WAVE EDITION 5 : 2017 05 06 09 14

WOMEN IN LOGISTICS NEW LIVERY UNVEILED TEESPORT CRANE INVESTMENT CHARITY GARDEN GIVEN BOOST TRACY WARD SHOWS HOW STRIKING NEW LOOK TO £6M CRANE INVESTMENT BOOSTS BY VOLUNTEERS DAISY CHAIN’S WOMEN CAN EXCEL IN THE HONOUR HERITAGE AND PD PORTS’ ABILITY TO SUPPORT NEW REFLECTION AREA OPENS LOGISTICS INDUSTRY PROMOTE INNOVATION CONTAINER GROWTH THANKS TO PD PORTS SPONSORSHIP

PAGE 07 TEESPORT APPOINTED NORTHERN HUB FOR GLENCORE AGRIBULK TERMINAL 1 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 2

WELCOME NEWS IN IN THIS ISSUE TO THE LATEST NEWS IN BRIEF TWEETS

EDITION OF WAVE. Mayor CIM LAUNCHES ‘North East Marketing Greats’ are @TeesValleyMayor 02 10 marketing figureheads from some First official business visit at ‘NORTH EAST of the biggest brands in the region @PDPorts was used to highlight the NEWS IN BRIEF FOCUS ON SHIPPING WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF WAVE SINCE and industry sectors that are driving importance of #Teesport & the AND INSPECTION MARKETING GREATS’ MY APPOINTMENT AS PD PORTS’ CHIEF EXECUTIVE the Northern Powerhouse economy; River Tees OFFICER. I AM VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO including manufacturing, digital and Fifty of the North East’s leading logistics. Through the ‘Marketing 03 Claire Wordsworth CONTINUING THE GOOD WORK THAT WE HAVE Greats’ the project aims to provide 11 marketers have been recognised by the @claire_wordy NEWS ROUND UP SEEN IN OUR BUSINESS OVER THE LAST DECADE AND Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) insight into the importance of a strategic and communications strategy across EMBRACING THE CHALLENGES AS WELL AS NEW in support of a new initiative aimed at marketing function and to inspire both the business. SABIC’s new eco-ship was named VISITS TEESPORT OPPORTUNITIES THAT LIE AHEAD. developing and retaining marketing existing marketing professionals and @PDPorts today, designed to carry ethane gas from the US for the young people considering a career in The Northern Powerhouse agenda is 05 talent in the region; PD Ports’ PR and cracker at Wilton Communications Manager is amongst marketing. a key focus for PD Ports where Kirsten is responsible for driving forward WOMEN IN LOGISTICS 13 ur business has commitment from basic volunteering those listed. diversified for well over to long-term strategic partnerships. In Kirsten started her career as a engagement and building partnerships Daisy Chain Project A DECADE OF a decade now, with this issue we look at our wider social CIM North East Chair, Charlie Marketing and Events Coordinator that will support the Government’s @the_dc_project Nettle, commented on the within the IT industry having graduated industrial strategy as well as deliver LEADERSHIP some real success and, engagement with the communities that Massive THANK YOU to staff from O from University with a 06 DEVELOPMENT in my opinion that is surround our business in particular campaign: “The North East has a rich economic growth and development in @PDPorts who are #volunteering exactly the right thing to continue to do. at Scunthorpe where a number of heritage of manufacturing, but Degree in marketing and Masters the North. to prepare the new Reflection Areas NEW LIVERY UNVEILED volunteers from our Humber and marketers have the huge responsibility in multimedia and design. She then they have kindly funded - The ‘North East Marketing Greats’ amazing support! Recently in Teesside we have seen Groveport teams have been talking of building a brand which customers joined the marketing and events team 14 campaign builds on the North East the appointment of the region’s first to students about maritime related trust and want to buy again and again. at Newcastle’s Centre for Life within the Strong brands enable businesses to Bio Science Centre. England Chamber of Commerce’s 07 CHARITY GARDEN GIVEN Mayor, Ben Houchen. Ben will control careers. You