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Archive news from the Steve Porter Transport Group
March 2012
As you'll see, I've already managed to break my commitment to writing an update every month! So a warm welcome (and a very belated Happy New Year) to you and here's hoping that the spring and summer serve to raise all our spirits.
I'm pleased to report that all parts of the business continue to hold up well - as with all enterprises, work can be up and down, but we continue on the right path and continually look to grow while improving our service levels. We have taken a major decision to create Operational and Commercial teams within the transport business so that people can focus on their own strengths and avoid being dragged into areas that detract from that.
Our aim is to improve regular contact with our current customers giving a genuine conduit for any issues or opportunities that occur. Running in parallel with this initiative will be a pro-active approach to finding new business and new customers which we see as vital to our ambitions to be the best in our field in our home patch.
We recently exhibited at Business South 2012 at the Rose Bowl as an exercise in creating brand awareness. Despite what we felt was a clear message (see the photo below), people were coming up and asking "and what is it you do?"! Despite that, we were very happy with the show and did make some useful connections.
By the time you read this, we should have seen the 250,000'th entry on 'Trans-Porter' our bespoke traffic management system. We'll be contacting the company whose job reaches that milestone and will mark the occasion with a small gift.
Steve Porter
DECEMBER 2011
As you're reading this news item, you will hopefully have noticed our new look, updated website which we think both looks contemporary and contains all the information that you will need about the company. It is still a 'work in progress' and we will be adding new pages and features in the coming months. You will also see our 'new' corporate image which is being rolled out across the fleet over the next year as we replace with the new generation of vehicles.
It's now six months since the purchase of Red Funnel Distribution and I'm pleased to report that the integration of the two businesses has been pretty seamless - if not without a little drama on the way! The combined resources and knowledge of the two companies has made for an incredibly capable transport provider, but we are still determined to hold on to our core values of service, quality and personality. We will not be resting on our laurels as we continue to improve all aspects of the business for the benefit of our customers, staff and suppliers.
As the largest independent carrier on the Isle of Wight, I am delighted to announce that we have signed up as a local partner to 'EcoIsland', which is the knowledge hub working to turn the Island into a largely self-sustaining and eco-friendly community by 2020. While a transport company may, to the outsider, be in the least green industry going, our use of new technology, double-deck trailers, freight consolidation and vehicle utilisation - vital for economic reasons - have had the unintended effect of making us quite 'green'. It will also give us the opportunity to explore new technologies for powering local vehicles and for looking at renewable energy to minimise our use of conventional power sources. For more information, please visit www.eco-island.org.
As we approach the end of 2011, I would like - on behalf of all of us at Steve Porter Transport and Technical Packing Services - to wish you all an enjoyable Christmas break and a healthy and successful New Year.
Steve Porter
More expansion for SPTG
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Steve Porter Transport Group has acquired Red Funnel Distribution Ltd. - the transport division of Red Funnel Ferries.
This exciting development unites two market leaders with a combined 110 years in cross-Solent freight business. Together, we are uniquely positioned to provide a superior and comprehensive set of solutions to companies with cross- Solent requirements.
All of this is, of course, in addition to our existing range of transport and distribution services that embrace the UK, European and export markets.
What does this mean for you?
- A broader and deeper range of services to meet your transport requirements
- A commitment to innovative customer service that adapts to market demands
- Greater support and resource availability
- A financially strong partner with a long term strategy for growth and development
Rest assured that the company consolidation will be a gradual process, with no disruption to our customer service. We will use our web site to update you on our progress and will begin a programme of individual customer contacts and visits by our senior managers.
SPTG / RFD will continue working hard to earn your business and I would like to personally thank you for your loyalty and support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly by either telephone or email.
Steve Porter Chairman, SPTG
We're football crazy!
| Steve Porter Transport Group are delighted to sponsor the Newport Colts Under 10's mini soccer team for the 2010/11 season and wish them every success on 10 April 2011 when they appear in the Under 10's Cup Final at East Cowes. |
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New year 2011
Welcome to the first 'news' item of 2011 and can I start by wishing all of you a very Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year. I'd like to also, on behalf of the Senior Management, thank you for all your support throughout 2010 and say how much we look forward to working with you all in our 30th year!
