In this episode, Hattie Hlad explores the transformative impact of the government-funded HGV Skills Bootcamp Programme with Jack Hicks, National Skills Bootcamp Manager, and Damian Waszak, National Employee Liaison from PDT Fleet Training Solutions. The discussion highlights how the programme addresses the critical HGV driver shortage. With over 3,000 individuals trained and 150 employers supported, this initiative is reshaping the logistics industry by providing tailored training, hands-on expe...
Dec 18, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Hattie Hlad explores the vital importance of immediate legal support for drivers involved in road traffic incidents. Joined by Charlotte Le Maire, an experienced barrister and founder of LMP Legal, the conversation highlights the critical role that 24/7 roadside legal assistance can play in protecting drivers and their employers from severe consequences. Through case studies, Charlotte contrasts real-life outcomes for drivers who received immediate legal intervention versus thos...
Nov 20, 2024•22 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, host Hattie Hlad welcomes Dr Elizabeth Box, a seasoned transport researcher and head of the RAC Foundation's research programme. Dr Box brings over two decades of expertise in road safety, behavioural psychology, and transport policy. The conversation delves into Elizabeth's career journey, from her academic roots at the University of Cambridge to her current work at the RAC Foundation. Dr Box shares valuable insights into the importance of policy, collaboration, and behavioural...
Oct 16, 2024•41 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to Driven By Excellence, your trusted place for all things logistics and road safety from PDT Fleet Training. Each month, join host Hattie Hlad as she interviews experts on a wide range of topics within the logistics field. About the host: Hattie Hlad works for PDT fleet training as the coordinator of LGV advanced training, an investment for the next generation of drivers, funded by Pertemps Driver Division. Hattie made the move from fashion to the logistics training sector in early 2022...
Sep 11, 2024•25 sec•Transcript available on Metacast For those who work in the transport sector, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are central to our industry. From Car and HGV tests to roadside enforcement, there is much the DVSA does to ensure that drivers, vehicles and operators are safe out on the roads. In this episode, Hattie is joined by Mark Horton, an Enforcement Policy Specialist at the DVSA, to discuss roadside enforcement and the measures taken to ensure vehicle and driver compliance. (0:10) Introduction (1:37) Mark's jour...
Feb 21, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast As parents or carers, the priority is to keep your children safe and this arguably starts when securing your newborn in car seats ready to take them home for the first time. But as your children grow, and their child seat needs change, where do we get the right information? How do we know when to change the seats? How do we make the right decision to ensure maximum safety for our children? In this episode, Hattie is joined by Julie Dagnall and Claire Waterhouse from Child Seat Safety UK to highl...
Jan 24, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Hattie is joined by former Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell, who shares insights from her career and her continued work in the road safety sector. Listen as Beverley reflects on her journey as the first female Traffic Commissioner and emphasises the need for operators to seek expert advice and be proactive in maintaining safe and legally compliant fleet operations. (0:10) Introduction (0:40) Understanding the role of Traffic Commissioner (2:03) The first female Traffic Commiss...
Dec 20, 2023•24 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Hattie is joined once again by Former Inspector Olly Tayler QPM, as they delve into the impact on not only the drivers and their loved ones but also the wider community and the first responders who deal with these traumatic events. Please note, this episode contains discussions of fatal road traffic accidents. Listener discretion is advised. (0:10) Introduction (1:30) First Responders and traumatic events (4:17) Public perception of First Responders (7:03) The emotional toll of ...
Nov 26, 2023•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Hattie is joined by Dr Victoria Kroll, CEO and co-founder of Esitu Solutions, a company focused on implementing traffic psychology research into the real world. In this episode, Vicky shares her journey into road risk academia and discusses the importance of their research in improving driver safety, the benefits of virtual reality in road safety, and the impact of their research on the fleet industry. (0:10) Introduction (0:52) Vicky's journey (8:06) Driving change through rese...
Oct 18, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Hattie is joined by James Evans, the founder and managing director of First Car, an organisation that publishes over 2 million safe driving magazines each year. Listen as James discusses his background and how he became interested in road safety, along with his work with The Honest Truth, Co-Pilot and the ICE hub. (0:10) Introduction (1:17) James' introduction to road safety (3:16) Protecting young drivers (5:07) The Honest Truth (10:54) The ICE Hub (15:45) Co-Pilot (20:40) Look...
Sep 20, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Hattie speaks with Andy Smart, head of L&D for PDT Fleet Training Solutions, to discuss his experience in creating and assuring effective delivery of driver training courses and the importance of driver CPC training. (0:10) Introduction (2:45) Training with unfamiliar vehicles (7:59) Improving driver behaviour (13:27) Practical VS Classroom training (16:21) Driver's CPC (22:09) Keeping drivers engaged About the guest: Andy Smart is the Head of L&D at PDT Fleet Training S...
Aug 16, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast With rising fuel and food prices pushing inflation to a 40-year high, matched with a well-documented shortage of truck drivers, more and more pressure is being put on the supply chain. Recent statistics from Logistics UK suggest that there is currently a shortage of over 60,000 LGV drivers. In this time, the number of HGV drivers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell to just 60, so the marketplace for drivers is extremely competitive. In this episode, we discuss what employers do or could do to at...
Jul 19, 2023•47 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Driven By Excellence, Hattie is joined by Mark Cartwright, head of the Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention team at National Highways, to discuss road safety and National Highways' role in making roads safer. (0:09) Introduction (4:17) National Highways (10:40) Employers' road safety obligations (16:40) Post-collision Trauma Response (24:25) Smart motorways About the guest: Mark Cartwright has spent most of his working career in and around the transport logistics industry, w...
Jun 21, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast For many who serve in the Armed Forces, being in the military is a structure, a family unit, and a way of life. Therefore, it's understandable that a lot of service leavers can find it a challenge to transition to new employment on 'Civvy Street'. It is clear that many qualities and skills obtained developed during military service are highly transferable to a professional driving career. It's why many of the best LGV drivers are ex-service personnel. There is a well-documented national shortage...
May 17, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Driven By Excellence, Hattie is joined by Pip Bains, arguably one of the most knowledgeable people in the logistics and compliance sector as they discuss his 20-year career within logistics and his thoughts on some key topics including future trends, the impact of Brexit and the shift to zero-emissions vehicles. (0:09) Introduction to Pip Bains (5:09) Pip's career highlights (7:27) Pip's biggest career challenges (9:06) Improving diversity within logistics (11:00) Quick-fire q...
Apr 19, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the first episode of Driven By Excellence, Hattie is joined by Former Inspector Olly Tayler QPM, as they unpack his experience in road policing and dig down to find out what led him to get involved and proactively reduce road risk. Please note, this episode contains discussions of fatal road traffic accidents. Listener discretion is advised. (1:34) Olly's career in policing (5:17) Arriving at the scene of a collision (11:31) Dealing with difficult situations (24:47) Improving road safety (29:...
Mar 15, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
