James Hall & Co driver to take on peers in SPAR International competition

By James Hall & Co. Ltd

20 Feb 2023

Steve Metcalf James Hall 1

A lorry driver with James Hall & Co. Ltd is set to challenge himself against peers from around the world in a SPAR International competition.

Steve Metcalf will travel to Sweden in March to participate in the first ever SPAR International Driver of the Year competition at Scania’s Head Office.

The competition will see Steve complete a driving test with a Scania instructor at the test track to measure driver performance with different vehicle combinations.

There will also be safety tests to complete and time and obstacle challenges to assess reversing and manoeuvring skills.

Participants will also get the opportunity to visit the Scania factory to see the latest vehicles, innovations, and drive a range of different Scania vehicles.

It has been an interesting road for Steve, from Barrowford near Burnley, who gained the first of his HGV licences after leaving his managerial position in the corporate world a decade ago.

He has been driving HGVs for 10 years at James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England, and Steve visits Yorkshire, Cumbria, the North Midlands, and stores around Lancashire in a typical working week.

Competitions like this are one of the benefits drivers can take advantage of being part of the wider SPAR network at James Hall & Co. Ltd, and SPAR is one of the world’s best known retail brands with a presence in 48 countries across four continents.

Steve said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge in Sweden. It will be a new one for me, but I am relishing the opportunity.

“When I left my desk job in the business world, I never thought the journey would take me to where I am today.

“I have no regrets and I have loved every minute of it. Among my colleagues, I have made some great friends for life at James Hall.

“I started out driving rigid trucks with my HGV 2 licence for James Hall, and then I had the chance to progress to achieve HGV 1 and I now drive articulated lorries.

“I absolutely love my job and my cab is the best office window in the world. You could not wish for a better one with the routes that I have.”

Mark Shakeshaft, transport manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “Steve scored highly on a driving test and a theory test to secure his ticket to Sweden. Real-world telematic data taken from his truck formed the remaining criteria, and this too was excellent.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this competition through SPAR International and we are sure Steve will give a great account of himself on the big day.

“James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fantastic company to work for and we have some superb opportunities and benefits for our drivers within the Transport department, with this being one of them.

“We also have a number of initiatives that can support career changes and progression like Steve has enjoyed, and I would encourage anybody interested in visiting our website careers page for further details.”

You can find out more about James Hall & Co. Ltd at www.jameshall.co.uk.

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin