The Magnificent Seven stole the show at the Palletforce annual Gala Awards Dinner, as the UK’s leading distribution network gathered to celebrate another year of unrivaled success.
Judges in the prestigious Robert Bedford Award, for Palletforce Depot of the Year, were unable to choose a winner from a high-class shortlist.
Instead they awarded the accolade jointly to seven members: S J Bargh Ltd, Nidd Transport Ltd, JBT Distribution Ltd, Westfield Transport (Cornwall) Ltd, Evans Transport Ltd, Baynes & Son Haulage Ltd and Edwin C Farrall (Transport) Ltd.
And, because each depot registered 100 per cent service levels in the last 12 months, they also became the first members of an exclusive new club.
The Palletforce 100% Club not only recognises their remarkable achievements, but will serve as a benchmark for other members to aspire to.
Palletforce chief executive officer Michael Conroy, who also received a special award marking 10 years at the helm of the network, said: “Once again the standard was incredibly high and we felt we had no option but to present the award to all seven depots in recognition of their outstanding efforts over the last 12 months.
“It is not easy to achieve a perfect service record, and so the 100% Club was created this year to mark a remarkable clean sweep by our award winners. I look forward to welcoming more members into the club in the coming years.”
The Gala Awards, which acknowledge the achievements of Palletforce members across the UK, was attended by more than 450 guests, with awards being presented in eight different categories. The theme of the event was “The Greatest Show”.
For the second year running and following many previous years, The Alan O’Leary Award for Member Depot of the Year was won by Dagenham-based Online Roadways. This coveted accolade is voted for by other members who grade each other on quality of service, communication, speed of response to enquiries and flexibility.
Avon Freight Group Ltd won the Health & Safety in Operations award, the Member Service Committee Award went to UK Freight Masters Ltd, Fagan & Whalley Ltd picked up the European Export Sales Award, while Lockwood Haulage collected the Sales and Marketing Award for their tremendous efforts in promoting their own business as well as the Palletforce brand.
Shakespeare Transport Ltd topped a shortlist of seven to win the New Member Award. The Maidstone-based company joined the Palletforce network in 2017. Ten members were jointly named Network and Brand Ambassadors of the Year for their promotion and growth success.
This year’s host at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel Park was TV presenter Gaby Roslin.
