WAVE. EDITION 1 : WINTER 2013

50 YEARS OF TRADE HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES VISITS PD PORTS TO CELEBRATE TEES DOCK ANNIVERSARY 2 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 3

CONTENTS NEWS IN BRIEF

03 NEWS IN BRIEF 07 50 YEARS OF TRADE 12 HIGH TIDE 14 IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT TEES DOCK CELEBRATES SUCCESS 04 MACANDREWS OF YOUNG PEOPLE 16 MEET THE SUPPLIER COMES TO 09 DISCOVER PROVIDING SCUNTHORPE KEEP ON RUNNING! 13 PROMOTING 06 STRIVING TOWARDS LEADERSHIP SKILLS WITH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUOUS 10 ROYAL VISIT ACROSS PD PORTS IMPROVEMENT PD PORTS ATTENDED A NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE THIS YEAR 44 EMPLOYEES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAREERS EVENT IN SCUNTHORPE FOR THE ENTERED THE GREAT NORTH RUN ON BEHALF OF SECOND YEAR RUNNING. THE EVENT, WHICH PD PORTS. THE TEAM RAN IN SUPPORT OF THREE TOOK PLACE ON 15TH OCTOBER AT JOHN CHARITIES; BUTTERWICK HOSPICE, GREAT NORTH LEGGOTT COLLEGE, WAS AIMED AT RAISING AIR AMBULANCE AND CASH FOR KIDS. ASPIRATIONS AROUND EMPLOYMENT IN THE LOCAL AREA. £16,500 WAS THE TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED, WHICH WAS DIVIDED EQUALLY BETWEEN EACH CHARITY. THANK YOU SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, JOB-SEEKERS AND THE GENERAL TO ALL WHO TOOK PART AND HELPED RAISE FUNDS FOR PUBLIC WERE INVITED ALONG TO THE DAY TO VISIT THE THREE VERY WORTHY CHARITIES. WELCOME MANY EXHIBITOR STALLS. THIS EVENT GAVE THE TEAM AT SCUNTHORPE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE COMMUNITY THE VARIETY OF JOB ROLES AVAILABLE WELCOME TO WAVE, A In this issue we look back at the As we look to the future of our AT PD PORTS. QUARTERLY NEWSPAPER last 50 years of trade through Tees business, it goes without saying Dock, the main operational hub at that we wouldn’t be able to achieve FROM PD PORTS, DESIGNED Teesport. greatness without our people. TO KEEP OUR CUSTOMERS In October 1963, the official Our people are at the heart of our AND STAKEHOLDERS opening of Tees Dock took place, success, so it is vital for the longevity INFORMED WITH THE starting operations with a team of of our business that we invest in their LATEST NEWS ABOUT OUR around 25 dock workers, two cranes growth and development, creating and a warehouse. Today the wider a culture which strives towards CURRENT AND PLANNED Teesport estate is the gateway to the continuous improvement. David Robinson ACTIVITIES. North of the UK for shippers and a Group CEO, This vision has inspired us to PD Ports IN NOVEMBER, TEESPORT LOADED THE 4 MILLIONTH TONNE OF STEEL SLAB key economic driver for the region. STEEL EXPORTS ON BEHALF OF SSI UK SINCE THE REOPENING OF THE REDCAR BLAST FURNACE introduce a new set of company core REACH NEW IN 2012. THE SLAB WAS LOADED ONTO THE ‘OKTEM AKSOY’ DESTINED FOR News of our anniversary celebrations values, known as STRETCH, which in MILESTONE DILLSKELESI IN TURKEY. as well as our recent endeavours the long term will seek to encourage to raise employment aspirations of a culture within our organisation young people on Teesside, led to a that strives to constantly improve in very special VIP visit. all areas of our business operations, as well as the service we provide On 22 November HRH The Prince customers and the relationships we of Wales visited our Middlesbrough share with our colleagues. headquarters to mark Tees Dock’s 50th anniversary. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very happy The visit was also an opportunity and prosperous 2014 and we very for HRH to engage with our recently much look forward to sharing news established High Tide Foundation of our ongoing activities AWARDING SUPPLY CHAIN ZOE’S PLACE and was an outstanding success, as we move into gaining tremendous support from EXCELLENCE the New Year. everyone who attended. IN SEPTEMBER, PD PORTS ATTENDED THE PD PORTS HAS DONATED A COLLECTION OF PRESTIGIOUS RETAIL WEEK ANNUAL AWARDS IN CHILDREN’S PLASTIC FURNITURE, AS WELL LONDON, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY THE GREAT AS SAND PITS AND A PLAY HOUSE TO LOCAL AND THE GOOD IN THE RETAIL SECTOR. HOSPICE, ZOE’S PLACE.