can read more about this Nifco UK ‘Great Reasons’ project which BOOST BY VOLUNTEERS a new pot of devolved money and work visit on p14. differentiate themselves from the @NifcoUK TEESPORT APPOINTED alongside the five Tees Valley Councils competition, therefore the growth of With more than 16 years’ experience highlighted great reasons to do NORTHERN HUB FOR to improve the economy of the area, I hope you enjoy reading this issue of our businesses and the success of our in marketing and public relations business in the North East and great Huge congratulations to our friends @PDPorts winners of the Services Award GLENCORE AGRIBULK region’s economy is very much in our Kirsten is responsible for the reasons to build your career in the bring in new investment and create Wave and find it an informative insight at #nebizawards! So very deserved!! TERMINAL 15 jobs. You can read about Ben’s visit to into our business and our people here hands,” explained Charlie. development of PD Ports’ marketing region. Teesport on p11. at PD Ports. IN YOUR SHOES Oasis Immingham In this issue we welcome the news @ImminghamOasis 09 Frans Calje with looking at ways to streamline of a three-year deal with Glencore Group CEO, PD Ports STUDENTS GIVEN internal communications procedures at 50 Y10’s are off to @KeeleUniversity TEESPORT CRANE Agriculture UK, one of the world’s today for a campus tour & to learn PLATFORM TO PD Ports. INVESTMENT SUPPORTS major crushers of soya bean and about life at Uni, thanks to @PDPorts CONTAINER GROWTH oilseed rape, to use Teesport as its DEMONSTRATE for the coach hire Amin, 48, said: “We learn a lot northern distribution hub. With a BUSINESS EXPERTISE of theory, but it does take time dedicated port already for the South, to go into a workplace and engage PDPorts Glencore now imports agri-bulks into with employees. The Business Clinic is @PDPorts the North through Teesport to support a fantastic way to bridge that gap – it expansion of its presence in the UK. PD Ports has collaborated with Teesside With @CareerReadyUK, we recently has been a huge challenge, but Read more on p7. University as part of a new ‘Business hosted a visit for @StokeHigh to our extremely rewarding.” Felixstowe warehousing facility for Clinic’ established by the University Officially launched earlier this year them to learn about logistics We have a number of people within our which has seen over 70 students work the ‘Business Clinic’ has seen students Kirsten Donkin, PR and business that exceed expectations and on bespoke projects for a diverse range matched with 16 private, public Communications Manager at through their commitment and passion of regional companies. and third sector businesses to gain Ian Nichol PD Ports, said: “In Teesside, we have a for the role, achieve great things and experience and come up with solutions @nichol_ian world-leading university on our Swadlincote-based Tracy Ward is no PD Ports teamed up with two groups of to real world challenges. doorstep and this is exactly the Congratulations to @PDPorts for Follow us on Twitter exception. Her drive and dedication students to look at potential opportunities kind of collaboration that should double award win! Great supporters was recognised at the FTA Everywoman to better engage with the workforce and Second year BA (Hons) Business @pdports be happening – businesses and of @ThinkLogistics1 in Transport & Logistics Awards 2017 identify new commercial opportunities. Management students Amin @CareerReadyUK #FutureTalent education working together to solve which saw Tracy win a category that Ngunga and brothers Kanidu and problems.” recognises those who go above and Shavindu Karunanaya were tasked IF YOU'D LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH ABOUT ANY OF THE STORIES FEATURED IN WAVE, PLEASE CONTACT THE beyond to drive business success. PR & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT. Read more about Tracy on p5.

