10.01.12 GBA Sponsor Young Football Team
GBA have recently sponsored two local football teams. We have just received this letter from our Youngest team.
Hi, my under 8`s have had an amazing and successful 2011 losing only 1 game last year. They managed to score over 100 goals last season and are well on their way to match that this term. The team are currently playing in the None Competitive Mid Lancs Colts but will be entering their first full league table format from September.
The kids have been amazing and most of our team were scouted and currently train at some of the North West’s Top Premier League Academy`s. I`ve been with the kids from the age of 5 and it a pleasure to work with some very talented juniors and it`s thanks to companies such as GBA that help to continue the support of our development and sponsor the kids team.
Thank you,
G Grimshaw
Gary Grimshaw-Brown
Charnock Richard
Junior Under 8’s Greens Manager.
06.12.11 A big 'Thank you' to GBA.
Dear Mr Birkbeck,
I would just like to tender my most sincere thanks to you and everybody else at GBA Services for the ‘loan’ of the Mercedes Vito Minibus in which we travelled down to the Young Grand Prior Competition held at Rugby.
More importantly, I would like to express my appreciation at the speed in which you expedited this. We had been let down at the last minute by a Citroen dealership who promised us a seven seater car for the journey.
It is with great pleasure that I can now share with you some rather good news…WE WON!!
Yes that’s right, the Chorley’s Angels First Aid Team, (that is what we have nicknamed the Cadet team from Chorley Quad St John Ambulance Unit) swept the board in a nail biting competition which pitted the best teams from across the country in an epic final.
To reach this competition the teams must have either won or come runners-up in their respective First Aid Competition. It is there fore a competition to decide the best of the best. Or, as Assistant Chief Commissioner Lawrence Day (who was giving out the trophies) put it, “a competition to find out who is…TOP GUN” this put the Angels up against the top teams of, Navy, Air Force and Army medics, teams from St Andrews from Scotland, The Order of Malta from Ireland, even the top teams from the National Schools Competition.
In the draw which had been made a month previously, the Angels had been drawn as team K, this meant they competed last, not a problem but as isolation was closed to teams at 12 noon, this meant an agonising three and a half hours before they competed. It did however allow for some serious revising and brushing up of their competition skills.
When they did compete the main hall was crammed! All the teams which had competed previously were all there with their leaders, family and friends. It was a logjam of bodies…would this put them off?
The team test came first; two friends are fooling about on an escalator when one of them trips causing the other who is drinking from a bottle of cola, to fall. The result, severe lacerations to the upper leg with a piece of broken glass embedded and severe bleeding, the casualty was also suffering from shock. That was just one casualty! The other suffered a fractured collar bone and shock, the team did magnificently, the team number one Joy Woodcock putting in a fine show of leadership. As I was taking photographs I heard other teams who were watching, gasping and saying ”wow…aren’t they good!” this made me feel very proud. The tests are timed. (8 minutes for the team test and 6 minutes for the individuals) after the team test the girls were smiling, that is always a good sign, it means they thought that they had done well and, more importantly, put them in a good frame of mind for the individual tests which were up next.
Without going into too much depth the casualties had an array of injuries including; fractured pelvis, a wound to the back of the knee, concussion, shock, fractured elbow, fractured lower leg and a fractured arm. The Angels dealt with them efficiently, safely and promptly, ensuring that all bystanders were safe and unhurt and recording the incidents accordingly.
The question was, had they done enough? It was a short wait until the results were read out. This was done in the order of competing so Chorley had to wait until the last result was read out before they would know. Up stepped Ian Blakeley, himself a former National Champion and now Chairman of the Industry Steering Group to do the honours. First St Andrews First Aid Association from Bilsten Glen, 254 points, gosh that is a high score, this was followed by scores of 199, 224, 199, 204, 216, 223, 210, 216 and 190, the St Andrews score is obviously massive! Only Chorley to go, fingers crossed…275…Yesss!!
Great scenes as the Angels went up to receive the award, the crowd were on their feet applauding them. There was an added surprise as the team number one, Joy Woodcock received the trophy for the highest scoring individual test with 74 out of 80…way to go Joy!
