News - Lynch Tankers

In the Driving Seat with Carla Bailey

Welcome to the latest in our new series of interviews called, “In the Driving Seat,’ to help you to get to know our fabulous team better.

This week it’s over to Carla Bailey, our Transport Co-ordinator who joined us last year.

Tell us what your job entails.

My role is essentially to plan our drivers’ routes which means allocating jobs all over the country.

I’ve been with the company for four months now and am currently working from home.

My previous roles have been working within the Transport Industry.

What’s the favourite part of your job?

I love the variety and the pressure. Every day is different. You never know what’s going to have and it might sound odd, but I enjoy the stress of that!

How have you found the various lockdowns?

It’s been fine to be honest. My husband and I have enjoyed the time we’ve had to walk the dogs and have some time together. If I’ve not been too tired after work, I’ve enjoyed cycling too.

What’s the first thing you’ll do after lockdown has lifted?

Just to be able to go back to normality and nip into town or go to the pub again – I’ve forgotten what it’s like.

Have you got any hopes for the future?

I am ambitious and want to move up the ladder. I’d love to be a Transport Supervisor next.

If you won £10,000, what would you spent it on?

Definitely a deposit for a house.

New Addition to the Lynch Fleet

If you’re buying a new family car, you probably do lots of research before you hand over your well-earned cash. Buying new tankers is no different especially when you work within the chemical industry.

It’s a massive investment for us but from a health and safety perspective we have to get it right.

Transporting hazardous substances and chemicals is complex and means you can’t afford to take any risks. This means the tankers we use have to meet our very exacting requirements.

We wanted to expand our fleet and needed to ensure that the tankers we purchased met those specifications.

An ‘off the shelf’ tanker wouldn’t cut it because of the kind of hazardous chemicals we carry which means we needed something completely bespoke.

Our team researched exactly what we needed in terms of functionality, industry compliance and safety specifications.

We then approached a specialist manufacture to help us determine the feasibility and precise design requirements so we could get our customised tankers made.

After several months of planning and discussions, working with the manufacturer, we brought in a highly experienced sub-contractor called Crossland Tankers to help us get our plans on the road, metaphorically and physically!

It was a long iterative design process involving various design revisions, specialist materials, and lots of testing to ensure every requirement we had was met and that we were meeting the BEIS guidelines.

After several months of detailed research, a long design process and both robust and rigorous testing we took ownership of two brand new tankers. They have been completely customised to meet the complex requirements our business has because of the nature of the chemicals we transport.

They’re now being used on a daily basis, our drivers love them and we are absolutely delighted to have them as part of the James Lynch & Sons Team.

In the Driving Seat with Nick Wade

Welcome to our latest ‘In the Driving Seat,’ feature. A series of interviews we’re carrying out so you can ger to know our fabulous team even better.

This week it’s the turn of one of our tanker driver’s – 43-year-old Nick Wade who lives in Cheshire. He’s worked here for the last 12 years.

Tell us about your job.

I’m a long-distance Tanker driver and love the work. This is the longest I’ve ever stayed with a company. I started here when I’d just turned 31! I travel all over the country delivering chemicals and I’ve been to different parts of Europe working for the company too which was interesting.

What did you do before?

I’ve been a lorry driver since I was 21 and have worked for different companies on general haulage. I did work in heavy haulage too which I enjoyed but it involved a lot of working away from home. At one time I thought about being a plumber, but my Grandad was a lorry driver and we also had a haulage company within the family in the past, so becoming a lorry driver was a logical step for me.

What do you love about your job?

I love driving, getting out and about and seeing different parts of the country, which I would never see if I wasn’t a lorry driver. I have also been fortunate enough to work out of different parts of Europe for the company when they needed me to. I was in Inverness the other day and it was absolutely beautiful. I would never want to be stuck in an office every day. Lorry driving is the perfect job although the long hours can be tiring sometimes.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love running and going on long walks. That’s helped keep me sane during lockdown because although I’ve worked all the way through, it has been tough not seeing my family. In Inverness when I’d finished work, I was able to go on a five-mile run and explore the area which was great.

I’ve also got a dog called Max so taking him for long walks is how I like to relax.

What are your plans for the future?

Just getting back to normality and being able to see my family and friends again is all I want really. I also have some charity runs planned later in the year when events get started again.

And finally, what’s your favourite holiday destination?

I don’t have a favourite holiday destination but I love anywhere with great scenery. I’d get bored just sitting on a sun lounger – I like to explore, see new places and talk to people. Somewhere where I can go walking and see new things and beautiful scenery would be perfect.

