Exceptional safety culture wins Palletline 11th ROSPA Gold Award
Originally published by Motor Transport, Monday, 15 September 2025.
Palletline has earned the prestigious Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for the eleventh time, after demonstrating a stringent workplace culture encompassing every aspect of health and safety and the physical and mental wellbeing of every member of staff.
The accolade recognises the palletised freight distribution network’s consistent efforts to ensure that its health and safety culture is ingrained at every level of the operation – not just across its network of hubs, offices and warehouses but across its 96 members.
Announcing the award, Palletline said safety is not just a policy at the network but is embedded in its DNA, shaping every aspect of its operation, with the network boasting the lowest accident rates in the industry.
The RoSPA national accreditation is given to businesses and organisations which have implemented world-leading health and safety policies, with rigorous management systems, outstanding control of risk in the workplace and very low levels of error, harm or loss.
Palletline has to meet an exacting set of criteria each time to win the award. Workforce buy-in at every level of the operation is measured alongside the company’s accident record and its health and safety management systems.
Graham Leitch, Palletline chief executive, said:
“This award is a real testament to every member of the Palletline team.
“By the very nature of our industry where challenges can arise at any given moment every day continues to be a learning curve.
“As such we will continue to strive for the highest levels of safety in everything we do as we seek to build on the standards that have already earned us the reputation as the UK pallet network’s industry leader in health and safety innovation.”
Palletline, which was launched in 1992, is a 78-strong member-owned network, made up of a 12,000-strong workforce. It operates a daily fleet exceeding 6,000 vehicles across 96 strategically-located depots, handling more than four million pallets of freight each year.
Over the years the company has introduced a series of industry firsts, including being the first network to introduce a 750kg weight limit on unassisted tail deliveries, which have since been adopted by other networks and operators across the wider transport industry.
Innovations such as drive-through warehouses, pedestrianised operations, one way traffic systems and 10 mph speed limits and more recently the prevention of forklifts from lifting loads exceeding 400kg above 1.2m, mitigating double deck trailer loading risks, have all contributed to Palletline’s exemplary safety record.
Its revolutionary Palleteyes system is among the network’s latest game changers. The first forklift-mounted CCTV and scanning system enhances operational efficiency while significantly reducing risks.
More from Browns
View all articles
Supporting the Next Generation in Logistics
This week, our Media Hub has been handed over to Luo Chen , who joined Browns Distribution for a week of work experience. Throughout the week, Luo has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at life in a busy logistics business, spending time with different departments and taking on a range of marketing and business projects. As part of the takeover, this article has been written by Luo, sharing his experience, what he learned during the week and his thoughts on working at Browns Distribution. Without further ado, it's over to you, Luo Chen! "Before my work experience placement, I had virtually no knowledge about logistics. Browns has changed that. As a local Year 10 student, my placement was arranged for the week connecting June and July of 2026. It was scheduled from Monday to Friday, 5 hours each day. The aims of my placement were to: Learn about essential work skills by experiencing a work environment. To understand if this sector would be suitable for me in the future. With Tom Armstrong, Marketing Manager , guiding me through various aspects of Browns, I have felt like I have thoroughly achieved these aims. Throughout the week, I have learned from, inquired into and shadowed the roles of various staff, including the Driver Training Manager, Customer Support Team, Marketing Manager, Warehouse Manager and PalletOnline Manager. I have discovered various, often overlooked complexities of the logistics sector and how they all intertwine through the different departments in Browns in order to create the direct services that logistics aims to offer. It has been incredibly interesting for me to realise the finer details of how businesses operate and the integral roles and contributions of every staff member to a smooth service for customers. Such a broad range of perspectives and advice has truly provided the plethora of valuable insight needed for me to understand Browns as it really is. I believe that the fact that Browns aims to support the local community and inspire the next generation of logistics professionals is notably commendable; actions which don't lead to profit do not occur in every business, especially through the form of a work experience placement to support local education. I think this accurately summarises what the internal culture is like here - a positive, collaborative and community-oriented one. I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity where I have developed much-needed skills and knowledge, both for a workplace and life in general. I have felt actively engaged in learning about logistics the entire week, and am now considering it a lot more for my future than ever before. Thank you Tom and Browns Distribution!" Luo Chen He
