The latest in a series of initiatives to improve standards of driving across the Group?s transport operations, the event held on 04 June 2011 saw SIG?s top commercial drivers taking part in a unique driving competition at the state-of-the-art testing facility of product engineering and research specialist MIRA Ltd.

The competing finalists – chosen from across the Group based on their exemplary KPIs for safety and fuel economy – undertook a series of complex challenges testing their ability to apply the principles of safe and fuel efficient driving, and using MIRA?s sophisticated testing technology to provide in-depth analysis of proceedings.

According to Scot Gerry, SIG UK logistics director, the event is more than just an opportunity to reward individual drivers for their commitment to safety and high standards, but a way of “reinforcing the core values that drivers across the Group, and indeed the industry, should be striving to achieve.”

Gerry explains: “Now more than ever, the supply chain needs to model itself around the principles of fuel economy, efficiency and safety. The ethos behind the launch of this annual event therefore is twofold, being aimed at both promoting best practice whilst also ensuring that these principles are firmly instilled in our day-to-day operations.

“As well as ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our own business, this approach also enables us to pass on associated efficiencies to our customers,”
Gerry continues. “To be able to launch an annual event that helps our drivers to do this is a great success for SIG, and one that we are all very proud of.”

Drivers competed in four distinct categories with judges assessing competitors based on their ability to apply the principles of safe and fuel efficient driving. A winner was chosen for each category, with one driver nominated as the overall driver of the year for 2011.

Barry Richardson from Steadmans in Carlisle (pictured) – the winner of the Moffett category – was chosen by judges as the overall winner. Along with two trophies,

Richardson was awarded a weekend trip to Ireland – the prize donated by Moffett for the category – and the overall winner?s prize of an all expenses paid trip to the Mercedes factory in Germany.

Presented with his prizes by Scot Gerry and SIG Group chief executive Chris Davies, Richardson said: “I was up against some stiff competition, so absolutely delighted to have won!”

“Of course, it?s also a bit of fun, and it?s safe to say the drivers have all loved the chance to compete with each other at this incredible testing facility with their family and friends watching,” Gerry added.

“However, underpinning everything has been SIG?s desire to promote best practice and encourage personal development for our drivers,” he concluded, “and we hope that we can continue to do this for many years to come.”

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