Looking ahead - Our big plans for 2022

Twelve months ago, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we were excited to welcome four additional members to our board of directors following a substantial company restructure, which was put into place in order to facilitate further growth. 

In 2022, we’re pleased to see our business and operations continuing to develop as we remain proactive in our approaches, making regular adjustments to the way we work in order to navigate the often turbulent and uncertain terrain of our industry. 

“Last year, our industry was placed under a greater level of strain than ever before, with professional driver shortages hitting companies in all sectors and at all levels,” says F&W business strategy director, Sam Fagan.

"The issue was something that had always been there, bubbling away under the surface, but in 2021 we saw certain factors - including the pandemic, Brexit, and the IR35 tax changes - combine to escalate what was once a concern into a real issue within the industry. 

“In our attempt to overcome these challenges, our approach was to tackle the issue head-on. We’re always keen to do our part to try and generate more interest in careers in the transport industry, and so, in addition to making continual investments into our fleet and facilities for the comfort and safety of our drivers, we also increased our rates of pay, and have continued to review and improve our internal operations in an effort to relieve some of the pressure faced by HGV drivers. Last year, we also invested in the development and launch of a new scheme, Future-bound, which has been designed to encourage interest in our industry and make driving careers more accessible, and we were pleased to celebrate our first graduate of the scheme in autumn last year. 

“It’s with thanks to the incredible team of people that we employ, and the many wonderful clients and partners we work alongside, that we as a company have been able to survive the obstacles raised over the last 18 months or so. By remaining steadfast in our commitment to investment - in our people, our community, and our fleet - we now find ourselves facing 2022 in a favourable position, and we’re able to reflect upon 2021 as a year which we can proudly say holds many moments contributing to and building upon the rich heritage of our company. 

“When we consider the challenges faced over the last couple of years, not only logistically as a result of the pandemic, but also in terms of carrying out further business expansion and getting our new warehousing depot at Frontier Park up and running, it’s clear that we, as a company, wouldn’t be where we are today without our incredible team of staff, all of whom rallied together in order to overcome any and all obstacles that came to block our path. 

“As we make it steadily through the first month of this year, with exciting plans for substantial further development soon to be announced, we remain thankful for the hard work and commitment demonstrated by each member of our team, and feel prepared to face any challenges that may lie ahead warmed by the reassurance that, no matter what this year may bring, we will continue to work together to support our clients, and to support one another.”