In the Driving Seat with Adam Yates

In the Driving Seat with Adam Yates

Welcome to the second in our new series of interviews called,’ In the Driving Seat,’ aimed at giving us the opportunity to speak to a different member of the James Lynch Team so you can get to know them better.

Second up is our Engineer, Adam Yates. Twenty-five year old Adam has worked with us for the last five months, but it’s not the first time he’s been part of the team. He worked with us five years ago and when the opportunity presented itself he decided to come back, which we’re really pleased about.

Tell us what your job

I keep a check on what comes into the garage and sort out any problems etc. I love getting stuck into the technical side of things. I love working at Lynch’s, I must do, I come back after all.

Tell us something nobody know about you?

That is really difficult. I’m an open book so everyone probably knows everything about me already.

I like to do up vintage tractors and go to steam rallies but everyone at work already knows that!

How have you found the various lockdowns?

Other than social distancing measures, work’s been the same so there’s been no real change there. The hardest thing has been not being able to see my friends.

What’s the first thing you’ll do after lockdown has lifted?

Definitely go to the pub and see my friends – it’ll be good to catch up.

Have you got any hopes for the future?

I’m really happy in my job and they’re a great team. Maybe one day I’d like to move up the ladder but I’m in no rush.

I’m going to rebuild the Land Rover I bought to do up– that’ll keep me busy!

In the Driving Seat

In the Driving Seat

Welcome to our new series of interviews called,’ In the Driving Seat,’ aimed at giving us the opportunity to speak to a different member of the James Lynch Team so you can get to know them better.

And up first is our Transport Manager Greg Steele. Here we put Greg under the spotlight to help find out more about him.

Greg from Rode Heath has been with us for ten years now and oversees everything transport related.

Tell us something nobody know about you?

Despite a twenty-year career I’ve never actually driven a truck but shhhhh don’t tell anyone. And for good measure, I haven’t watched a horror film since I was 16. I watched the Nightmare of Elm Street films with Freddie Kruger back then and it put me off for life!

How have you found the various lockdowns?

Work’s been the same for me and as I’m in a care bubble helping my Mum and Dad, I’ve been able to still see them. I’ve really missed seeing my friends though and going to watch my team Crewe Alex. Luckily, I was able to watch a couple of games over Christmas but obviously won’t be able to go again until restrictions are lifted.

What’s working here like?

I love it. I’ve worked in this industry for 20 years and every day brings something different. I’ve got a really good relationship with the drivers and work closely with them so there’s lots of laughs and banter. I hope they feel they can always come to me if there are any problems.

Will you do anything differently after lockdown has lifted?

I think it’s taught us that you can’t take anything for granted. On Christmas Day my Dad saw his brother for the first time in nine months, because of Covid. It was amazing, emotional and brilliant to see. It just shows that life isn’t about what you buy people, it’s about who you are with. Lockdown has definitely made me realise that.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

I love travelling to America and have been all over – New York, Niagara Falls, Vegas. I’ve been to Vegas three times now, the first time was on a stag do with 36 mates – it was fantastic and if I had to choose anywhere that’s where I would go again.

Have you got any hopes for the future?

Getting back to some sort of normality would of course be fantastic, being able to go to the match again would be at the top of the list but from a career perspective I’d love to move up the career ladder here and become a director one day.

Alfie’s Trucking Photos

We’ve had a very special visitor on site recently, all socially distanced of course.

Our team got to hear about an exceptional little boy from Nantwich who absolutely loves lorries and trucks.

Nine-year-old Alfie Simcox has loved everything haulage related since he was little and when we found out about his charity work, we wanted to give him a unique treat.

Alfie has been raising money for the Young Minds Charity by selling ‘Alfie’s Trucking Photos,’ calendars.

A talented photographer too, the calendars were his idea and feature photos he’s taken himself of trucks up and down the country.

To say: ‘thank you,’ for all of his hard work Alfie and his family were given a behind the scenes tour of James Lynch and Sons Transport. He got to see our new trucks and sit in them, talk to our staff and drivers as well as asking lots of questions. As the cabs are big enough to socially distance, he was even taken for a ride with Mark, the Fleet Engineer. Alfie said: ‘it was the best!’

We also purchased some of his calendars which are now proudly on display ready for 2021 and were so impressed with Alfie and his work that we also donated £500 to the Young Minds Charity.

As a result we received a, ‘thank you,’ from the charity itself. They said:

“Through turning real-life experiences into positive change for children and young people’s mental health, Young Minds are leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported through life, whatever the challenges, and your donation will provide support for young people and their families across the UK.

