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Welch’s Transport – steering the way to the next generation of logistics talent

Cambridge-based logistics company become Silver Sponsor of Generation Logistics

Generation Logistics, the ground-breaking logistics awareness campaign that’s now charging into its second year, was founded in August 2022 to address the critical skills shortage in the industry. This year, Welch’s Transport are proud to announce their new role as Silver Sponsors of the government-backed initiative.

Led by the industry, and overseen by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT(UK)) and Logistics UK, the campaign aims to secure the future of the profession and fortify the UK’s supply chains by attracting a diverse pool of talent. Already, it has executed an innovative and comprehensive awareness strategy, spotlighting individuals and top-tier organisations that epitomise excellence in the field, effectively illustrating the exciting and varied career opportunities available within the logistics sector.

Stepping forward as a prominent supporter, Welch’s Transport are uniting with more than 40 esteemed companies and industry bodies, as well as the Department of Transport, to build on the great work Generation Logistics are doing.

Generation Logistics Executive Sponsor, Phil Roe, expresses why this is so important: “When we initiated Generation Logistics, we were unwavering in our belief that it should be a cross-industry endeavour, and we are thrilled to have a diverse range of organisations on board for our upcoming phase. The collaborative spirit that has marked our first year fills us with optimism as we embark on year two of the campaign.”

Having already generated a staggering 3.7 million engagements with its social media posts and received 789,000 visitors to its Generation Logistics hub at www.generationlogistics.org, it has now initiated an ambassador program, establishing a network of more than 300 industry professionals who passionately advocate for the logistics profession at school events and career days across the UK.

Moving forward, Generation Logistics will concentrate on cultivating awareness of logistics as a viable career choice for individuals aged 13-24, as well as for educators in schools and colleges. Teachers will gain access to curriculum-mapped resources centred on logistics, which can be integrated into subjects like Math, Business Studies, and Geography. Additionally, Generation Logistics is developing a comprehensive logistics careers guide, which will be distributed to every school and college in the country.

The Department for Transport’ Road’s Minister, Richard Holden, explains why their Future Freight Plan for the UK is keen to invest in the initiative: “It’s truly remarkable to witness Generation Logistics launch its second year with a heightened emphasis on education, as we continue to safeguard the industry’s future by making logistics and freight an appealing career choice for the next generation.”

Chris Welch, Director of Welch’s Transport points out that there is a lot to get excited about when choosing a career in the logistics sector. “There is a lot of progress in our sector right now, as we head to greener, cleaner logistics solutions, and to support Generation Logistics was a no-brainer for us. They are committed to sharing the great opportunities that are arising, and to educating everyone about the potential for a long and rewarding career in an industry that is constantly evolving. As a company that has been providing logistics solutions to our customers for nearly 90 years, that is very meaningful to us.”

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Martin Burgess

Martin Burgess

Specialist Movements General Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
Just over 21 years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
Run the specialist movements and mobile crane hire division.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Over 40 years of hands-on experience within the haulage industry, the past 20 years being involved with the movement and lifting of abnormal loads throughout the UK and Europe. Your abnormal is my normal!

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I collect vintage industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Intriguing.

Matt Moore

Group Head of Commercial

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the Transport & Logistics Industry for the past 20 years, where I started my career with Welch’s at the time. After having 10 years out of the business developing my skills and climbing the career ladder, I decided it was time for me to return and pass on my experiences gained.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Group Head of Commercial, so if you know what that means you are doing better than me! I am here as part of the Senior Management team, helping to build and develop the business for the future.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Apart from being extremely handsome, I specialise in building long lasting relationships with customers and staff a like, ensuring the business continues to develop and offers market leading service.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I once had a beer with Mike Tindall at Twickenham, before he got his nose straightened!

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Family

David Tatton

David Tatton

Group Warehouse Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked within the storage and distribution sector for over 15 years, with the majority spent in the frozen food industry. I have recently Joined the Welch Group in February this year.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Group Warehouse Manager, overseeing the warehousing operation ensuring a high level of performance from a dynamic team. My goal is to ensure that all tasks are completed to the highest standard and build on the positive forward-thinking operation.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Driven mindset, positive attitude and high standards will aid the continual growth of the business especially in the warehousing sector.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I once sold a telescope to comedian Joe Pasquale.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Exciting.

Hayley Francis

Hayley Francis

Customer Services Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group??
I Have worked in the industry for just over 5 years and for all this time within the Welch Group.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I have the absolute pleasure in looking after the Welch groups customers, building the best relationships with them, I get to meet and talking to potential new customers, on boarding these and making sure we exceed their expectations in which ever service they choose to use us for. I manage an amazing team of people over our two Transport depots, whilst always being on hand to help and support both depots’ operations should they need it.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My best skills are talking, listening, training, and Mentoring, I bring to the business strong confident attitude and always willing to go above and beyond for my Welch Groups customers and the staff within the company.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I would love to be a mummy even at 43.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Amazing!

