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the victor, the spoils: the Ti x Awards took place

6th June 2013, Page 9
6th June 2013
Page 9
Page 10
Page 9, 6th June 2013 — the victor, the spoils: the Ti x Awards took place
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in Harroga last vyeekehd THE TIP-EX Awards and Gala Dinner took place on 31 May before a sell-out audience at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

Capping a succesful first Tip-ex since CM owner Road Transport Media bought the event, the evening saw five awards handed to deserving winners. The evening was compered by comedian Austin Knight.

The event concluded with an auction and casino in aid of Help For Heroes that raised nearly £6,000 for the charity.

Read on to find out who won what...

Tip-ex Haulier of the Year: Pryor Group sponsored by MAN Earthworks and civil engineering specialist Pryor scooped victory for many reasons — but it was the outstanding testimonials from many customers, noting the quality of service and the company's flexibility, that really clinched the deal.

Pryor has substantially increased thirdparty work, reaping the benefits of investing in a larger fleet (increasing from 19 to 28 trucks). It had the confidence to invest after identifying the need for more tippers for projects in the London area.

Again, the excellent customer service was key (several new clients have been secured via referrals), and Pryor's safety record is outstanding — a fact that no doubt helped it to secure a RoSPA gold award in 2012 (its fourth in succession).

The firm has a strong focus on its fuel costs: it has invested in a fuel management system and incentivises drivers to deliver excellent mpg. All this work means Pryor's haulage department has turned a net loss in the year to March 2012 into a net profit for the year to March 2013.

Director David Byford said: "We are delighted to win this award, especially in such challenging times. We have made a lot of changes to our systems. It's been hard, and everyone has adapted really well. Thanks to all involved, particularly the drivers and transport manager Sam Parsons."

From left: Austin Knight; Sam Parsons, Pryor Group; Sandy Millar, MAN; and Andy Salter, Road Transport Media Show Innovation: VWS sponsored by Bandag VWS unveiled strain gauges that are incorporated into the ends of the body's tipping hinge pin, saving the weight of the load cells under the trunnions. Three prototypes are performing well in service, and VWS expects to make a commercial launch very soon.Weight savings of 70kg to 100kg are estimated, and the system is expected to be about 35% cheaper than when using the usual load-cells. For more detail, see the Tip-ex report on p26-29.

A From left: Julian Glasspole, VWS; Ross Medlyn, Bandag; and Andy Salter, Road Transport Media Volvo Tipper of the Year: Richard Jones, BT Jones & Sons sponsored by Volvo There are three winners in this category, run by Volvo and Truck & Driver. The winner in the specialist construction vehicle category was the 2006 FH13 480 6x2 tractor owned by Tom Nutt & Son of Ashcott, Somerset. The winner of the rigid tipper more than five years old category was the 2007 Thompson-bodied Volvo FH13 480 of Martin Pugh, an owner-driver trading as Wansbeck Plant of Morpeth, Northumberland. The winner of the category for newer tippers, and overall winner by unanimous decision, was the 2012 FM11 450 driven by Richard Jones (pictured) for BT Jones & Sons, based in Nantycaws, near Carmarthen.

• You can read more about the trio of Volvo tippers in the August issue of Truck & Driver, on sale on 2 July.

Personality of the Year: Maurice Hymas sponsored by Hyva Alfred Hymas started his business with a pony and trap in 1911. A fleet of seven wagons was employed by 1939, hauling stone to build the local aerodromes for the Second World War. The business continued to expand, but Alfred passed away in 1953. He was succeeded by his son Alan, who was left 10 wagons and three coaches to manage. Three years later, Alan was killed in an accident and his brother Maurice (pictured) was left to run the business at the age of 19. He registered the business as a limited company and became MD. The firm gradually expanded, and by the early 1980s Alfred Hymas Ltd was involved in transporting large volumes of coal to a number of Yorkshire power stations. It also got involved with container work, running 70-plus trucks.

The company also developed a farming sideline, with a 1,000-plus acre farm. By the late 1980s, Maurice's two sons were of an age to join the family business. He ventured into semi-retirement in 1997, allowing his youngest son to take over.

But tipping remains in Maurice's blood, and he still goes into the office every day. He is an industry legend and, as a keen supporter of tipping shows at Harrogate, a very deserving winner. NFDC Safety Award: Erith Group sponsored by Commercial Motor Erith Haulage's approach is an example of going beyond legislative requirements. Part of demolition specialist Erith Group, the business runs 55 vehicles and believes that competency comes from training and development.

All Erith drivers have undertaken NVO level 2 qualifications, while, as part of its FORS accreditation, it has implemented vulnerable road users safety training. Drivers benefit from a safety DVD, technological options and web-based tools designed to help the driver operate safely around vulnerable road users. Indeed, Erith plays an active role in the cycle safety debate, supporting Crossrail's Safe Cycling Initiative in conjunction with the City of London Police this summer, allowing cyclists to sit in truck cabs and find out how visible they are.

A From left: Austin Knight; Andrew Forshaw, NFDC; Guy Mallard, Erith; and Andy Salter, Road Transport Media


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