Celebrating 44 Years of Mick Stirzaker at Browns Distribution
Some milestones deserve more than a mention, and Mick Stirzaker’s 44 years at Browns Distribution is certainly one of them. Mick’s story with Browns began in 1982, when he first joined the business and became part of a team that would go on to shape much of his working life. After leaving in 1985, Mick returned in 1989, and from that point on, he became a constant and trusted presence within the company. Over the years, Mick has played an important role in the development of our transport operation and the wider success of Browns Distribution. His long-standing contribution is a reminder that businesses are not built by systems and processes alone, but by people who bring knowledge, consistency and care to their work every day. As Transport Development Manager, Mick’s contribution reaches far beyond a job title. Transport is at the heart of Browns Distribution, and over the years Mick has helped ensure that our operation remains reliable, compliant and ready to meet the needs of our customers. From day-to-day transport planning to compliance, vehicle maintenance and operational standards, Mick’s experience has helped create the structure and consistency that a strong transport business depends on. Over the last four decades, the logistics industry has changed beyond recognition. Regulations have evolved, customer expectations have grown, technology has transformed ways of working, and the demands placed on transport teams have become increasingly complex. Through all of that change, Mick has remained a dependable figure within Browns, bringing calm judgement, practical knowledge and a commitment to doing things properly. "Mick’s contribution to Browns over the last 44 years is something we are incredibly proud of. His knowledge, loyalty and dedication have helped shape our transport operation and support the growth of the business. People like Mick are rare, and we are very lucky to have him as part of the Browns team." David Brown Jnr, Managing Director Mick’s 44-year milestone is not only a reflection of personal dedication, but also of the lasting impact one person can have on a business. His service represents loyalty, leadership and continuity, qualities that continue to make a difference across Browns Distribution every day. For any business, reaching important milestones is never the result of one thing alone. It is built through the efforts of people who show up, contribute, adapt and care about the standards they leave behind. Mick is one of those people, and his contribution has become part of the Browns story. On behalf of everyone at Browns, thank you, Mick, for 44 years of commitment, service and contribution. Your role in our journey is one we are incredibly proud to celebrate.
Strengthening Browns for Future Growth
Browns Distribution has strengthened its board and senior leadership team as Graham Pearson joins the business as Finance Director. Graham’s arrival marks an important step in Browns’ continued development, as the business focuses on long-term growth, operational performance and the next stage of its strategic plans. Graham joins Browns with 25 years’ experience in finance and leadership, having operated at Director level across both UK and international businesses. His career has spanned a wide range of sectors including ecommerce, SaaS, automotive, media and manufacturing. Throughout his career, Graham has played a key role in supporting business growth, acquisitions, system development and change management. This experience brings valuable commercial insight to Browns at a time when the company is continuing to invest in its people, systems and service offering. Commenting on Graham joining the business, Managing Director, David Brown Jnr said: "Graham joining Browns is an important step as we continue to strengthen our board and senior leadership team. His financial expertise, commercial experience and understanding of business growth will be invaluable as we look ahead to the next phase of our development. We are pleased to welcome him to the business and look forward to the contribution he will make." As Finance Director, Graham will lead the finance function and work closely with the board and senior leadership team to support strategic decision-making across the business. His role will focus on strengthening financial performance, supporting operational efficiency and helping to shape the company’s future direction. With Browns continuing to evolve, the Finance Director role will be central to ensuring the business has the financial structure, insight and processes needed to support its ambitions. Graham’s experience across change management, acquisitions and system development will support Browns as it continues to build for the future. Speaking about joining Browns, Graham said: "I’m delighted to be joining Browns. The business has clear ambitions for the future, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the board and senior leadership team to support those plans, strengthen financial performance and help Browns continue to move forward." Graham’s arrival supports Browns’ focus on building a resilient, forward-thinking business with the leadership, expertise and structure in place to support its next stage of growth.