Phil Gudgeon brings with him over twenty years’ experience working in the waste management industry as he joins the board as director of Waste Collection and Logistics at Cawleys Waste Management. 
Beginning his career in waste management as a drivers’ mate at the tender age of 19, Phil has risen through his field first as a loader and then dustcart driver, to leading the sales team and depot manager. In 2013, Phil joined Cawleys as Waste Collection Manager and was most recently Head of Waste Collection before his latest appointment to the board.
Phil now oversees and maintains Cawleys’ seventy-strong waste collection fleet and was instrumental in the recent expansion including two new glass collection vehicles – the first of their kind in the UK. The new vehicles have improved environmental features, with a five tonne payload offering fuel economy and an easy versatile body that helps the crew load the bins effectively and safely. They represent a £180,000 investment, part of a £3m programme of investment by Cawleys across the business this year.
Phil commented: “As Cawleys celebrates its 70th anniversary in business, I couldn’t have been asked to join the board at a more exciting time. Seeing our recent fleet additions arrive, decked in the special Cawleys’ 70th platinum livery, was a special moment indeed.”
As part of his role, Phil also helps to deliver driver training, compliance and health and safety. He added: “Our waste collection team is more than state-of-the-art vehicles, it’s about the individual members. I’m proud of the training and investment in our team, helping them develop their skills and careers within the company. We have several loaders finishing their HGV training to become drivers and we also offer apprenticeship across the business.”
This year the transport and logistics team at Caweys includes two apprentices, Ashley King, who is studying vehicle engineering at Barnfield College and is working in vehicle maintenance; and Gerry Robinson who is studying electrical installation at Central Bedfordshire College and works in the fabrication workshop.
“Across my career, I’ve been lucky to work with some brilliant mentors including Ken Hughes who encouraged me to take my HGV Licence at the beginning of my career and I’ve never looked back, Paul Cooper and Nigel Ingram were instrumental in my early days as a depot manager. I passionately believe that it’s important to encourage our entire waste management team to reach their full potential,” said Phil.
This year Phil with the help of HR also launched the driver reward scheme which recognises the efforts and actions of team members who go above the call of duty to deliver excellent customer service – over ten members of staff have been awarded commendations in the last three months.
Jon Cawley, Cawleys managing director, commented: “I’m proud to welcome Phil to the board. Since joining Cawleys, four years ago, he has had a significant impact on the efficiency and profitability of the waste collection fleet, inspiring his team to deliver exceptional customer service. His experience has brought many benefits to the company and we look forward to his contribution at Board level. Phil’s appointment clearly shows there is opportunity for us all to grow at Cawleys.”
