EUROPA Worldwide Group, leading independent logistics operator in Glasgow, is arming its managers with the skills necessary to drive success at a dynamic time of change within the industry.
As the firm’s only Scottish base, a team of 14 play an integral part in the company. Heading up the customer service team, Hayley Callachan was promoted when the firm moved to its current site in Eurocentral from Maxim Office Park in December 2022. Eurocentral sits in a strategically important gateway location in Glasgow, within close proximity to an interconnected road, rail and airport system.
Robust management training can equip managers to provide better customer communication, an enhanced service and a more effective operation.
But, a Chartered Management Institute survey of 4,500 UK workers, reported that 82 per cent of those in management positions were described as ‘accidental managers’, with little training or qualifications. In addition, according to data from YouGov most logistics managers do not hold a university degree or equivalent qualifications (63 per cent).
Europa, recognising that business success is not simply based on technology and infrastructure, is challenging these statistics head on. In 2023 the company launched its own formal 12-month Management Training Programme, upskilling leaders across the business. This is the latest innovation from Europa to ensure quality and consistency throughout the operation.
Hayley commented: “The training programme has made me confident in dealing with difficult conversations and has equipped me with the tools I need to resolve any conflicts within the team.”
Already 70 senior managers from its 18 UK sites have successfully achieved the bespoke Europa Management Training certification and a new cohort of 60 is currently taking part in the 11-module programme.
The Europa Management Training Programme introduces managers to new concepts and practices, offering new tactics to allow them to keep pace with the dynamic environment.
Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director, Europa Worldwide Group, commented: “Europa has recently experienced rapid growth; so, enabling our team with effective management skills is vital. This is a significant investment in our people, it’s important we give our managers all the tools they need to grow, support their own teams and ultimately provide the best service available to our customers.”
Recognising the vast and diverse training needs across the business, Europa’s Learning & Development team has increased threefold over the past two years, as well as using the latest platforms and technologies to support innovative learning pathways.
Europa believes that the development of its people is a fundamental part of sustaining success. The first cohort on the Management Training Programme includes several Sales and Customer Service Branch Managers from its road freight operation Europa Road.
It is widely recognised that good, formally trained managers can support higher levels of innovation and better workplace cultures, driving standards of excellence. Europa’s Learning & Development Manager Alison Flannery concluded: “Our Management Training is delivered through a creative mix of classroom, remote and eLearning packages and this dynamic, bespoke approach is already delivering success across the business, helping grow and nurture our talented team to become even stronger.”
