Howard Tenens Logistics Hosts RHA for National Lorry Week Launch Day

We were proud to host the Road Haulage Association (RHA) for the National Lorry Week Launch Day at our head office in Stroud. Partnering with our neighbours at Stroud Brewery, the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the logistics industry and the incredible people who keep it moving.

The day was packed with exciting highlights, including the presence of the Morris Vintage truck, the 15 year old Mercedes Actros MP3 Euro 5, the multicar which was registered in 1986 and the RHA National Lorry Week liveried vehicle. The RHA also brought along their HGV simulator, giving us all a chance to experience the challenges our drivers face every day.

Insightful Presentations on the Future of Logistics

To kick off the event, we had insightful presentations from RHA members, Sally Gilson (Policy lead) and Jayson Churn (chair of the RHA Next Gen Group). Sally shared her expertise on the crucial roles, AI, decarbonising, and new technology shaping our industry. Jayson captivated us with his journey, emphasising the power of teamwork and the accessibility of a career in logistics.

Celebrating Our People

Our very own Karl Hodgkinson (GDMI Director) and Samantha Phillips (Head of People) then took the stage to talk about the heart of Howard Tenens – Our People. Karl shared our 70-year journey and the mutual values that drive us forward. Sam followed with a powerful message, highlighting our commitment to being an employer of choice through engagement initiatives, learning and development investments, and our High Potential (HiPo) scheme. Together, we’re building a sustainable platform for growth!

Inspiring Stories from Our Apprentices

The event concluded with a panel session featuring our talented apprentices: Tilly (Events Apprentice), Bryony (People Apprentice), Ollie (Commercial Apprentice), Elliot (Transport Supervisor Apprentice), and Ben (HGV Driver Apprentice). They shared their journeys and experiences, from extensive training opportunities to discovering the complexity and scale of logistics. It was inspiring to hear how they joined from such varied backgrounds—some straight from school, others with years of full-time work. The room for growth and progression in our industry is truly exciting!

Hands-On Experience with the HGV Simulator

After the presentations, we all headed outside for photos, networking, and a turn on the driving simulator. It gave everyone a real taste of the skill and focus our drivers bring to the job every day. Experiencing the challenges of the road first hand really put into perspective the hard work they do to keep everything moving smoothly.

Karl Hodgkinson – Group Development & Innovation Director at Howard Tenens Logistics said:

“We are excited to support the Road Haulage Association in hosting the launch of National Lorry Week. RHA Chairman Morton Cullimore importantly addressed the pressing challenges facing the industry, including skills shortages, driver availability, and workforce development, while highlighting the critical need to expand apprenticeship opportunities throughout the logistics sector. In collaboration with the RHA ‘Next Gen Group’, Howard Tenens Logistics shared valuable insights from apprentices across the organisation, providing an engaging glimpse into their experiences.

Congratulations to all the apprentices who attended and contributed to the panel discussions. Promoting the logistics industry and highlighting the diverse career opportunities is essential. Events such as this one are a significant step towards encouraging greater involvement and awareness. Thank you to the RHA, our guests and everyone involved in delivering such a successful event.”

Throughout the week, we will continue to celebrate our drivers and the vital transport roles within our company. Our sites will be marking the occasion in various ways, and we will be shining a spotlight on our transport teams through our social media channels.

Thank you to everyone who made the National Lorry Week Launch Day a success!