Page 9 - CTB N13 - 2016-01

NEWS
EFFITIRES Renew Contract with Blackpool Transport
CAM awarded Investors in People
Tourists can tour seaside sights in comfort from Blackpool Transport’s buses thanks to EFFITIRES by Michelin solutions, after the operator agreed a five-year renewal of its tyre management programme.
perspective, so the EFFITIRES programme promotes peace of mind, as well as cutting down on bureaucratic red tape.”
Michelin solutions will maintain a shared action plan developed with
The pence-per-mile deal covers Blackpool Transport’s 38 midibuses, 24 full-size single-deck buses and 73 double-deckers, all of which operate from the company’s central depot in Rigby Road. A 10-vehicle ‘reserve fleet’ is also covered under the EFFITIRES contract, as are the venerable Leyland Olympian open- topped and Leyland Atlantean AN68 buses maintained as part of Blackpool Transport’s ‘heritage fleet’.
Bob Mason, Blackpool Transport’s Director of Delivery, says: “We’ve enjoyed a close working relationship with Michelin for many years, and appreciate the value for money the premium fitments provide. The company works closely with us to ensure we get maximum longevity, safety and durability from our Michelin rubber, which also helps keep tyre-related downtime consistently low across the fleet.” Mason adds: “Michelin solutions handles everything from a tyre
Blackpool Transport to ensure continued harmonised operations, which eases the administrative burden of managing a diverse and busy fleet.
The company will also carry out fleet-wide tyre safety inspections and ensure a productive and responsive supply chain, so Blackpool Transport can continue to fit its Michelin tyres in-house.
The operator’s fleet sports a variety of high-quality Michelin urban bus tyres, which feature reinforced sidewalls to protect against kerbing and cut down on wheel interventions and downtime. Blackpool Transport will also fit Michelin Remix tyres under the contract.
As well as its 147-strong bus fleet, Blackpool Transport is also responsible for maintaining and operating the seaside resort’s iconic tram services, which first entered operation in 1885.
CAM has been accredited with Investors in People (IIP) following its recent inspection, which awarded the standard based on the company’s strong ethos towards excellent customer service and support, high levels of staff retention, and its leadership position and high penetration in its target sector.
The assessor was impressed with the company’s focus on the customer, led by the managing director, citing the respect and flexibility shown by the talented team towards its ends users as well as among its staff.
Leading the IIP process, CAM general manager, Ryan Naughton, commented,
“The ethos of the company is founded on openness and trust. From the point the company was formed over 30 years ago the customer was placed at the heart of the organisation. Through Mike Allen’s leadership all aspects of the business have continued to develop, however the commitment to the customer has always remained the key focus. The support shown by the team throughout our journey towards Investors in People reflects the camaraderie, dedication and passion of the company to ensure we remain at the forefront of the tyre industry.”
Vacu-Lug Receives Gold Rating for Sustainable CSR Policies
Vacu-Lug has receive a Gold Rating for its sustainable CSR policies following an independent audit by EcoVadis on behalf of Veolia Environment.
Less than 5% of companies globally are awarded the Gold standard. To achieve this status, companies have to undergo a wide-ranging audit that encompasses 21 criteria across 4 themes; the environment, social policy, ethics and the supply chain. CSR evaluations conducted with EcoVadis are used as a
tool for a sustainable procurement policy that cover a supplier’s risk management issues and identify with them best practices and areas for improvement.
“To receive a Gold Standard is a great result”, commented Vacu-Lug MD, Tim Hercock, “and is testament to the hard work and effectiveness put into our ISO and other Management systems that ensure we deliver an international standard of performance.”