Founded in 2021, the charity provides HGV training, advice, funding and mentorship to veterans pursuing driving careers. The UK is currently facing a shortage in HGV drivers.
The vehicle was handed over yesterday (16 January 2025) in a ceremony at EMR’s Salford facility. The ceremony was attended by mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and EMR’s senior leadership team.
EMR will also become a platinum sponsor of the charity, providing employment opportunities to those who complete training.
It is already an employer of former military personnel, with more than 10% of its drivers and other key staff coming from a military background.
Ian Sheppard, managing director of EMR, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support our veterans by donating a heavy goods vehicle to Veterans into Logistics to help train and equip veterans with the skills they need for rewarding careers in HGV driving.
“Veterans continue to face significant challenges, including unemployment and homelessness, while the shortage for HGV drivers continues. The team at EMR are doing fantastic work to support the wellbeing of people in our communities.
“This partnership allows us to give something back to our veterans, empowering them to build fulfilling careers and creating a lasting, positive impact.”
Darren Wright, founder of Veterans into Logistics and former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner, added: “We are incredibly grateful for the donation from EMR, which will significantly enhance our ability to train and support veterans as they transition into rewarding careers in the logistics sector.
“This truck will help us provide hands-on training to veterans, offering them a pathway to stable employment and a brighter future.
“The support of EMR is vital in helping us reduce unemployment and homelessness among veterans, while also addressing the national shortage of HGV drivers. We look forward to continuing our partnership with EMR to create lasting positive change for the veteran community.”
Featured in image (left to right): Janna Caley, Global Marketing Director at EMR, Barry Flannagan, Head of Social Responsibility at EMR, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester, John Harker, OBE General Manager at Veterans into Logistics, Paul Boulds, Central Transport Operations Manager at EMR, Mark Harrison, North West Transport Manager at EMR, Darren Wright, Founder of Veterans into Logistics and former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner, Tom Russell, Head of People Capability at EMR, Heidi Chapman, Veterans into Logistics Trustee, Ed Hattersley, Former Amazonian and Army Captain, and Ian Sheppard, Managing Director of EMR.
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