A: PD Ports, 17-27 Queen’s Square, , TS2 1AH Over the years we have built DID YOU KNOW? T: +44 (0)1642 877356 E: [email protected] strong and valued relationships ? Without shipping, the import/export of affordable food and goods would not be possible - half the with a number of organisations world would starve and the other half would freeze! Source: International Chamber of Shipping and charities with varying levels of 3 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 4

COLLABORATION AND INVESTMENT NEWS ROUND UP RECOGNISED BY UK NORTHERN POWERHOUSE

PD Ports scooped two awards at the inaugural Northern Lights Awards 2017 with former CEO, David Robinson claiming the top accolade of the night.

Both Transport & Logistics Company of the Year award and Business Personality of the Year award were presented to Mr Robinson and the team at PD Ports in recognition of the business’ commitment to collaboration across the Northern Powerhouse and helping to rebalance the economy.

David Robinson, former CEO (L-R) Comedian, Brian Conley, PD Ports’ The judges cited David’s win as of PD Ports, said: “We are Geoff Lippitt, Alfred van Wyk, Kirsten recognition of not only his impressive Donkin, Roy Merryweather and Paul delighted that PD Ports has been McGrath track record and tangible personal named Transport and Logistics impact on the economic fortunes of Company of Year. We are very proud passion and dedication of each and the North, but also for both the time ENGINEERING of the levels of service and commitment every one of our team.” he dedicates to acting as a business PD PORTS UNVEILS we offer all of our customers, ambassador and his charitable EXCELLENCE NEW-LOOK FOR underpinned by our company core The Northern Lights Business endeavours. values. Personality of the Year Award was MULTIMODAL 10TH the top honour of the evening which Gary Archer, Engineering ANNIVERSARY “This award isn’t just reflective of the commended Mr Robinson for his Services Manager at Billingham high levels of satisfaction felt by our outstanding business leadership within was recently elected as a Member of the Engineering customers it is also recognition of the the Northern Powerhouse. Council as a credited 2017 marked the 10th anniversary of Engineering Technician. The Clarion Events’ Multimodal exhibition Engineering Council is the held annually at Birmingham’s NEC UK regulatory body for the attracting the great and the good from engineering profession. This freight transport, logistics and supply RECOGNITION recognition is given to those chain management businesses across FOR LOGISTICS engineering professionals who the UK and Ireland. EXCELLENCE operate under the highest PD Ports has been a firm fixture at level of competence in the at the awards and PD Ports beat off Multimodal since it launched in 2007 TEESPORT WINS engineering sector. and this year we showcased a new-look tough global competition to take the PD Ports has won the Services Award Gary has worked at PD Ports exhibition stand created by Midlands- GLOBAL AWARD top title in this category. in the 2017 Teesside-heat of the North for over four years and started based GES. East Business Awards. The award FOR EXCELLENCE his career in 1978 as a HGV As one of the UK’s major port sponsored by Northern Skills Group Apprentice Technician for British In true traditional style we looked for AND INNOVATION groups, we are committed to was awarded to PD Ports for service Road Services in Gateshead. a unique way to stand out from the driving continuous innovation that excellence and innovation, working Gaining this recognition from the crowd during the three-day event and delivers greater efficiencies and in partnership with customers to add Engineering Council is a great yet again we were a step ahead of the We are delighted to have been further enhances visibility across value to every step of the process. competition. example of the hard work and honoured by Navis, part of Cargotec our operational platform; leading unreserved commitment Gary Corporation and a global provider to improved vessel productivity and On collecting the award, Patti Burt, Manchester Shoeshine delivered a first- PD Ports’ Key Accounts Manager (2nd She added: “ We work incredibly has shown both to his profession of operational technologies and reduced truck turnaround times. class service to our guests. in from the left) said that customers closely with all of our customers and the wider business. services, for our commitment to Congratulations Gary. In summary comments following the place their full trust and confidence in to fully understand and anticipate their excellence and innovation across our business to ensure they perform and needs. We are very much an extension awards ceremony, Navis’ judging Teesport’s terminal operations. meet the demands of their customers. of their business.” panel commented that the accolade (L-R) PD Ports’ Ryan Kerr and PD Ports took the title of ‘Excellence’ of ‘excellence’ was given based Ian Richardson at this year’s Navis Inspire Awards on ‘best-in-class operations’ and ceremony, part of the Navis World clear demonstration of ‘industry DID YOU KNOW? Annual conference in San Francisco. leadership’. There are around 50,000 merchant ships trading internationally, transporting every kind of cargo This was the highest ranking given ? Source: International Chamber of Shipping 5 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 6

