Driver Academy launched to train HGV drivers
WHISTL ADDS RELISH
Wells Said
Just aswe go to press, it has been announced that leading product sampling agency Relish has been acquiredbyWhistl. Relish began life in 2011 and has grown to become a top UK specialist in product sampling, mainly in the beauty and FMCG sectors. It enables brands to target consumers by matching themwith synergistic partners. A typical example would be placing a perfume sample within an online fashion delivery. Relish clients include ASOS, BakedIn, Craft Gin Club, Deliveroo, Estee Lauder, Edgewell, Ferrero, Hello Fresh, Missguided and Pretty LittleThing. NickWells, CEO, Whistl, said: “Product sampling plays an important role within themarketing mix andwith ourmarket-leading expertise in targeting and campaign planning, particularly for online retailers and FMCG brands, the addition of Relish will enable us to broaden the portfolio of channels available to advertisers throughWhistl Doordrop Media. The acquisition highlights our unique expertise and ability to help brands across the whole e-commerce journey, from targeting customers to fulfilling orders through to delivery management to the consumer’s door.” Relishwill remain as a standalone brand, led by founding Directors Natalie Betts andJonny Hall. The 20-strong teamwill be based at our newBristol office, and the companywill report in toMarkDavies, MDofWhistl DoordropMedia. Relish –making product sampling go further.
Here atWhistl, we’re taking steps to ensure a steady supply of qualified truckers by launching theWhistl DriverAcademy. The Academy aims to train 100 drivers in its first year, targeting newcomers to the industry including the long-term unemployed, the young, and female applicants. The fact that Whistl drivers enjoy a goodwork-life balance (see opposite), togetherwith fully-funded training to HGV level (typically costing £7,000), removes two of the biggest barriers to a driving career. Academy courses are already operating at our Bedford, Bolton and Bristol sites. Amulti-level approach Whistl DriverAcademy is just one strand of ourmulti-level approach to attracting and developing HGV drivers. Others include offering: • HGV apprenticeships to over 18s with a driving licence • Fully-funded HGV training to our existing van drivers and warehouse staff • Fully-funded Class 1 training for Class 2 drivers, plus Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for HGV 1 classified drivers • A £1000 signing-on bonus for qualified Class 1 drivers “It’s important we invest in the next-generation of HGV drivers, sowe’ve launched theWhistl DriverAcademy for those whomay not have considered this career choice,” said Whistl CEONickWells. “We’re a people business, and the role our drivers play as ambassadors for the company is hugely important.” The shortage of HGVdrivers in the UK has been high on the news agenda for much of the latter half of 2021.
2021 is drawing to a close and despite all the challenges, it’s been a year of delivery and development for us here at Whistl. Embracing the boom in e-commerce, we’ve built on our delivery management expertise to establish ourselves as the UK’s leading logistics specialist in e-fulfilment, contact centres, parcels andmail. We started the year by launching Posthub, and we end it by welcoming product sampling agency Relish to the Whistl Group (see opposite). Along the way, we’ve rebranded 2020 acquisition Clientbase toWhistl Fulfilment, doubled capacity at our fulfilment centres, relocated our Bristol operation to a purpose-built new regional base, andmanaged delivery of over 3.6 billion items. As ever, thanks are due to the entire Whistl teamwho havemet the challenges head on, and of course to you, our customers. Everything we do is with the aimof providing you with better service, and your customers with a better experience. Here’s to 2022!
Our 500-strong vehicle fleet ismodern and well-maintained, but muchmore than that, our drivers enjoy awork-life balance not always found in the industry. Own bed at night – no overnight stays Full-time or part-time flexible shifts Nomultiple pick-ups or drop-offs Minimal manual handling Work-life atWhistl
Consumer orders fashion online… and receives a perfume sample in their delivery.
NickWells Chief Executive Whistl
Consumer orders finewine online … and receives a sample gin miniature in the case.
For anyone interested please contact our training partners, TRS Training, via www.trstrainingltd.com to apply
2 Whistl Magazine • Winter 2021
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Whistl Magazine • Winter 2021
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