Fellows Think North - IOC at Logistics Link North show V3 Doncaster.

IOC chairman Carl Lomas held the formation of a new skills council craft sector specific group for mail and logistics in September. The group, rich in IOC fellows was energetic, challenging discussions followed with great motivation for the future of the sector. ' We are looking for standards, not legislation' Tfl guidelines could set a freight standard. 'Challenges focused on competitive pricing to clients closing margins to tight for quality.' 'Average workforce age post forty but retention typically very good'

Key items the group would feedback to skills council. Who are our workers, not just van drivers, the group had clarity its couriers ranged from none licence holding cyclists through motorbike, small van, large van, 7.5 van and truck. Beyond drivers the mobile fleet were vehicle and none vehicle couriers, 'Van driver headings were short sighted in the present skills council reports.'

Driver licence acquisition cost was one of the greatest hold backs on younger talent to the industry, insurance the second issue to licence acquisition .

Tuesday 18th September 2012

National Courier Awards Winners step up to the recieve recognition in a golden year.

For 2012 a rare duo win for Bill & Sharon Green in the Contract category for Excel. Dionne Reid takes the Future Women in Transport award supported by the National Skills Academy, already a CILT northern region winner for logistics. Jogpost walked to a win on the Olympic Team Medal with nominations for closed road support across their industry peers. Colonel Stephen Heron read the nomination for Sgt Hardcare Royal Logistics Corps who received his award from IOC Service to Industry winners Marc Chauveau and Jeffrey Ritterband. Carmen Master Neil Coles spoke of the Best of British and David Stringer-Lamarre IOD recognised logistics as life blood of the City.

Guests for the gala evening wowed out by a light show of Olympic proportions, balance fit for the best two wheelers. Zoe Powers GLH for the legacy award in a gala evening of logistics excellence.

Winners for 2012 : Two Wheels - Zulu 24 Steve Hamilton GLH - Nicholas L'estrange - Jose de Santana . Four Wheels - Craig Fashola TNT - Glynn Smith - Ray Smith Rush Couriers . Contract - Bill & Sharon Green Excel - Dominika Kopka - Garry Thomas Citysprint Office Paul Guerrier - Paul Reddy - Jane Weaver AYS. Future Women in Industry Dionne Reid Manchester Met Univ. Olympic team Medal Jogpost - Military Award of Honour - Sgt Matthew Hardacre and Transport Legacy award - Zoe Powers GLH

Full details see National Courier Awards