Thursday, October 20, 2011 : Grimsby Telegraph
Digital tachograph data analysis is an emerging route for an established south bank business that has supported the UK’s transport industry for more than 30 years.
GB Tachopak has established a prominent role in providing vital stationery products to small fleet hauliers and coach operators.
Now, as technology becomes an integral part of the sector, the Humberston business is ensuring it doesn’t get overtaken.
Experienced industry operator Phillip Latta has been brought in as general manager, as husband-and-wife owners Mike and Lesley Bayliss look to take more of a back seat in a business that began as a printing firm producing a handbook for the Road Haulage Association.
Mr Latta, a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport who sits on the organisation’s Humber regional committee, previously worked as North East Lincolnshire Council as part of the fleet strategy team. He has 20 years of experience in the industry and has just completed a degree in logistics management at Grimsby Institute.
He said: “We concentrate on the smaller end of the market and offer a personal service, which we pride ourselves on.”
“We like to think we can go the extra mile. We have done the same thing for 30 years, but the industry has evolved now and we are moving into a digital era, where paper is being replaced by e-mails. Paper is a consumable, data isn’t. We act as a bureau where we can download and analyse the data and it works very well.”
“We are all about understanding and deciphering the data, and presenting it back to the client in a way they can make use of it.”
“It is not just about compliance, but it could be to help with efficiencies.”
The premier supplier of driver defect report books in the UK, the company also provides tachograph charts and the equipment for fleet operators to manage the digital element themselves, as well as vehicle first aid kits.
Another key service is ensuring their clients stay on the road, providing the latest information when it comes to the law, as well as advising on training requirements.
Next month should see the firm’s Drivers’ Handbook launched, a 96-page publication that the six-strong team at GB Tachopak, based in Wilton Road, is excited about.
Mr Latta said: “It covers legislation, best practice and particular elements such as driving in London, where emissions zones and congestion charges have to be contended with, as well as other controlled zones.
“If you can give advice to drivers it will benefit operators as well. It will make a driver’s life easier. There is a lot of information out there for operators, but we decided drivers needed something, and we are hoping to have it on sale by November 1.”
It has been welcomed by both road safety charity Brake and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
(pic) ON THE RIGHT TRACK: GB Tachopak staff:
General manager Phillip Latta, right, with, from left, Anne-Marie Archer, Mike Bayliss, Karen Watford, Lesley Bayliss and Brenda Evison. Picture: Michelle Adamson