SWC Appointed BPW NI-Based Training Centre

SWC Appointed BPW NI-Based Training Centre

Further to the successful partnership with Glasgow-based GTG Training, BPW has now partnered with South West College (SWC), Omagh. This appointment ensures that BPW customers in Northern Ireland now have local access to the same level of training offered by BPW engineers at the Head Office in Leicester.

Neill Groves, BPW Sales and Marketing Director said, “In our drive to support the market with the necessary workshop skills, BPW has always invested in creating training opportunities whether it be through our in-house training facilities in Leicester or our mobile training vehicle – the Infomobil. With the industry’s increasing focus on availability of skilled technicians, SWC was an obvious choice of partner to provide local workshop training.” Training is paramount when it comes to profiting from your running gear. As BPW sees it, having specified their equipment, it is an investment worth protecting to ensure longevity, efficiency and performance. In correctly maintaining the equipment, fleet operators can be confident in the safe day-to-day operation of their vehicles and expect to see a reduction in downtime, longer service intervals and ultimately, financial gain. With this in mind, BPW is also looking to extend the availability of training and skills development throughout Ireland. SWC will provide BPW’s in-depth training course throughout the

(L-R) Alan McConnell (Training Manager, Dennison Commercials Ballyclare); Joshua Semple (Heavy Vehicle Instructor, SWC); Patrick Foley (Heavy Vehicle Instructor, SWC); Lee Wade (Technical Engineer, BPW); Eamon McGurren (Customer Service Engineer, BPW); Pat O’Hanlon (Head of Motor Vehicle, SWC) and William Barker (Heavy Vehicle Instructor, SWC).

year which covers several modules. These include the patented BPW ECO Hub Systems, drum and disc technology as well as the BPW range of suspension systems. In following BPW’s certified training programme, technicians will have to meet exacting standards. As part of this co-operation, SWC has ready access to all the essentials: everything it needs in terms of working exhibits and kits for hands-on classroom training, which is an essential part of this two-day course. Pat O’Hanlon, Head of School, Automotive, Computing and Engineering, SWC said, “We are delighted to have been chosen by BPW to deliver heavy axle maintenance training for BPW’s learners across Ireland. We are confident it will offer a more easily accessible training venue for BPW’s Ireland-based trainees. Our SWC trainers have been comprehensively trained by BPW’s own expert instructors, while BPW have also supplied us with all axles and training resources.”

Exciting New Categories Added to Export & Freight’s 2020 Transport & Logistics Awards

The 19th annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards may still be seven months away, but already plans are being drawn up to make this year’s the biggest ever in every which way!

The 2019 awards managed to break all records for the event which was first staged way back in 2001 and ever since it has grown year on year and today remains the premier event in the transport calendar on the island of Ireland. Around 600 guests attended last year’s awards evening when winners in no less than 20 categories were revealed; the2020 event is already guaranteed to surpass that with the inclusion of another TWO new categories. The ‘Liveried Vehicle of the Year’ award is open to any company who owns and operates an individual vehicle with an outstanding livery and befitting a flagship vehicle within the company. The second new category is for ‘Home and Business Delivery Operator of The Year’ which is aimed at operators in the Home and Business Delivery sectors who can clearly demonstrate high standards of operational compliance and customer service. The awards is all about celebrating the achievements and recognising those operating in the transport and logistics sector across the north and south of Ireland; it is an industry that continues to meet its challenges headon with resilience and perseverance. Comments Export & Freight’s joint publisher and awards organiser Helen Beggs: “Last year’s event attracted the most entries ever and according to the judges, the quality was absolutely outstanding, proving that our industry is so resilient and continues to thrive.” “Despite all the underlying difficulties and challenges, our industry continues to provide World Class leading solutions for the Transport & Logistics sector on the island of Ireland and beyond, so it is clear to see, that for such a small country, we operate at the very top level.” Entering the 2020 awards is easy; you will find all the details elsewhere in this magazine issue, including how to book a table for the gala evening which includes a super four course dinner and some exciting entertainment! You could be an individual, a company with less than 10 employees, or a large national/international outfit. You will be judged on merit not size. The judges are looking for excellence, outstanding qualities or contributions, unrivalled service and innovation, individuals and organisations who have gone the extra mile - so demonstrate all of that in your entry; make it stand out from the rest – and good luck! The 2020 awards ceremony will once again be staged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast, so mark the date – Thursday, September 17th - in your diaries because it promises to be another night to remember. Don’t miss it!