PD PORTS SPONSORED THE ‘SUPPLY CHAIN PROJECT IN 2013 THE MIDDLESBROUGH BASED HOSPICE SUFFERED OF THE YEAR’ AWARD, WON BY KIDDICARE WITH SEVERE FLOODING AS A RESULT OF A BURST WATER WINCANTON, FOR TRANSFORMING AN ONLINE PIPE, LEAVING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND RESULTING IN PRODUCED BY KIRSTEN DONKIN, PR & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER BRAND INTO A MULTI-CHANNEL RETAILER. THE AWARD TEMPORARY CLOSURE. PD PORTS ALSO DONATED A WAS PRESENTED BY PD PORTS GROUP BUSINESS CHEQUE FOR £500 TO HELP TOWARDS REPAIRS. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, GEOFF LIPPITT. MAMAS AND PAPAS AND TESCO WERE VERY WORTHY FINALISTS. A: PD Ports, 17-27 Queen’s Square, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AH T: +44 (0)1642 877 026 E: [email protected] 4 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 5

HELM SIGNS The Port of Howden, which is owned Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ managing Having previously only imported and operated by PD Ports will also director, bulks and port services, said: fertiliser in bulk for onward distribution, This new weekly service, which enhances the network of services TEN YEAR provide the stevedore service for “We are delighted to have signed a Helm will make a significant investment commenced on Monday 14th which we can offer to the region’s AGREEMENT this new agreement with the first long term agreement with Helm, which in a state of the art blending and MACANDREWS October, connects the importers and exporters. We very WITH PD PORTS vessel call expected in early 2014. will provide a huge boost to the volume bagging machine that will be one of North-east port with Iberia, much look forward to further Once received, the fertiliser, which of traffic going through the port. This the first of its type within the UK. This COMES TO Sweden and Poland. developing this service as market AT HOWDEN is being imported from Europe and new partnership also provides an will enable Helm to add further value MacAndrews has upgraded its demand strengthens.” North Africa will be stored at the port excellent opportunity to expand the and greater efficiencies in its supply existing Scan-Baltic service to HELM FERTILIZER GREAT before being blended and bagged range of activities undertaken at the chain by bagging fertiliser on-site TEESPORT Geoff Smith, managing director BRITAIN LTD (HELM) HAS include Teesport as its preferred ready for onward distribution. port as well as further secure its long before onward distribution. of MacAndrews, added: “This is North-east coast gateway. SIGNED A TEN YEAR term future and provide additional PD PORTS HAS ANNOUNCED in line with MacAndrews business AGREEMENT WITH This new machinery is capable of The arrival of Helm at the port will see employment opportunities once fully goals to continue to expand PD PORTS TO OPERATE A ensuring a precise mix of product, A NEW WEEKLY MULTI MODAL Frans Calje, PD Ports’ managing an initial investment of over £500,000 operational.” and offer dynamic services to BLENDING AND BAGGING complemented by the first rotary LOGISTICS SERVICE INTO TEESPORT director unitised, said: “I am spent refurbishing one of PD Ports’ the market, giving alternatives FACILITY FOR ITS FERTILISER Howden was chosen by Helm to screening system, to remove dust and BY NEW CUSTOMER MACANDREWS, delighted to announce that we existing on-site warehouses, covering for greener logistics and cost IMPORTS AT THE PORT consolidate its imports based on its oversized particles, ensuring the size, PART OF THE CMA-CGM GROUP, are MacAndrews port of choice OF HOWDEN. some 68,000 sq. ft. With anticipated competitive solutions for our location and close proximity to rural quality and consistency of the final on the North-east coast and have volumes of over 50,000 tonnes per FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE customers. Calling at Teesport regions such as Lincolnshire, as well as product. It will also be capable successfully welcomed the first annum, the Port of Howden will PORT’S POSITION AS THE UK’S BEST further enhances our existing the excellent transport links to and from of applying coating and micro nutrients of two 800 TEU (Twenty Foot become the central UK hub for Helm CONNECTED FEEDER PORT. Iberian, Scandinavian, Baltic and the port. to keep up with developments Equivalent Unit) vessels, which will who has previously used multiple ports Russian network.” in fertiliser coating technology and operate the service, into Teesport. of entry to import fertiliser. crop requirements. “The arrival of MacAndrews and this new weekly call greatly

THE ARRIVAL OF HELM AT HOWDEN WILL SEE AN INITIAL INVESTMENT OF OVER £500,000 SPENT REFURBISHING PD PORTS’ EXISTING WAREHOUSING FACILITIES COVERING SOME 68,000 SQ. FT.

