Kate Lester represented the express delivery industry as member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Road Freight and Logistics (Chaired by Sir Mike Pennings MP) on the 21st of October 2019 with the group will be presenting the APPG report into the skills shortage, delegation led by RHA Chairman Richard Burnett.

diamond’s contribution to the report included;

• Creating inclusive career paths of which driving can be a life time career for those who choose it or part of the first steps on a long term journey through the exciting world of logistics including support for training such as the Express Delivery Degree and Apprenticeship programme supported by the IoC

• An industry led promotion of an EDI policy which encourages recruitment from other sectors of society

• Improvement of condition to include flexible working, good healthcare and conditions and support in health, mental and physical, to put the ambassadors of our companies (which is what our mighty drivers are) at the forefront of our client experience, not an afterthought.

The RHA manifesto is calling for the 60 000 driver shortage to be addresses by looking very practically at the issue - broadly summed up in addressing driver conditions – good food, better rest stops, security, healthcare and adequate facilities – as well as extension of the Apprenticeship Scheme.

Mike Ponsonby – an owner as well as CPC trainer – asked for a very simple but incredibly effective three point solution- better toilet facilities, better parking and the ban of periods of availability and Nick Bithnell of Knights of Old asked for the Apprenticeship scheme to be extended to included C + E qualifications to encourage take up.

This year saw the sixth Annual diamond Awards – and the big prize is Network Partner of the Year. This time – for the second time – it goes to Bristol – led by wife and husband team Amanda and Daren Watkins Smith. Mandy shares with us how the team felt about this second accolade to their award winning service centre.

Here's our quick summary to everything you need to do to ensure your business is Brexit ready and your clients are able to still receive the amazing service they expect from your business.

It’s been a few days since this year’s diamond AGM and we are still laughing about the team building exercises and the fun we had during the day and late into the night.

‘Business has a responsibility higher than profit. It’s a contributor to society – local, nationally, internationally. When we say Shared Success © at diamond we mean it'. Kate Lester, founder and CEO.

Build your logistics business by adding technology and services to your existing business with diamond.

It’s that time of year again! The summer holidays are almost over and that means we are all refreshed and ready to start thinking about retail peak.