I've always said that business is a bit like a roller-coaster, one minute your on top of the world and elated - the next, your rushing headlong to the ground with your heart in your mouth! I don't suppose that this year will be any different, but I can assure you of our absolute commitment to keeping ahead of the game and ensuring that we continue to survive and prosper for many years to come while maintaining the high service levels that our customers rightly expect.
We have fantastic staff, loyal (but demanding!) customers, reliable sub-contractors and partners and a forward thinking management team, all of which gives us the right ingredients to face up to the challenges and opportunities that will transpire during these difficult economic times.
So sit back and hold tight - we're off again. Enjoy the ride!
Steve
It's our birthday!
This is just a few lines to let you know of an important milestone in the company's history - December 1st 2010 marks the beginning of our 30th year in business!
Starting as a 'one man band' with an overdraft and a second-hand van on HP, I'm incredibly proud of what we have all achieved to arrive where we are today and look forward to exciting times ahead.
The success of this business has always been good people and teamwork. I can truthfully say that we currently have the best team that we have ever had and that working with you all is a great experience.
Could I wish all of our work colleagues, their families, customers and suppliers a very Merry Christmas and a successful New Year.
Steve
The racing director
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Over the weekend of the 16th October, Tim Porter took part in his first Historic Car Rally (as a navigator) at the former RAF Throckmorton airbase in Pershore. Despite his initial worries, Tim thoroughly enjoyed the series of autotests and road navigation routes - even overcoming the inevitable waves of nausea from being thrown from side to side in the car! His driver was his good friend and best man, Tim Addison a former Head of Tourism on the Island and owner of the glorious 1979 Fiat 124 Spyder that they competed in. Convinced that they would pick up the wooden spoon, they were thrilled to finish 26th out of 37 starters, third in their class and collect Gold medals for a clean sheet on the road regularity sections. Tim says "We're planning a couple more one day events for next year, building up to a possible assault on 'Le Jog' - Lands End to John o'Groats - in 2012". November 2010. |
From the top
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As part of our commitment to keeping our customers updated, I've volunteered to write a regular update on this website, which I will try to do every month. We have always put great effort into providing good customer service and, earlier this year, the business decided to invest heavily in transforming our traditional Traffic Offices into a centralised Customer Service Department. Although it is still a 'work in progress' the concept has been well received by both existing and new customers. David Groves and Mark Breakey (our DGMs) still provide the local contact for visits and problem solving and where individual contracts require their overview. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our next batch of new trucks which are now several months overdue. It seems a strange situation in times of economic uncertainty that you now have to wait longer (and pay more) for kit that people used to fall over themselves to provide! Watch this space and look out for future reports. Steve Porter |
Steve Porter Transport signs up with Open Sauce Systems
| The Steve Porter Transport Group (SPTG), which includes businesses from case making to shipping in addition to the well known haulage company, has announced that it is to take on the services of Open Sauce Systems Ltd. to maintain its IT and communication systems as well as to continue to develop the company's business processes. Open Sauce Systems have recently conceived, designed and implemented a web based resource management system at SPTG which has allowed the company to make efficiency savings as well as provide a faster and more flexible service to its customers. Open Sauce Systems have also installed a bespoke telecommunications system which links all of SPTG's sites as well as integrating itself with the company's contact management system. The introduction of this system has brought with it large cost savings and helped the company to respond more efficiently which has reinforced SPTG's position in the marketplace. Steve Porter, Chairman of SPTG, said, "Our systems have put us in a position to match the services offered by far larger businesses who have traditionally had vast budgets to put into IT. We have shown that even a relatively small operation can be at the cutting edge and win business based not only on service, but also good information. I can recommend Open Sauce Systems to any business seeking an edge in their industry." |
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Another first for Steve Porter Transport
Steve Porter Transport have always led the way in communicating with our customers. Last year we introduced Trans-Porter so that our customers can enter, track and trace their consignments online. Now we have installed a system which lets you enquire about the status of your consignment simply by phoning our switchboard! Just call 0845 680 2000, 24 hours a day, and select option 8. Enter your consignment number and you will find out what has happened to your freight. If it has been delivered you will even hear who has signed for it! For further informtion or to give it a try, call us on 0845 680 2000.
