Two Welsh titans of logistics received the industry’s ultimate accolade and Lifetime Achievement Award when Tommy Williams and his son, John Williams, were honoured at FTA’s Logistics Awards 2019.
The award recognises a lifelong commitment to the freight and logistics industry and was awarded jointly to Tommy and John in recognition of the transformative work which both have undertaken during their long careers in the sector.
“Behind every great son stands a great father,” said Leigh Pomlet, President of FTA when presenting the award, “and Tommy and John Williams are synonymous with the excellence and dedication which is required to succeed in the logistics industry. Many congratulations to them both on their incredible careers, which have inspired so many.”
Mr Williams Senior began his logistics career in 1953, with a single coal delivery lorry but soon established TDW Distribution as a significant successful logistics company, which is well regarded in the challenging Welsh transport industry.
John Williams, his son, started his career with Russel Davies, Securicor Logistics and Hutchinson Ports before acquiring Maritime Transport in 2001. Since taking control, when the company ran 137 vehicles, he has turned it into one of the UK’s leading transport companies, with a turnover in excess of £330 million a year, more than 1,000 trucks and 2,000 drivers. It now the UK’s largest container road operator.
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The awards ceremony, held at the Park Plaza Westminster, was attended by more than 400 of the logistics industry’s leading representatives from all modes of transport. The evening, which was hosted by comedian Ed Byrne, celebrated the companies and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the logistics and supply industry through their dedication, innovation, and diligence during the past 12 months. FTA Director of Marketing and Communications, Kevin Green, said the event showcased the very best of British industrial delivery and innovation: “FTA’s Logistics Awards have always celebrated success, innovation and dedication, and this year was no exception. A highly anticipated event that surpassed even the greatest of expectations, this year’s ceremony certainly lived up to its reputation as the logistics occasion of the year and recognised the incredible work done by the individuals and businesses committed to keeping Britain trading.” |
Logistics businesses are struggling to fill job vacancies as the number of EU nationals immigrating to the UK for work continues to plummet, according to a report this month by FTA. The organisation is asking government to recognise how reliant the industry is on EU workers and to amend its future immigration policy to welcome these vital individuals post-Brexit. The report provides a detailed examination into how various factors, including the UK’s future immigration policy, are impacting the availability of labour in the logistics sector.The number of EU nationals moving to the UK for work is now more than 50% lower than its peak period between June 2015 – June 2016. |