TAYLORS OF HARROGATE SIGNS FURTHER DEAL WITH PD PORTS PD PORTS HAS SECURED A NEW TEN YEAR CONTRACT WITH TEA AND COFFEE SPECIALISTS SWEDEN TAYLORS OF HARROGATE – THE HOME OF POLAND TEA AND A PART OF THE YORKSHIRE FAMILY BUSINESS WHICH INCLUDES THE DAVID HINKS, CONTRACT ICONIC BETTYS CAFE TEA ROOMS. MANAGER AT TAYLORS OF HARROGATE, ADDED: “THE ACQUISITION OF NEW REFURBISHED PREMISES This new contract will see an major brands and retailers give to the AT BILLINGHAM IS A VITAL investment of £1.75M spent portcentric logistics solution offered by PART OF OUR FUTURE refurbishing PD Ports’ existing PD Ports. We work very closely with our GROWTH PLANS AND WILL warehousing facilities at Billingham customer base to provide innovative RESULT IN EVEN GREATER EFFICIENCIES FOR US AS WE covering some 115,000 sq. ft. solutions to improve their efficiency CONTINUE TO EXPAND. WE and minimise supply chain costs. It also ARE ALSO DELIGHTED TO Taylors of Harrogate will gives further strength to our long term BE SUPPORTING PD PORTS’ OWN INVESTMENT PLANS accommodate the majority of this strategy to develop Teesport and its IN TEESSIDE AND ITS facility, demonstrating a significant hinterland as the portcentric logistics HINTERLAND.” growth in operations since first hub for handling goods destined for importing tea and coffee into Northern markets.” WORK COMMENCED IBERIA ON REFURBISHING THE Teesport five years ago, occupying a EXISTING FACILITIES AT 30,000 sq. ft. facility. THE END OF THE SUMMER AND IS EXPECTED TO BE David Robinson, PD Ports Group CEO, OPERATIONAL BY MID 2014. said: “This investment signifies the growing significance many of the UK’s 6 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 7

In June, PD Ports employee, Jason This simple but effective system meant Stothard, identified potential that the team could easily identify TEAM EXCELS areas for improving efficiencies to which trains were under-utilised increase payloads for each train and could accommodate higher IN INCREASING transporting steel from Redbourne volumes. This resulted in higher to Skinningrove. Following a review payloads per train, a reduction in EFFICIENCIES AT of existing processes at the facility, a incurred mileage and cost savings for traffic light system was introduced to Tata due to the reduced number of SCUNTHORPE monitor the volumes carried on loads being transported. each train. PD PORTS’ REDBOURNE HUB AT SCUNTHORPE HAS RECENTLY SEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN EFFICIENCY IN FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF EXISTING HANDLING VOLUME DESTINED FOR PROCESSES AT THE FACILITY, A TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED TO MONITOR THE SKINNINGROVE ON BEHALF OF VOLUMES CARRIED ON EACH TRAIN. TATA STEEL.

THE AIM OF ESTABLISHING THESE NEW VALUES, KNOWN AS STRETCH, IS TO ENABLE US AS A BUSINESS TO COMMUNICATE OUR PURPOSE AND FIVE INTENT NOT ONLY TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND STAKEHOLDERS BUT ALSO AMONGST OUR COLLEAGUES. DECADES In doing so our core values will provide a platform for PD Ports to further develop an identity beyond simply performing a set of AT THE operational services. The core values will seek to reflect as well as further nurture our HEART OF organisational culture in building long lasting and supportive relationships both internally and externally. TRADE CORE The primary benefit of core values for PD Ports is that they provide an opportunity to let everyone IN OCTOBER, PD PORTS who deals with the business, including our own CELEBRATED 50 YEARS staff know what the company is all about, and VALUES clarifies the identity of the company. OF TRADE THROUGH TEES DOCK, THE MAIN IN NOVEMBER, Following the launch of STRETCH in November 2013, the campaign will be rolled out across the OPERATIONAL HUB AT PD PORTS LAUNCHED business throughout 2014. A CAMPAIGN TO TEESPORT, WITH A WEEK OF EVENTS FOR EMPLOYEES, INTRODUCE A SET OF SAFETY STAKEHOLDERS AND CORE VALUES ACROSS TEAMWORK LOCAL SCHOOLS. THE BUSINESS. RESPECT & CONSIDERATION EXCEL TRUST COMMITMENT HONESTY 8 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 9

