UK Transport Awards 2022

12 | UK Transport Awards 2022 priority. Even in the middle of the night, in stormy weather, this is a team that can be relied upon to keep the wheels of industry turning. The success of Solway DAF reflects the product they sell. Their attitude is reliable and robust in every respect. It’s this that has secured them such a strong position in the industry and why they have been able achieve so much. This is a firm for whom the future is bright indeed. Company: Solway Vehicle Distributors Ltd T/A Solway DAF Name: Peter Fullelove Email: [email protected] DAF Trucks are the backbone of the trucking industry within the UK, offering a complete range to suit the varied needs of transport hauliers. The team at Solway DAF are justly recognised as ideal partners when it comes to getting their vehicles in the UK. At the Industry ME News’ UK Transport Awards 2022, the team were proud to be recognised for their incredible efforts. We take a closer look to see what drives them to new and greater heights of success. In 1973, the first DAF truck rumbled forth on UK soil. In 1978, the team at Solway DAF opened their doors, offering the entire range that was available to the market. For 44 years, this line has been the backbone of the business, with the team’s specialist knowledge of the sector providing them with a unique advantage over the competition. The company has grown significantly since those humble early days as a dealership in Carlisle. Now, the team are able to offer additional body, paint and general workshop facilities to perfect their clients’ vehicles and add that much-vaunted personal touch. Virtually all of the vehicle preparation is carried out in-house to provide customers with a seamless route to getting the vehicle on the road. One of the aspects that sets the team apart is their impressive after-sales service. With new depots being opened at Dumfries in 1995, Workington in 2000 and Penrith in 2002, Solway DAF has built a reputation for excellence that is second to none. The team’s ability to provide any and all spare parts required by local operators means that they have become a one-stopshop when it comes to using these impressive services. The team’s strong connections with DAF Trucks has been crucial to securing their position as a leading provider in the region. Many of the customers who turn to Solway DAF are based either in Cumbria or in South West Scotland, but the company’s impressive reputation has brought them consistent success from further afield. Their focus on maintaining these important pieces of infrastructure is a clear example. For many clients, vehicle downtime is a costly affair. The Solway DAF team offer a late evening shift through the week and all the company depots offer weekend servicing and repairs. The team also try to repair any damage that occurs during travel at the roadside. They have become well-known for their skill in this regard, keeping clients on the road as far as possible. Best Commercial Truck Servicing Provider - Cumbria The future seems bright for this talented team. For over four decades, the technology behind Solway DAF has developed significantly. The quality of the vehicles remains unparalleled, but the sophistication behind them requires a bold new approach. The service staff now includes trained specialists who keep up to date with the rapidly changing expectations of their clients. That said, those who come to work for Solway DAF tend to stay. The low turnover means that there are 20 people who have worked for the company for over 25 years. This means there is a built-in wealth of expertise focused purely on maintaining DAF products, and a strong culture of ensuring that customers are always the first Feb22404

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