Pall-Ex Group is the award winning leading provider of palletised freight distribution services in the UK and Europe. Founded in 1996, Pall-Ex has phenomenally grown and our core values have remained the same, providing customers with an unparalleled level of cost-effective service, through a nationwide membership network of around 100 of the UK’s leading hauliers.
Pall-Ex Group also currently comprises European domestic palletised freight networks – Pall-Ex Italia, Pall-Ex Iberia, Pall-Ex France, Pall-Ex Romania and Pall-Ex Polska. Pall-Ex Group is currently under way with initiatives in establishing networks in Germany, Turkey and Benelux.
WLN – What brought you to this industry?
When I was growing up in Muirkirk, Ayrshire, my family was split between working in mining and haulage. Logistics was the obvious route for me as I didn’t fancy working on the coalface. I started working in the industry, loading and unloading vehicles, while I was still at school. I actually think I spent more of my spare time working than studying.
WLN – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
I love the fact every day is different. Dealing with day-to-day challenges is exciting, as you simply cannot know what to expect at times. Being part of a team that drives business forward is very motivating.
WLN – Who inspired you most in your career?
My late father. He spent 40 years of his life working down a mine in Scotland. This was not an option for me, so I borrowed £2,000 from him to start a transport business with my brother-in-law and have never looked back. Because of my father’s belief, trust and investment, my attention was doubly focussed on finances from the outset. His ongoing support made me even more driven to succeed.
WLN – If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?
Most probably a fire extinguisher: always there!
WLN – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?
Nothing. I have met some great people along the way and have enjoyed every minute of it, and still do today.
WLN – What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
Demonstrating to a member of staff the correct procedure for stepping on and off a forklift truck. While stepping off, I twisted my ankle and fell to the floor, only to look up and see everybody in stitches. Just as well I wasn’t injured, as no one would have been able to stop laughing in order to assist me!
WLN – Who or what makes you laugh?
Kevin Bridges, Sean Lock and from the archives, it has to be Tommy Cooper.
WLN – Do you have any hidden talents?
Not that I am aware of. I cannot dance, sing or play any musical instruments, so the answer must be no!
WLN – Who would be your favourite party guest?
It would have to be Sir Alex Ferguson – a nice glass of red and a lifetime of football success stories.
WLN – What is the greatest luxury in your life?
My wife of 25 years and my two daughters.
WLN – Do you have any secret ambitions?
Well it wouldn’t be a secret if I told you all!
WLN – What’s your dream holiday destination?
I would have to say Aruba. I have heard so many great things about this place, and with a big birthday on the way next year… you never know.
WLN – What are your three favourite movies of all time?
Braveheart, The Shawshank Redemption and Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.
WLN – What is your favourite book of all time?
I do not read a great deal, but any autobiography by a sporting great who is over the age of 50, that level of experience makes for a more interesting read.
WLN – What’s your favourite pastime?
I am a keen golfer, playing off a modest handicap of 14. I only play between March and November before packing the clubs away for winter. This is when I frequent Old Trafford to watch the mighty Red Devils play.
WLN – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?
Like most other people, buy a sports car, have a luxury holiday and of course look after my friends and family. The only problem is, you can’t fulfil any of these dreams with my usual £10 winnings!
WLN – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?
The only advice I would give would be to work hard, listen, and learn from your seniors and peers. Striving to learn from your mistakes and be driven will help you achieve your goals.
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