WOMEN IN LOGISTICS NEW LIVERY of the many career opportunities TO EXCEL IN EVERYTHING WE DO IS ONE OF THE available in transport and logistics. CORE VALUES THAT UNDERPIN THE CULTURE AT “I am delighted to have won this award. UNVEILED PD PORTS AND TRACY WARD, CONTRACT MANAGER The industry is diverse and exciting and whilst there are more women AT SWADLINCOTE IS EXEMPLARY OF THIS ETHOS. working in the industry than when I started my career, females in senior or management roles are still seldom racy started her “In logistics everything is about need to give your team confidence and seen; there is still a long way to go with career working streamlining the process, win the hearts and minds of the people this,” concluded Tracy. in administration seeking to reduce costs whilst improving that surround you. I always encourage T before entering the quality. It’s about building partnerships my team that anything is possible and Alongside 33 inspirational role models logistics industry in and working closely with the customer to strive for their goals.” in the UK’s transport and logistics 1999 being promoted twice from her to understand and be part of their industry, Tracy took her place at a initial role with UK Pallets to Accounts business. Only then can you identify Tracy’s eye for driving innovation and ceremony which aims to highlight and Manager. After joining PD Ports in opportunities and influence positive inspiring others to excel has led to her pay tribute to women excelling in their 2015 as an Administration Manager at change,” Tracy explained. award win at the FTA Everywoman in careers, creating visible role models Swadlincote, Tracy rapidly progressed Transport & Logistics Awards 2017. to inspire and empower the next in to the role of Contract Manager Her philosophy for leadership is about Now in its 10th year, the awards, held generation of much-needed female within twelve months. inspiring others to be their best. “You in London, are a clear demonstration talent.

GVs are not something Investing in our new fleet of vehicles that may typically emboldened with this new design catch your eye during promotes trust and confidence in our H road journeys but you business as well as demonstrating our couldn’t fail to miss our commitment to our customers and the new vehicle livery which delivers a bold wider region through continued growth and proud message, celebrating our and investment. The incorporation of heritage whilst symbolising growth and the historical Teesport crest into the innovation. design safeguards our legacy whilst showcasing the business’ vision to The new livery is striking in its design progress and evolve. and further strengthens PD Ports’ strong brand identity. LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT GIVING YOUR TEAM CONFIDENCE AND WINNING THE 0 HEARTS AND MINDS 1 0 0 0 1 OF THE PEOPLE THAT SURROUND YOU. EACH VEHICLE PD PORTS OPERATES AVERAGES 10,000KM 60 VEHICLES & 180 OVER 60 DRIVERS PER YEAR TRAILERS ON THE ROAD ACROSS THE UK 7 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 8

TEESPORT APPOINTED NORTHERN HUB FOR GLENCORE AGRIBULK TERMINAL

PD PORTS HAS AGREED A THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH GLENCORE AGRICULTURE UK, ONE OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR CRUSHERS OF SOYA BEAN AND OILSEED RAPE, TO USE TEESPORT AS ITS NORTHERN DISTRIBUTION HUB.

