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 Gavin and Phil, that’s quite easy – they were starting their careers at Baxter Freight!
From the get-go, collaboration and entrepreneurialism have been at the centre of Team Baxter, and Gavin and Phil have been able to implement this from their very first day up until now.
From building relationships with customers to leading teams of the newest members of Team Baxter – these two have been instrumental to shaping where we are now.
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! How does that feel?
G – It’s honestly gone so quickly – I can’t believe where the time’s gone. When I joined Baxter Freight I was in my twenties with two children – now I’m approaching 40 with 3 children!
P – Yeah, it’s gone terrifyingly quickly! Although saying that, I can’t even remember applying for a role here – all the years have passed by so quickly, it’s hard to remember things from 10 years ago!
What was it about Baxter Freight which made you want to work here?
P – The fact that it was a start-up business, so I was able to make an impact and grow as a person – but unlike some typical start-ups which are led by people with no experience, Baxter Freight was developed and led by a team of Directors who came with a wealth of expertise and you could see their passion for creating something new and impactful. To see that excited me, and instilled trust in the vision of where Baxter Freight was heading.
G – To be honest, when I first joined I thought it was a bit of a risk. Everywhere I’d worked before was a large chain, so moving to a small start-up was extremely different. I’d already been exposed to logistics and got a passion for it, but I discovered how Baxter Freight were aiming to do something different and I wanted to be a part of it. Looking back now, I think that being at a smaller firm has helped me a lot more and made me feel more valued and appreciated as an employee.
What benefit does Baxter Freight bring to our customers?
P – I’d say one of the largest benefits we bring is our flexibility. By being in one centralised office, everyone is constantly on hand to support each other when crafting logistical solutions, and we have the ability to say yes to anything. So when we got a call from a prospective customer on the 18th December saying they needed 5 temperature controlled loads from Lithuania to get to the UK before Christmas Eve – we got it covered within an hour! Ever since then, we’ve worked closely with them to improve their supply chain, by proving the strength we can add to their business.
G – The fact that we do a deep-dive on each of our customer’s supply chains. We review and look at it from a different angle to see where we can streamline and make improvements. It’s also such a huge benefit that all of our customers have 1 dedicated point of contact for any of their needs, meaning that they don’t have to speak to a range of different people to get a problem solved.
What goes into building relationships with our customers?
G – Honesty, transparency and being open. We’re truly interested in the work our customers do and becoming an extension of all of their businesses, so we want to reflect that in each interaction we have with them. I also think managing expectations really helps solidify relationships. Within logistics, difficult situations can arise, from delays to weather – I’ve seen it all! But it’s how we handle those difficult situations, all whilst providing real added-value to our customers supply chains which helps create and sustain those long-lasting relationships.
How important is collaboration within the work you do?
G – It’s hugely important. Without collaboration, I wouldn’t be able to do anything! As a business, all departments are so interconnected and we rely so heavily on each other’s knowledge to be able to get each job done correctly.
P – I think it’s so valuable to get a different set of eyes on a particular task you’re working on. By collaborating, you’re able to find the best possible solutions and work with really knowledgeable people, which help grow your own expertise.
What’s something working in logistics has taught you?
P – It’s turned me grey! Before I started working in logistics, I had a beautiful head full of brown locks, now, I’d compare myself to a badger. But in all seriousness, it’s taught me the value and importance of resilience. You can plan everything to the nth degree but within logistics, even if the wind is too strong, that plan can fall apart. So resilience is absolutely key within this industry. Regardless of that though, I absolutely love logistics! Everyday is a school day, even after 10 years, and I genuinely get huge amounts of job satisfaction – I think that’s how the years have flown by.
G – I agree with Phil 100%, resilience is paramount. If you’re not resilient, you won’t go anywhere. Working in logistics has taught me the amount of variety it brings, and how no day is ever the same.
What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
G – Always expect the unexpected. When I first joined, I’d get frustrated when things didn’t go perfectly to plan, but now, years down the line I know that it’s just a part of logistics. But most importantly, I’d tell myself to enjoy every single day.
P – Take risks. They can be the difference between success and failure, and ultimately helps build strong relationships.
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!
