ensured the company successfully maintained its ISO 9001 and FORS Bronze accreditation along with submitting its COMAH 2015 lower tier notification to the HSE for the storage and handling of hazardous goods. The company has also submitted its application to join the Chemical Business Association which provides support, advice and information to companies involved in the chemical supply chain. Steven Dunn, Managing Director commented, “Karen’s expertise will support the company as it grows and ensure we maintain our high levels of quality across all our freight handling. We’re already seeing the benefits of having her on board!”

TRUCK-TASTIC! There’s been a surge in New trailers rolling out across the network, let’s have a look at a couple of new additions. Bridgetime Transport has just received five new 45 ft curtain side trailers all branded in QRL Radiators livery. It’s all part of a new 3 year contract they’ve just signed with their long-term client, QRL.

Pharmadex has invested in two brand new Montracon temperature controlled trailers, pictured above. The first of a growing fleet for the company, these trailers have been introduced to comply with the increase in regulation within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

SPOTLIGHT ON: GEODIS IRELAND GEODIS Ireland provides logistics and transport solutions from its 30,000 m2 site in Damastown, based in northwest Dublin.

GEODIS IRELAND BIO Employees: 140 Year founded: 2002 Size: 30,000 m2

Certifications: • ISO 9001 • OHSAS 18001 • TAPA • IMB • IEA • HPRA • AEO

Established in 2002, the company is ideally situated 15km from the port tunnel, 16km from Dublin International Airport and 4km from the M50 motorway, which links all the motorways covering the country, giving GEODIS Ireland an envious advantage in road, air and sea freight operations. As the only member of the Fortec network based in the Republic of Ireland, GEODIS Ireland offers a vital link between Ireland and the UK.

The UK is Ireland’s largest export market, with goods and services exported totalling €30bn in 2014. If the UK votes to leave the EU, our current system would be negatively impacted with an increase in border controls, customs and potentially visa checks. This would not only slow down operations but increase the cost of doing business altogether. It would not be good news for our customers or UK companies trading with Ireland.

The company has twice won Logistics Company of the Year – firstly by The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) in November 2015 and secondly by the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport in Ireland (CILT) in March 2016.

WHAT AREA OF THE BUSINESS DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BIGGEST STRENGTH?

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT GEODIS IRELAND AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER CUSTOMERS? Our services include logistics and warehousing, European road freight, global air and sea freight, customs & foreign trade, network management and additional value added services such as inventory management, compliance testing & quality control and reverse logistics. In a nutshell, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions that can be tailored to customers’ requirements, whatever the products, to nearly any destination. We are also launching a new dedicated cross dock facility adjacent to our current site, which is set to open in August 2016. All imports and exports, international groupage trailers and containers, and domestic deliveries will transit through this new facility increasing efficiencies in consolidation and speeding up transit times. GEODIS IRELAND’S OFFERING IS DIVERSE, BUT DO YOU FACE ANY CHALLENGES AS A COMPANY? Our challenges tend to be economically driven. Dublin currently has a shortage of warehousing space, the result of major delays in the construction industry during the recession - an issue that is still driving rental prices up and creating problems during peak periods. Luckily we have a large site and access to additional offsite temporary warehouse space so can offer shortterm logistics solutions to our customers when they need it. We are also facing uncertain times due to the imminent ‘Brexit’ vote due to take place on 23rd June.

Customer service is at the core of GEODIS Ireland’s business and our team of 140 experts across the business deliver great service whether that’s on the road or on the phone. Over recent years we have invested in ensuring we are best in class in terms of service. We have implemented a lean management program and 5S methodology, achieved the Investors in People accreditation (a program of business improvement through people management), and have a continuous improvement scheme across the site, operation and infrastructure. WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL ITEM YOU’VE TRANSPORTED THROUGH GEODIS IRELAND? As we have the capability to transport such a diverse range of products, from the very large to the very dangerous, there is no limit to the number of weird and wonderful items that we ship. However several items stand out; De-icing trucks and aircraft fuselages – which were going between several European Airports including Dublin, UK, Spain, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and the Greek Islands and seaweed going to the USA for the use in cosmetics. For more information on the logistics services from GEODIS Ireland, contact Ger O’Hea, Sales Coordinator, on 00 353 (0) 1 826 3000 or email ger. ohea@geodis. com. Their website www.geodis.ie also contains a wealth of information.

FORTEC AND GEODIS PROMISE BRIGHT FUTURE FOR YOUNG APPRENTICES Fortec and GEODIS are helping a group of young apprentices to kick-start a career in logistics through a new apprenticeship scheme. Five young people have been recruited around the UK at the main GEODIS sites, with Fortec taking on Laura Brown at the Watford Gap hub. Laura is working in Fortec’s Member Support department throughout the day reporting to Natalie Tyler, Team Leader. The scheme will provide each of the apprentices with on the job experience and enable them to work towards a nationally accredited NVQ qualification. Laura will be completing a series of modules while working on the job, with her work being regulated by a college assessor. FORTEC MEMBER OFFERS - ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The course will be completed over 12 to 18 months depending on whether she completes NVQ Levels 2 or 3. Natalie Tyler, Member Services Team Leader, and previously a Fortec apprentice, says; “The apprenticeship scheme is a great way of starting a career in the transport and logistics industry. I started working at Fortec as a customer service apprentice four years ago and I’m now the team leader in my department. It’s great to be able to help Laura gain her NVQ in customer service too. Laura has got off to a flying start and has settled in really well. I’m sure many of the members have already spoken to her.”

