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Company

A Festive Message from the MD...

Merry Christmas, from all the team at Browns! As we approach the festive season, I wanted to take a brief moment to check in, give some thanks, and reflect on an amazing year at Browns Distribution. It's been a year of many 'firsts' for the Browns team. Reflecting on the first year in our brand new home, Distribution House, allows me to feel truly grateful for everything 2023 has given our team. In recent months we’ve excitedly welcomed new faces to our senior leadership team in Darren, Luke and Kerry, and made huge investments into our marketing, processes and fleet. We’ve developed a new website, designed a new livery, introduced new vehicles to our fleet, and been recognised among the very best of our industry at the Motor Transport awards. But 2023, a year of triumphs, has not been without its challenges. So I’d like to say a huge thank you to our team for how we have overcome these challenges, and often, reversed negatives into positives. I’d also like to pay thanks to our many industry friends, the community we work in, and our loyal customers, for being a part of this journey. We have no plans to slow down our momentum into the new year, and I’m excited to be able to share details on more additions to our board and leadership team in the coming weeks, and finally reveal that we're well into our journey to BRCGS accreditation, the next level in quality assurance and efficiency for our warehousing operations. More on this later! For now, all that’s left to do is wish you and your loved ones a joyous festive period, and a New Year that brings good health and prosperity. Warmest Regards, David Brown Jnr Managing Director

Company

Nixon Signs for Browns

We’re delighted to announce the ‘signing’ of Business Development Manager, Luke Nixon, as we look to bolster our attack leading into the new year. With two decades of sales experience, Luke has cemented himself as a successful and respected force in the logistics industry, after a 4-year spell with global supply chain leader EV Cargo, and its UK network subsidiary, Palletforce. Luke’s role at Palletforce saw him give commercial support to over 36 member depots across the north of England. Outside of work, Luke is a passionate Stoke fan, keen home cook and self-proclaimed foodie, with a love for all things spice! Luke's infectious positivity and passion for customer experiences is already helping to drive Browns to be the preferred transport and warehousing provider in Staffordshire and beyond. After linking up with the Browns team in September, and giving him time to get his feet firmly under the table, we caught up with Luke to give an insight into his life at Browns, and what he’s been up to so far. Without further ado, let’s get into it! Q: Hey Luke, how’s it going? Feeling settled? A: You know, I'm feeling really good. Everyone at Browns has made me feel so welcome since I joined, from drivers to the management team, we truly have a great set of employees which makes my job a lot easier. Q: First things first, a bit about you! Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Browns? A: Where do I start? I've been in sales since I was 16, albeit retail, selling jeans! I always knew it was for me though. After spending 10 years within telecoms and then a few years across a few other industries I got approached to work within logistics. They say once you get into transport you can t get out, I understand why! It's fast-paced and I love how the industry operates. After working within a 4PL provider and pallet network which included a LOT of travelling, I needed to be closer to home and my family, the opportunity to work with Browns was presented to me, and after my first conversation with David Brown Jnr, I knew this company was for me. I'm really honoured to be given the opportunity and can't wait to help build brand awareness and growth in the coming years. Q: What have you been up to in your first two months? A: First I needed to understand the company and how we operate, I spent time with all the teams and understood how we did things. This gave me a real insight into what we did well, but also what we could improve on. I've spent time getting to know our existing customer base and getting feedback from them too. The great news is, that through this experience I have been able to welcome new customers to Browns already. Q: Previously coming from a Pallet Network sales role, how different is it on the member side of things? A: For me, the main difference is that I only have to sell one depot. This makes my job a lot easier and gives me a more focused approach. Whereas before, I would be selling for multiple companies, offering different rates and services. Don't get me wrong, it has its challenges and similar objections, but with the experience I have gained selling for a pallet network, I have the right tools to overcome these. Q: Notoriously tough, equally as rewarding. What’s the best thing about working in sales? A: I would be lying if I didn't say that one of the best things is the commission, all salespeople are driven by money; being able to write your own pay cheque is great! However, as I have gotten older, for me, it's about the relationships I can build. I get to meet people from all walks of life. I get the chance to understand them and in most cases become friends. I'm still in contact with a lot of my old customers and clients I have dealt with in the past. Q: If your business development skills were a superhero power, which superhero would you be, and why? A: The Hunter! ha ha. I've always enjoyed chasing that customer down and being persistent. Finally getting in front of that customer you have been chasing for so long and then coming out with a positive outcome. I imagine my superhero would be armed with business cards and brochures. Oh and comfy shoes for all of that canvassing! Q: Are there any specific avenues or new service offerings you’d like to explore at Browns if given the chance? A: Definitely! Browns are very good at what they do. But, it would be great to have more service offerings such as different trailer types. Container movements, flat bed etc. One complete curve ball too would be to make the most of our location and have a rail service offering, how cool would that be!? Q: Where do you think Browns is heading in the next 5 years? A: Growth, growth, growth! Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing my job properly! Ideally another new site for storage and maybe as per above, additional service offerings for our customers. Q: And finally, we know it’s only your second month… But if you had to match a colleague to the following categories, who would they be and why? Tech Wizard - Hayley P. or Karl L. Office Energiser - Apart from myself...definitely Janet. The energy she brings every day is undervalued. Best Taste in Music - Ha ha, definitely not Georgia (sorry). I like the diverse tastes we all have, to be honest, the Friday playlist always throws in some random music! Welcome to the team, Luke!

