ITAL LOGISTICS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Barcelona & Portuguese Imports
Amanda has been in the forwarding industry since 2003. She says she chose freight forwarding as a career path as no two days are the same, and enjoys the challenges that the forwarding industry presents. Having been made redundant following the effects of Covid-19, as soon as we saw her CV, we knew she would be an asset to the company.
Amanda says "there's nothing interesting about me, just a boring person really!" However, she berates herself. She is a breath of fresh air in the office, always has a smile on her face, and is motivational. She really enjoys giving a good service, and this is made all the more easy as her attention to detail is exemplary.
Very family orientated, she enjoys touring in their caravan, and is bonkers about her dog!
Job Titles:
- Ocean Development Manager
Prior to March 2013, any Ocean Freight (and Air) movements were pretty much ad hoc. But with increasing demand from many of our existing clientele, the need for expert knowledge was clearly evident. So, March 2013, enter Andrew Knowles. Andrew had been involved in the industry for some 27 years at that time, initially as consolidator, and in the prior decade as Ocean freight forwarder in the Midlands. His valued experience in this sector has added a further dimension to the Company's portfolio.
Following the gradual growth of sea and air movements, we were able to bring on board a second person to work alongside Andrew in January 2019. This extra capacity enabled us to double our sea export movements, and as recent as March 2020, the Company enjoyed its best sea freight result. If 2020 continues in the same vein, 2019 will be bettered by at least 50%. Plans to continue expanding on this mode are high on the agenda, especially in view of Brexit. Furthermore, Andrews extensive knowledge in custom procedures will place us in a good position post-Brexit.
Job Titles:
- Accounts
- Accounts Director
- New Accounts Director
Ashleigh joined the Company in October 2009 straight from college where she gained BTEC diplomas in Fashion & Clothing, and Art & Design. One may ask what on earth she is doing in freight forwarding, but whatever the reason, we're definitely not complaining!
Focusing on the our UK Sales Ledger, she also monitors the status of our clients and suppliers, granting credit as appropriate, whilst also monitoring supplier compliance. She quietly gets on with her role with immeasurable efficiency, and is eager to accept new challenges, soaking them up with consummate ease.
Always there to help others, no matter how busy she is, Ashleigh has firmly established herself in the Company as a very important cog in our machinery.
Little did she know when she joined the company would she become a shareholder and director, and in September this year (2022) she did just that, taking over from Dianne as Accounts Director.
And in case you didn't notice, yes, her name has changed from Green to Morris as she [finally] married Daniel at the same time!
Ashleigh Morris Accounts Director 01706 248 005 ashleigh.morris@ital-logistics.com
One of the warehousemen at our previous location, Chris joined us in 2014 when we moved to our new premises. But for a variety of reasons, in particular location, he left early in 2017. Realising that a few extra miles for a job he preferred, and in his own words "to a Company who truly cares about its people", he returned in February 2018. And we are glad he did.
When he joined us initially he had hair - now he doesn't. That's freight forwarding for you!
He is a Manchester United fan and a keen golfer. So the four day week shift we operate gives him every Monday to get out on the course. Married and devoted to his son, Taylor, he is a great team member and, despite the odd moan and groan (that's life!), he does a great job.
Job Titles:
- French & Portuguese Export Manager
Prior to joining Ital Logistics, Corey worked for one of our Benelux suppliers. Aware that he was about to relocate to Lancashire, and looking to take alternative employment, we were pleased to take Corey on board, even though at the time we didn't truly ‘need' another person. Sometimes you have to act.
Corey started in our Italian department providing support to both our export and import teams as we continued to increase our market share. As this role was more of a ‘mark time' role, as soon as we saw the opportunity to enter the French market, Corey was moved to the Iberian department with a focus on France. Why is France associated with Iberia one may ask? Well, geographically it is en route and was how we were able to develop French services on the back of northern Spanish services.
Thanks to Corey's approach to learning and developing the French market, aided and directed by James, we now operate to all of France, growing year on year since 2018 by 10% and 20% respectively for the first halves of each year to date (2020). The latter also during a period of global pandemic. Corey also handles our Portuguese traffic.
Job Titles:
- General Forwarding Manager
Daniel joined us in May 2013, having spent his previous 5 years in a combination of operational and sales within the freight industry covering both road, sea and air modes of transport. His role was initially to support our general forwarding road freight services and to lend assistance to our new sea and air services at the time.
