Pictured: Gary Shaw
A Hanley recruitment firm has responded to growing demand for
HGV drivers by launching a specialist division.
gap personnel, based on Old Hall Street, has hired Stoke-born
transport recruitment expert Gary Shaw to lead the company's
Driving Force division in Staffordshire.
The 41-year-old said growing demand from clients for HGV drivers
was being fuelled by a recovery in the retail and food sectors.
He said: "Demand for non-specialist haulage is relatively flat
in Staffordshire but we are seeing increased demand for drivers
from specialist transport sectors, including the retail and food
industries and specialist manufacturing.
"Staffordshire's geographic location, coupled with our excellent
road links, means we are in a fantastic position to take advantage
of any growth in the transport and distribution industry."
gap personnel - the UK's eighth largest industrial labour
provider - already has successful Driving Force operations in
Liverpool and Flint, North Wales.
The division currently provides a regular supply of professional
drivers to more than 100 clients each day. This includes van
drivers; 7.5 tonne drivers; class 1 and 2 drivers and drivers'
mates.
However, this is the first time gap has introduced Driving Force
anywhere in the Midlands.
Gary, who grew up in the Ball Green area of Stoke, has worked
for ANC Parcels - now part of FedEx - and recruitment agencies such
as Best Connection and Staffline during a varied career.
He said: "The fact that I have worked on both sides of the fence
- both in recruitment and as a HGV driver and transport manager -
means I know what clients need.
"The chance to develop a new operation from scratch was
extremely attractive.
"I am looking forward to building up gap's Driving Force
division in Staffordshire and eventually expanding to cover the
rest of the Midlands."
Through its Driving Force division, gap offers a 24-hour
response centre and quarterly licence checks. It is a member of the
Road Haulage Association (RHA).
It is paying for drivers registered with it to achieve the
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - a new
legal requirement for all truck drivers who drive professionally
throughout Europe.
Mark Roberts, gap's UK operations director, said: "We know it is
important for us to respond quickly to our clients' fluctuating
workloads and have access to reliable, flexible drivers.
"Gary has a fantastic track record in the industry and we have
every confidence that Driving Force will be a success in
Staffordshire."
For more information call 01782 289090 or visit their
website: www.gap-personnel.com