ICING ON DISCOVER THE CAKE MIDDLESBROUGH COLLABORATION BETWEEN PD PORTS AND MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE WAS THE ICING ON THE CAKE AT THE PORT OPERATOR’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.

PD PORTS This latest collaboration COMMISSIONED highlights the strong relationship MIDDLESBROUGH the College has developed with COLLEGE TO BAKE AN PD Ports since the two joined ANNIVERSARY CAKE forces in 2011 to deliver a set of training programmes for more FOR 300 PEOPLE, than 70 port employees. WHICH WAS SERVED AT THE ANNUAL Zoe Lewis, Middlesbrough evening dinners for former and DAVID ROBINSON, OCTOBER 4TH 1963, WORLD AS WELL AS STAKEHOLDER EVENT college principal and chief existing long serving employees as PD PORTS GROUP CEO, BEING ONE OF THE SAW THE OFFICIAL ALONG WITH 500 executive, said: “We were well as the delivery of two educational SAID: “WE HAVE BEEN LARGEST EMPLOYERS OPENING OF TEES OVERWHELMED BY THE CUPCAKES FOR THE thrilled to be asked to make programmes. IN THE NORTH EAST DOCK WHICH STARTED POSITIVE RESPONSE AND A KEY ECONOMIC FAMILY FUN DAY. the centrepiece for PD Ports’ OPERATIONS WITH The education days saw pupils WE HAVE RECEIVED DRIVER FOR THE celebrations - it’s testament to ABOUT THE ENTIRE TEESSIDE REGION.” A TEAM OF AROUND from two Redcar based schools, WEEK’S ACTIVITIES. PD Ports’ youngest Tees the skill and professionalism of Dock employee, 19-year-old our students, and working on 25 DOCK WORKERS, Newcomen primary and Rye Hills THE CELEBRATIONS THE EXTRAORDINARY TWO CRANES AND A secondary school, participate in HAVE BEEN FILLED JOURNEY THE PORT apprentice Aadil Hassan, projects of this size ensures our WAREHOUSE. OVER THE activities supported and delivered by WITH RECOLLECTIONS HAS TAKEN OVER THE from Redcar, was chosen to students are work ready when OF INTERESTING TALES 50 YEARS TEES DOCK PD Ports as well as ASDA, Cleveland LAST 50 YEARS HAS top the cake with the 50th they complete their studies.” Potash, Kone Cranes and SSI. The FROM THE LAST 50 INCLUDED CHANGES IN anniversary logo. HAS BEEN OPERATING YEARS AS WELL AS programme of activities helped the OWNERSHIP, PEOPLE, MANY DEVELOPMENTS NEW STORIES AROUND OPERATIONS AND HAVE BEEN MADE TO students gain a better understanding THE GROWTH OF PROCEDURES. YET of the industrial landscape on OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IMPROVE AND EXPAND THROUGHOUT, TEES Teesside and the wide variety of job JUST STARTING THEIR DOCK HAS REMAINED THE SERVICES ON OFFER. roles available. CAREERS WITH A MAJOR ASSET TO THE PD PORTS. OUR PEOPLE LOCAL AND NATIONAL Today the port employs around 650 PD Ports also hosted three dinners ARE AT THE HEART ECONOMIES. people and sees over 5,000 vessel that saw current long serving OF OUR SUCCESS, SO IT IS VITAL FOR calls each year, bringing millions of employees reconnect with ex long THE LONGEVITY DURING THE This included showing Tees tonnes of container, ro-ro, steel and serving employees. There were many OF OUR BUSINESS DISCOVER Dock during its build and bulk cargoes over its quays. Due memories exchanged over dinner THAT WE INVEST IN MIDDLESBROUGH through the years. In a to the growth seen over the years, and drinks as well as dancing to local THEIR GROWTH AND session on the morning of the DEVELOPMENT. FESTIVAL (OCTOBER Teesport is now the North East’s singer Andy Barker. 14TH - 31ST), screening, PD Ports had the premier container port and the UK’s opportunity to educate three Saturday 5th October saw the family “TEES DOCK AND PD PORTS best connected feeder port. Middlesbrough schools about fun day which drew in the crowds THE WIDER TEESPORT SUPPORTED THE Teesport and the history of with games, food, sweets, cake ESTATE IS THE CORE During the official anniversary week OF OUR BUSINESS. NORTH EAST FILM Tees Dock which took place at and a raffle to raise money for the celebrations, which commenced SINCE OPENING ARCHIVE IN PUTTING Middlesbrough Town Hall. High Tide Foundation. The turnout Tuesday 1st October, PD Ports IN 1963 WE HAVE ON A SCREENING exceeded expectations and the raffle played host to over 1,000 guests. GROWN TO BECOME OF OLD CLIPS FROM raised £1,100. AN INTERNATIONAL The five-day programme included LOGISTICS HUB IN AND AROUND PD Ports’ annual stakeholder day, a HANDLING GOODS MIDDLESBROUGH. family fun day for employees, three FROM ALL OVER THE 10 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 11 ROYAL VISIT HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES 50TH VISITS PD PORTS ANNIVERSARY HEADQUARTERS BOOK TO MARK THE 50TH AS PART OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS PD PORTS ANNIVERSARY OF COMMISSIONED A DOCUMENTARY TO SHARE THE MEMORIES AND TEES DOCK. EXPERIENCES OF THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED AT TEES DOCK OVER THE As well as meeting some of LAST 50 YEARS. THIS DOCUMENTARY the company’s longest serving IS AVAILABLE, ALONG WITH A employees, His Royal Highness met COMMEMORATIVE BOOK. 22ND young people and their mentors from the High Tide Foundation, as well as NOVEMBER companies that are engaging with the Foundation’s activities.