He now focuses solely on road freight, including express freight and cross trades across the whole European continent.
Daniel holds a wide spectrum of knowledge, quietly and confidently performing his role to aplomb.
Daniel Morris General Forwarding Manager 01706 248 007 daniel.morris@ital-logistics.com
David is one of our great characters. He is always first to the phone, has a great enthusiasm for anything and everything, and simply one of the most likeable people you could ever know. It only seems 5 minutes, but it was in July 2010 when David joined the Italian Export team. Following a change of Greek partner in 2012, he side-shifted slightly and took Greece as his primary role, whilst also offering continued support on the Italian Exports.
Following our move to new premises at the end of 2014, the Greek service started to pick up steam and it wasn't long before David needed to focus solely on Greece. And in doing so, he has taken the line from 1-3 export trailers per week to upwards of 4-5, plus full loads, as well as handling between 2 and 4 import trailers.
On the 5th May 2009 Dean joined the company to work alongside Derek Heap on the Italian Export department following the closure of the previous company where he worked for some seven years. Ital Logistics has a very specific methodology, and attention to detail is fore-front to this. It was soon very clear that Dean met this exacting criterion, and some time before the move to our new facility in 2014, he took over from Derek as Italian Export manager. Supplementing the Company's specialisation in the carriage of dangerous goods, he also became our 4th DGSA in 2019.
Dean is meticulous in every way, and everything has to be done to perfection. It is this aspect of Dean's character that sets him apart from many. His dedication is without question, and no matter how much pressure he is under, he will always offer assistance to others. Mindful of the plethora and complexities of administration in managing a company, his qualities will set him in good stead as the Company moves towards the next phase of ownership.
In September this year (2022) Dean has indeed moved forward and, acquiring shares alongside fellow colleagues, he is now the Managing Director. No pressure Dean!
Wanting a different challenge, Dean joined us in September 2017, having spent some 15 years at the same company whilst it changed hands part way through. He has slotted in to our team well, no doubt aided by the fact that he had worked with John and Chris at a previous company.
He is a family man with two girls and a mad Manchester City fan, something which caused him no end of grief in his earlier years as all of his friends were United fans. But he came through it!
Derek joined our Italian export team in October 2005, and shortly afterwards took the lead export role for Italy. Having focused on Italy with his previous employer, the transition to Ital Logistics was relatively easy. As our niche specialisation on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods grew, the need for a second DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) arose so that we always had at least one DGSA on site. Derek's attention to detail was affirmation that he would be the man for this, and in 2008 he qualified as DGSA.
On the run up to our move to new premises in December 2014, Derek became responsible for the Health & Safety aspects of the Company, the management of the warehouse, and the overall security of our location.
In November this year (2022) Derek was appointed onto the Board of Directors.
My wife, Dianne, became involved in the Company fairly soon after inception, beforehand working within both the NHS and the education sector. Initially handling all of the accounts, as we increased our business, the need to increase the size of the accounts department since segmented the work.
Dianne's operational role prior to our management restructure in September of this year (2022), was taking charge of the UK Purchase Ledger, always taking pride in ensuring that all our suppliers are paid in a timely manner, thereby gaining trust and respect from our suppliers.
Handing her work over to Ashleigh as the new Accounts Director, Dianne has now retired as an employee, but still remains a Director and Shareholder.
Job Titles:
- Accounts
- Accounts Administration
Before the Covid pandemic, Eden worked in a customer service based administration role for three years but, like many, was made redundant as a result of Covid. She then commenced working as a credit controller, during which time she gained Business Admin Level 3, passing with distinction.
In her spare time she makes hand-made bath and body care products and enjoys visiting craft fairs. She is also a supporter of Burnley Football club.
Greg started his freight forwarding career in 1993, starting as a junior freight clerk at what was then a relatively small niche Scandinavian operator. Ironically, the office was less that 200 metres away from our site in Heywood! Acquisitions within the business took Greg on a journey through various different roles, controlling export and import departments, and more recently onto internal sales. However, after 24 years service, Greg felt that the time was right to look for a fresh challenge, and in December 2017 Greg joined our Iberian team.
We are pleased to have Greg on board; his seniority within the business and his attention to detail is a great help to balance the younger entrepreneurial skills of his colleagues. His focus in Ital Logistics is working with Simon on the Barcelona export route, but like everyone in the Company, lends a hand anywhere and everywhere when necessary.
