After already winning one of the leading transport awards this year, Meachers Global Logistics, as a key member of the Solent Alliance and one of the UK’s leading independent providers of logistics services, was Highly Commended for Environmental Improvement at this year’s Supply Chain Excellence Awards.
Together with Isle of Wight-based Steve Porter Transport, and Solent ferry operator, Red Funnel Ferries, Meachers had been shortlisted for the Logistics and Distribution category for the 2017 Supply Chain Excellence Awards, but during the awards ceremony, held at London’s Park Lane Hilton, it was announced that after the judges viewed their entry, they felt compelled to recognise the partnership for the dramatic improvements they have made to the local environment.
These annual awards celebrate, recognise, and reward organisations around the world that demonstrate excellence in their supply chain operations.
The three organisations have once again been recognised for the formation of the Solent Alliance, an innovative and unique partnership facilitating a smarter logistics and distribution network for deliveries to the Isle of Wight, after winning the Motor Transport Partnership award in July.
Gary Whittle, Commercial Director at Meachers, said, “What an incredible evening! Going through to the finals of the worldwide award is accolade in itself, but to then be recognised in a category we didn’t enter and be Highly Commended is just incredible. It highlights how this innovative operation is really the first of its kind in the UK and draws upon the strengths of each organisation to overcome the many unique logistic challenges of delivering goods to the Isle of Wight whilst opening up a whole range of new benefits for customers.”
Gary went on to say, “We recently have undergone extensive research into the environmental benefits that this partnership brings, highlighting the reduction of emissions, reduction of congestion and the benefits to the local community. This has been independently verified by Transport Systems Catapult which undertakes research for the likes of Transport for London and the Highways Agency. So we are so proud that our efforts have been recognised.”
Steve Porter Transport Managing Director, Malcolm Gibson, said, “We are over the moon that not only have we won the Partnership Award with Motor Transport, but we have now been recognised for this prestigious award based on the environmental benefits. The initial partnership was conceived to reduce duplication across our respective networks. The arrangement made it possible for Meachers to trunk our overnight groupage loads from the Isle of Wight to our Midlands Distribution Centres in Northampton and Coventry, for onward national distribution. In turn, we as Red Funnel’s Preferred Freight Partner, have the ability to bring in consignments, via Meachers, destined for the island.”
This unique three-way Solent alliance has improved the breadth of services available to freight customers serving the Isle of Wight via Southampton. Businesses and retailers are provided with a full range of drop-trailer, full load and consolidated services to and from the Island.
Lee Hudson, Revenue Director at Red Funnel, said, “This unique logistics and distribution partnership arrangement allows Red Funnel to concentrate on providing a first class ferry and holiday service, rather than having to worry about offering an internal haulage service. It is a truly unique way of working which we are delighted is being recognised not just in the UK but now worldwide.”
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