In addition, some of Teesside’s 2013 industrial leaders were present to update the Prince on the economic progression in the area.

The visit concluded with His Royal Highness unveiling a plaque in the boardroom. The plaque will be displayed in Queen’s Square reception to commemorate the visit.

PLEASE CONTACT PD PORTS MAIN RECEPTION ON 01642 877000 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A COPY. LIMITED NUMBERS ARE AVAILABLE. 12 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 13

NORTH EAST’S CHARITY AND CELEBRATING SUCCESS VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO GET AS FIRST COHORT OF YOUNG PEOPLE BUSINESS BOOST GRADUATE HIGH TIDE VOLUNTARY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS AND CHARITIES IN MIDDLESBROUGH AND REDCAR ARE RECEIVING A BOOST SUMMER SCHEME FOLLOWING THE SECONDMENT OF A FULL TIME BUSINESS CONNECTOR FROM PD PORTS. THE HIGH TIDE FOUNDATION HAS SEEN THE FIRST SET OF YOUNG PEOPLE CELEBRATING SUCCESS AFTER The Business Connectors programme, Commenting, Eddie, said: “I am develop their skills and improve their GRADUATING FROM THE CHARITY’S which has been backed by HRH the delighted to have been appointed prospects of gaining employment.” Prince of Wales and Prime Minister business connector for the Stephen Howard, business in the SUMMER SCHEME, BELIEVED TO BE THE David Cameron, is run by charity Middlesbrough and Redcar areas. I am community chief executive, said: FIRST OF ITS KIND IN TEESSIDE. Business in the Community. The looking to forward to making a real “We’re delighted that PD Ports has scheme puts full-time business difference to the local communities placed Eddie Miller to work full-time resource and time into communities and individual people that live there, in this community. We hope other of greatest need, in the form of whilst tackling some of the social and organisations are inspired by the professionals on secondment from economic issues in this region. I am leadership shown by PD Ports and our business who are trained to connect incredibly grateful to have been given additional supporting businesses to the resource of local businesses to this opportunity by PD Ports to connect also take a stand to build sustainable meet the needs of a local community. with both the local community and cohesive communities at this critical businesses to help address the existing time. We look forward to working In July, Eddie left his day job of steel skills gap in the area. The key to with Eddie and seeing the valuable export terminal shift manager, for 12 success will be in getting the region’s connections we know he will make in months to take up this unique role. businesses to collaborate in a bid to Middlesbrough and Redcar.” offer our young people the chance to The graduation ceremony, which A particular highlight for four David Robinson, High Tide Trustee Michael Shakesheff, managing was held at Rye Hills School in young people was the opportunity and Group CEO, PD Ports, said: director, Casper Shipping Limited, Redcar on Monday 14th October, to experience life on a working “We are delighted to see some of commented: “We were delighted FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT: follows the successful completion container ship with local based our young people in the region to be a sponsor of the first cohort WWW.BITC.ORG.UK/PROGRAMMES/BUSINESS-CONNECTORS of a two-week work experience shipping line, Containerships Ltd being given unique opportunities of High Tide students this summer. programme for 12 school leavers. Oy. The eleven day round trip to to experience very