News
Bringing Easter to the Children’s Wards of Oxfordshire and Berkshire
With the Special Assistance of The Easter Bunny, Swift are pleased to be delivering over 600 Easter Eggs and special gifts to Children and Siblings who will be spending Easter in Children’s Wards at Readings Royal Berkshire Hospital and Oxfords John Radcliff Hospital this year.
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Newbury Civic Award & Newbury Town Young Persons Civic Award 2013
The Newbury Town Civic Award Schemes are launched by the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Arthur Johnson together with Mr. Adrian Smith, of the Swift Group of Companies.
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Tanker Drivers Strike and Fuel Shortage Contingency Document
During the last week we have seen increased risk of Tanker drivers strike, this could lead to fuel shortages.
Last week we saw some of these issues highlighted when panic buying occurred across the country, increasing fuel demands by up to 7 times in some areas.
Primary Points
Many of our customers may require urgent movements, for which we need to put in place some contingency planning, this will include the on-going assessment as issues develop and emergency review by the board.
Initial Planning
- Bunkered Fuel in Newbury
- Bunkered Fuel with Strategic Partners across the UK.
- Access to Bio Fuel - (which, while not a favoured or long term solution, does offer emergency solution to critical movements. IE Trunk vehicles and limited rapid deployment fleet).
Longer Term Planning
In the event of a long term interruption (over 3 weeks sustained blockade of access to fuel) an application in week 2 to Thames Valley Police Chief Superintendent for access to "local" emergency supplies of fuel, which have been held in reserve to support emergency services and supply chains which have been assessed as "critical to Emergency Services and Public health and Safety"
Conclusion
Drivers will be asked to keep their vehicles topped up (as much as possible without effecting deadlines) at every opportunity. The constant assessment of the situation will be absolutely paramount in this situation.
Swift will also keep All Clients informed as our contingency comes into place.
Above and Beyond
The recent Arctic weather resulted in some amazing stories as we have reported on the APC Overnight customer website. The depot involved in the turkey rescue was APC Swift, and their MD Adrian Smith shares the credit: "While it is true that Swift oversaw the direct client liaison, the success – and therefore the thanks – is, in fact, due to the entire APC Network, one which Swift continues to be proud to be associated with." Above and beyond efforts by our depots were appreciated nationwide: APC Courier Logistics were sent this email from a grateful customer "throughout the bad weather the service of APC was excellent....first class!" while our Preston depot received a note passed on from their customer (who said "we like emails like this!") saying: "Your choice to use APC Overnight was certainly a good one....with the consignment tracking number I was able to follow the delivery progress and they delivered on time, even in these atrocious winter conditions!"
Nothing could more clearly demonstrate the importance to OUR customers of reliable delivery to THEIR customers, as does the following wonderful story. It was sent by a grateful customer to his supplier, passed on by the supplier to the collecting depot (85) who shared with the delivering depot (APC Direct Express) regarding a large order of gourmet food: "My wife and I would like to thank all your excellent staff for pulling out all the stops for us with regard to the Christmas delivery.....Owing to the bad weather, the driver (our regular man) decided to walk up our long drive (300 yards of drifted snow) rather than risk getting his van stuck. He had in fact got stuck the day before in a nearby village and that is why he was unable to make it to us even on the Thursday. As usual, our order was a large one at almost £300, and the box was heavy. I could not carry it more than a yard or two myself, so how he managed our drive I cannot imagine! He deserves a medal; please pass this on to APC."
We know there are many, many unsung heroes around the network who kept everything running, which is the reason that our service stands out from the crowd. As Adrian Smith declared after the turkey rescue: "What a driver. What a Team. What an achievement. WHAT A NETWORK!"
Warning: bogus e-mail job offers
Swift have been made aware of a bogus company using our logo and name sending out job offers via e-mail. If you receive one of these please ignor it, what ever you do, DO NOT phone the phone number at the bottom of the attachment it will direct you to a number in the USA. Swift will never send job offers by e-mail. If you receive such an e-mail and you are unsure please call 0870 2424 365 for advice.
Swift offers new UK to Worldwide Service...
Swift have created a new service offering collection through out mainland UK for delivery worldwide for more information please call Pat on 01635 571727...