Team Baxter from the very start.
This year we’re celebrating 10 years of Baxter Freight (yes 10 whole years!) and the people that’ve been with us from the very beginning, who’ve grown with us, and seen the developments across the past decade.
Think back to 2014… Well for Sean, Lucy and Amy, that’s quite easy – they were starting their career at Baxter Freight!
From establishing new departments, to forming relationships with customers that we’re in partnership with still today, these three have seen it all.
We chatted about their experiences, and what’s led them to where they are now..
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! How does that feel?
S – Wow 10 years – I can’t believe it! It’s truly gone by so quickly. It’s so crazy to think about how things are now compared to back then.
A – I’m the same, I just can’t believe it’s been 10 years! It’s not until I realise all the changes that I’ve seen over the years, that I actually comprehend how long it has been.
L – Honestly it’s gone by so fast, I don’t know where the time has gone. I’ve gone from a university graduate to an Associate Director in the blink of an eye!
Have you got any standout memories from the past decade?
A – One of my key memories has to be our Key Accounts team being started up and growing, and overseeing the introduction of some of our largest customers, including Churchill China. Throughout the years, we’ve been able to develop our relationships with our customers, to having strong partnerships. There’s been so many things that’ve happened over the years it’s hard to keep track, but honestly, I just love getting to do what I do, every day. Keeping my customers happy, keeps me happy!
L – A standout memory for me has to be my career journey. Looking back, I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved during my time at Baxter Freight, and along that journey I’ve been able to meet so many fantastic people, including customers which I’ve built really strong relationships with over the years.
S – Well for me it’s definitely seeing all the departments grow. When I first started, there was only a handful of employees and a Operations team of 2 people! Now I couldn’t tell you how many people work in Operations there’s that many!
What makes Baxter Freight what it is?
A – Oh, it’s the people completely! I’d also say it’s the opportunities they’ve offered everyone over the years. For instance, I’m no good at sales, but my strengths and passion lies in customer service – so I’ve been able to develop my role into what suits me best, and I’ve been fully supported along the way.
L – Yeah I’d agree, it’s got to be the people! Working at Baxter Freight has provided me with real friendships, and enabled me to grow so much as a person.
S – This year marks 24 years of working in the freight industry, and this is the longest I’ve ever stayed at a role. The biggest reason for this is the culture and people at Baxter Freight. I enjoy what I do every day, and not everyone can say that!
What benefit does working with Baxter Freight bring to our customers?
L – For each of our customers, we’re able to adapt and design bespoke solutions specific to their needs. At Baxter Freight we focus on providing high levels of service and putting in those extra measures to make our customers have the best experience possible.
S – I’m part of our Consolidate Team, and deal mainly with our partners at DHL Sweden and Finland. One of the benefits we offer that they like the most is how we bring a local approach to our solutions, and are always on hand to provide support when needed. Also, our customers and suppliers don’t have to reach out to different companies for all their needs, as we can deal with everything all under one roof.
A – Many of the customers I interact with utilise our Consolidate solution, as it’s market-leading and can access 95% of addresses in Europe. As a business, we’re constantly evolving as we truly want to be the best at what we do, and that’s implemented in all of our solutions.
How have your roles developed during your time?
L – When I first joined Baxter Freight I was brand-new to the industry and hardly knew anything about freight. Since then, my role has developed and I’ve been able to learn so much about the logistics industry. I’ve gone from being an Account Manager, a Team Manager, to now being an Associate Director leading our Key Accounts team.
S – I came with plenty of experience within the freight industry, so as our involvement with the Nordics ramped up, I was able to transfer my knowledge and change role to become more focused on Nordic movements. Now, everything I do is just second nature!
A – My role developed from working in European Operations to forming the introduction of our Key Accounts team. Now my day to day involves working directly with one of our largest customers!
What does your day to day involve?
A – I’m the main contact for our customer, Churchill China, and communicate with them multiple times a day. Our relationship has grown and developed over the years, and is built on trust – this means that I know all the ins and outs of their logistical needs, and if they ever have a query, all they need to do is call and I’m right there! I oversee all their shipments – that’s around 1,000 a month, travelling between the UK, Holland, France, Germany, and Spain!
S – I handle everything to do with all involvements in the Nordics, and regularly speak to our partners at DHL Sweden and Finland. From planning and coordinating exports, to supporting the Customs process, I get stuck in with it all.
L – I’m one of our Associate Directors and head up our Key Accounts Department. We work closely with our largest customers, helping take the trouble out of moving goods across Europe. It involves tracking and providing updates on shipments, ensuring customs paperwork is all correct, managing delays, all to ensure the goods get where they need to be, when they need to be.
What’s something working in logistics has taught you?
S – Well, no 2 days are ever the same, that’s for sure! Logistics is the perfect place for me, as I enjoy finding solutions, and there’s always such a wide range of things to deal with.
A – It’s taught me that freight is an ever-changing world, and every day is a school day. Also, communication is key in logistics. You never actually realise how many people are involved in moving goods across the globe, and they all need to be updated at every stage.
L – Logistics has taught me that the world is always changing. Even in the past few years, the changes from Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way the world operates. You’ve always got to be on the ball and proactive to any changes that arise. I remember vividly when Brexit was ongoing, when the whole business would stay late to have catchups and share all the latest developments – looking back it seems so crazy! It’s also taught me to be open-minded and understanding in all situations – I can say that I am who I am today through working in logistics!
What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
S – To always listen to people. You’ll be surrounded by people who are experts in the field, so take all the knowledge they have and be the best you can be.
A – Relationships are everything!
L – I’d tell myself to just go for it! Put yourself out there, and do the most you can, all while listening and learning.
With you for all your logistical needs
Within just 10 years Baxter Freight has grown from working out of our founder’s home, to a modern office in Nottingham with over 140 staff!
We’ve been able to develop relationships with our customers, suppliers, agents, hauliers, and most importantly, each other.
The partnerships we’ve grown along the way have helped shape the way we operate and the solutions we’re able to offer.
To everyone who has been on our journey so far – thank you! Here’s to the next 10 years of providing innovative solutions with the highest level of service.
We’re here to support you with any logistical requirements you have – from customs to sustainability and everything in between.
Click below to find out how we can make your supply chain your competitive advantage!
