New Talent Development Award MT Awards 2023 shortlists

DFDS has been identifying its talent needs for today and tomorrow. The business has prioritised succession planning and implemented specialist recruitment tools to achieve its objectives. For example, a ‘talent grid’ for the UK and Ireland identifies where talent at every level is based and cross references this with available roles, as well as the level of development that the new colleague might require. The business also identifies mobility, flight risk and ensures succession plans are in place across the organisation, in order to identify internal candidates for promotional roles. It continues to look ahead with regards to recruiting and retraining with its graduate scheme, for example, which is now on its fifth cohort.

Judges said: “DFDS has introduced apprenticeships at all levels from 2 to 7 and created an impressive pathway to provide an aspiration for all employees and to enable them to train and progress; excellent retention results.”

DPD’s company strategy places the highest emphasis on recruiting and developing customer-centric people who can deliver optimum levels of service to the UK’s leading retailers. The company strongly believes that bringing new blood into the industry helps to future-proof the business and has launched a broad range of initiatives to develop and retain new talent. These include training 68 warehouse operatives and 62 apprentices to become LGV drivers, developing 30 warehouse operatives into management roles and attracting 200 graduates into head office and network positions. DPD’s approach has been praised by industry qualification bodies and higher education institutions.

Judges said: “Amazing to see the results and that DPD is bringing new people into the industry; the entry demonstrates a clear people strategy focused on both the business and the wider sector.”

Moody Logistics and Storage is successfully overcoming the national shortfall in qualified drivers by attracting a new generation from a range of backgrounds and experiences into the profession through its own in-house driver apprenticeship scheme. It is also supporting its current Class 2 qualified drivers to gain their Class 1 licences to enhance their skills while improving the flexibility and responsiveness of the business. In addition, it is promoting pathways to career progression within the business that enable it to retain talent and promote staff retention.

Judges said: “Moody Logistics has developed its own training programmes for driving and warehouse staff, which have helped with staff retention and avoided the HGV driver shortage issues; fantastic case study that highlighted the work taking place.”

Speedy Freight is passionate about the onboarding, retention, and development of its team members. The launch of a brand-new Training Academy in September 2021 marked a new phase in Speedy’s evolution, that it said highlighted its dedication and investment into developing new talent. By making its existing employees and new recruits central to its plans, it has launched several initiatives to re-enforce a new Learning & Development (L&D) pathway that runs through the entire network and encompasses all areas of the business.

Judges said: “Investment in the new Training Academy and Speedy’s approach to providing development opportunities for all staff has enabled the business to grow; a strong entry with good testimonials from new talent.”

Stanton Logistics credits its strong team of experienced professionals and network of partners with its success as a lean and agile business. It couples this with a passion for talent development and helping employees to reach their potential. It has shaped part of its pallet network operation to support its HGV driver apprenticeship scheme, as well as providing apprenticeship placements for the transport office and fleet team. The business actively engages with the local community and works with local schools and colleges to help students gain skills, including providing mock interviews, insight into logistics careers and the chance to take part in a management meeting. Stanton has steady plans for growth with a fourth UK location coming to fruition in 2023.

Judges said: “The rapid growth of Stanton Logistics has been supported by the introduction of apprenticeships at all levels across the business; really commendable activities at a relatively small operator; great community work and investment in HR.”