A Half Dozen Things Podcast by Pete Rushmer

Transport sector insights and opportunities with James Adcroft | AHDT S2#11

In todays episode James Adcroft joins us to talk all things transport sector related.  James day job is as a Senior Transport/Compliance Manager with a large supermarket.  However him and Pete regularly discuss and share ideas on Transport related subjects on Facebook and Linked In.

It was great to get James to share his wisdom and experience following his many years in the transport sector.  In todays episode he shares;

-3 Top tips on for maintaining a compliant fleet (these tips may surprise you!)

- The biggest frustrations (or biggest opportunities) in our Transport sector

- How we can improve the driver shortage

- Shared insights on gaining Earned Recognition in a (very large) vehicle operator.

It was a pleasure to have James on todays episode sharing his knowledge.  We really hope you enjoy it.

Town planning and modern living with expert and film maker Roger Graef OBE | AHDT S2#10

Roger Graef OBE is a Bafta Award Winning film producer, Criminologist as well as an advisor to Transport for London and the Board of Architects.

We were absolutely honoured to have Roger join us on the podcast and share so much experience from all of his careers.  We discuss many things from town planning and architecture, public transport through to Great Ormond Street.

This is an episode not to be missed.  Roger has a vast wealth of experience and shares amazing insights from his many careers.  Please find out more about Roger here;

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Graef

 

Superior products and decision making with Anik Zubair | AHDT S2#9

Anik Zubair is a Peterborough based Entrepreneur, his Linked In profile says; 'Ex financial contractor turned E-Commerce owner. Created a niche and built a brand from the ground up. Multi-business owner. Grateful for every opportunity and learning from every loss.'

 

He was an absolute joy to interview and one of the best business owners you can meet.

 

His half dozen things are;

1) Superior Products and ensuring you provide value

2) Balance working hard and smart

3) Self Belief

4) Out work and out learn

5) Have a great team

6) Make decisions that are good for business not your ego.

 

Thanks Anik for joining us on this podcast and sharing your wisdom.

Do what you say you’re going to do and your customer at the heart of your business with Michael Ambrosio | AHDT S2#8

We were so excited to have Peterborough based Entrepreneur Michael Ambrosio on the podcast this week.  Michael co-founded M&N Vehicle Services which is a commercial vehicle repair centre in Peterborough.  He has been in business just over 12 years and recently opened a 2nd workshop nearby.  Michael shares some awesome insights.  We discuss some personal key skills and some transport focussed ones too.  They are;

Personal Traits for a great business person;

- Honest Hardwork

-Resilience

-Support and keeping your network strong

- Self appraisal and keeping yourself true

- Do what you say you are going to

 

Traits for success in the Transport sector;

- Put the customer at the centre of your business, service, satisfaction and experience is key

- Decision making with skill

- Improve your systems continuously

- Stick to what you know

- Do what you say your are going to (see the thread?)

 

Thanks Michael for joining us we are truly grateful.

Kickstart Scheme - find out more with our resident HR hero Nicki Mawby | AHDT S2#7

In this episode Nicki and Pete discuss the government Kickstart Scheme.  How Nicki's gateway can support you and help recruit and retain fresh talent in to your business.

Listen in to find out more about how to get a government funded kickstarter, FREE for 6 months!

6 BS ’Rules’ in Transport that are actually misconceptions | AHDT S2#6

6 BS 'rules' that are actually misconceptions in Transport

 

In the sector there is some longstanding BS that is commonly held as true but absolutely isn't. So in this session I will discuss what I think they are and why I think they are wrong.

 

I'll discuss why the below 'rules' are actually BS;

1) Experienced Drivers don't need training

2) 7 hours Driver CPC!?!

3) You need 40 years experience in the Sector to reach the peak

4) The best Drivers make the best Transport Managers

5) You're not a 'proper' driver if you've never driven an Eaton Twin Splitter!

6) You're not a proper Transport Manager if you can't strip and rebuild a gearbox!

 

All the above are rubbish, but rubbish I see regularly on Social Media!

The future of vehicle finance with Andy Page | AHDT S2#5

In this episode I catch up with my old colleague and friend Andy Page; he has worked in finance man and boy, which is a pretty long time I think! ;-)

It was great fun working with Andy, we poke a bit of fun at each other whilst Andy shared some awesome insights on asset finance too.

This one really isn't to be missed so listen in today!

Andy's Linked In bio states;

'Broad career in the development of both regulated and unregulated automotive and asset financing and related services delivered through traditional and online distribution channels.

Experience in developing and managing business flows in new markets, the development and delivery of new product offers, growth of both own and dealer partner referred business and delivery of additional compliant services and training for delivery associates.

A flair for designing and delivering bespoke funding solutions across a wide range of asset types and customers from Multinational board level to sole proprietor. An interest and involvement in Fintech currently fostering concepts in new funding methods.

I have the ambition to use my experience to be an innovation leader in the asset finance industry, to meet customers’ changing needs, enhance competitive advantage and grow their business.

I will achieve this by developing solutions that deliver an exceptional customer experience, respond to changing business models and meet the demands of today’s changing environment.

Financing is undergoing a revolution with customers wanting 24/7 access to services, their own data and the integration of telematics to drive usage-based pricing. Open source banking will also simplify and greatly expedite the delivery of the credit decision process.

I have fostered offers in some of these areas to enable forward-thinking businesses to adapt to these opportunities. I am also available to support lenders transition to fully directly connect with their customers online and take advantage of Open source participation to see what benefits and cost savings that can bring to funders and their customers.'

Andy is a great guy and I am sure you will enjoy this episode too.  See you all next time, thanks for coming.

Becoming your Motorway Buddy with Chris Holloway | AHDT S2#4

In this episode we are joined by self confessed Driver with an idea Chris Holloway.  And some idea that was when he came up with Motorway Buddy.  Designed by a Driver FOR Drivers.

In 2011 Chris Holloway, a tanker driver from Manchester, UK was frantically searching for somewhere safe and secure to park. Turning down a wrong street could lead to catastrophic consequences, and parking in a lay-by with 20 tonnes of cryogenic liquid to keep him company overnight made him feel a little weak at the knees!

The Motorway Buddy driver friendly compliance management suite enables real time visibility of your drivers daily walk around checks, accident reporting, safe loading practice, UK border force checks, safe parking checklist and a crime reporting tool that assist in building the only freight crime hotspot map of the UK.

 

RUSHCAST The Common Mistakes of Fleet Operators | AHDT S2#3

In this Rushcast, I will look at the most Common Mistakes of Fleet Operators. We will cover the common mistakes made when it comes to maintaining vehicles, roadworthiness and managing drivers' activities too. We will also explore what happens when it goes wrong. 

Alternative Fuels, Carbon Hero to Carbon Zero with Darren Newman | AHDT S2#2

It's my pleasure to welcome Darren Newman from Low Carbon Truck Consultancy on today's podcast.  

 

Darren is a friend and ex colleague having worked closely together for Volvo Trucks.  Darren talks us through the array of fuel options currently available as well as an expert look into the future.

 

If you want genuine low carbon advice without your local truck salesmen's BS.  Darren is your man.

His LinkedIn Bio says; We have over 30 years commercial vehicle experience so you can be sure we’ll understand your truck operation. We are truck people and we speak your language. We are focused on the practical ways truck operators can reduce CO2 emissions. Having been involved in many vehicle trials with operators in different sectors and various fleet sizes, we understand how operational factors can affect technology choice and trial results.