Logistics Forum Helps Skill Region’s Workforce

09/06/2010

The Cumbria Logistics Employer Forum (CLEF) has helped businesses in the region take advantage of high quality training at a reduced price to ensure they are well placed to help boost the economy in Cumbria. The innovative new forum, a partnership between local authorities and leading businesses, was formed in March this year to help companies power out of the recession by strengthening the logistics skills pool in the region.

The group is focused on developing the area’s workforce through training and skills development and CLEF has helped businesses meet their training needs by offering reduced price programmes for forum members.

All truck and bus drivers must now comply with mandatory professional development qualifications, the Driver CPC, and System Training has offered these courses to CLEF members with a 50% discount off the normal price.

One local employer to take advantage of the offer is animal feed manufacturer Carrs Billington Agriculture. With feed mills in Carlisle, Kirkbride and Langwathby, the company has put 36 of its drivers on System Training’s courses this week with another 40 to follow later in June.

Topics covered include principles of customer care and safe and fuel efficient driving techniques, and the training is sure to help Carrs Billington Agriculture provide higher levels of service to its customers - while reducing operating costs associated with fuel, insurance and vehicle wear and tear.

CLEF has received significant support from Carlisle City Council and the government’s Skills Funding Agency – set up to develop workforce skills within the logistics sector and provide Cumbria based employers with a competitive advantage.

Over 40 local businesses including Sealy UK, Enesco, BOCM Pauls, and Reays Coaches have signed up to benefit from CLEF’s support which includes increasing the awareness of opportunities in logistics within schools and further education establishments, and sharing information on the latest requirements regarding training, legislation and best practice within the industry.
 
It is hoped the forum will provide a number of benefits to members that will help them to grow their workforce within Cumbria as well as attract new companies, and jobs, to the area.

Andy Hallington, Carrs Billington Quality Manager said: “This training offer is a fantastic chance for our company to take advantage of CLEF’s support. CLEF is all about local businesses working together to develop the region’s skills and to ensure a stronger logistics sector within Cumbria. As well as complying with training regulations our drivers will now be able to help us reduce costs, be safer on the roads and help us provide a higher standard of service to our customers.”