Jack previously worked in the Shipping department at a food importer working with freight forwarders on sea freight. He tells me "I must have thought it sounds like they have an easy job so I'll join a freight forwarding company! Although I soon found it that isn't necessarily the case."
He says he was attracted to Ital Logistics as it appeared it was a place where there would be progression opportunities as many of the team had worked there for many years. Jack has firmly cemented himself into our import squad in such a short space of time.
Outside of the workplace he is the secretary of my local amateur football club in the Huddersfield & District League, which invariably takes up a large part of his spare time.
Having worked for some 11 years at a major courier company, James decided it was time to broaden his horizon. Planning some 2,500 deliveries a day across some 50+ vehicles has certainly prepared him for a fast-paced environment!
James has settled in well. having never been involved in Customs processes, this is the biggest challenge. Saying that, since Brexit is it for everyone!
An avid fisherman in his spare time, and a green belt in Lean/Six Sigma (whatever that is), not to mention that he can be found doing some grounds maintenance at his family's golf driving range.
James joined Ital Logistics in October 2005 to work in the General Forwarding department. As time progressed, his interest in the Spanish market gathered momentum, and in early 2008 he was encouraged to devote more time to this line. From what was part of the General forwarding business, over the years this has steadily become one of our fastest growing markets, and is now contributing around 30% of the Company's turnover. James' enthusiasm and hunger for the Company's development has been instrumental in enabling the growth of a market fraught with economic difficulties.
In the BIFA awards of 2015 we promoted James, in his last year of eligibility, to enter the Young Freight Forwarder of the Year award. Although he did not win the award, he was one of four finalists, which in itself an exceptional achievement. In some ways, not winning was a more motivational result in that it fuelled his desire to improve on his capabilities. James' character is to aspire and to be successful. Certainly one of the future generation of directors to take over the reins of Ital Logistics.
And right on cue, in September this year (2022), James has now acquired shares alongside fellow colleagues as part of Phil & Dianne's exit strategy, and is now director of service development.
Laura Waterhouse Spanish Exports 01706 248 012 laura.waterhouse@ital-logistics.com
Before joining Ital Logistics, Joe's main experience in the logistics sector was on the manufacturing side, specifically with shipping dangerous goods by Air, Road and Sea. Joe is fully trained on the IATA, IMDG & ADR regulations having his qualifications in all three modes
Joe decided he wanted to step into the freight forwarding world as he was interested to learn about the ins and outs of the shipping industry, from working with shipping lines & airlines to clearing customs.
A supporter of Manchester City football club, Joe is also an avid collector of vinyl records.
John has been in the industry since 1995, the lion's share of these years being in the road freight sector. John joined us in 2015 and openly admits that the thought of joining a smaller company, after working for some of the biggest players globally, was a step into the unknown. But after meeting us a couple of times he knew we would work well together and hands were shook. John's efforts have had a considerable effect on the Company in the few years he has been here, with consistent measures of year on year growth.
John would highlight that the immediate difference working at Ital Logistics over previous much larger forwarders, is he is allowed to ‘get on' with it. "We don't have sales meetings here - unless we need to. We target and bring the right types of business on board, we manage it well and move it as we say we can - on own services, were we manage the movement of every kilo, every kilometre." John is also proud of the high retention of clients here, we lose very few clients, this is huge to us and a large contributor to the organic growth on which we continue to build upon year after year.
John is a stickler for not letting a good business opportunity get away particularly when well suited to our core markets & specialist industry sectors, this is reflected on the business he continues to target and bring on board.
Jonathan joined us at the start of the last quarter of 2016 with no real experience of the industry. His only link to the industry was his brother David who manages our Greek service. At the time we had little choice but to throw him in at the deep end hoping he was a good swimmer. As a result, he has bobbed in and out of the water a few times! In his own words, he didn't realise how involved this industry is and what goes on behind the scenes to which outsiders are often oblivious.
Having spent a year on Central and Southern Spanish exports, he now resides in the Italian export department, where he also heads the Maltese service. He is always eager to get involved and will lend a hand on any department as and when required. A great team player.
