September was a bumper month for Backline Logistics Leighton Buzzard branch, with sales up 41% and the recruitment of permanent members of staff up by 52% from August to September.

At a time when the haulage and logistics industry has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons, Louise Gaunt and the team at Leighton Buzzard have continued to be a beacon of light for existing customers and new customers alike.

“The HGV driver shortage and the subsequent stories in the press about the fuel crisis has certainly worked in our favour, as customers don’t want to risk a delay in their supply chain, especially the supermarkets.

“Existing customers, such as John Lewis, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose are booking us up until Christmas and beyond, to ensure that their shelves are stocked over the busy festive period to avoid disappointing customers at a crucial time of the year,” said Liam Murnaghan, New Business Manager.

It’s been well documented in the press that haulage companies throughout the UK are on a recruitment drive to bring new talent into the industry, to help combat the impact of Brexit and the delays that were created during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to a worldwide shortage of drivers.

“The recruitment package and benefits on offer at Backline Logistics reflect the needs of a very demanding job market and permanent roles are now more desirable than ever.

“The flexibility of the industry has often been its biggest attraction, but since Brexit and the Pandemic, more people are looking for job security and the guarantee of work, which has created a need for permanent roles within the sector. We’ve now got more permanent drivers than we’ve ever had, which is fantastic!’ added Liam.

Despite the turbulence of the past 18 months, the dedication and commitment shown to their existing clients, their drivers and their support staff is certainly paying off for Backline Logistics Leighton Buzzard as they continue to expand and grow.

Each month their drivers get the opportunity to be recognised for their ongoing commitment, determination and hard work. The chosen driver is then honoured with the ‘driver of the month’ award, which was given to Scott Dale in October – congratulations Scott!

Liam Murnaghan and the team at Backline Logistics, Leighton Buzzard branch are celebrating their one-year anniversary partnering with Whistl by becoming an approved supplier for M&S.

The contract with M&S, which runs until January 2022, will see Backline supplying tractor units to M&S’ existing fleet of refrigerated trailers. They will be collecting goods from a regional hub and delivering them to national distribution centres.

“We’re already working with some of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, so adding M&S to our roster is a proud moment for all of us,” said Liam, (insert job title) at Backline Leighton Buzzard.

“As well as experiencing our own growth over the past 12 months, it feels good to play a part in the growth of other prolific brands who have also had to adapt to the challenges we’ve all had to face.”

The past 15 months have been tough for many industries, including the haulage industry, but despite the obstacles and pitfalls that we’ve faced, Backline Logistics is going from strength to strength.

Speaking of their continued success, Liam said: “Despite the fact we’re still feeling the effects of Covid-19, in terms of recruiting drivers and upgrading our fleet of vehicles, it hasn’t affected our growth. In fact, we’re continuing to attract high profile brands with our service proposition and winning contracts to supply them with general haulage.”

The contract with Whistl, which started in April 2020 sees Backline Logistics distributing goods throughout the whole of the South East of England.

Supplying 10 vehicles per day to distribute goods to Whistl’s main distribution centre in Bedford, as well as taking on additional work on the weekend, whenever it’s needed, further enhancing the relationship between the two brands.

Due to the growth spurt of Backline Logistics, the team is currently looking to recruit more full time drivers, to continue to expand the business and become the go-to option for other national brands looking for exceptional performance, delivery and reliability.

If you’re looking for a full time driving position then please contact the team at Leighton Buzzard on 01525 382299 or register here: https://backlinetransport.co.uk/drivers/registration-form/