It's snow joke in this weather!
| Well the snow came thick and fast as promised but the drivers of Steve Porter Transport have struggled on to maintain our services. Some areas of the Isle of Wight and the South of England have been impasssable but we have done our best to carry on as normal. We now have our fingers crossed that the worst of the weather has gone and we look forward to business as ususal. We would like to say a big thank you to all our customers who have been patient while we dug our lorries out of the snow drifts! |
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Wightfest rocks Cowes
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The Isle of Wight Community Club was the venue for the first Wightfest music festival on the 22nd August with live music all day raising funds for charity. Steve Porter Transport were pleased to supply two trailers to act as a stage which gave the performers a birds eye view of their audience! The event, organised by BAE staff, was a great success and everybody who attended is looking forward to Wightfest 2010. |
Welcome to Trans-Porter
Steve Porter Transport are proud to announce the launch of their web-based IT system, Trans-Porter. Trans-Porter allows you to enter, track and trace your consignments from the comfort of your own office as well as monitor your storage in our warehouse.
To find out more about Trans-Porter, click here
Man the lifeboats!
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Cowes inshore lifeboat was established in 1989 and was taken over by the RNLI in May 2008. The crew currently operate an Atalantic 85 boat out of Shepards Wharf in Cowes. Steve Porter Transport are proud to support the RNLI in Cowes and one of our drivers, Paul Brace (on the left in the photo), is an active member of the team. To find out more about the Cowes RNLI, have a look at their website. Thanks to Rick Tomlinson for the photograph. |
VOSA rates us top!
In our recent VOSA (Vehicle Operator & Services Agency) Operator Compliance Risk Score Status (OCRS) we have been graded as Green 00 which is the highest score that can be achieved. The OCRS is calculated over a two year period and takes into account roadside checks, annual inspections (MOT test) and accident history.
Our Chairman, Steve Porter, commented on the report, "This top score demonstrates how seriously we at Steve Porter Transport take the maintenance and roadworthiness of our vehicles and reinforces our commitment to providing a quality logistics service to our customers. VOSA's report confirms and supports our aims stated in our recently published Service Charter."
Service Charter launched
The Steve Porter Transport Group are proud to launch our new Service Charter. This document sets out our commitment to providing a quality service to you, our customer. Click here to download a copy of our Service Charter and to see why Steve Porter Transport aim to be your number 1 logistics partner.
Chairman elected President!
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Our Chairman, Steve Porter, has recently been elected
President of the Island's Chamber of Commerce, Tourism & Industry.
Steve and the Company have been active members of the Chamber
for more years than he can remember and he has previously
been Vice-President and Chair of the Business Development
Board. |
From Porters to the Palace!
Afghanistan wasn't good enough for one of our drivers. Lieutenant (SCC) Eric Goode RNR, the Sea Cadet Corps Deputy District Officer for the Isle of Wight, was invited with his wife, Lieutenant Vicky Goode Royal Naval Reserve, to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Vicky is currently the Commanding Officer of TS OSBORNE, Cowes Sea Cadet Unit. Eric was the Commanding Officer of Ryde Sea Cadet Unit for 10 years before moving on to a Staff Officer role within the Sea Cadet Corps. Eric and Vicky were delighted to accept the invitation to the Palace where they enjoyed tea and meeting other invited guests. Eric, a former Royal Naval Submariner met up with an old friend from Nottingham Submarine Old Comrades after a gap of 20 years. During their time in the Corps, Vicky and Eric have met most of the Royal Family. Hosting a visit from Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, at Cowes Sea Cadet Unit has, to date, been the highlight of their Sea Cadet Career.
Eric's day job is as an LGV1 driver for the Company, distributing freight on the Isle of Wight and he is very proud to be part of the Sea Cadet Corps and enjoys his role as a driver with Steve Porter Transport.
Steve Porter Transport in Afghanistan!
Although we pride ourselves on being able to get anything, anywhere at any time, our Managing Director, Jim Freeman, recently took this to extremes. As a result of our support for the Territorial Army by allowing one of our drivers to serve in Iraq, Jim was invited to spend a week sampling a military lifestyle at an active logistics base in Afghanistan. Although he failed to make any deliveries for us while he was out there, he did come back with some ideas for further improving our efficiency. We'll try and bring you some photos as soon as the censor has passed them!