Barry Potton

Operations Manager (Bedford Depot)

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have been in the industry for 30 years, working at Welch’s for 23 Years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am the Operations manager for the Bedford depot, responsible for the whole site, making sure that the depot is run effectively and that my team is highly motivated.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I bring problem solving skills, good communication, organisational skills and good teamwork ethic to the business.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
They would be surprised to know that I can play the drums.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Family.

Paul-Sapsford

Andy Costen

Operations Manager Cambridge Depot

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
Started in 1997 ,26 years and 6 months.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
Operation’s Manager looking after the day to day running off the Duxford site, keeping the wheels moving.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My years of experience and knowledge, working with my team to provide great customer service, an adaptable and confident problem solver! Active listener, using good communication and excellent resolution skills on a daily basis.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I won the 5k Jackpot on Family Fortunes.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Rewarding

Paul Sapsford

Welch Truck and Van General Manager

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the Motor Trade for 38 Years , have been at Welch’s coming up to 9 years.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I am General Manager at the Truck Centre , overseeing the day to day running , building, and maintaining relationships with customers.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
Friendly, being proactive , taking on problems as if my own and dealing with them how I would want them dealt with.
Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
We get on so well , I don’t think there is anything they don’t know.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Enjoyable

Jamie Sands

Jamie Sands

Head of Solutions

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I’m still relatively new to the industry, after spending 15 years working in retail management I made the switch to a Transport Operations role with Welch Group five years ago and never looked back.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I oversee the group operations at a strategic level, aiming to optimize, automate, or remove tasks and processes from the central traffic offices. This includes spearheading technological advancements, innovation, PR & Marketing initiatives, and sustainability efforts.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I bring a blend of problem-solving, process optimization, and analytical thinking to the table. With a knack for identifying issues, implementing creative solutions, and making data-driven decisions to drive efficiency and improvement within transport operations. Additionally, my aptitude for technology allows me to integrate cutting-edge solutions, further enhancing our capabilities and driving continuous progress.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
One surprising fact about me that my colleagues might not know is that I’m an accomplished amateur magician, and I’ve performed at local community events and even children’s birthday parties in my spare time.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Dynamic

David Welch

David Welch

Group Operations Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I was more of a customer. I used to handle importation of South American and Australian meat products and then look after national logistics from a customer perspective. So, I was the guy who calls ‘transport’ and says “why’s my pallet not here yet”. I did that for 5 years. Getting that exposure beforehand allowed me to transition into the family business and work my way up over the past 2 years to my current role as Group Operations Manager.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I’m now Group Operations Manager and am focusing on working through the business to re-evaluate processes, personnel and systems, to ensure that the core operations run as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. 

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
My efficiency, my focus on forging good connections with people and my knowledge of how to run an office at the base level are my core skills. My nature’s also quite relaxed, I’m usually a cool head in a fast-paced environment. I can get along with people really well, which is so important when you’re consistently talking to people and dealing with people on the phone, and hopefully this approach helps keep the team relaxed and focused. 

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an accomplished rower and have raced numerous times at Henley, with varying degrees of success, for a Cambridge Club.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Satisfying

Jim Welch

Jim Welch

Group Managing Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I started life as a trainee accountant outside the business for a local printing business, Spices, and I was the first to train as a ‘white collar’ worker before entering the family business. I joined Welch’s and started my journey in the industry in 1987 a couple of years after Chris was born. At that time, Spices where I worked were already a customer of Welch’s Transport, so I came with some exposure to the business.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I make sure the group remains on a steady course. I was Managing Director for the best part of 25 years supported by my brother Tony, and we always said it came down to knowing what you can do, finding that balance as a business. Some people poke their nose in all the time. Some people are more strategic – we float in the middle. For us, it’s about running a business which means you can get out of bed in the morning, come to work and enjoy what you do. I’ve done that for all my time at Welch’s. 

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I have a no nonsense, no BS approach, which has got me and the business where it is today.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I collect motorcycles and I actually own virtually every original bike I have ever ridden back to the late 70’s. My wife has a knack for being able to track them down and started my collection when she surprised me with one on my 50th.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Longevity. 

Chris-Welch

Chris Welch

Managing Director

How long have you worked in the industry, and with the Welch Group?
I have worked in the industry for 17 years, 10 of which have been with Welch’s.

Tell us a bit about what you do at Welch’s?
I’m the Managing Director of Welch’s Transport which is the trading arm of our Group, owned and operated by our Family. I look after all the individual business units with the help of my senior management team, putting together a clear strategy for the business continuity and growth. Whilst ensuring that the culture looks after our teams throughout the group and follows our vision of “making this part of the world as good as it can be”.

What unique skills and capabilities do you bring to the business?
I like to think I have the ability to set clear vision for the business, having worked in all areas of the group it ensures that I can make informed and strategic decisions when formulating short, medium and long term goals. I also like to think I demonstrate strong leadership and foster a culture of understanding and development in the business.

Tell us something that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
In a previous career I held the unofficial office record for the tallest LEGO tower built during a team-building exercise.

Finally, sum working at the Welch Group up in one word?
Fulfilling

Transport
Warehousing
Specialist movements & crane hire
truck & van centres
contract logistics
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