While sources suggest logistics workers spend just over seven years with the same employer , more than a third of employees at Palletways Edinburgh have worked together for over a decade.

Responsible for the high retention rate is Vanda Roberts, Senior General Manager for Palletways in Scotland, a finalist in this year’s Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards.

The mother-of-two oversees two of Palletways’ owned operations in Edinburgh and Livingston and is the only sole-female general manager across Palletways’ owned depots in the UK. Commenting on her employee’s loyalty to Palletways, Vanda said: “The key is flexibility and development. It benefits the business for our customers to deal with the same member of staff for so long and I feel lucky that some of them have become long-standing friends, too. Familiarity builds trust and confidence among customers when they can see a consistent and stable workforce in place. Because of the longevity of our staff’s service, they have a deeper understanding of our customer’s needs and requirements which can help to prevent and predict any problems that may arise. I’m passionate about upskilling and proud that in addition to the high retention rate, the majority of our staff have changed roles since they first joined.”

Georgia Hobson joined Palletways Edinburgh almost 12 years ago as a data entry clerk and she has worked her way through the ranks to customer experience manager, responsible for new business sales, and overseeing a team of three members of staff in the customer services team. Commenting on the reason she’s stayed at Palletways Edinburgh for so long Georgia said: “It’s definitely as a result of working with such a great team who always strive to be and do the best with everyone bringing something different to the table.

“From my early days in a relatively junior position, Vanda has encouraged my development and she has been a constant mentor over the years. She noticed I had an interest in sales and the customer experience, which I’m passionate about, so she pushed for my development in these areas and provided access to training to help me hone my craft.”

Georgia said the business has been incredibly supportive following the arrival of her first child in April 2021: “After maternity leave, my circumstances changed and I could no longer work full-time. Vanda said she didn’t want to lose the experience I had so she found a way for me to make it work and a four-day week has given the balance I was looking for.”

Class 1 driver, Bill McLay who joined the business in 2000 when it traded as Dalkeith Transport, before Palletways’ buy-out in 2015, is also amongst the team whose long service has been recognised by the business.

Bill said: “Despite the fact I spend a lot of time on my own navigating my 44-tonne vehicle around Scotland, the job is remarkably sociable. I count myself lucky that I’ve been at Palletways Edinburgh for such a long time as I’ve developed terrific relationships and enjoyed great banter with our customers.

“At the ripe age of 71 I can’t believe I’m still driving however I had an enforced break a few years ago due to health issues which I found incredibly tiresome. When I returned, I negotiated a four-day week so I could continue with the caravan holidays and cruises me and my wife have come to enjoy, which Vanda was understanding and supportive of. Every day at Palletways Edinburgh is an opportunity to learn something new – there are always new rules and regulations to keep abreast of which keeps my brain active and I feel incredibly supported at work. I enjoy meeting people and keeping busy so while I’m fit enough to do the job I’ll carry on for as long as I can – I have no interest in retiring any time soon as I reckon I have a fair few miles left in me yet!”

Vanda concluded: “There comes a time when people need flexibility or development, and there are always ways to work it so that it benefits the business.”

The Everywoman Transport and Logistics Awards final takes place on 28 June.