Company

Introducing our brand-new Website

A website fit for the future. At Browns, we're embarking on a transformative journey of change and innovation. Just this year we have moved into a brand new headquarters, developed a bold new livery, and added new voices and ideas to our senior leadership team. In the latest part of our game plan for the future, we are thrilled to introduce our brand-new website! Months in the making, with countless revisions, hundreds of ‘left-a-bits’ and even more ‘right-a-bits’... it has been a real labour of love, but one with an outcome we couldn’t be happier with. So, what can you expect from our new site? Simplified Navigation: We've made it easier than ever before to explore our services, track your consignments, and connect with our team. Better Support: Check out our fresh resources, easier ways to get in touch, and soon-to-be-added live chat and AI FAQ support! Sleek Style: We’ve stripped back the nonsense and aligned to our new-look branding. Responsive Content: We’ve optimised our content for seamless browsing on desktop, mobile and tablet. Media Hub: The place to go to get your logistics fix, and keep up-to-date with everything going on at Distribution House. Now we’ve laid the foundations, it’s not ‘done and dusted’. We’ll be continually adding new content and features, with a focus on great usability, and value-added content. So, jump in, explore, and let us know what you think! Welcome to the future of Browns.

Company

Introducing our new Operations Director

We are thrilled to share the recent appointment of Darren Simpson as Operations Director, further building on a busy and exciting period of growth at Distribution House. Darren, a seasoned transport professional, joins the team with over 27 years of experience in the logistics sector, having successfully led distribution operations for a diverse portfolio of companies. Working closely alongside Managing Director David Brown Jnr, Darren’s newly formed role will encompass the company’s Transport, Warehousing, Customer Support and Workshop operations. Commenting on Darren's rich career experience and leadership expertise, David Brown Jnr said: Since the move to Distribution House, our business has evolved to new heights. We have successfully introduced a host of new systems, processes and new ways of working which have allowed us to improve our service offerings to customers. Darren’s impressive career history and extensive experience in transport and warehousing operations will help to continue this trend and provide our team with the crucial support needed to continue in our upward trajectory, and add a new voice to top-level decision making. We’d like to give Darren a huge Browns welcome, from all of the team.

Company

We're not done yet... We're Haulier of the Year finalists!

We announced yesterday that we were thrilled to be shortlisted in the Customer Care category in the 2023 Motor Transport Awards... Whilst we are super excited - the good news doesn’t stop there! We are delighted to let you know that we’ve also reached the Haulier of the Year Award finals! The most coveted Award in the road transport industry, the Haulier of the Year award recognises an outstanding company with tenacity for adaptability, innovation and excellence. We couldn't be prouder of our dedicated team, and being acknowledged alongside industry champions is a true testament to our tireless efforts to achieve greatness in everything that we do, and provide a service to be proud of. Winners will be announced at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, on Wednesday 6th September 2023. A big thank you to Motor Transport and all category sponsors.

Company

We're Motor Transport Awards finalists!

We are thrilled - and incredibly proud - to have been shortlisted for the Customer Care Award, at this year's Motor Transport Awards! Since their introduction in 1986, the Motor Transport Awards have celebrated the very best of the road haulage industry, and are widely regarded as the pinnacle of excellence among UK road transport fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, and other innovators. The Customer Care Award recognises operators who consistently demonstrate customer service excellence with a culture of commitment that shines through all levels of the company. Having previously been shortlisted in 2016, and more recently shortlisted in the UKWA’s Excellence Awards 2023 , our place in the finals comes as our team’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence is acknowledged by leading industry voices and leaders. Winners will be announced at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, on Wednesday 6th September 2023. A big thank you to Motor Transport and all category sponsors. And of course, we owe a huge shout-out to our customers for their continued trust and support!