At a time when more children and young people than ever before are reaching out for help with their mental health, we are here to ensure that they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties. We support parents to help their children through difficult times, we equip professionals to provide the best possible support to the young people that they work with, and we empower young people to change their world. We couldn’t do any of this without the help of individuals and companies such as yourselves – on behalf of everyone at Young Minds and the children, young people and families we work with, Thank You.”

In return we wanted to say a huge thank you to Alfie for highlighting this charity’s fantastic work and bringing it to our attention, as well as coming on site to visit us. It was an absolute pleasure to have him with us and we’re certain when he’s old enough he’ll be behind the wheel of a truck, just as soon as he can be! Good luck Alfie and keep up the good work. Come back to see us soon.

Meet our new Transport Co-ordinator

Meet Carla Bailey. Carla is our new Transport Co-ordinator

Carla helps oversees the smooth running of everything transport related and is based in our transport office.

She’s joined us this month and has a background in transport, working on the front-desk, in administration and as a supervisor. Before that Carla worked in customer services.

Carla who lives near Nantwich, has two step-daughters and two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, called Hugo and Lucy.

In her spare time she loves cycling and walking her dogs. When she was at school Carla’s dream job was to be a childminder.

Road Safety Blog

“Reading the road, identifying and responding to hazards, driving with responsibility, care, consideration and always being courteous to other road users.”

That’s what makes for a safe HGV driver, according to Ian Parker.

We’ve spoken to Ian, our Driver Trainer, as part of Road Safety Week which is taking place this week.

Ian’s worked with us for eight years but started his new role as driver trainer last month.

He’s introduced a full induction and driving training programme for all our new drivers which includes a week’s training and ensuring they’re all up to speed with everything that’s expected of them from both a safety and compliance perspective.

Ian who’s also undergone an in-cab drivers assessment instructors’ course as part of his role says all drivers will have an annual assessment as part of their driver safety programme.

He said: “I’ve put a full driver training package together which is really comprehensive. Safety is absolutely paramount for us as a company especially as our drivers are working with chemicals on a daily basis.

All new drivers will undergo a full induction programme and every driver will have an assessment on an annual basis. As part of my role, I have to ensure our drivers gain their safety qualifications, that all paperwork is completed and that all our new drivers understand the safety systems of each premises they visit.”

Ian added: “I’m a qualified HGV driver myself so I know how important safety is for a driver, for the companies we work with and the public. My role is all about ensuring as a company we’re meeting all the safety regulations we should be, and we go above and beyond to keep people safe both on and off the road.”

An Interview with Adam Yates

Adam is the latest recruit to our garage team. He’s an HGV Mechanic and joins us for a second time.

The twentysomething worked with us at weekends on the wash while he studied agricultural engineering at college, over a four-year period.

After college, he became a mechanic and worked for Gunn JCB for a number of years repairing JCB’s onsite.

Adam says he’s always been practical and enjoys the big jobs coming in and the challenges that brings.

Outside of work, Adam has a lockup in Nantwich and owns two Land Rovers, seven tractors and a wagon which he says means he’s always got something to do. Welcome to the team Adam!

An interview with Helen Timewell

Meet Helen Timewell – our only female driver.

She moved here from Somerset six years ago to be with her future husband who’s also one of our drivers.

Helen’s entire 26-year career has been spent behind the wheel, either driving articulated lorries or fridge trailers.

The 50-year-old has a farming background and says she’s always had a fascination with lorries.

Although lorry driving is traditionally a male dominated industry Helen says she’s never faced any issues.

“Wherever I’ve worked I’ve always been accepted. If you do the job as well as everyone else, you get respect. I love my job and I love working with the team here. Don’t get me wrong there have been occasions working in the chemical industry where I’ve arrived for a delivery and they’ve been gob smacked that it’s a woman behind the wheel, but it’s only ever been surprise and certainly not sexism.”

“You need a good sense of humour and to be able to give and take the banter but for me that’s one of the best parts of the job, that and being able to see parts of the country that I would never have seen if it wasn’t for the driving. I also drive one of three new trucks, so I am very lucky.”

She added: “I think to make a good lorry driver you need to be patient, enjoy your own company and remember to expect the unexpected and go with the flow. There’ll always be days where traffic’s bad or your load’s not ready.”

“There are more women coming into the industry, my daughter being one of them. When she was a little girl, she used to come with me and now she’s driving trucks bigger than mine and delivering hay and straw in Somerset. Like mother like daughter!”