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S LOGISTICS SECTOR The Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP) held its first Annual Logistics Awards on 20th April, established to recognise local people and businesses within the logistics sector. Two members of the Fortec team were shortlisted for awards; Natalie Tyler, Member Support Team Leader, for the Young Person of the Year award and Mark Spence, Compliance and Quality Audit Manager, for the Inspirer in Schools - community award. Narrowly missing out on both awards to the Knights of Old Group on the night, Mark Spence said; “Congratulations to all the winners at the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards. The NEP has created a great local event to recognise the achievements of people and businesses in Northamptonshire. We look forward to supporting the awards in the coming years.” To find out more about the awards contact NEP on 01604 609 393 or visit the website: northamptonshireep.co.uk/sectors/logistics/northamptonshire-logistics-awards Left to right; Mark Spence, Natalie Tyler & Chris Dennigan

INDUSTRY NEWS GOVERNMENT’S FULFILMENT HOUSE REGISTER COULD SEE HAULIERS PENALISED

RHA INVITES LONDON MAYOR SADIQ KHAN TO VIEW THE CITY FROM LORRY

MP’S CALL FOR LOW EMISSION ZONES TO BE ROLLED OUT ACROSS THE UK

Government plans to introduce a fulfilment house register in 2018 to prevent non-EU online traders avoiding VAT and duty on goods held in UK warehouses, could save UK taxpayers £1.5bn a year in lost revenue.

The Road Haulage Association has invited newly elected London Mayor, Sadiq Khan to view the streets of the nation’s capital from the cab of a truck as part of its campaign to raise issues of congestion, pollution and road safety, particularly in relation to cycling in London.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has called for Clean Air Zones, broadly equivalent to London’s Low Emission Zone, to be introduced across major towns and cities to tackle air pollution.

The Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme, a consultation document published by the Government recently, proposes that fulfilment houses storing and distributing goods for online retailers would have to be registered with HMRC. Road transport operators would be obliged to check that the fulfilment houses they work with are registered and to report those that are not. Failure to do so could result in prosecution or a number of penalties including fines and seizure of goods. RHA national policy director Jack Semple said the Association is consulting with its members on the proposals. He said; “We are waiting to hear from our members and will then make our response.” The consultation period ends on 30th June. To find out more information about the scheme and to have your say, visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ fulfilment-house-due-diligence-scheme

Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “We are very keen to work with the new Mayor to address a range of issues and are of the firm opinion that a holistic approach is vital if the Capital is to achieve a ‘Target Zero’ for accidents involving HGVs that may result in death or serious injury. “We are also keen to discuss the proposed rush hour ban on truck deliveries to reduce congestion. This is not the answer. Such a move would simply increase the number of vehicles, particularly vans, using the roads at a time when London residents expect to have their ‘day’ delivered. “Any argument has two sides. Only by accepting our request to spend a day in the cab of an HGV will Mr Khan be able to get a proper perspective on the issues that surround those delivering London’s economy on a daily basis.”

Neil Parish MP, chairman of the committee, said: “Only five cities Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton - will have new powers to charge polluting vehicles to enter new Clean Air Zones - Councils in the dozens of other English cities currently exceeding EU pollution limits must also be given the option of using such powers if their communities support action.” The scheme would give local councils the power to charge HGVs entering the zones, unless they are Euro-6. It would also allow councils to set the level of fines to suit their locality, all at a cash-neutral level that deters polluters and pays for the administration of the scheme but nothing more. For more information visit parliament.uk/ business/committees/committees-a-z/ commons-select/environment-food-andrural-affairs-committee/

FORTEC SUPPORTS FAIRFUELUK FairFuelUK has been campaigning for lower fuel duty and fairer, clearer pricing at the petrol pumps since 2011. Funded by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), the organisation has fought off £57bn in fuel tax hikes since it began. At Fortec, we support the ongoing campaign to lower the cost of fuel across the UK through our membership with the APN and the RHA. Their campaign objectives for the next five years are:

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY You can find out more about these events and book your place by visiting fortec-distribution.com/events and filling in the registration forms. For more information, get in touch with Jo Marks on 01327 306 359 or [email protected]

Thursday

Saturday

16

09

Truck Open Golf Day, Heythrop Park

Annual Award Ceremony, Stratford-Upon-Avon

Friday

Thursday

• Lower fuel duty by at least 3p/litre

• Independent transparent pump pricing inquiry to be initiated • Fairer deal for motorists and the haulage industry in terms of more of tax contribution going into road infrastructure and reparations • Diesel pricing parity at the pumps • Set up an old diesel car fair scrappage scheme • Set up an all-party APPG for fair motoring issues (similar to FFUK APPG) • Encourage greener fuels initiatives • Encourage the Green Party to work with FairFuelUK for a cleaner environment • Spread the Euro 6 message • Better PR for 4 wheels

For more information on FairFuelUK and how you can get involved visit fairfueluk.com

20

09

• All taxes to be displayed on fuel receipts • Remove VAT on fuel duty - stop double taxation

July

June

September

October

Chester Races, Chester Racecourse

London Bierfest, Old Billingsgate Market

We are also holding operator training days again this year. A chance for your team to get first hand training on the IT systems available from Fortec. • Tuesday 11th October Midlands (venue to be confirmed) • Wednesday 12th October GEODIS High Wycombe • Thursday 13th October Haydock Park Hotel, Liverpool Final course content will reflect IT developments implemented this year. To register your interest for any of the dates and locatons above, please contact Chris Dennigan on 0845 0750 620 and select option 1, or email chris. [email protected]

GET IN TOUCH AND LET US KNOW YOUR STORIES Contact Sophie Parker or Andrea Martin 0845 0750 620 and select option 5 [email protected] / [email protected]