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Browns Achieves ISO 9001 Recertification! missing alt!
Company

Browns Achieves ISO 9001 Recertification

We’re excited to share that we have again achieved ISO 9001 recertification, the globally recognised standard for quality management systems. ISO 9001 sets the global standard for quality management, focusing on efficient processes, customer satisfaction, and ongoing improvement. To achieve recertification, our team underwent a rigorous external audit to confirm that our processes meet the highest standards. What this means for you... When a transport and warehousing company like Browns achieves ISO 9001 accreditation, the advantages go beyond internal processes. It directly benefits our customers by ensuring a higher level of service and reliability. Here’s how it makes a difference, in 4 quick points! 1. Reliable Service ISO 9001 ensures that our processes are robust and consistent. For you, this means fewer delays, fewer errors, and deliveries you can depend on, whether it’s a single pallet or a full load. 2. Tailored Solutions for Your Needs With customer satisfaction at its heart, ISO 9001 encourages companies to understand and adapt to your specific requirements. From flexible delivery schedules to bespoke, reliable logistics solutions, you’ll benefit from a service that works for your business. 3. Clear Communication and Accountability Thanks to our ISO accreditation, we have structured systems and processes for tracking, reporting, and resolving issues. This means better communication, transparency, and confidence that your goods are in safe hands. 4. Continuous Improvement ISO 9001 requires us to regularly review and refine our policies and processes. As a customer, you’ll benefit from a supply chain partner that’s always looking for ways to improve, whether that’s faster deliveries, better tracking, or enhanced customer service. To all our team for going the extra mile, and everyone who trusts Browns Distribution as their supply chain partner, thank you. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your logistics needs, we'd love to hear from you! TL;DR We're recertified to the ISO 9001: Quality standard! This means we've been assessed on how robust our policies and procedures are. ISO 9001 has a key focus on continuous improvement, and putting our customers first. Get in touch if you'd like to discuss our transport and warehousing services!

Browns Colleagues Thrive with Share of £63k Local Authority Funding! missing alt!
Company

Browns Colleagues Thrive with Share of £63k Local Authority Funding

We are delighted to have joined 15 Stoke-on-Trent based companies in creating apprenticeships, thanks to funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Creating 12 apprenticeships across our customer support, transport and warehouse teams, Browns have benefitted from a chunk of the £63,000 grant paid out by the City Council's apprenticeship levy. Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council told DailyFocus: We’ve got a brilliant record of supporting and creating apprenticeships within the city council using our levy. If the money in our levy account is not used every two years, it’s returned to the UK Government. Sadly prior to us taking office the city had to return money to the government for not employing enough apprentices. This led to us approaching local employers to see how we could make sure the money was used to do what it was intended to do. The take-up has been fantastic, and it’s led to more people being able to earn money while learning vital skills on-the-job and through studying. It was vitally important that we sorted this out and got the most out of every penny due to the city and our young people.”  While Darren Simpson, Operations Director, said: We want to express our sincere gratitude to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for its generous support and levy funding for apprenticeships. This investment in training has not only created opportunities for 12 members of our team to learn, grow, and gain practical skills, but it’s also helping to build stronger, more capable workers who will contribute to both Browns and our local economy. The Council’s commitment to apprenticeships is truly life-changing for many, and it reflects the values of inclusivity and progress that make our community so strong. From all at Browns, we thank them for all their support.”

Discussing the challenging road ahead: David Brown Jnr meets with Bank of EnglandDavid Brown Jnr meets with the Bank of England.
Industry

Discussing the challenging road ahead: David Brown Jnr meets with Bank of England

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with Andrew Bailey , the Governor of the Bank of England , to discuss the significant challenges facing the road transport sector over the next five years. I was joined by Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) , Alex Knowles, Managing Director at Knowles Logistics , and Michael Cundy, Managing Director of Suttons Tankers. We had open and honest discussions about the haulage industry, focusing on the challenges faced by both individual operators and the sector as a whole. These conversations highlighted the significant role our industry plays in supporting the UK economy and its impact on the cost of goods and services nationwide. Andrew was not only receptive to our concerns but also genuinely surprised by some of the headwinds we encounter, particularly the rising costs and market pressures that affect our day-to-day operations. As many of my colleagues know, running a transport company is becoming increasingly expensive. In recent years, record numbers of hauliers have, unfortunately, been forced out of business due to high operating costs and reduced volumes. These issues are compounded by contracts that fail to keep pace with escalating fuel and energy prices and the competitive disadvantages we face within the European market. We emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to reduce the pressure on our sector. Fuel costs alone account for a significant portion of operating expenses (around 31-36% for the average fleet). With the added burden of rising vehicle and maintenance costs, any potential increase in fuel duty would be a devastating blow to many businesses. Several measures were also proposed that the government could adopt to support our industry and deliver wider economic benefits. One key recommendation was the introduction of an essential user rebate, reducing the cost of fuel for commercial vehicles by 15 pence per litre. This would provide much-needed relief to hauliers and bring UK fuel duty levels more in line with those across Europe. As a member of the RHA and a business leader who witnesses these industry struggles first-hand, I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion and ensure our sector's concerns are considered in future government decision-making. Something that is essential if we are to secure a stable future for the UK’s road transport industry. David Brown Jnr Managing Director, Browns Distribution

