Menzies Distribution fleet & network growth further cements safety credentials.

The Menzies Distribution Solutions (MDS – formerly Bibby Distribution) fleet has grown substantially as a result of recent acquisitions, bringing with it an award-winning record & robust safety credentials.

The Menzies Distribution acquisition of Bibby Distribution was announced in December 2020, and created a major force in UK logistics, unlocking geographic potential and adding 38 new operating sites and a large, young, eco-friendly and sustainable fleet to Menzies’ well established and successful platform.

This acquisition saw the addition of a 1,400-strong workforce in addition to the 500-strong fleet. However, whilst the numbers are staggering and have enabled Menzies to scale operations significantly, it brings with it an impeccable safety record. In February 2020, this department proudly unveiled a 74% reduction in accidents, with the company recording its lowest-ever number of RIDDORs (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations) and overall lost time accidents (LTAs).

As a result, the business unit was awarded with a company-wide Gold honour from RoSPA, and a Merit Award from the BSC for the fourth year running. In addition, and for the first time, sites in Avonmouth, Corby and Droitwich each received individual RoSPA Gold awards.

Further accolades came from two prestigious Motor Transport Awards for Safety and Technical Excellence, after the business unit recorded its safest and most efficient year and achieving a wholesale cultural shift across the entire business.

The 1,400-strong logistics team was awarded the Safety in Operation and Technical Excellence honours, beating stiff competition from a range of companies in the transport sector; whilst in the Safety category, judges commended the business for instilling a ‘safety first’ mindset which has seen accidents reduce by a third and the lowest ever number of reportable and lost time incidents.

The Motor Transport Awards judging panel said they were particularly impressed by the excellent results and praised the “full commitment from top level management”. One judge commented: “The results speak for themselves.”

For the Technical Excellence Award, judges praised the business for reaching unprecedented levels of efficiency, reliability and safety, through a combination of innovation, technology and outstanding commitment. Judges noted the “meteoric rise” in driver performance standards, from 1.3% to 57.7% rated Grade A. One said: “The submission demonstrated very high levels of legal compliance, road worthiness and excellent annual test first time pass rates.”

The successes of 2020 included some individual accolades, such as driver Mark Field, who was named ‘Microlise Driver of the Year’ after recording not a single instance of harsh braking, over-revving or excessive acceleration in 12 months.

The success has come as a result of the introduction of three internal campaigns: Key Behaviours (aimed at increasing safety reporting while reducing trips and slips); GOAL – Get Out And Look (supporting drivers to reduce the risk of road collisions); and Come Home Safe (a cultural campaign encouraging a proactive approach to safety through highlighting the importance of families, pets and outside work interests and everyone’s responsibility to help each other).

We’re looking forward to continuing and expanding this level of success in safety across the wider Menzies Distribution Services business in 2021 and beyond.