ith a dedicated port 54,000 tonnes of soya feed products Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ already for the South, from Argentina. 2017 has seen close Chief Operating Officer Glencore is now also to a further 50,000 tonnes of agribulk and Vice Chairman, said: “Teesport W importing agri-bulks product arriving at Teesport with more is well placed to serve Glencore’s into the North through expected in the coming months. northern customer base and to further Teesport to support expansion of its support the UK’s import/export market presence in the UK. The Teesport- James Maw, Glencore UK’s for grain. This announcement bound imports will serve the prime Managing Director, commented: complements our investment to livestock producing centres of the “The opening of this dedicated import redevelop number one quay in support UK including Yorkshire, Humberside, facility and direct distribution channel of our strategic vision to expand the the North of England and Southern into the UK now gives a fully accredited Port’s capacity and capability to handle “TEESPORT’S DEEP WATER AND Scotland. and assured supply chain for quality a more diverse range of commodities products right through from crush to across a number of new market sectors. HIGH-CAPACITY HANDLING The imported animal feed products UK consumers. FACILITIES MAKE IT A GREAT will be stored at the Port providing “As a proud member of the Glencore with 80,000 sq. ft. of storage “Teesport’s deep water and high- Government’s Northern Powerhouse CHOICE FOR GLENCORE’S capacity before being distributed to capacity handling facilities make it a Partnership programme we continue customers nationwide. great choice for Glencore’s northern to promote Teesport as the northern NORTHERN BASE ENABLING base enabling significant imports. gateway to serve northern UK markets. SIGNIFICANT IMPORTS.” Glencore’s new agri-bulk terminal We will continue to work closely with The arrival of Glencore at Teesport operates from Teesport’s redeveloped PD Ports to strengthen our UK is testament to our commitment to James Maw, Glencore UK’s Managing Director deep water quay. Offering depths of up infrastructure for the long term.” attract inward investment and drive to 14.5m L.A.T, Teesport welcomed the sustainable economic growth across mv Adriana Rose in November carrying the North.” 9 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 10 TEESPORT CRANE INVESTMENT FOCUS ON SUPPORTS SHIPPING AND CONTAINER GROWTH INSPECTION

WE HAVE WELCOMED THE DELIVERY OF A NEW SHIP TO SHORE CRANE WHICH WILL SUPPORT GROWING DEMAND FROM SHIPPERS USING TEESPORT TO SERVE NORTHERN UK MARKETS.

he £6M crane was “This increase in volume has been delivered earlier this supported by our wider portcentric year to be assembled logistics offer and direct rail links to the T at the Port after being North and South of the UK. This has manufactured by enabled us to support our customers Liebherr Container Cranes Limited in achieving greater flexibility in their in Killarney, Ireland and Rostock, supply chains, cutting costs, saving Germany. road miles and reducing emissions.