Summer Bank Holiday Schedule! missing alt!
Company

Summer Bank Holiday Schedule

With the Summer Bank Holiday weekend just around the corner, we've put together our schedule so you can plan ahead. Our office will be closed from Saturday through to Monday. If you have any questions before the break, please contact us. From all the team at Browns, we'd like to wish you a relaxing weekend. Date Office Earliest Delivery Friday 23 August Open Next day - Tues 27 Aug Economy - Weds 28/Thurs 29 Aug Saturday 24 August Closed Sunday 25 August Closed Monday 26 August Closed Tuesday 27 August Open Normal operation resumed

Understanding Logistics Models: A brief guide to 1, 2, 3, and 4PL! ! missing alt!
IndustryInsight

Understanding Logistics Models: A brief guide to 1, 2, 3, and 4PL!

In the world of logistics, terminology can often be confusing. Even those in the industry occasionally need a moment to recall the meaning of an acronym. Terms like 3PL, and 4PL are frequently used, but what do they mean, and how do they differ? Understanding these logistics models is crucial for businesses looking to optimise their supply chain operations. Below, we’ve broken down each model, from 1 to 4, to clarify their meanings, benefits and the type of businesses you’ll typically see making use of them! 1PL (First-Party Logistics) First-Party Logistics refers to a business managing its own logistics and supply chain operations, without outsourcing. This includes handling transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution internally. Typically, this model is only suitable for small businesses with simple logistics needs and sufficient resources to manage operations in-house. Pros Cons Full control over the supply chain. Direct oversight of processes and operations. Potential cost savings by eliminating middlemen. High capital investment in infrastructure and technology. Limited scalability and flexibility. Higher risk of inefficiency and errors without specialised expertise. 2PL (Second-Party Logistics) Second-Party Logistics involves outsourcing transportation and logistics functions to external providers. These providers are typically asset-based carriers such as freight forwarders. The 2PL model is Ideal for businesses looking to outsource transportation while retaining control over other logistics functions. Pros Cons Access to specialised transportation services. Potential cost savings on transportation. Flexibility in choosing different carriers for specific needs. Limited control over the logistics process. Coordination challenges with multiple carriers. Potential communication gaps leading to inefficiencies. 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Third-Party Logistics refers to outsourcing a broader range of logistics services to external providers. 3PL companies offer comprehensive solutions, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfilment, and even returns processing. Admin: Browns is a great example of a typical 3PL provider. We can handle every part of a supply chain operation including transport, warehousing and fulfilment. Check out more here. The 3PL model is best for businesses seeking a comprehensive logistics solution to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Pros Cons Comprehensive logistics solutions from a single provider. Access to advanced technology and expertise. Scalability and flexibility to meet changing business needs. Enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs. More time and energy to focus on core business. Dependency on the 3PL provider for critical operations. Potential challenges in maintaining consistent service quality. Possible higher costs compared to handling logistics in-house. 4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics) Fourth-Party Logistics involves outsourcing the management of the entire supply chain to a single provider. A 4PL acts as an integrator, coordinating and managing multiple 3PLs and other logistics functions to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions. Admin: At Browns, we have great relationships with some of the UK’s largest 4PL providers, which sees us working hand-in-hand with other hauliers to store and move goods across the country. The 4PL model can be intricate, and is perfect for large enterprises with complex supply chains requiring end-to-end management and strategic optimisation. Pros Cons Holistic supply chain management and optimisation. Strategic focus on improving the overall supply chain performance. Single point of contact for all logistics and supply chain needs. Enhanced visibility and control over the entire supply chain. Higher costs due to comprehensive service offerings. Increased dependency on the 4PL provider. Potential challenges in aligning business goals and strategies. And there you have it! Understanding the differences between logistics models is essential for businesses looking to improve their supply chain. Each model has its own benefits and challenges, and choosing the right one, as well as the right partner, can greatly affect a business' efficiency, costs, and overall success. Looking to outsource your supply chain operations? Our team is just a phone call or message away.

