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Keeping the dream alive
Page 66
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Gary Hawkins begins his Logistically Speaking report by reminiscing, with talk of staff shortages, family traditions and photo shoots...
It was good to take a break this week from moaning about fuel prices and arguing with my father that, as a self-confessed 'Thatcher child' I would employ Gordon Brown to run our taxation system and send Dick Turpin out on dispatch to collect the cash. But, there are problems. There's a constant lack of drivers and my sisters moan that they cannot speak Polish — I employ three Polish drivers.
Recently, I organised a photo shoot. I stood each of my three children in front of a truck — I've decided to name the vehicles after them, in Eddie Stobbart fashion. I did this to celebrate our fourth generation in the business. Start 'em young,! say.
After seeing the pictures I started thinking about how many companies like mine— third and fourth-generation are still running trucks across this great country, and keeping the industry's traditions alive.
I then reminisced (which, at just 39 years old is a bit worrying) about how many times I've have been asked if! would bring my children up in the business.
This is a family business, in which my mum brought up seven kids, fed and watered them, and still complained that she could not get a loaf in the 2000 fuel strikes This is the same business that my 78-year-old dad still comes to and puts us right — we would all miss it if he didn't.This business has spawned property, training, a holding company and a 12-acre truckstop business.
After running a family haulage firm since 1936, with margins as they are, any other sector seems so easy in comparison.
This is my first Logistically Speaking article and so, without rambling, my point is this: Rome wasn't built in a day, but then British hauliers weren't on that job, were they? Would I bring my children into the business?
Actually, I've got them here already, but don't tell Brussels...