A family-run Croydon haulier has taken on the giants of the logistics industry for a second year in a row at a glittering Park Lane awards ceremony.
ELB Partners Ltd made the shortlist for the Urban Operator of the Year category at the Motor Transport Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Wednesday, September 6.
As in 2022, Pallet-Track member ELB narrowly missed out on taking home the main prize at the industry’s blue-riband event, which went to nationwide parcel delivery firm DPD UK.
But managing director Peter Eason said simply making the shortlist was a huge achievement for an independent business going up against the might of several household names.
The Urban Operator of the Year category is to recognise the innovative solutions the transport industry has developed to keep our towns and cities safe, clean and quiet while maintaining strong and resilient supply chains.
Peter said: “Urban supply chain operators need to deftly negotiate narrow streets, narrow time frames and narrow margins at the best of times. Our challenge is even greater, as we manoeuvre through London’s clean air zones and congestion charge to continue delivering the excellent service we are renowned for.
“None of this happens without an outstanding team of people, and this nomination is recognition of the hard work and skill they demonstrate on a daily basis.
“The Motor Transport Awards are the biggest in the industry and just being on the shortlist is an achievement in itself. We’ll be going for third time lucky in 2024.”
ELB holds FORS Gold status, an award which judged it on vehicle safety and emissions, which it won for the ninth consecutive year in 2023.
The company has invested heavily in the installation of safety equipment in its trucks to support drivers, including AI cameras and telematics technology, which help to reduce risks, such as fatigue, tailgating and vulnerable road users, through data analysis and incident detection.
Following the HGV driver shortage of 2021, ELB also developed its own driver training programme in partnership with EP Training Services to overcome local skills shortages.
ELB was established in 1970 as a three-person partnership and Peter bought the business from his father George in 1985.
It now employs around 60 staff and moved to a brand-new 60,000 sq. ft headquarters in Beddington Farm Road in 2021.
For more information visit www.elbpartners.com.
Picture: The ELB Partners team at the Motor Transport Awards, where the company was nominated for Urban Operator of the Year Picture: Locations Photography Ltd
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