real and It gave us a fantastic chance to not St Petersburg via Rotterdam, Riga engaging work placements. High only showcase the possibilities on In October a group of 13 employees, from Employees are invited on Odyssey to help The scheme was launched to help and Helsinki, illustrated how Tide is founded on the principles of and around the River Tees but also PD Ports’ Billingham, Liverpool, Scunthorpe develop their leadership skills and instil a young people leaving school gain important cargoes are imported and engagement and collaboration both the wider marine sector which has and Teesport locations, took part in this common understanding across the business an understanding of life in the exported around the world. with young people and connected played and will continue to play a latest programme, ran by leadership and of how employees should interact with each work place, as well as the variety private sector businesses on and vital role in the success of the North PROMOTING The trip enabled the young team development specialists, Leadership other, as well as our much valued customers of career choices available in port around the River Tees. East economy.” people to observe the daily duties LEADERSHIP Resources. and suppliers. related businesses in Teesside. experienced by crew members, as “The summer scheme is the first Uniquely, the High Tide summer SINCE 2006, PD PORTS Through High Tide’s collaborative well as spending some free time significant output from the High Tide scheme was aimed at young The three-day course which took place at High EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN Ash Farm in Buxton, Derbyshire, included a approach with different employers taking in the sights in Rotterdam, Foundation and we aim to create school leavers who hadn’t had any TAKING PART IN A LEADERSHIP around Teesport, the two-week Riga and Helsinki. many more like it. With so many previous work experience, and who PROGRAMME KNOWN AS number of classroom based activities to help long scheme saw each young of today’s young people lacking wouldn’t otherwise have had access employees gain an understanding of the Laura Becker from Redcar spoke of ODYSSEY. THE PROGRAMME person spend time with two different the necessary skills and knowledge to these opportunities directly. IS AIMED AT IMPROVING principles of leadership, as well as develop their her trip to St Petersburg, adding: companies. The companies included to help support them on a fruitful LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF own leadership skills. The group also faced “It was amazing. I learned so Agility Logistics, Bond Dickinson, career path, High Tide aims to open MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS a host of outdoor teambuilding challenges much. We went to some beautiful Casper Shipping, Cory Shipping, the minds of young people, raising THROUGHOUT THE to further improve communication skills and places and the crew were very nice. David Fox Transport, Denholm their aspirations and providing real ORGANISATION. provide an opportunity for everyone to work I would definitely recommend for Wilhelmsen, PD Ports, Sabic and employment opportunities.” together and get to know colleagues in a fun others in the future to be given the Tata Steel. and relaxed environment. same opportunity.” Dave Allen, business development manager based at Immingham, commented on the course saying: “It was really well put together and hopefully all of us will take a lot from the three days and apply it into our working life at PD Ports.” 14 WAVE. WINTER 2013 WAVE. WINTER 2013 15

