A BIG THANK YOU FOR 2011

As the festive season draws close again, the Directors would like to say a massive thank you to you all for what has been a positive year against the continuing economic storm.

The year has seen major steps forward in the tank and car divisions over the previous year and both high and heavy and Brit Drive have ended the year at almost record sales levels.

Overall the Company has grown by nearly 20% over the last 12 months and we are again looking at significant investments in fleet and systems in the coming year.

There is no doubt, with the UK, European and World economies experiencing continuing difficulties that we are bound to have a bumpy ride in the months to come. However, with the excellent attitude and hard work of both drivers and staff alike we are confident in navigating a path through these challenges.

Thank you also for your positive approach to the new telematics systems. We still need to settle down all the settings on every truck with your assistance.  We then move to phase two at the beginning of January when we will all see the benefits of a seamless communications system.

Finally, I would like to wish all of you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and look forward to an exciting and challenging 2012 with you all.

Graham Lackey

For and on behalf of the Directors

BMW VISIT

A warm welcome is extended to Adam Hubbard of BMW who is visiting us at Radway Green on Friday 9th December 2011.

WHICH MONTH - THE ANSWER IS.............

I am sorry to say that we do not have a winner of the very special prize for guessing the month the image (not the one currently shown) was for.

It was November!

Did I tell you that if there was no winner that I got to keep the very special prize?

No?

Well I do! 

TELEMATICS

The first stage of the Telematics project is complete. We now have visibility of the vehicles on the fleet and we are now receiving concise and meaningful information from the system on driving behaviour.

The management team would like to thank all those drivers who have given constructive feedback and assistance in getting the vehicle settings right. We know that this is a new development for you but we have been inspired by how you have embraced it and worked with the training team and Richard (IT Department) to make the system work.

The next stage of the project will be the introduction of the PDA system which will provide you with your job details, daily defect reporting and satellite navigation.

This stage of the project has been slightly delayed due to the volume of work we are experiencing through to Christmas. However, we are hoping to put them in place in the new year. This is an exciting new development for Brit European and we are looking forward to the benefits it will bring for everyone.

Tracey Waring

Projects Manager 

CHARITY SUGGESTIONS

Well it’s that time of year again and as per tradition Pat Harrison will be coming round to rattle the charity tin the week before Christmas with the expectation of plenty of donations and if you can manage the folding variety that would be fantastic. The question is which charity? They can be local or nationwide. Please post any suggestions and we will let you know the amount and Charity supported by Brit European for 2011 in the New Year.

Thanks

Tracy Smith

DECEMBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

The December 2011 Newsletter has now been published and distributed. Hard copies will be distributed to the drivers over the next couple of day's. However, if there are any driver's who want the Newsletter to be sent to an email address please send this through to me and I will be happy to oblige.

Comments about the final Newsletter of 2011 are most welcome. Dont be shy - post a comment!

TOYOTA

We have consolidated our position with Toyota Europe by being awarded a 2 year contract for the delivery of Toyota Export volume from Burnaston, Derby commencing  1 January 2012. The award was made in what is a very highly competitive market as this particular flow is very attractive to a number of our competitors hence the confidence shown by Toyota in Brit European is very important to us. The integration of our Toyota volume with that of VW Group demonstrates to all that Brit European is a strong quality contender in the very challenging Car delivery market.

GEFCO

We have renewed our distribution contract with Gefco for the delivery of Peugeot/Citroen Boxer, Relay, Bipper and Nemo vans from Portbury to dealers in the South UK. The agreement is for a further 2 years and reflects Gefco`s confidence in Brit European as a delivery company with special strengths in the LCV market.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW 2012

Brit European will be attending the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham in April 2012. We would be pleased to 'meet and greet' all our friends, partners and colleagues from the industry for a coffee and a chat.
Make sure you visit us on stand number 2H90 in Hall 3.

We will all be happy to see you.

WHICH MONTH?

The image on the front page of the Blog will appear on next years calendar. A very special prize to the first correct entry telling me which month it will appear on. Only one guess per person. No sharing and certainly no bribing of the blogger!!

The first correct answer received on the blog wins the prize! Happy guessing!

THE LIVERY WHICH OUTSHINES ALL OTHERS!!!

Although we have had the new livery on board for nearly two years now it never ceases to amaze me just how good it really looks. I have recently been involved in a photoshoot on behalf of Mercedes-Benz and I had the opportunity to work with a professional photographer, Craig Pusey, who besides showing me some of the tricks of the trade, allowed me to be his driver whilst he sat in the boot of his car taking some great shots. Craig has now sent me a library of those shots and they are absolutely brilliant. If anyone wants to have a looksee post a blog and I will get them over to you.  

IT'S NEARLY CHRISTMAS!

There is such a buzz about the office at this time the year! It's not only because we are drawing close to the festive season it's more becaues we all know we have mountains to climb and despite the odd hiccup along the way we know we will get there eventually.

You walk through the office on a particularly busy day and despite almost everyone talking at the same time, either on the phone or to one another, you can get high on the organized chaos!

BRIT EUROPEAN MARKS MERCEDES-BENZ CONTRACT WIN WITH TWO MORE ACTROS

Leading transporter operator Brit European has retained a major contract with Mercedes-Benz – and celebrated by investing in a pair of premium long-haul Actros tractor units.

Brit European enjoys a long association with Mercedes-Benz UK’s national vehicle logistics operation. Under the new, three-year deal it will form the British link of a supply chain for all heavy truck and Sprinter and Vario van models, that stretches from the manufacturer’s factories in Germany to its franchised dealers and bodybuilders across England, Scotland and Wales.

Richard Broomfield, Vehicle Logistics Manager for Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “Our system of moving trucks and vans across Europe is designed to minimise carbon emissions and widely recognised for its extremely high ‘green’ standard.

“The process sees new vehicles transported from our factories down the River Rhine on barges,” he explained. “They are then brought across the North Sea by shipping providers using the most modern, fuel-efficient vessels.

“The ships dock at either Purfleet or Killingholme, depending on whether their cargoes are headed for final destinations to the north or south of Birmingham. And by using fuel-efficient, Euro 5 Actros tractor units for the final leg of the journey, Brit European plays its part too, in minimising our impact on the environment.”

The latest arrivals are both 460hp Actros 2546 models and were supplied by Warrington dealer Enza. The new trucks are working on the Mercedes-Benz vehicle logistics contract but, because they are equipped to full ADR specification, are also used to haul road tanks for Brit European’s bulk chemicals division.