Celebrating Nicola and Dan's Promotions! missing alt!
Company

Celebrating Nicola and Dan's Promotions

We are delighted to announce that we’re celebrating two promotions within the Browns team. Nicola Ikin and Daniel Penfold have been promoted to Customer Support Manager and Network Freight Manager respectively. With nearly 15 years of combined experience at Browns, Nicola and Daniel have been key players in their teams, and our journey of growth. Nicola, who joined Browns in 2014, initially made her mark in the admin team before moving to customer support and steadily climbing the ranks. Dan began his journey at Browns in 2019 as a Transport Planner in the network freight department. After a brief 7-month departure, he returned to join the general haulage team in 2021. Kerry Wood, Account Manager said: Nicola and Dan have shown incredible growth and development and will continue to bring invaluable knowledge and experience to their teams. We appreciate their willingness to embrace new challenges and are confident in their success in their new roles. We caught up with Nicola and Dan below to hear about their Browns journey so far, and their experiences in the logistics industry. Check it out! Q: Hey Dan, how is everything going? How have you found the transition to the Palletline team from General Haulage? Everything is good - I'm just getting used to being back on the Palletline team after 3 years away. The transition has been smoother than expected, everyone has been really helpful and supportive in our office and also at Palletline. Q: What’s your main goal/objective for your team over the next 12 months? I want us to get a Top Liner award from Palletline for hitting our KPIs. That'd be a great confidence boost for the team! Q: If your work style could be represented by a movie character, who would it be and why? I would liken my work style to Kung Fu Panda - I started from the bottom, mentored by Mick Stirzaker (Master Shifu) to progress up through the ranks at Browns. Q: Put yourself in a customer’s shoes, what’s the most important quality that you’d appreciate from your logistics partner? I would want complete honesty and proactiveness. There is nothing worse than finding out something which affects you from a 3rd party source. If things are to go wrong, which does happen in transport, I would expect nothing but clarity and we deliver that at Browns through our teams. Q: We know you are Browns’ biggest Stoke fan - What’s the one realistic signing you’d like Stoke to make this season? Realistic? I don't see why Messi wouldn't fancy a crack at the Championship to prove he can do it on a wet and windy night at Stoke! Now back to the real world... A decent striker wouldn't go amiss, someone like Jay Stansfield, Tom Cannon or a cheeky punt for Cameron Archer would be nice. Admin: It's not for everyone... Q: In your opinion, what sets Browns apart from other logistics providers in the industry? Browns is a very unique company. I have worked for other competitors in the area but they do not have the same atmosphere that we have here at Browns. At Browns, there is a constant push for progression whether that be technology wise, with their image or with the staff. Q: What would you say to someone new to the logistics industry to help them succeed? The best advice I can give is to always listen to the people around you, be nosey and observe everything that is going on. Also, do not be scared to make decisions, I know it can be daunting but if you make the wrong decision, you will learn for next time and become a lot more confident in all aspects of the job. Q: Stoke to win the Premier League, or England to win the World Cup? What a question! It has to be England to win the World Cup, just imagine the scenes. Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the future? I would like to progress in transport and obtain my Transport Manager CPC qualification to further broaden my knowledge of logistics. Q: Hey Nicola, you’re firmly settled into your new role now, how is everything going?  Yes, everything is going fantastic, I'm constantly learning new things within the business to help with my role. Kerry is so suportive and the perfect role model. Q: You’ve been at Browns for 10 years now! Can you tell us a bit about your journey so far, from where it all began, to where you are today? I was recommended by my friend Jade for a role at Browns while I was working as a hairdresser. Despite having no experience in the logistics industry, my thirst for a new challenge led me to join the Admin team! I worked in Admin for roughly a year until Browns needed to expand the customer service department, and I was offered the opportunity to move into this area. Since then, I have grown in the customer service department, gaining knowledge and experience, and progressing from Team Leader to Supervisor, and now to Manager. Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?  There are a few things! First would be the team, it’s all well and good being a manager, but without a team to lead, the department would not run the way it does. The endless laughs we have are the most important! And providing the best services possible for our customers, keeping them and their customers happy. Q: If your customer service skills could be summed up by a song, what would it be? Ain't no Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross! “If you need me call me, no matter where you are, no matter how far” Admin: Ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low... What a tune! Q: Put yourself in a customer’s shoes, what’s the most important quality that you’d appreciate from your logistics partner? Honesty and concise communication. Q: Blue-sky thinking now. What’s the craziest thing you’d like to see Browns do in the future? (maybe it’s offering an air freight service or opening a depot abroad!) I would love the business to grow even further and open a new site whether this being in the UK or abroad. Q: We know you love your live music! What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to, and if you could see any artist (dead or alive), who would it be? I have been to Benicàssim festival in Spain, and that was a big job! The biggest artist I have seen would probably be Stevie Wonder! I would love to have seen Elvis or Queen live. Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in logistics?  Have an open mind and make a real effort to learn as much as you can This mindset has really helped me in my time at Browns, especially by being able to approach any problem in an understanding way, from yours and the customer's perspective. From the office, to the warehouse, to the drivers. There is always room to learn! Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’d love to achieve? At present, one of the things on the top of my bucket list is to get married in Vegas and get wed by Elvis. (I'm waiting for my partner to pop the question, it's only been 11 years...) Q: And finally… What’s next for Nicola? Where do you see yourself in the next few years? I want to gain more knowledge and experience in my current role. And then, I’m happy to take on whatever life chucks at me?!