This is the highest ranking first aid competition in the country, possibly the world, to win this competition a team has to be right at the pinnacle of achievement, in short, the kids done good!!
It occurs to me that days like these can shape a persons life, these young people are shaping into the kind of person to which we should all be proud, I know I am! I also know that if it had not been for the kindness and generosity of yourself they would not have even been there!
Below is a picture of the Angels receiving the Young Grand Prior Award.
Kind Regards,
David Forrest
05.12.11 GBA gains JAUPT/DSA Approved Training Centre Status
GBA Services is proud to announce that we have been successful in achieving JAUPT / DSA Approved Training Centre Status therefore allowing us to provide Driver CPC Training in house.
The Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) scheme was launched by the EU in a bid to improve the professional standing of LGV drivers and to aid improvements in road safety for all commercial drivers throughout Europe. Although all existing LGV licence holders obtain their CPC via “grandfather rights” they still need to complete 35 hours’ periodic training by September 2014 in order to continue driving commercially.
Jane Dawe (Human Resource Manager) says “ We want to provide excellent training and support for our drivers and by opening our CPC Training Centre we will be able to keep up to date with current legislation and help our drivers obtain their DCPC hours. We recognize that by investing in our staff that we can develop a productive and valued workforce”.
GBA Services will aim to have all drivers with a minimum of 7 hours towards their DCPC qualification by the end of March 2012.
Along with the Driver CPC Training GBA are also sponsoring drivers to complete their ADR, Fork Lift and Aviation Security Level D Qualifications. This will also provide additional CPC hours and add to our drivers personal development.
In January 2012 GBA Services will also be providing the opportunity for all employees to complete various NVQ courses.
“ By offering a combination of training and professional qualifications to our drivers we are not only demonstrating our commitment to staff development we are also ensuring that our drivers are some of the most highly qualified in the industry. I am delighted that we have achieved JAUPT approval for both our Training Centre and DCPC Course and very much look forward to rolling this out over the coming weeks/months”. (Carolyn Lee, Seaham Depot Manager)
24.11.11 GBA takes delivery of 15 Super Space Tractor Units
15.11.11 GBA faces the future with smart new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters
Extract taken from Mercedes-Benz Press Release.
Leading time-critical delivery specialist GBA Services has completed the first phase of an ambitious fleet replacement programme, with the arrival of 20 new, fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vans.
The Sprinter 316CDIs were supplied by Blackburn dealer Ciceley Commercials and are the first vehicles to wear the operator’s eye-catching new vinyl wrap livery, which was designed and applied by AST Signs, of Penrith.
Established in 1987, GBA Services runs a large fleet of trucks and vans which has long been dominated by the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz. Its latest Sprinters replace a previous batch, which have been stood down.
Sales & Development Director Wayne Smith said: “We chose Mercedes-Benz vehicles initially because of their excellent reputation for reliability and ability to take high mileages in their stride. Our drivers cover most of the Continent and although our Sprinters have never let us down, the fact that Mercedes-Benz breakdown cover is never more than a single phone call away gives us great peace of mind. We’ve also built up a great relationship with the team at Ciceley Commercials, who look after us extremely well.
“We’ve stuck with the brand ever since and that loyalty has been repaid with excellent and cost-effective service from our vehicles. These latest Sprinters are even better than the models they’ve replaced. The 163hp Euro 5 engines are particularly impressive; they’re smooth and powerful yet also offer excellent fuel economy and first-class ‘green’ credentials.”
GBA Services has grown relentlessly since its early days, when it operated from a single office in Preston. The company’s headquarters are still in Preston but it is now one of the country’s leading time-critical delivery specialist, with a network of nine sites nationwide and vehicles running to and from Europe every day. GBA’s vehicles are fitted with sophisticated tracking, security and immobilisation devices which electronically seal and lock, and allow customers to track individual vehicles and consignments.
Much of its work – just-in-time consignments and bulk deliveries – is undertaken for the automotive and aerospace sector: a typical run might entail delivering palletised auto parts to a car assembly plant, or a ‘panic’ item being rushed to a factory in the event of an unplanned production line stoppage. GBA Services also offers specialised transport of sensitive and high-value loads, whether by road or by air freight.
