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Route Planning to Routine Planning: Dan’s 45kg Weight Loss Story

At Browns, we love to celebrate our people – not just for what they do on the clock, but for who they are beyond their work too. This month, we’re giving a big shout out to someone who’s inspired everybody at Distribution House: Dan Penfold, a Transport Planner on our General Haulage team. Over the last year, Dan’s taken on a personal challenge that’s blown us away. He’s dropped over 45kg through hard work, discipline and determination. I started off my journey on July 13th 2024 – weighing 106.2kg. I went clothes shopping but couldn’t fit into the clothes I wanted. I was going for the biggest size of 2XL, but when that was too tight, I knew enough was enough. That moment sparked a major turning point. Dan signed up with a fitness and lifestyle coach, setting an initial target of 90kg. But as the weight came off and confidence kicked in, he pushed for more, even booking a professional photoshoot to mark one year of progress. In January 2025, weighing in at 85kg, I booked the photoshoot for July 13th 2025 to mark one whole year on the coaching programme. Fast forward to this summer, and Dan’s hit his lowest weight of 60.5kg. That’s a 45.7kg drop, and a complete lifestyle overhaul. It wasn’t easy. Between early morning workouts, prepping meals after work, and juggling the pressure of a busy transport office, it took serious mental strength. The start is great. You’re motivated, full of energy, and people are right behind you. But it gets tough when the thrill of starting wears off and the cravings creep in. One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that your mind is your greatest tool. You can use it to tell yourself you CAN do things, even when it’s hard - or you can talk yourself out of trying. Beyond just smashing his own goals, Dan’s now helping others do the same. Two of our driving team are following training plans Dan’s created in his spare time, and Dan is right there with them, checking in, keeping them motivated, and helping them reach their goals too. I’ll never put anyone through something I haven’t already done myself. I’ll be there to guide people every step of the way. Through every question, every change, every win. Dan’s been part of the Browns team for five years and has always been a steady hand in traffic. But this year, he’s shown a different side, one that’s inspiring others to look after their own health too. My advice? Invest in yourself. Your health is your most valuable asset. You’re never alone in trying to better yourself - people want to help. And he’s not done yet. My next goal is to build muscle mass and cut down again to get photoshoot ready – in even better shape next time! Dan, you’ve smashed it. Thanks for reminding us all that even when life’s full-on, there’s always time to look after yourself, and maybe even give someone else a leg up along the way!

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

CompanyCommunity

Careers: Our recruitment open day is back with a bang for 2024!

Are you a logistics professional looking for new beginnings? A career at Browns awaits! We're hosting a Recruitment Open Day at our Stoke-on-Trent HQ on Saturday, 20th July. Join us to meet our team, discover our latest opportunities, and begin your journey with Staffordshire's leading haulier. Our 2021 event was a huge success, with an amazing turnout of people of all ages, at various stages of their careers, talking to us about their aspirations for the future. We'd love to see you there. #TeamBrowns Event Details When: Saturday 20th July Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Where: Browns Distribution, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4FB What to Expect: > Guided Tour of Facilities > Truck Tours and Demos > Meet the Team > Bottomless Tea & Coffee Plus, you'll be put into a draw for a £100 Amazon Voucher when you attend the event! Register your attendance .

CompanyCommunity

Driver duo to take on Stoke to London cycle fundraiser

On 13th June 2024, two of the Browns driving team will take on a 150 mile cycle from Stoke-on-Trent to London, fundraising for the Dougie Mac hospice. The pair will follow the canal system on their journey, beginning their route along the Trent & Mersey canal, then joining the Grand Union Canal all the way to central London. The Browns duo, Pete Durber and Steve Haynes, will be joined by friends Rich, Ash and Will, who have all had personal experiences with Dougie Mac. Please join us in wishing Pete, Steve and friends the very best of luck! If you’d like to donate to their cause, you can do so via JustGiving.

Community

A charity event you’ll ‘Knot’ want to miss…

We’re excited to be joining businesses across Staffordshire in June, for Knot Events’ inaugural charity sports day! Held at Staffordshire University, we’re calling on fellow businesses in Stoke and Staffordshire to join us in in taking part in this inclusive traditional sports day, all in support of charity. No matter your age or ability, there’s an event for everyone. You’ll be doing something fun, and raising vital funds for 10 chosen charities across the county. Prepare for a day filled with classic sporting events, mental challenges, and some thrilling reinventions! What’s not to love? Event Details Friday 28th June 2024, 9:30am - 3:30pm Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DF To find out more, and to book your team’s place, click here!

Community

An eggs-traordinary response to our Easter mission. Thank you!

We had the pleasure of delivering hundreds of eggs to children and families across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire last week, as part of our first ever Easter egg appeal. We were proud to support 3 amazing charities; the Hubb Foundation , Alice Charity and the Gingerbread Centre , who dedicate themselves to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged families in our local community. In total, we managed to collect over 250 eggs of all shapes and sizes along with hundreds of creme eggs, bunnies, bars and other chocolate goodies. Tom Armstrong, Marketing Executive said: "For our first charity appeal of this kind, we were overwhelmed by the response and generosity of our team and customers. There’s nothing quite like team spirit when uniting for a good cause, and we’re already looking forward to our next effort." A huge thank you to our friends at Churchill China (Helen Blackburn), Furlong Mills , Kaspa’s Desserts (Will Bowers) and the Trust Bruce Foundation for their generous support of our appeal. #TeamBrowns

Community

Browns' Easter Mission 2024

This Easter, we’re inviting our team, customers and local community to join us in an eggs-tra special mission to put smiles on children's (and grown-ups!) faces across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. We’re teaming up with 3 amazing charities to collect and distribute chocolate eggs to disadvantaged adults and children in our local area. We're hunting for eggs of all types, shapes, and sizes, and free-from varieties. If you'd like to support our appeal, please email marketing@brownsgroup.co.uk , or simply drop off your donation to Distribution House (main reception): Distribution House, Chemical Lane East, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4FB before Friday 22nd March. Thank you, from team Browns. Proudly Supporting

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