A HEREFORDSHIRE transport firm is celebrating a number of promotions and qualifications among its staff to mark 50 years in business.

Distribution company ABE Ledbury was recently named the Small Business of the Year in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Awards. It was also shortlisted for the Customer Service Award.

Starting out with just two vehicles, the company today employs a 75-strong workforce and operates 50 vehicles and 60 trailers, serving customers across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Powys and Shropshire.

Among those celebrating are Victoria Evans, who has been promoted from team leader to supervisor in the customer services department, and George Harrison, who has been promoted from team leader to supervisor in the warehouse.

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Their promotions follow 12 months of intensive training and includes successful completion of a mentoring programme, team leader course, IOSH safety course (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and first aid training.

Kelly Wright, National Planner, has attained her Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence.

Craig Jenkins has gained his HGV category C licence after completing ABE’s Warehouse to Wheels programme along with apprentices Ashley Norton and Jack Clifton who have also completed their HGV Category C qualification.

Joe Feakins is now a fully fledged HGV fitter after successfully completing his HGV mechanic apprenticeship.

Clive Brooks, Managing Director of ABE Ledbury, said: "The development of our staff is a key priority and we pride ourselves on our ability to keep them engaged and motivated through a mix of regular cross training, internal training and external training.

"The aim is for our teams to have the know-how on as many roles as possible within the business.

"Our aim is to help our staff build their skills and develop their careers not just for the benefit of ABE Ledbury but also for the wider industry."