Published in:-
European Motor News:www.europeanmotornews.com/category/fleet/ ,
Transport Engineer: http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/article/37822/GBA-goes-fuel-efficient-with-Mercedes-Benz-Sprinters-.aspx
Road Transport News: www.roadtransport.com/blogs/road-freight-industry-announcements/2011/11/gba-faces-the-future-with-smart-new-mercedes-benz-sprinters
Silo Breaker: www.silobreaker.com/gba-faces-the-future-with-smart-new-mercedesbenz-sprinters-5_2264947051101945995
Automotive Industry Digest: www.automotiveindustrydigest.com
26.10.11 GBA Scores for Charity
On Wednesday 26th October GBA played host in their Executive Box at Ewood Park to a number
of charity winners at the Blackburn V Newcastle Carling Cup Match.
Rock FM’s “Cash For Kids” was one of the charities and tickets were given to a local family from
Wigan whose son, Alex had recently undergone major surgery in America.
The Cumberland Infirmary Special Care Baby Unit and The Household Cavalry Operational
Casualties Fund raised £5,500 between them by raffling the tickets at a charity event and the raffle
winners joined us in the box. Four other guests from Newcastle won their places by winning a
competition to keep pumpkins in the air the longest. The £1000 they raised went to a cancer unit
within The Great North Children’s Hospital. Alex had a long night and a did a wonderful job in
presenting man of the match.
13.01.09 Finalist in TWO award categories!
Out of hundreds of entrants, GBA Services has been named as a finalist in two separate categories in the Northwest`s most illustrious business award, `The BIBAs`
Based upon our work in developing and marketing our new ‘Loadtrak’ live track and trace services and their associated workflow, we have been shortlisted in the ‘Best use of E-Business’ and ‘Innovation’ categories.
More information about The BIBAs can be found at: http://www.thebibas.co.uk/
12.11.08 Courier and Parcel Logistics Expo 2008
GBA Services Ltd exhibited at the third annual Courier and Parcel Logistics (CPL) exhibition and conference, held on 30 September, 1 and 2 October 2008 at the Excel London exhibition and conference centre, it was hailed as an enormous success by visitors and exhibitors alike. Though still young, the show is already regarded as the leading event dedicated to the fast-growing global express and parcel delivery services sector. This year 4000 visitors from 85 countries visited CPL’s 100 exhibitors. GBA had great success at the exhibition meeting new and existing clients where they were invited to play bowling on the Nintendo Wii, for a prize of box tickets at Blackburn Rovers.
Continuing success at GBA Services has meant yet again we have had to extend our fleet by taking delivery of Six new Forty Foot trailers
22.08.08 GBA & Bentley Ryder Golf Tournament
GBA have recently sponsored two local football teams. We have just received this letter from our Youngest team.
Hi, my under 8`s have had an amazing and successful 2011 losing only 1 game last year. They managed to score over 100 goals last season and are well on their way to match that this term. The team are currently playing in the None Competitive Mid Lancs Colts but will be entering their first full league table format from September.
The kids have been amazing and most of our team were scouted and currently train at some of the North West’s Top Premier League Academy`s. I`ve been with the kids from the age of 5 and it a pleasure to work with some very talented juniors and it`s thanks to companies such as GBA that help to continue the support of our development and sponsor the kids team.
Thank you,
G Grimshaw
Gary Grimshaw-Brown
Charnock Richard
Junior Under 8’s Greens Manager.
06.12.11 A big 'Thank you' to GBA.
Dear Mr Birkbeck,
I would just like to tender my most sincere thanks to you and everybody else at GBA Services for the ‘loan’ of the Mercedes Vito Minibus in which we travelled down to the Young Grand Prior Competition held at Rugby.
More importantly, I would like to express my appreciation at the speed in which you expedited this. We had been let down at the last minute by a Citroen dealership who promised us a seven seater car for the journey.
It is with great pleasure that I can now share with you some rather good news…WE WON!!
Yes that’s right, the Chorley’s Angels First Aid Team, (that is what we have nicknamed the Cadet team from Chorley Quad St John Ambulance Unit) swept the board in a nail biting competition which pitted the best teams from across the country in an epic final.
