UK Transport Awards 2020

SME NEWS / SME Transport Awards 2020 7 , Contact Information: Company: Stagefreight Ltd Address: Evanston Avenue Leeds, LS4 2HR Contact: Ian Uttley Telephone: 0113 238 0805 Web Address: www.stagefreight.com Now approaching its 35th anniversary, the company has particular expertise in music, theatre and exhibition transport, with specialist understanding of TV, theatre, conference and event logistics. Stagefreight’s diverse client list includes Opera North, Northern Ballet, English National Ballet, Phoenix Dance Theatre, CBBC and Shone Productions. Ian Uttley of Stagefreight tells us more about the firm and what it is that sets it aside from competitors. “The UK event transport market is often dominated by transport firms that only drive. Stagefreight understands the complexity of event and theatre transport, meaning the transport planning is tailored towards event needs, trucks are guaranteed to be on time to ensure the show always goes on. Alongside this, drivers can also support with audio and lighting changes, and they proactively support the venue crews to ensure a responsible and timely load is always present. Stagefreight are more than just a transport company, they’re proactive event transport specialists, who are always honing their craft and happy to go the extra mile for clients. “Stagefreight has been overhauling its fleet as part of the company’s overall green initiative to better meet its environmental commitments. All vehicles are Euro 6 compliant. This commitment gained the company the SME award for Best Eco-Friendly Fleet of 2019. The company invested £5 million in both Mercedes-Benz and Renault eco-friendly cab units, which come with additional safety features and cabin space. It has also been reducing the overall weight of its trailers without sacrificing storage space; today, 16 of its trailers are 8% lighter whilst still holding the standard 44 tonnes. “There’s currently a lot of competition in the event transport industry, but little awareness of what the difference between transport and event transport is. Yorkshire and the South West’s entertainment scene are growing at a fast pace, and by opening a new depot in Exeter and, with a new production management partnership, Stagefreight is now able to offer current and future clients even more event services than ever before.” Being eco-friendly plays a huge part in the firm’s strategy, and Ian and Chris have also created an in-house training programme that certifies all drivers in eco-friendly driving. The team acquires new skills and the company ensures responsible driving throughout the whole team. Ian embellishes on what this means and how it helps Stagefreight to achieve success. “The green fleet initiative has future-proofed the company to ensure that the team can enter CAZ zones - where many clients are located - without constructions, while also doing their bit for the planet. Stagefreight will continue to invest in the fleet and the team’s skills. “All drivers complete the eco-friendly driver training. Aside from this the whole team’s ethos is around service - you can always support the client, and standing around waiting is frowned upon. Our team gets stuck in to get the job done. New team members go on tour with veterans to quickly learn the ropes. A proactive and can-do attitude combined with responsible driving and project management is championed throughout the whole team. “Reputation amongst HGV drivers is key for recruiting. We often collaborate with other company’s (like stage crews etc.) and even direct competitors to ensure a tour gets done well. This has helped to build Stagefreight’s positive reputation. The company also has a proactive social media presence that encourages interested drivers to get in touch with the team.” The future for Stagefreight looks bright, with plans for further development already underway, as Ian concludes: “The new Stagefreight South depot and partnership with Touring Solutions are two huge developments for the company. Our 2020 plans are to grow the Stagefreight South team, while simultaneously offering all our existing Northern clients more event services than ever before.” Event Transport Company of the Year 2020 Stagefreight Ltd Feb20068 Founded in 1986, Stagefreight provides transport services for events of all shapes and sizes. When director's Ian Uttley and Chris Adgie first took over Stagefreight Ltd. five years ago, the company had one Euro 6 truck. Today, the whole fleet consists of Euro 6 fleet trucks and the company continues to invest into creating an eco-friendly fleet. Stage freight Live Events & Theatre Transport