TELL US ABOUT HOW LONG YOUR ROLE: HAVE YOU

I am responsible for PD Ports’ activities WORKED AT across the Humber. This includes our PD PORTS? A DAY operations at Scunthorpe, Immingham, Howden, along the , and My whole working life. I started out the Isle of Wight. Fundamentally as a general clerk at Middlesbrough IN THE the work at all of these sites is the Docks in 1978. In 2006 my family and IN THE provision of logistical services, but I relocated to East Yorkshire where I the service requirements differ by site. took on the role of general manager at At Scunthorpe we manage transport Hull Container Terminal which led to my current role. LIFE south and services for Tata Steel, at Howden on the River Ouse we have four wharves managing a variety of Make a 40 mile journey from cargoes. I tend to visit the Isle of Wight HOW DO YOU Beverley to Scunthorpe. SPOTLIGHT site around five times a year and the Howden site once every two weeks. I SPEND YOUR PAUL MCGRATH, GENERAL MANAGER - HUMBER spend most of my time at Scunthorpe FREE TIME? Arrive at the Scunthorpe office. and Immingham, which are our two The first couple of hours are spent biggest sites on the Humber. Free time is hard to find when you’re reviewing the various statistical the Deputy Mayor of Beverley. Although reports covering the previous seven I really enjoy this role I have had days and how we performed. to make a few sacrifices, including HOW BIG IS missing the first Middlesbrough match YOUR TEAM? of the season this year (for the first time in forty years) to carry out a day Meet with the area managers to I am responsible for 270 members of civic duties. I’ve been a season ticket discuss the previous week and how of staff with the majority based in holder at Middlesbrough FC for more various goals will be achieved. Scunthorpe. The roles of these staff than thirty years, and attend just about include forklift operators, heavy plant every match. As well as football I enjoy operators, drivers and admin teams. attending test cricket matches during Join the senior management the summer. I have also just completed telephone call. A telephone my MBA dissertation at Hull University. conference takes place with the WHAT ARE My home life includes spending time team in Middlesbrough to discuss THE KEY with my wife, son and two dogs. the week ahead. CHALLENGES OF

YOUR ROLE? Grab some lunch.

Previously the Humber sites had very little interaction with each other and worked very independently, but we are Deal with any issues raised in the now realising the power of bringing morning meeting and telephone the teams together to work more conference. closely. Like any cultural change this is taking time, but we are already seeing the results. We hold a weekly Meet with potential customers. forum for managers from all sites to come together, share ideas and build common ground. Health and safety update.

I’VE BEEN A SEASON TICKET HOLDER AT MIDDLESBROUGH FC FOR MORE THAN Leave work around this time THIRTY YEARS. however work still continues on site late into the night.

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR 270 MEMBERS OF STAFF WITH THE MAJORITY BASED IN SCUNTHORPE. 16 WAVE. WINTER 2013

MEET THE SUPPLIER THE NETA TRAINING GROUP

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FRANK RAMSAY WITH PD PORTS? CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NETA NETA takes pride in meeting customer needs, and its policy has always been to be proactive. By working closely with companies like PD Ports we ensure that our training provision covers the needs of employers and helps reduce the skills TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS issues faced, not only in the North East, but also across England. PD Ports is equally passionate about developing the local workforce and communities and NETA was set up in 1975, as a charitable group training association, offering supports us by providing valuable help and advice. Russ McCallion, PD Ports’ quality training for engineering construction companies based in the Northern human resources director, even sits on our board of trustees. Region. Since its inception the company has gained recognition as one of the UK’s largest vocational training providers and, through its proactive policy and programme of continuous improvement, now offers a diverse range of services AND WHAT ARE THE KEY CHALLENGES? to many other occupational sectors outside of engineering. Approved as the first There is a well publicised skills shortage in certain industries, particularly Centre of Vocational Excellence for Engineering Construction, NETA was also the engineering. However, many people cannot get into work because of lack of first independent training provider to achieve certification in the Training Quality skills. A major challenge is to create an environment where people of all ages Standard with excellence in Engineering. It not only provides commercial courses within the community can access training programmes to prepare them for to industry and commerce, but is also heavily involved in government initiatives work in industry. Employer involvement is essential and PD Ports has been at the such as apprenticeships and adult skills. forefront of giving new employment opportunities to individuals, raising their skills and aspirations. HOW ARE YOU WORKING WITH PD PORTS NETA has worked closely with PD Ports for many years and projects have TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM. included: consultation, further development and delivery of tailored Safety Following an apprenticeship and initial career with ICI, I’ve been involved in the Passport accredited health and safety training for all port staff. The development training sector since 1981. All NETA’s instructors and delivery staff have had of an adult apprenticeship programme tailored to the requirements of the port extensive experience in industry prior to moving into training. NETA has many which combines a port specific qualification with value added broad based skills people who have stayed with the business for over 20 years. training that maps across a number of other industry sectors. As part of this project we also trained the ports own assessors and internal verifier. NETA also AND FINALLY IF YOU WEREN’T THE CHIEF train and assess the ports annual intake of young apprentices. They currently EXECUTIVE AT NETA, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? have 11 apprentices with us in mechanical or electrical disciplines at varying I had such an enjoyable career in training that I would want to work in the sector stages of their training. in some capacity. Alternatively, I can only play three chords on a guitar, but if that’s enough to make me a bald, geriatric rock star, I’ll plump for that!