British Gypsum’s Supplier Driver of the Year 2018 has been crowned at an annual competition in Burton-upon-Trent.

Graeme Collingwood beat more than 350 other drivers from British Gypsum’s haulage partners to scoop the title. Karl Sargent was named Most Improved Driver, and the CEVA Logistics team won the Team of the Year awards.

The suppliers’ Driver of the Year scheme began in 2014 and has been designed to encourage safe and sustainable driving practices. It took place at Palletforce’s SuperHub, a drive-through distribution centre, earlier this month.

Entrants competed in a series of regional qualifying heats before 10 finalists were selected to progress. The final saw drivers participate in five monitored activities, which were designed to showcase their driving skills as well as their mechanical, technological and theoretical knowledge. Activities included Driving Assessment, Manoeuvring, Coupling and Uncoupling, Load Securing and Risk Profiling.

Graeme Collingwood was named Driver of the Year, Karl Sargent was awarded the title Most Improved Driver, and the CEVA Logistics team based in Kirkby Thore won the Team of the Year award.

Jag Gill, Supply Chain Director at British Gypsum, said the scheme is “a great way to encourage development across the business in conjunction with our haulage providers to really focus on the key behaviours and development of the drivers.

“We have evolved the event further with the introduction of new categories, so it is not just about recognising individual efforts but also about recognising the improved performance of the team.

“It is a fantastic event and is now a permanent fixture in the calendar for the future”.

Pictured: Graeme Collingwood (left) and Karl Sargent.