Co-financed by the “In line with our volume European Union’s “THIS INCREASE growth we’re committed Connecting Europe IN VOLUME HAS to developing, upgrading Facility, the new ship to BEEN SUPPORTED and enhancing capacity shore crane is situated BY OUR WIDER to meet the demands of of activities on behalf of the vessel The shipping and inspection team at Teesport Container PORTCENTRIC our customers and to ALONGSIDE PORT OPERATIONS, including ordering services such as located at Hull provide commodity Terminal Two (TCT2), LOGISTICS OFFER positioning Teesport as pilots and foy boatman for the vessel at cargo supervision services for the UK boosting the Port’s the northern gateway LOGISTICS AND WAREHOUSING, AND DIRECT RAIL the port, arranging berthing schedules, and European market supporting ability to service greater for containerised goods PD PORTS HAS A DIVISION drawing up required documentation customers’ importation and export of container volumes LINKS TO THE serving northern UK and organising anything necessary for cargo by sea or road. PD Ports is able which have grown 12% NORTH AND markets.” DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING the crew. to monitor, inspect and test cargo for year-on-year for the SOUTH OF THE UK” customers to provide a full service last seven years. CARGO AND VESSEL OWNERS. On the Thames, PD Ports currently undertaken by a highly experienced acts as agent for long-term customers, team. Arriving less than a year after Teesport ADM at both its Erith and Purfleet ased on the Humber team can work across many bulk cargo introduced three new rubber tyred sites for which chartering, commodity Across the business PD Ports can and in the South of the types, they have extensive experience gantry cranes (RTGs), a fifth ship to cargo supervision by sea or road provide a number of services to improve UK, the shipping and within the dry bulk trade mainly with shore crane will enable deployment of are undertaken. At Purfleet, jetty the customers supply chain and add inspection operations cereals and grains, and also the edible additional resource onto vessels calling B management is also provided for ADM value to their operations. The shipping offered to customers oil trade. at TCT2, which will become critically including supervising the loading and and inspection department provide a include chartering, ships agency, important as larger container vessels discharging of edible oil by sea or road vital service for moving cargo across commodity cargo supervision and jetty As well as chartering vessels, PD Ports join customers’ fleets. and then taking samples which are then the world and ensuring it is suitable management. can offer ships agency services to tested internally to assess if the cargo for the customer before production or Frans Calje, PD Ports’ Chief support the needs of the vessel and its will be accepted. For the cargo arriving distribution, facilitating a more efficient Executive Officer, commented: With dedicated ship brokers working owners. Located on the Thames and at by vessel, the team monitor the cargo supply chain. “We have been gradually building our from Erith, PD Ports offers chartering Hull, PD Ports can provide operations being discharged ensuring its delivery container platform over the last 10 years services across the UK and northern within the UK and Europe through into the correct tank as requested by and we have continued to see year-on- Europe for short-sea vessels from a network of trusted associates. The ADM. year growth as a result of our investment. 1,500 tonnes to 10,000. Although the ships agents can undertake a number 11 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 12

(L-R) PD Ports CEO, Frans Calje, Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen and Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman FIRST PORT OF CALL: TEES VALLEY MAYOR MAKES FIRST OFFICIAL BUSINESS VISIT TO TEESPORT

THE ELECTION OF A TEES VALLEY MAYOR IS A REAL OPPORTUNITY FOR THE REGION. THE MAYOR WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN OUR ABILITY TO EXPLOIT TEESPORT’S POTENTIAL AND IN SECURING A BRIGHT AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

owers and money controlled at a local AS A REGION WE HAVE THAT level will enable the PASSION AND COMMITMENT TO P area to deliver key DELIVER REAL CHANGE BUT IT WILL projects creating jobs, BE ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL FOR We would also be keen to see the and import capabilities. Coming out of developing skills for young people and THE MAYOR TO HAVE A SOUND Mayor introduce a clear skills strategy the EU will enable us to work to establish major infrastructure projects. UNDERSTANDING OF THE ECONOMY with a particular focus on business a large free trade zone within the Tees WHO IS BEN HOUCHEN? AND BUSINESS LANDSCAPE. engagement, matching skills with Valley, which would provide significant Following his new appointment, Tees supply chain requirements. opportunities for the manufacturing Valley’s first-ever Mayor, Ben Houchen and logistics sectors. • Born and raised on Teesside has been to Teesport to learn more Unknown to many, the North East is about current projects, plans for future one of the few net exporting regions in In order to remain strong throughout • Married to Rachel investment and our expectations from the UK. The overall quality and size of this transition, we look towards central the man, who for the next two years will the infrastructure in the region is critical government to continue to support the • Studied Law at Northumbria shape the region’s future. to this success and Teesport is very South Tees Development Corporation University During his visit to Teesport, Ben bumped HARTLEPOOL much at the heart of it. (tasked with looking after the future in to his uncle Jimmy who works in the One of the keys to success will be in the conservancy department. land use of the former SSI steel works • Former CEO of BLK (Beyond collaboration between the combined With the exit from the European Union site) and be forthcoming with funding Limits Known) sports brand in authority, the elected Mayor and private STOCKTON- on the horizon, uncertainty follows in to ensure its success. This will enable the UK sector businesses to identify priorities During his visit we made it absolutely ON-TEES terms of our ability to keep access to us, together with Tees Valley Combined • He was the youngest candidate in that will deliver long term benefits for clear to the newly elected Mayor that the single EU market as the physical, Authority, to pursue a free trade zone • Leader of the Conservative the Tees Valley. We have a good track we are looking for inward investment DARLINGTON AND commercial and customs procedures Group on Stockton-on-Tees the race to be Tees Valley Mayor CLEVELAND position that will allow for inward record of working together to get results opportunities to be made a key priority, will change. investment into the area to create jobs Borough Council • His Uncle, Keith Houchen, scored and what’s important is that the political, as well as pushing for funding to make and rebalance the economy. • Elected as Tees Valley Mayor on the winning goal for Coventry business and social elements of a region necessary rail and road infrastructure MIDDLESBROUGH Although this may cause a barrier, the come together to deliver change and upgrades to support increased freight result of the referendum will also allow 4th May 2017 City in the 1987 FA Cup final accelerate business growth. movements. for the region to further grow its export 13 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 WAVE EDITION 5 2017 14