UKWA visit Distribution House to mark their 80th AnniversaryThe UKWA visit Browns Distribution.
CompanyIndustryCommunity

UKWA visit Distribution House to mark their 80th Anniversary

We were delighted to welcome representatives from the United Kingdom Warehousing Association to Distribution House on Tuesday, as part of the organisation’s ‘2024 The Year of Warehousing’ campaign. Clare Bottle, CEO of the UKWA arrived in style in her liveried Tesla, and was joined by Deborah Vickers, and Angie Dawson, representatives of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice , and Harpreet Sohal, Director of Business Information at our network partners, Palletline. After a meet and greet with some of the Browns team and a company presentation delivered by David Brown Jnr, guests were given a tour of Distribution House, and put through their paces in some fun head-to-head challenges. Around the Warehouses in 80 Visits is an ambitious quest to journey across the UK to highlight the essential role of warehouses in supply chains, the UK economy, and achieving net-zero goals. Distribution House was warehouse #57 on Clare’s journey. As part of the visit, the Browns team have been fundraising for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice ‘Dougie Mac’, with the UKWA matching funds up to £80. We'd like to say a huge thank you everyone who took the time to visit us, and a special thanks to Clare and the UKWA for their tireless efforts in championing the warehousing industry. #TheYearOfWarehousing #YOW2024

We're shortlisted for Staffordshire's Business of the Year Award!! missing alt!
CompanyIndustry

We're shortlisted for Staffordshire's Business of the Year Award!

We're thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Business of the Year category at the Staffordshire University Business Awards! The shortlisting marks the 5th award final of the year for Browns, with the team also scooping the Commercial Growth award at Palletline's Annual Awards ceremony earlier this year. The Business of the Year award recognises the Staffordshire based business that demonstrates outstanding success in their most recent financial year. Success is judged on metrics such as exceptional growth, increased trading profit, service development, staff development, new products, or production techniques, with an additional focus on businesses committed to corporate social responsibility. David Brown Jnr, Managing Director said: We’re thrilled that Browns has made the shortlist and are really looking forward to the evening, where we'll have the opportunity to meet colleagues from across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. Staffordshire is a powerhouse of manufacturing and entrepreneurship, and we feel lucky to work with many of these outstanding businesses on a daily basis. Winners will be announced on Thursday 5th September. Best of luck to our fellow finalists across all categories!

Browns Scoops Network Commercial Growth AwardThe Browns team at the 2024 Palletline Awards.
Company

Browns Scoops Network Commercial Growth Award

We were delighted to attend Palletline’s annual awards ceremony over the weekend. Palletline, the UK’s leading palletised freight distribution network , celebrated the outstanding achievements of its members during its Annual Awards Dinner at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. The ceremony showcased the network's dedication to excellence, honouring members who have gone above and beyond in their respective categories. The winners not only demonstrated exceptional commitment but also significantly contributed to elevating standards within the logistics sector. Among the awards presented, Browns were thrilled to bring home the ‘Commercial Growth’ award, recognising outstanding freight volumes, significant commercial growth and a great customer experience supported by IT innovations. We were also proud to be runners-up in the Environmental and Social Impact Award category, alongside Welch’s Transport , who deservedly won the award. The evening was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with fellow members, enjoy a three-course meal, live music, and a hilarious set from stand-up comic Russell Kane.

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