Page 58 • The HERALD • 28th March 2024 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 18TH APRIL v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Meachers’ Depot Manager Elected as New Chairman for RHA Hampshire Sub-Region Meachers Global Logistics Depot Manager, Andy Sheppard has been elected as the new Road Haulage Association (RHA) Chairman for the Hampshire Sub-Region. e RHA is a member-led trade association that supports people and businesses in the road transport industry. It works with governments, policy makers and local authorities. In his new role as Chair, Andy will act as a voice for logistics and road haulage companies for RHA members in its Hampshire Sub-Region, one of its largest with over 25 members who regularly meet to discuss the issues that are most important to them. Andy was born into logistics and has worked in the industry all his life. His father worked as a truck driver before hanging up his keys to set up his own road haulage company. A er nishing school, Andy went to work for him, supporting with the day-to-day planning and running of the trucks. Keen to experience what working days were like for the drivers he managed, he later took his HGV driving test, an experience that was incredibly eye-opening. “Very quickly I learned that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did,” recalls Andy. “Experiencing what it’s like to be a driver gave me a much more grounded Andy Sheppard (left) with Rhys Williams – RHA Regional Operations Manager (Midlands, Western & Wales) view of everything, and how I could be more effective in supporting the drivers I was managing.” Andy joined Meachers ten years ago and has helped to grow and develop its transport division. He also oversaw integration of its Fair Oak depot, following Meachers’ acquisition of AFS Haulage in 2021. He remains manager of the depot now. Speaking of his appointment, Andy added: “The RHA is about having a voice and my job is to ensure that it gets heard for its Hampshire members. It is imperative that we, as haulage companies, maintain a collective voice through the RHA. Our input is crucial in shaping the path forward amidst these changes. I firmly believe that within these challenges lie vast opportunities. As Chairman, I am committed to ensuring that we seize these prospects for growth and adaptation.” For more information, visit meachersglobal.com Oakhaven Business Club runs regular networking events with local businesses across the New Forest, Waterside and Totton. Businesses can pay-as-you-go per person per session, or become an annual member for £250 with additional bene ts. Networking Lunch, Tuesday 16th April, at e Ivy Room, Redcli e Garden Centre in Bashley for a unique private dining experience with guest speaker Michaela Smith, Imposter Syndrome and Conscious Leadership Coach. £20pp. Networking Breakfast, Tuesday 14th May, Shore eld Holiday Park in Milford-On-Sea, for bacon rolls, pastries, tea/co ee and juice in the beautifully refurbished restaurant. Networking Drinks Thursday 13th June, An exclusive opportunity to enjoy summer drinks on a privately owned yacht. Join them in the lap of luxury on Motoryacht Mad Moment for drinks and nibbles. Numbers are limited for this event due to the size of the venue. £15pp. Networking Event, Tuesday 9th July, partnering with New Forest Business Partnership to host the LinkedIn Local alongside the monthly Business Club networking event in the gardens of Oakhaven Hospice. For more information about how to join the Oakhaven Business Club or to book a space for one of the networking events please visit: www.oakhavenhospice. co.uk/oakhaven-business-club Upcoming Oakhaven Business Club Networking Events
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