David Webb
Page 45
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One man in haulage who is undaunted by the present economic climate is David Webb, who on September 1 was appointed deputy managing director of G. and K. Haulage Ltd of Dudley, Worcs.
Diversification is the order of the day, according to Mr Webb, but not haphazardly. He tells me that the prudent haulier will consider a limited number of specialized fields and concentrate on becoming efficient in those which he considers he can do best. In this way, when one industry declines then others which might still be prospering will provide a hedge against declining traffic.
g-Orne of this philosophy will be_
apparent in Mr Webb's function in his new appointment. He will be responsible for diversification of G. and K. activities with particular emphasis on expanding the company's contract hire and temperature controlled haulage business.
He visualises a reduction in the number of hauliers in the industry through the difficult times ahead.
He sees an opportunity for the better financially based organization to absorb those giving up business, using the better vehicles to replace its own life-expired units and carrying the defunct company's better traffic.
David Webb has been in haulage for 13 years, beginning his career with Frank Grounds in Birmingham and moving to British Road Services Ltd after six years.
Attaining the position of depot manager wth BRS during his seven years with the company, he has now returned to the independent sector Of the industry.
Mr Webb is a married man. He plays just about every kind of sport and recommends squash as ideal for the haulier, for this sport, he says, is about only one where a spare hour can be snatched from business.