www.truckandtrack.com Summer 2023 Truck and Track 47 PERSONALITY PROFILE “Ben Weldon – a Director at HBC Logistics, caught him at around 6.00pm as he was having dinner. Stephen immediately jumped in his van and headed for Swansea Services to check out the situation. He then got in touch with the client to let them know the situation. “The next morning, Stephen personally took a truck and forklift vehicle down to the services. He then switched the load to his vehicle and made the delivery the next morning. Stephen then sorted the mechanical problem out for the Italian Driver. Unbelievable! A fabulous example of going the extra mile! “UPN are well positioned for smaller hauliers and quality new entrants to the sector because of our flexibility and hands on support. We are also great for the bigger players because our service offering is the best in the sector. “UPN people are different and we provide real support. To UPN, our members are much more than just a number. We are professional and expert but not soulless. We have a real personality as a group and care passionately about our members and users of our services.” So, to the future David, how do you see it? “Well, its looking like the pace of change and innovation is accelerating with the evolution of new automation initiatives and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence. Indeed, UPN already has members introducing electric powered vehicle fleets. Watch this space for further developments here.” And how do you see UPN moving forward? “We are always striving to lead the sector. It’s definitely NOT all about the bottom line. It’s about development through solid partnerships and strong stable growth for all of us. We’re a people business, driven by people.” What keeps you energised and motivated? “As I said earlier, I love my job, love the staff, love the members and love the challenges that are thrown up. Life is never boring - I learn and grow from the many challenges that come my way. As MD there are so many areas I get involved in. Indeed, I’m so passionate I even went back to school recently to promote the logistics industry at a careers session at a local Lichfield Secondary School. “I love seeing our “home grown timber” progress within UPN. In the same way I did, I like to see our staff given the opportunity to progress upwards within the company. It’s great to see people get the same opportunities I had. I always look to promote from within if I can. “I’m highly supportive of all our members and all our staff indeed sometimes possibly too loyal. But that’s what I feel is different about UPN. We have a genuine friendly big family feel right across our business. It’s a very special thing.” upn.co.uk
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