“A BRILLIANT CHARITY GARDEN AND FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE” GIVEN BOOST BY VOLUNTEERS

PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THE BUSINESS HAVE JOINED FORCES TO DELIVER THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE SENSORY GARDEN AT DAISY CHAIN’S NORTH EAST HEADQUARTERS IN STOCKTON-ON-TEES.

ttending a brief Daisy Chain Chief Executive, ceremony to mark Stuart Dexter, said: “We are the official opening delighted that Councillor Cook could A of the new reflection come along to officially open the area, Stockton Council reflection area and we are so grateful to Leader, Bob Cook, said: “I am PD Ports for sponsoring this scheme and delighted to officially open the new volunteering their time and resource to should interact with each other, as well reflection area here at Daisy Chain. It get the area ready for our families.” A DECADE OF as our much valued customers and has been developed to provide a safe, suppliers. welcoming and quiet space for families Kirsten Donkin, PR and to take a break and enjoy watching Communications Manager at The programme was born out of their children in the play area.” PD Ports, said: “The service that Daisy a desire from PD Ports’ executive LEADERSHIP Chain provides to local families is management team to recognise The main part of the play area cost more immeasurable. Having the opportunity people as valuable assets and not than £140,000 to develop and, since to get involved in this project and provide just a conduit to making profit for the it opened last November, has already a rest bite area for parents, as they watch business. This was a significant journey proved popular with the families who their children play in a safe and enjoyable DEVELOPMENT the business embarked upon as it use Daisy Chain’s services. environment is incredibly humbling. focussed on cultural change which in itself meets with as many challenges as The new reflection area has been “We consider responsible social it does opportunities. made possible due to sponsorship engagement with our local community from PD Ports. Volunteers from our as vitally important to the long-term There is a huge challenge that still SINCE 2006, PD PORTS EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN TAKING At the time the business had an BACK TO SCHOOL IT and business applications teams success of our business and we are faces many aspects of the industry abundance of knowledgeable and spent time preparing the ground very proud to see our partnership with in terms of skills shortage ranging PART IN A LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME KNOWN AS loyal workers who had been with the works and putting down weed barriers Daisy Chain delivering real value for the A number of volunteers from from HGV drivers to accountants business for 20 to 30 years but many ODYSSEY, AIMED AT IMPROVING SKILLS OF MANAGERS before layering the ground with wood people at heart of that community.” teams across the Humber and at but if young people aren’t aware of had not had a day’s man-management chippings and bark. The team then Groveport on the River Trent have the opportunities available to them, AND SUPERVISORS THROUGHOUT THE ORGANISATION. training in their entire career. laid concrete into the foundations embarked on a new partnership the aspirations won’t be there. This ahead of the installation of benches with St Lawrence Academy, could have huge implications for The Odyssey programme was aimed and tables. Scunthorpe in a bid to bring our business and the industry as a ver the last 12 years, outdoor team building challenges at all segments of the business from together industry and education. whole if we fail to connect with and more than 350 to further improve communication operations to marketing, from finance inspire young people to consider a employees from across skills and provide an opportunity for to engineering and included a mix Supported by national charity, career in the maritime industry. PD Ports have taken everyone to work together and get to of managers from group directors to O Business in The Community (BiTC), part in the programme, know colleagues in a fun and relaxed team leaders. the team from PD Ports spent the day PD Ports long-term relationship with ran by Leadership Resources at High environment. at the St Lawrence Academy talking BiTC has the potential to deliver Ash Farm in Buxton, Derbyshire. The relationship has grown from to Year 10 students about careers in real value for young people across Employees are invited on Odyssey strength-to-strength with the the maritime and logistics industry. the Humber and beyond, creating The three-day course included a to gain a greater understanding of programme evolving as the business The purpose of the day was to raise opportunities for employees to number of classroom based activities to leadership and the positive impact it can grows and develops. 2017 celebrates visibility of the industry and to inspire engage with students offering their help employees gain an understanding have on business success and personal the 35th programme, which to this day young people into considering a vast experience and support. of the principles of leadership, as development. The programme also remains the ‘go to’ route for providing maritime related career. well as develop their own leadership seeks to instil a common understanding first-class quality leadership and skills. The group also faced a host of across the business of how employees management training at PD Ports. 15 WAVE EDITION 5 2017

