We spoke to Sophie from who drives for our Plymouth office who took the jump from behind the desk to behind the wheel and shares her experiences. What made me get into the industry? Shifting from my cushy office job to driving was a pretty big leap. The routine of the office wasn’t fulfilling… Read more »
Hints and tricks that might help out as a new driver – Helpful Hints 1! What might be a good idea to carry in your ruck sack! Should I carry a First Aid kit – If driving under ADR a First aid kit will be provided and basic first aid is covered under ADR… Read more »
Congratulations to Tyler Parish for his promotion to Trainee Consultant at Backline’s Bridgwater branch. Tyler joined the team last June after a period of increased business prompted a search for a Branch Administrator. Tyler lives local to the branch and has worked solidly since he left school and also held down a part-time job… Read more »
Following on from news earlier this summer that former HGV driver, Paul Warrener, was joining the training team, we can now announce that he passed his Association Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) with flying colours. Not one to hang around, after gaining his AITT on the Friday he was then hosting his first ever training… Read more »
As part of our ongoing interview series, we had the pleasure of speaking with one of our longest-serving members of staff, Donna Scanlan, who shares the reasons why she’s stayed with the business for so long. Q: Hi Donna! We’ve heard great things about you from the HGV Drivers we’ve been interviewing for the… Read more »
Beit immersing yourself into a bath full of beans, shaving off beards or even cycling ridiculous distances, raising funds for good causes has always been a great thing to help organisations that lack government funding. Regional Manager at Backline, Simon Steer decided back in 2020 that as a keen biker, he wanted to do something… Read more »
To continue our Backline Heroes Series, this month we caught up with HGV Driver, Roy Webb who tells us about his experience of traveling around the world as an HGV Driver. Q: Hi Roy, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. At 36 years old you’re breaking the stereotype of HGV Drivers… Read more »
When Richard Stentiford was promoted to Head of Division at Backline Training in January he made it his mission to strengthen the training team, so he’s delighted to welcome former HGV Driver, Paul Warrener, into the training family. “Paul is a very experienced HGV Driver and has been a part of the Backline family… Read more »
To keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) you must carry out 35 hours of training within a five-year period to maintain your bus, coach, or HGV driver’s licence. For many drivers that five year period will expire in 2024, and while that’s still two years away, with the shortage of CPC facilitators… Read more »
While the team prepares to unveil the refurbishment and renovation work that’s been happening on site, Kelly Hughes, Manager at Outbase Exeter is pleased to announce that there’s a new addition to the team. Tony Oldham who started his journey as a Van Driver with Backline over two years ago has recently re-trained as… Read more »
As the training division at Backline continues to expand, the team is pleased to announce the appointment of James Hamilton, who joined the Training Division in March 22 as MHE Trainer. James joins the team with a wealth of knowledge and expertise and comes with the added experience of being on the other end… Read more »
A long-standing client that has been using Outbase Exeter for over 10 years will be increasing their service requirements from March onwards, demonstrating the importance of cultivating key client relationships. As well as using Exeter as their Outbase facility, this particular client – a national distributor of DIY goods – will also be parking… Read more »
During the petrol crisis at the end of 2021 we heard stories of soldiers helping to drive fuel tankers in a bid to minimise the disruption on the forecourts, but there’s actually a huge opportunity for ex-military personnel to become qualified HGV drivers. Entitled service personnel can access a range of allowances and grants… Read more »
TRANSGENDER LORRY DRIVER, KAT GOFF TELLS US ABOUT HER GENDER TRANSITION JOURNEY The transport and logistics business is often seen as a very masculine industry, with the nature of the work and the driving conditions deemed as not suitable for women, although if you read our interview with Nicky Ryder you’ll know that these… Read more »
The health and safety of drivers is always a priority at Backline, but especially at Outbase Exeter which is used as a stop-gap for long distance HGV drivers working within EU regulations. The transport and logistics industry regularly comes under scrutiny for the working conditions of HGV drivers, but for the team at Outbase… Read more »
