Cemex UK’s annual Driver of the Year event took place last week at the UTAC Millbrook test track on, with 15 of our Drivers from across our Aggregates and Cement operations put through their paces in a series of challenges to crown the two Cemex UK Supply Chain Drivers of the Year.

The 15 Drivers were invited to take part in this special event in recognition of their excellent safety and efficiency driving performance during the year. By driving more efficiently Cemex’s UK Drivers have contributed to a significant cost saving of approximately £40,000 per month, across Cement and Aggregates. This has been recognised as best in class.

The day is held in memory of Keith Lacey, a former colleague, who sadly passed away just over 10 years ago. Keith was a big advocate of safe and efficient driving in the days before telematics were commonplace across the sector. At the beginning of the event Rob Wilkinson, UK Logistics Manager for Aggregate and Asphalt, took a moment to reflect on Keith’s legacy before introducing this year’s Drivers to their challenges.

Our Drivers were split into five teams of three, who were then put through the following challenges to determine the Driver of the Year.

• Defect Test: Drivers had to identify and assess a range of defects that had been purposefully ‘planted’ on a stationary HGV vehicle to test them on their performance in relation to their Driver’s safety checks.
• Road Test: Drivers were put through their paces on one of the many circuits at the test track, this course included inclines of up to 21% in places and Drivers were scored against their performance and handling around the test track.
• Manoeuvring Challenge: Drivers were challenged to reverse an Aggregates truck through an obstacle course created from traffic cones, tightly navigating their way around the cones to manoeuvre the truck into its final position.
• Off Road Challenge: Using a 4×4 vehicle designed to meet the challenging conditions of the off-road course, Drivers made their way around a series of challenges including steep inclines, mud, water and a log drive, being awarded points for their control of the vehicle around the course.
• Scalextric Challenge and Road Safety Quiz: Points were also on offer for a road safety awareness quiz and a very impressive large-scale model Scalextric circuit with a ‘Hot Lap’ Challenge.
• Hot Lap Luxury Sports Car Experience: Drivers were also offered the experience of a series of ‘Hot Laps’ with a professional driver in a luxury sports car as part of the day.

The Winners

After taking part in all of the challenges Drivers were then given an overall score. This year, Ian Sammons from Cement and David Besford from Aggregates were crowned as the winners of the Cemex UK Driver of the Year.

A fantastic day was had by all attendees, and it was great to be able to recognise our Drivers who have demonstrated the highest levels of safe and efficient driving over the past year.

You can check out all the action on the day by clicking here to see the video and photos: Go to this Sway

A big shout out must also go to the day’s sponsors who helped with various aspects of the event and ensured that the day could go ahead – Ford & Slater, MSC, Netradyne, Microlise, Midland Commercial and DAF, and also Millbrook Vehicle Testing Centre for playing host.