The event brought together key decision makers from across the Midlands with senior executives from the Swedish vehicle manufacturer, which appointed Hartshorne as a distributor of commercial vehicles in 1968.
The Hartshorne Group has since built a hugely successful Anglo-Swedish alliance with Volvo, with c. 22,000 commercial vehicles being sold via the Group in the UK.
Martin Cronin, Managing Director at Hartshorne Group, said: "We are extremely proud to have developed strong links with so many great businesses in the Midlands. These companies form the backbone of our economy; not only for the jobs and turnover they generate, but also for the vital role they play in providing services to other businesses. They are the heroes of the transport sector and we greatly rely upon their opinion and feedback. The summit was an opportunity to celebrate the last 50 years, whilst also discussing the future aspirations of our customers who have supported the Volvo brand."
The summit was attended by Heléne Mellquist, President Volvo Trucks Europe; Per Carlsson, Global Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Volvo Trucks; Robert Grozdanovski, Managing Director Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland; Lisa Ekelund, Chief Financial Officer Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland; and Ian Wrench Retail Development Director Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland.
The companies represented were as follows: Chris Hayes Haulage of Mansfield, HD Ricketts of Sutton Coldfield, JPE Aggregates of Wolverhampton, Pegasus Grab Hire of Stourbridge, Steve Benton Transport of Birmingham, and Summit Platforms of Smethwick.
Various topics for discussion included the importance of the transport infrastructure in the Midlands as a central hub for the UK, along with working towards a ‘greener’ UK, fuel economy and road safety.
The Volvo executives also personally presented new trucks to the commercial vehicle operators that attended the event, held at Hartshorne's purpose-built £4m site at Erdington in Birmingham.
Mr Cronin added: "A number of the companies that attended are long-standing customers whilst others are relatively new to our brand. Together we all continually strive to keep Britain on the move. The transport sector accounts for around 5% of the economy and is a critical linchpin for the success of the UK."
All the new Volvo trucks supplied through the Hartshorne Group are fully compliant with latest EU emissions standards, and were decorated in bespoke livery for each company. Hartshorne partners with its customers to promote road safety, whilst at the same time striving for a greener environment by boosting feel economy through specialist driving techniques, combined with the latest technology.
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Editor's notes:
PICTURE CAPTION (L to R): Ian Wrench (Retail Development Director Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland), Tony Hall (Director of Pegasus Grab Hire), Wayne Moult (Transport Manager, Summit Platforms), Robert Grozdanovski (Managing Director Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland), Martin Cronin (Managing Director Hartshorne Group), Heléne Mellquist (President Volvo Trucks Europe), Per Carlsson (Global Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Volvo Trucks), Stephanie Price (Director of JPE Aggregates), Steve Benton (Director Steve Benton Transport), Lisa Ekelund (Chief Financial Officer Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland), and Chris Hayes (proprietor of Chris Hayes Haulage).
The Hartshorne Group is today one of the leading commercial vehicle distributors for the West Midlands, East Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire. The company was first established in 1960s and in 2010 became part of the Hartshorne Crossroads Group. Combined, the Group has 20 locations across the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Humber and Lincolnshire, all fully equipped to meet the commercial vehicle needs of customers. The Group provides full parts & service facilities for Volvo Truck & Bus, as well as new and used truck sales. The group of companies employs over 600 people, and has a turnover in excess of £200million.
Issued by:
Gary Thompson
Tel: 07881 952441
Email: gary@w1features.co.uk
(On behalf of the Hartshorne Group)