Arrival of new fleet follows acquisition of The HGV School ltd by Lifft Group
A West Midlands HGV training school that is hoping to attract a more diverse group of professional drivers into the industry has invested more than £300k in a fleet of state-of-the-art vehicles, with plans to purchase two more trucks over the next 12 months.
Based in Staffordshire, The HGV School ltd is an award winning, family run business offering CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles) training services to companies across the region, as well as individuals looking to forge a career in the industry.
The business works with hundreds of commercial learner drivers every year, delivering fast track courses, re-tests for all training categories, as well as refresher training for all LGV driving categories.
Recently the MP for Wallsall North, Eddie Hughes, unveiled the brand-new articulated lorries and Rigid Goods Category C vehicles at the company’s HQ in Willenhall, all of which boast low emissions, mirrorless trucks with 360’ camera safety systems for protection of vulnerable road users, as well as touch screen technology.
The significant investment also follows the recent acquisition of The HGV School ltd by Lifft Group Limited, a nationwide network of businesses which operate commercial fleets and companies specialising in transport training that are working together to promote change within the HGV industry.
Commenting on the investment Shannan Paterson, who took over as the Managing Director of The HGV School ltd when she was just 21 years old, said: “The transport industry keeps the country moving and growing, and it provides a fantastic, long-term career option for thousands of people. , but there’s no denying that there’s a chronic shortage of professional drivers.
“That is driven, in part, by the reputation that goes alongside being a truck driver.
“As a local company, and now as part of the wider Lifft Group, we want to change that.
“Our investment in these new vehicles is part of our ongoing commitment to showcase the more modern, advanced aspects of the industry with a view to creating, empowering and preserving a pipeline of new and diverse talent for the future.
“It also means that anyone training with us will be used to the standard of equipment more commonly used on the roads, meaning that they are a better candidate when it comes to interviewing for a job.”
Commenting on the acquisition of The HGV School ltd, Lifft Group Limited Director, Giles Allen, said it formed part of the group’s strategic growth ambitions, and its commitment to investing in companies that can help to create sustainable job opportunities in the local area.
He added: “Whilst The HGV School ltd now forms part of the wider Lifft Group it is still a family run business with the same values and work ethics that have contributed to its success to date.
“Shannan and the team have done a fantastic job in building an expansive and loyal customer base, and for that reason it’s important that it maintains its own identity.”
Paterson, who is now the working as Commercial and Sales Director at Lifft, alongside overseeing the day-to-day operations at The HGV School ltd, added: “All of the businesses within the Lifft Group exist in their own right, but as a collective we benefit from a wide range of resources and investment which will not only help to facilitate our own growth, but will also serve to benefit the wider haulage and transport industry.”
The HGV School ltd employs four members of staff at its headquarters in Willenhall.
With more than 30 years of experience delivering training to thousands of customers it has worked with hundreds of individuals looking to establish a driving career, as well as many large West Midlands logistics and fleet-based businesses. With ongoing investment in the company it is expected that it will have capacity to train upwards of 500 learners each year.
