Double celebrations are in order at Chesterfield-based logistics firm Hastings Freight Limited (HFL), as the company announces the managerial promotions of two valued team members, Georgia Dickson and Ash Roberts. Georgia becomes HFL’s new customer service manager and Ash its transport & compliance manager.

HFL is a founding member of Palletways UK, a Road Haulage Association member and a thriving regional employer. The business was bought 15 months ago by employees George and Claire Hewitt through a management buyout stabilising a mature, regarded business, securing jobs and paving the way for its future development and expansion.

Georgia has worked there for six years and assumes responsibility for a team of five looking after business operations and customer service. Ash joined eight years ago and manages HFL’s 60-strong vehicle fleet, inspections, servicing and scheduling, and a team of three traffic planners who look after customer collections, routes and deliveries.

Director Claire Hewitt says: “Our customer relationships are built upon reliability and good communication, and our employees are the key to this and make HFL what it is. Since the buyout we’ve put coaching, development and performance plans in place to ensure all our employees flourish and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. We’re delighted to promote Georgia and Ash and thank them for their continued hard work and commitment to the business.”

Ash adds: “Each person has a regularly reviewed personal development plan, which along with training, coaching and performance opportunities, help us to be the best we can personally and professionally. We feel well supported by the company and the senior management team to enable us to reach our potential.”

Warwick Trimble, network director, Palletways UK, comments: “Whilst our network centres on infrastructure, we’re essentially a people-based business. Georgia and Ash’s promotions demonstrates the importance we place on investing in our people.”

HFL began trading in 1983 and in its early days operated as a general haulier before joining Palletways in 1998. The company now employs 75 people and operates a fleet of 34 vehicles. Working with Palletways and other partners, HFL provides transport across the UK and overseas to a wide range of customers. The company services Sheffield’s ‘S’ postcodes and some of Doncaster’s ‘DN’ postcodes exclusively for Palletways and is ideally positioned in Chesterfield off the M1.