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE IN YOUR BUSINESS? I started work at Groveport in 2014 in the accounts department before progressing to Commercial SHOES Assistant in November 2016.

HOW DID YOU GET IN TO A CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY? WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO GET TO Trudi pictured here with her Dad after completing their first 5k run together KNOW OUR PEOPLE HERE AT After being made redundant from a previous job, the Job PD PORTS; GAIN INSIGHT INTO Centre suggested that I took on IF YOU COULD GO WHAT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY ENTAILS some voluntary work to broaden BACK IN TIME WHERE my skills set and enhance my WOULD YOU GO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM TICK employment potential. I started at Groveport in the accounts There isn’t a stage in my life that I OUTSIDE OF WORKING HOURS. department as a volunteer for would go back to, I am the happiest eight weeks. When I was made I have been and I am excited to redundant I was two months from see what the future holds! I would completing my Level 3 In the third of our Q&A take a trip back to Victorian times, Apprenticeship in Business and just for a look around. I’d have to features, we find out what it’s Administration, so I was left with come back though as I’d miss really like to be in the shoes of no job and no sign of finishing modern technology! my qualification. Luckily I was Trudi Billington, Commercial able to carry the apprenticeship Assistant, Humber. over and study whilst working at Groveport. After I completed my HOW DO YOU RELAX? eight week volunteering TELL US ABOUT YOUR programme, I was offered a full Long walks on the beach with my ROLE: time role within the business. partner and my dog Bertie.

I am the Commercial Assistant for our Humber operations. My WHAT ASPECT OF WHO WOULD YOU main responsibility is to support the wider commercial team along YOUR ROLE DO YOU INVITE TO YOUR with completing general LIKE BEST? DREAM DINNER PARTY? administration tasks. The variety of the role motivates Michelle Obama, Ryan Reynolds, me. No two days are the same Meryl Streep and my Grandad. and whilst this is great as it keeps WHO DO YOU things interesting it can also be a REPORT TO? challenge as it can mean re- evaluating the day’s priorities so I WHAT’S NEXT ON TRUDI Geoff Lippitt, Business need to be really organised. YOUR AGENDA? BILLINGTON Development Director. I am starting a Leadership COMMERCIAL and Management degree in ASSISTANT, September studying locally at North HUMBER, BASED Lindsey College in Scunthorpe two AT GROVEPORT evenings a week, which I am really looking forward to.

DID YOU KNOW? ? There are between 2-3 million people out at sea across the world at any given time.