Company

Revolution on the Road for Browns: Introducing our brand new livery!

We were delighted to yesterday take delivery of the first design prototype of our bold new livery, showcased on a brand new MAN curtainsided rigid! Displaying a flawless blend of professionalism and bold modernity, the design is set to turn heads and reinforce the commitment to our growth plan for the future, marking the latest step in the development of a contemporary brand identity. The beginning of a full rollout among the entire Browns fleet, the new livery features striking colour contrasts and dynamic patterns; testament to Browns' forward-thinking approach and our team’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the logistics landscape. Managing Director, David Brown Jnr said: “It was an immense moment to see the first of our new look vehicles making the trip to Distribution House. Our goal was to create a strong, vibrant design that reflects our future-embracing culture, and progressive way of working, leading the way in a hugely competitive industry.” Months in the making, it was a proud moment for all the team involved in the design stage, and project lead Hayley Parry had this to say: “In recent months, Browns has gone through an incredible transformation. In February, we waved goodbye to our old site and said hello to Distribution House, which has been a huge step up for the business; we thought it was only right that we had a livery to match. I couldn't be more pleased with the finished product - it's an enormous leap forward for the brand, and it's certainly going to turn some heads when it hits the road!” The unveiling of the new livery comes as our team embarks on a new era, as we continue to expand our service scope and reach new heights of success in the logistics industry. With an ever-diversifying client base and an unwavering focus on providing exceptional service, we’re poised to continue our momentum into the next half of 2023 and beyond. Don’t miss out on the excitement… Stay in the loop on all the latest news and developments from Distribution House by following us on LinkedIn and Facebook ! And if you spot our new trucks on the road, join the conversation by taking a snap and tagging us using the hashtags #BrownsNewLivery and #BrownsOnTheMove ! (Never while driving, though!) #MovingDistributionForward

Company

We're UKWA Awards finalists!

We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the Logistics Service Provider of the Year Award, at the 2023 UK Warehousing Association Awards for Excellence. First held in 1999, and organised by the UKWA - Britain’s leading trade organisation for the logistics sector - the awards celebrate excellence in the warehousing sector and highlight the achievements of the top performing individuals and organisations across our industry. We’ve enjoyed an outstanding period of growth and success recently, forged by our team of forward-thinkers, and rounded off by our historic move to Distribution House. The Logistics Service Provider award specifically recognises professionalism, great leadership and a demonstration of continual best practice, alongside a full commitment to meet and exceed the UKWA’s key principles of working safely, ethically, and profitably. Managing Director, David Brown Jnr commented: "It’s been a whirlwind beginning of the year for Browns, and it’s brilliant to have the tireless efforts of our team recognised by a leading voice of the industry. We’re all excited for June, and hopefully we’ll be returning home with the award in hand!” Winners will be announced at the UKWA Annual Lunch & Awards, at the Royal Lancaster London, on Tuesday 27 June 2023. A big thank you to the UKWA and award sponsors ASG Energy Services , we’ll see you in June!

Company

Welcoming Palletline to Distribution House

We were thrilled to recently welcome the Palletline leadership team to Distribution House for the very first time, as our teams came together to mark Browns’ historic new site development, and celebrate our long-standing partnership. Palletline , the UK's first premium palletised freight distribution company, revolutionised the way pallets are transported, with a forward-thinking approach and development of the ‘hub-and-spoke’ distribution method. Proud shareholding members of the Network since 1995, Browns £9 million investment marks the latest step in our ground-breaking growth plan, and will enable us to continue to increase service scope, freight volume, efficiency, and move forward with key sustainability plans. Managing Director, David Brown Jnr commented: “It was thoroughly rewarding to welcome the Palletline team to Distribution House, and provide some insight into how the development strengthens Browns’ position as innovators and industry leaders; unlocking potential and the capacity to evolve service scope and efficiency.” Impressed by the site’s carefully executed design, the Palletline team, including Group Managing Director Graham Leitch, were given a full tour of our new facilities and met with members of the team to learn their thoughts on the move. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Palletline for taking the time to visit us in our new home! Learn more about Palletline, and what our partnership means here: Palletline - Network Freight Distribution

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