Three significant awards in one weekend for Cambridge business committed to making UK logistics greener.
December 2023 was an eye-opening month in the 90-year history of one Cambridge-based business.
In one landmark weekend Welch’s Transport Ltd, a family-run logistics and haulage company based in Duxford, were winners of three awards at three different industry events across the UK.
The awards each recognised the incredible effort the team at Welch’s Transport have taken to raise standards, innovate and embrace progress in recent years, particularly when it comes to sustainability.
Led by Chris Welch (fourth-generation owner and Director), Welch’s Transport continues to push the boundaries of sustainable logistics.
Business Developments This Year
This year, the company has embraced cutting-edge technology with one of the country’s first 19-ton Battery Electric HGVs. Their aim is to bring cleaner, greener logistics to organisations in the City and Business Parks around Cambridge, and to the UK.
This bold move not only reduces their carbon footprint but also demonstrates Welch’s Transport’s commitment to environmental innovation.
They also installed a 150-kW charger early in 2023, which holds the mantle of being the first publicly accessible HGV supercharger in the UK – a resource they share with fellow hauliers, clearly demonstrating their belief in the power of collaboration for a greener future.
More Sustainable Practices
But that’s not all. With the aim of streamlining deliveries into and out of Cambridge, Welch’s Transport has established an Urban Consolidation Centre (UCC) at their site. This facility will limit the need for so many logistics vehicles to enter the City. Items can be delivered to the UCC, sorted to create the most efficient routes, and then taken onwards using the cleaner, electric vehicles.
And, implementing the latest technology, the company has this year harnessed Artificial Intelligence to optimise all their vehicle routes across the UK, resulting in up to a 15% reduction in their fleet mileage – which represents a significant reduction in emissions.
Finally, Welch’s Transport has expanded their ‘solar estate’ to 150 kW with a further 150 kW planned for next year and is now exploring wind generation and batteries to maximise its reliance on clean energy.
First to Net Zero
This will see them achieve the status of being the first logistics company in the UK to have a fully Net Zero Battery Electric Vehicle operation.
Chris Welch is rightly proud of the company’s achievements in 2023 – having earlier won two SME awards – saying: ‘It would be easy to sit back and celebrate next year’s 90th anniversary with a degree of self-satisfaction. But the industry we’re in has its work cut out cleaning up its act. I am determined that Welch’s Transport lead the way by making our little bit of the world as good as it can be. I couldn’t be happier that the awards the team have won this year recognise the importance of our efforts and will show other businesses the value of using innovation to make progress that will ultimately benefit everyone.’
Awards won weekend 8th December
GREENFLEET Awards -British Motor Museum, Gaydon
Winner – Private Sector Commercial Fleet of the Year
Highly Commended – Private Sector Fleet Manager of the Year – Chris Welch, Director
Logistics UK Awards – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London
Winner – Rising Star of the Year – Jamie Sands, Operational Support Manager
Shortlisted – Logistics Leader of the Year
Renault Trucks UK Dealer Network Awards -NEC Birmingham
Winner – Service Market Dealer of the Year – WTL Duxford
Awards also won in 2023
28th September
SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards – Cambridge Country Club, Bourn
Winner – Business Innovation
Winner – Business of the Year more than 50 Employees
Shortlisted – Business Person of the Year, Chris Welch
1st December
SME National Business Awards – Wembley Stadium, London
Shortlisted – Business Innovation
Shortlisted – Business of the Year (more than 50 Employees)