Joseph's interest in the aviation sector, following studying this at college, led him into his first role which was predominantly dealing with dispatching and passenger aircraft. This then led him into the freight world where he became an operations coordinator with the pick and pack operations for a small business in south Manchester.
Seeing the job advert with Ital logistics, he felt that we would be a good place for him to further develop his skills, and find new challenges within the logistics sector. Joseph has quickly settled into his role in our import department with aplomb, and in his own words - "I have loved every second since doing so."
Joining the Spanish export team in June this year (2021), Kate has already become an established team member and an asset to the department. Her first position after university was as an export administrator for a flooring company. Having spent several years in this position she became more interested in logistics and sought a position in freight forwarding - lucky for us!
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and hiking, and is a bit of a foodie in that she enjoys experimenting with world foods and baking. She happily washes it all down with craft beers and red wine.
Kate also qualified in January 2023 as a DGSA (Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor) making her our seventh DGSA.
One of our longest serving colleagues and one of the most important, Kurtis joined the company in February 2003, and then took a fortnight off! Well, he was getting married, so I suppose we can let that one go! Kurtis heads off the Italian Import department with support from Steve and Peter. Between them they manage close on 20-30 trailers per week inbound. Kurtis has great ability in bringing everything together, and from nothing can make something. In addition, he takes overall responsibility for the Italian routes having earned his position within the Company due to his irrepressible commitment, even under the most strenuous of circumstances.
Having grown and developed with the Company, there is little doubt that he will take at some stage over the reins alongside others as future owners of the Company.
That stage materialised in September this year (2022) when alongside fellow colleagues he acquired shares and is now director of operations, whilst still maintaining strong leverage on the Italian market. These Italians need keeping an eye on!
Mark Parsons Italian Export Manager 01706 248 010 mark.parsons@ital-logistics.com
From her grandparents background of warehousing and distribution, Laura joined us mid 2017 as a dual role; booking in goods, checking weights/measurements, coupled with some accounts administrative tasks. She adapted to her role extremely well and soon after, at the turn of the year in January 2018, she took over the control of all of our storage contracts.
As time progressed, and as our Greek service needed another pair of hands, we decided to move Laura away from the administrative part of her role to gain some experience assisting David on the Greek imports, as well as keeping tight control of our storage contracts. Laura made a further move halfway through 2019 to work alongside Dean on Italian exports and then across to the Spanish export team in June 2021 to further her development.
Conscious of the environment, she took it upon herself to investigate our waste management company and did site visits to find out exactly how our waste is managed. She is eager to learn, and do new things, and to further her knowledge.
Liam joined us as a trainee warehouseman in July 2018, sitting his forklift training within a few months and passed accordingly. Learning from our more experienced warehouse chaps, he is gaining confidence and will be a valuable team member in time.
Straying from football, he is a Rugby fan instead, supporting Leigh, which is his home town. He also enjoys video gaming; as long as he doesn't start doing Gran Turismo with his fork lift truck we'll be OK!
Mark joined the company in August 2014, previously having done a 7 year stint with the NHS. So this is his first job within the freight industry. His role at Ital Logistics is in our Italian export department which accounts for 20% of our total business. He has handled the change of career very well, especially considering that Dean is a hard taskmaster with his constant aspiration to dot every ‘i' possible.
His hard work has indeed paid off. Following the management buyout in September this year (2022), he moved into Dean Emsley's old shoes as Dean progressed to Managing Director. Mark is now head of the Italian export department.
Mark Parsons Italian Export Manager 01706 248 010 mark.parsons@ital-logistics.com
Mike Whitney - Chief Commercial Officer
Commencing his career within the freight industry in 1987, Mike joined us in September 2007 as Sales Manager. Much of his experience in the twenty years before he joined Ital Logistics was within the Eastern Bloc countries, but his wealth of experience, across all aspects of forwarding enables him to adapt the same principals to any geographical location.
Completely dedicated to his work, Mike takes great pride in all that he does. His energy and enthusiasm is both overwhelming and contagious, and he is never deterred, no matter how hard the going gets.
His knowledge, in particular of some of the more difficult Eastern European markets is exceptional, has enabled us to handle many movements we would otherwise have been unable to do so. An asset to the company, and a great person.
As part of the management restructure in September this year (2022), Mike has acquired shares and has become Commercial Director.
