Page 58 - Linkline Autumn 2016

Interview: Paul Tuohy, Alltrans
Paul Tuohy is the founder and managing director of Alltrans, a warehousing and distribution service, as well as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Paul founded Alltrans in 1997 and the company has since grown to directly employ 62 drivers, 6 warehouse workers, and 10 customer service support staff. Its core business centres on the healthcare and
retail market. Now approaching its 20th Anniversary, Alltrans con- tinues its strategy of continual improvement and focus, particularly in the areas of warehouse quality improvement, fleet investment, information technology, and staff training.
What have the challenges been in your sector?
Challenges come in two forms: our own internal weakness and the external threats in the outside marketplace. We can certainly plan to address what we identify as an internal issue; however, the external threats are more difficult to identify and to deal with. Who foresaw the financial crash in 2007, or who can predict the impact of Brexit or the ongoing terror threats?
On a direct basis the large operating cost, such as fuel and insur- ance, are monitored daily. Driver shortage is identified as a long- term challenge which will drive up wages and operating costs.
How did your business adapt to those challenges?
A strong management team backed up with a service driven work- force helped us perceive and adapt to market challenges.
What lessons did you learn?
Listen to your customers, listen to your staff and react quickly to any change in the marketplace.
What advice can you give to someone in a similar situation?
Adopt your operation to match the market requirements and do so in a speedy manner, but retaining your best staff and your most profitable clients.
What does the future hold?
The future will see continued market and company consolidation within the industry. Increased legislation will be introduced from both a national and EU perspective. Growing trends in the increase in use of internet shopping, climate change and the impact of electrical vehicles and low carbon emissions are all topical. Physical, economic, social and technological changes will impact how the transport industry plays its part in the future.
58 The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT
INTERVIEW