To reach this competition the teams must have either won or come runners-up in their respective First Aid Competition. It is there fore a competition to decide the best of the best. Or, as Assistant Chief Commissioner Lawrence Day (who was giving out the trophies) put it, “a competition to find out who is…TOP GUN” this put the Angels up against the top teams of, Navy, Air Force and Army medics, teams from St Andrews from Scotland, The Order of Malta from Ireland, even the top teams from the National Schools Competition.
In the draw which had been made a month previously, the Angels had been drawn as team K, this meant they competed last, not a problem but as isolation was closed to teams at 12 noon, this meant an agonising three and a half hours before they competed. It did however allow for some serious revising and brushing up of their competition skills.
When they did compete the main hall was crammed! All the teams which had competed previously were all there with their leaders, family and friends. It was a logjam of bodies…would this put them off?
The team test came first; two friends are fooling about on an escalator when one of them trips causing the other who is drinking from a bottle of cola, to fall. The result, severe lacerations to the upper leg with a piece of broken glass embedded and severe bleeding, the casualty was also suffering from shock. That was just one casualty! The other suffered a fractured collar bone and shock, the team did magnificently, the team number one Joy Woodcock putting in a fine show of leadership. As I was taking photographs I heard other teams who were watching, gasping and saying ”wow…aren’t they good!” this made me feel very proud. The tests are timed. (8 minutes for the team test and 6 minutes for the individuals) after the team test the girls were smiling, that is always a good sign, it means they thought that they had done well and, more importantly, put them in a good frame of mind for the individual tests which were up next.
Without going into too much depth the casualties had an array of injuries including; fractured pelvis, a wound to the back of the knee, concussion, shock, fractured elbow, fractured lower leg and a fractured arm. The Angels dealt with them efficiently, safely and promptly, ensuring that all bystanders were safe and unhurt and recording the incidents accordingly.
The question was, had they done enough? It was a short wait until the results were read out. This was done in the order of competing so Chorley had to wait until the last result was read out before they would know. Up stepped Ian Blakeley, himself a former National Champion and now Chairman of the Industry Steering Group to do the honours. First St Andrews First Aid Association from Bilsten Glen, 254 points, gosh that is a high score, this was followed by scores of 199, 224, 199, 204, 216, 223, 210, 216 and 190, the St Andrews score is obviously massive! Only Chorley to go, fingers crossed…275…Yesss!!
Great scenes as the Angels went up to receive the award, the crowd were on their feet applauding them. There was an added surprise as the team number one, Joy Woodcock received the trophy for the highest scoring individual test with 74 out of 80…way to go Joy!
This is the highest ranking first aid competition in the country, possibly the world, to win this competition a team has to be right at the pinnacle of achievement, in short, the kids done good!!
It occurs to me that days like these can shape a persons life, these young people are shaping into the kind of person to which we should all be proud, I know I am! I also know that if it had not been for the kindness and generosity of yourself they would not have even been there!
Below is a picture of the Angels receiving the Young Grand Prior Award.
Kind Regards,
David Forrest
05.12.11 GBA gains JAUPT/DSA Approved Training Centre Status
GBA Services is proud to announce that we have been successful in achieving JAUPT / DSA Approved Training Centre Status therefore allowing us to provide Driver CPC Training in house.
The Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) scheme was launched by the EU in a bid to improve the professional standing of LGV drivers and to aid improvements in road safety for all commercial drivers throughout Europe. Although all existing LGV licence holders obtain their CPC via “grandfather rights” they still need to complete 35 hours’ periodic training by September 2014 in order to continue driving commercially.
Jane Dawe (Human Resource Manager) says “ We want to provide excellent training and support for our drivers and by opening our CPC Training Centre we will be able to keep up to date with current legislation and help our drivers obtain their DCPC hours. We recognize that by investing in our staff that we can develop a productive and valued workforce”.
GBA Services will aim to have all drivers with a minimum of 7 hours towards their DCPC qualification by the end of March 2012.
Along with the Driver CPC Training GBA are also sponsoring drivers to complete their ADR, Fork Lift and Aviation Security Level D Qualifications. This will also provide additional CPC hours and add to our drivers personal development.
In January 2012 GBA Services will also be providing the opportunity for all employees to complete various NVQ courses.