Job Titles:
- Accounts
- Accounts Administration
Ital Logistics is Morgan's first full time job, having worked part time in a nail salon and also doing some bar work after leaving education. Of a choice of junior vacancies which we had at the time time, Morgan felt that she was best suited to accounts and administration as opposed to forwarding operations.
This has certainly been proven, as she has taken to her role very well indeed, and has become a great team member of the accounts department.
Morgan, like many others here, follows Manchester City football club.
Morgan Green Accounts Administration 01706 248 005 morgan.green@ital-logistics.com
Job Titles:
- UK Sales & Foreign
- UK Sales & Foreign Ledgers
In June 2008, Nicola joined the Company as a junior in our operations department. As we gathered pace, Nicola expressed an interest in the accounts aspect of the Company. Pressure was already building on Dianne as the Company continued to grow, so Nicola moved across to the Accounts department and she has continued to flourish year on year.
Amongst other things, Nicola is now solely responsible for the Euro Ledger, sales and purchase, which has become a large part of our accounts. Some 70% of our operational purchases are now in Euro's. She is also involved in the sales ledger, the daily banking and a variety of other important duties associated with account and administration.
Paul used to work for one of our main local hauliers and used to work the odd shift for us on a part time basis. When our haulier decided to sell the warehousing side of its business on, Paul moved with it, whilst still continuing to ad hoc for Ital Logistics.
As time went on, he eventually decided to come to us full time and we are very pleased that he did. His work ethic is ‘get on with it', and he certainly does, quietly and confidently.
Having been involved in the freight industry, since around 2000, Peter joined our Italian import team in July 2011. His previous role was handling European Imports, so he stepped in quite nicely and has been plugging away ever since. A bit like Steve Bossons, very little phases him and he just quietly ‘get's on with it'.
As our import services have grown, moreover after Brexit, it became evident that we needed to appoint someone to harmonise the processes across all import departments. For all of us, Brexit was a learning curve, no matter how much knowledge you had ‘back in the day' before we joined the EU. Peter was quick to absorb the new import procedures, and it became clear that he was the right person to be promoted to Import Manager.
Whilst he still has a major lean towards the Italian import services, he helps steer the other road freight import departments, sharing with them his newly found knowledge.
Job Titles:
- Director & Group Chairman, DGSA
Yes, that's right. Rebecca joined our sea and air department back in January 2019, but decided to venture elsewhere in June 2021. She must have missed us so much that in August this year (2023) she came back. And we are certainly pleased she did.
Rebecca has been involved in the freight industry for some 10 years, predominantly on sea freight exports. With an affable nature, she has great attention to detail, and is well respected amongst our client and suppliers alike.
She enjoys travelling, and enjoys cooking - that is when she gets a chance, as her fiancée does the majority!
Sandra says that she chose freight forwarding because of its international appeal, and that she would be working with people from many parts of the world. When she first entered Ital's building, she knew that she would like to work here. "Ital seemed a modern and fair employer that not only wants to be successful in the market, but also values its employees and business partners".
It is clear that she enjoys the fast-paced environment. With excellent organisational skills and the ability to focus, she is unphased by whatever gets thrown at her. The forwarding industry can at best be unpredictable!
Outside of work, she works as a volunteer at a Lithuanian Sunday school, enjoys teaching children, and has in interest in historic sites.
What can we say about Steve? When he arrives into the office, he plugs himself in. And if somebody didn't unplug him, he'd still be here. He eats files for fun and is often referred to as ‘The Machine'. Never ruffled, Steve joined us in September 2005 to add to our Italian Import department and has been here ever since.
Steve is a key member of the Italian Import team adding resolute stability to the import conveyor belt.
After an 18 year stint at his previous company, Steven brings with him a wealth of experience across all aspects of freight forwarding. Joining us late 2022 , Steven has embedded himself firmly into our Iberian import department dealing with Spanish & Portuguese imports, as well as assisting on other markets at times.
This is Sydnee's first job in the forwarding industry after previously working as a carer. What interested her most about freight forwarding is that she can be involved in sending goods to many different places, many which she "hasn't even heard of!"
Being someone who enjoys travel and exploring new places, she considers that this industry coincides with her hobbies well. Let's see if she feels the same after her millionth customs entry!!!
Sydnee has learned a lot since she joined us. She has shown us that she can adapt to any task given to her. She has stepped in on most departments for holiday (or crisis!) cover, and is gradually becoming a well rounded freight forwarder.