BIFA Awards
activities, such as customer-focused initiatives, help translate learning into action, often visible in customer retention and acquisition. “Training provides a safe space for employees to practice real- world scenarios, showing how they applied their learning,” he said. The company tracks the impact of training on both staff growth and business success. Collaboration is key at Speedy Freight. Noble said: “Training events help colleagues learn from each other and share best practices.” These sessions encourage knowledge-sharing and build a sense of community within the company. As Speedy Freight expands its services, it is essential that all employees are confident in the full service proposition. “International training is one example,” Noble added. “We ensure staff are equipped to handle complex services and deliver them confidently to clients.” Staff retention Speedy Freight’s training strategy focuses on the knowledge, skills and attitude needed for employees to succeed in their roles. This structured approach ensures training is consistent and comprehensive, addressing all aspects of professional development. Training has also played a key role in identifying potential talent for the future and aiding succession planning. “Training helps us ensure strong internal candidates for future leadership roles,” said Noble. The company is preparing to launch a new performance development programme that will integrate seamlessly with the existing training plan. “This programme will align performance and development, enhancing our strategy in the next year,” said Noble. The benefits of internal training are also evident in staff retention. Noble said: “We’ve seen strong evidence that investing in training reduces our employee turnover. We uncover hidden talent and help employees realise their potential.” He added: “Investing in training motivates employees to continue learning and growing, which helps retain them in the long-term.”
Training hubs at active branches enable attendees to engage with the business and their branch colleagues
Accelerated development
Recognising the value of investing in
I n 2023, Speedy Freight shifted from relying on external providers to creating in-house, tailored training hubs. Kevin Noble, head of learning and development, re fl ected: “We invested in new of fi ce space and built our fi rst academy in Northampton. Our people are proud of these premises, as they are truly ours.” The company expanded in 2024 by creating another academy above its Knutsford branch. The proximity to active branches allows attendees to engage with the business and their branch colleagues. “We see training as key to our people strategy,” said Noble. “Developing our people gives us a competitive advantage. “The company’s learning initiatives are driven by the needs of our teams. Our employees complete an annual skills matrix, assessing their confidence in core competencies for their role. This feedback shapes Speedy Freight’s training programme, ensuring it people, Speedy Freight has achieved signi fi cant commercial gains through its internal training programmes, earning it BIFA’s Staff Development Award 2024
Speedy Freight’s investment in internal training has paid dividends for staff and company alike
aligns with workforce needs.” Initially, training was mostly theoretical, but the company realised the importance of practical experience. Noble explained: “We’ve increased the emphasis on practical learning, starting with sales, followed by leadership and operations training.” Practical training includes simulations based on real-life situations, often contributed by staff. These sessions provide hands-on experience in addressing day-to-day challenges. The results have been substantial, with Speedy Freight seeing hundreds of thousands in commercial gains. Noble added that follow-up
“ We see training as key to our people strategy – Kevin Noble, Speedy Freight
Staff Development Award
Albacore believes that people are a company’s most valuable asset. That is why it is proud to sponsor the Staff
Development Award for the 16th year. Albacore supplies and supports efficient and reliable IT systems that ensure productive, empowered and satisfied staff.
16 | July 2025
www.bifa.org
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