“ By offering a combination of training and professional qualifications to our drivers we are not only demonstrating our commitment to staff development we are also ensuring that our drivers are some of the most highly qualified in the industry. I am delighted that we have achieved JAUPT approval for both our Training Centre and DCPC Course and very much look forward to rolling this out over the coming weeks/months”. (Carolyn Lee, Seaham Depot Manager)
24.11.11 GBA takes delivery of 15 Super Space Tractor Units
Automotive press release from DAF – GBA Services
Operating DAF Trucks for the past 10 years the high-profile trans-European logistics specialists GBA Services has taken delivery of fifteen new DAF XF105 Super Space Cab tractor units. Fully wrapped in vinyl with the company’s new livery, they are being supplied through dealer Lancashire DAF.
All 4x2s plated at 40 tonnes, and hauling 4.0m-high tri-axle straight-frame trailers, the 460hp newcomers are destined for doubled-manned international work transporting a multitude of electrical and automotive parts. Fitted with AS-Tronic automated gearboxes, DAF engine brakes and side skirts, each will cover up to150,000 km per year over the next five years.
Transport manager William Jessop explained the main reasons for choosing the DAF XF 105 were fuel economy, driver appeal and the quality of the after sales back up service. “Our drivers like the Super Space cab, the spaciousness, the high quality fittings and the level of comfort”. GBA Services handles some of its own maintenance, but relies primarily on dealer workshops for aftersales support.
At the same time GBA Services is acquiring ten DAF LF 7.5-tonners, again from Lancashire DAF. Scheduled to cover a similar mileage over a similar period to the XF105s, they too are to be deployed on double-manned cross-border work moving a wide variety of cargo and are being fitted with Hatcher sleeper cab extensions. All are equipped with 20ft bodies – an assortment of boxes and curtain-siders – while one truck is specially equipped with an AS-Tronic gear box.
“The reasons for choosing the 180hp LFs are much the same as those for selecting the XF105s,” explains Mr. Jessop, “good fuel economy, driver appeal and a class-leading payload capacity.”
Paccar Finance was chosen to fund the acquisition of its new DAFs for GBA Services. Lancashire DAF sales representative, Lee Draper stated: “We are delighted to receive this order from GBA Services and are confident that the trucks they are acquiring will make a major contribution to the efficiency of their business.”
Operating from 8 UK sites with its Head Office based just outside Preston, GBA Services is one of Britain’s leading providers of European express road transport. Its 150-strong fleet operates for many Blue Chip companies transporting all manner of goods ranging from automotive, aeronautical, high-value goods under secure conditions to exhibition stands, and the company offers a global freight forwarding service.
DAF Trucks Limited
Transport Engineer
MaterialsHandlingWorld
Materials Handling
Ast Signs
Transport Engineer
Translogistics
15.11.11 GBA faces the future with smart new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters
Extract taken from Mercedes-Benz Press Release.
Leading time-critical delivery specialist GBA Services has completed the first phase of an ambitious fleet replacement programme, with the arrival of 20 new, fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vans.
The Sprinter 316CDIs were supplied by Blackburn dealer Ciceley Commercials and are the first vehicles to wear the operator’s eye-catching new vinyl wrap livery, which was designed and applied by AST Signs, of Penrith.
Established in 1987, GBA Services runs a large fleet of trucks and vans which has long been dominated by the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz. Its latest Sprinters replace a previous batch, which have been stood down.
Sales & Development Director Wayne Smith said: “We chose Mercedes-Benz vehicles initially because of their excellent reputation for reliability and ability to take high mileages in their stride. Our drivers cover most of the Continent and although our Sprinters have never let us down, the fact that Mercedes-Benz breakdown cover is never more than a single phone call away gives us great peace of mind. We’ve also built up a great relationship with the team at Ciceley Commercials, who look after us extremely well.
“We’ve stuck with the brand ever since and that loyalty has been repaid with excellent and cost-effective service from our vehicles. These latest Sprinters are even better than the models they’ve replaced. The 163hp Euro 5 engines are particularly impressive; they’re smooth and powerful yet also offer excellent fuel economy and first-class ‘green’ credentials.”
GBA Services has grown relentlessly since its early days, when it operated from a single office in Preston. The company’s headquarters are still in Preston but it is now one of the country’s leading time-critical delivery specialist, with a network of nine sites nationwide and vehicles running to and from Europe every day. GBA’s vehicles are fitted with sophisticated tracking, security and immobilisation devices which electronically seal and lock, and allow customers to track individual vehicles and consignments.
Much of its work – just-in-time consignments and bulk deliveries – is undertaken for the automotive and aerospace sector: a typical run might entail delivering palletised auto parts to a car assembly plant, or a ‘panic’ item being rushed to a factory in the event of an unplanned production line stoppage. GBA Services also offers specialised transport of sensitive and high-value loads, whether by road or by air freight.
Published in:-
European Motor News:www.europeanmotornews.com/category/fleet/ ,
Transport Engineer: http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/article/37822/GBA-goes-fuel-efficient-with-Mercedes-Benz-Sprinters-.aspx
Road Transport News: www.roadtransport.com/blogs/road-freight-industry-announcements/2011/11/gba-faces-the-future-with-smart-new-mercedes-benz-sprinters
Silo Breaker: www.silobreaker.com/gba-faces-the-future-with-smart-new-mercedesbenz-sprinters-5_2264947051101945995
Automotive Industry Digest: www.automotiveindustrydigest.com
26.10.11 GBA Scores for Charity
On Wednesday 26th October GBA played host in their Executive Box at Ewood Park to a number
of charity winners at the Blackburn V Newcastle Carling Cup Match.
Rock FM’s “Cash For Kids” was one of the charities and tickets were given to a local family from
Wigan whose son, Alex had recently undergone major surgery in America.
The Cumberland Infirmary Special Care Baby Unit and The Household Cavalry Operational
Casualties Fund raised £5,500 between them by raffling the tickets at a charity event and the raffle
winners joined us in the box. Four other guests from Newcastle won their places by winning a
competition to keep pumpkins in the air the longest. The £1000 they raised went to a cancer unit
within The Great North Children’s Hospital. Alex had a long night and a did a wonderful job in
presenting man of the match.
13.01.09 Finalist in TWO award categories!
Out of hundreds of entrants, GBA Services has been named as a finalist in two separate categories in the Northwest`s most illustrious business award, `The BIBAs`
Based upon our work in developing and marketing our new ‘Loadtrak’ live track and trace services and their associated workflow, we have been shortlisted in the ‘Best use of E-Business’ and ‘Innovation’ categories.
More information about The BIBAs can be found at: http://www.thebibas.co.uk/
12.11.08 Courier and Parcel Logistics Expo 2008
GBA Services Ltd exhibited at the third annual Courier and Parcel Logistics (CPL) exhibition and conference, held on 30 September, 1 and 2 October 2008 at the Excel London exhibition and conference centre, it was hailed as an enormous success by visitors and exhibitors alike. Though still young, the show is already regarded as the leading event dedicated to the fast-growing global express and parcel delivery services sector. This year 4000 visitors from 85 countries visited CPL’s 100 exhibitors. GBA had great success at the exhibition meeting new and existing clients where they were invited to play bowling on the Nintendo Wii, for a prize of box tickets at Blackburn Rovers.
Continuing success at GBA Services has meant yet again we have had to extend our fleet by taking delivery of Six new Forty Foot trailers
22.08.08 GBA & Bentley Ryder Golf Tournament
On August 22nd, staff from GBA Services and Bentley Motors went head to head in a golf tournament organised by Wayne Smith (GBA Sales Director) at the Belfry Golf Resort. The two 5 man teams played one-on-one across 18 holes on the famous Brabazon course, home of the Quinn Insurance British Masters.
Bentley succeeded in taking the first annual trophy after subjecting GBA to a crushing defeat despite their ringer, Michael Archer, who is rated 69th on the PGA Tour and the only player to win on their team.
Bentley succeeded in taking the first annual trophy after subjecting GBA to a crushing defeat despite their ringer, Michael Archer, who is rated 69th on the PGA Tour and the only player to win on their team.
The event was organised as a result of the continuing partnership between Bentley Motors and their main time critical European transport supplier, GBA Services. The relationship, established for several years, is flourishing despite the fierce golf rivalry.