In thisissue t t

Safety & Technical VP starts work in Asia ..... 2

Drivers fuel efficiency competition ................ 3

Transport Logistics Shanghai ......................... 4

Customer training goes on the road ............... 4

Jubilee truck at Cart Marking ceremony ....... 5

Employee News ................................................ 6

First Suttons Arabia trucks go in to service

British Sugar contract award

Beating the gloom

The first Suttons Arabia trucks have been delivered in Saudi Arabia as part of Suttons joint venture with Arabian Chemical Terminals (ACT). Painted in the familiar Suttons red, the trucks will begin operations in November.

Suttons is targeting strong growth in the Middle East through the joint venture. In addition to bulk chemical and petrochemical transport through road tankers and tank containers, Suttons Arabia will offer services including bulk storage, warehousing, drumming, tank cleaning and full import/export services as well as driver training, maintenance and freight management.

Suttons Group Managing Director Andrew Palmer said: “It is exciting times for Suttons in the Middle East, these trucks are the beginning of what will be a large investment by Suttons in the region. The chemical and petrochemical sectors are growing rapidly in Saudi Arabia and Suttons is proud to be one of the first full service logistics companies in the region ready to support that growth.”

British Sugar has worked in partnership with Suttons Group to fulfil its UK bulk haulage requirements since October 2008.

Anticipating the expiry of the existing contract, a British Sugar cross-functional project team undertook a comprehensive tender process. The conclusion of this process was a decision to award a new contract, from September 2012, to Suttons Group.

The tender process provided an opportunity for the British Sugar Supply Chain Team and Suttons contract management team to seek out and develop new initiatives to drive further improvements in the logistics operations, ensuring all customer requirements are met at all times.

by Andrew PalmerSuttons GroupManaging Director

There’s a lot of economic doom and gloom around, both in the UK and in the wider world. There is no denying that there are serious economic issues, particularly in Europe and the USA.

With low levels of economic activity continuing, competition for the reduced levels of business available is intense and profit margins, if there are any, small. Looking ahead the prospects of significant improvement in economic growth for the next couple of years seems mixed.

For Suttons, this makes planning for future investment difficult. But we have had these difficulties for the last 4 or 5 years. Through

careful management of our costs, the expansion of existing business and the winning of new customers, the Group has continued to grow and invest. In the last 5 years we have created over 250 additional jobs and in the last 4 years, the Group’s sales have increased by 50%. In the last 2 years, we have invested around £30 million in new equipment and systems.

So these are difficult times. But Suttons focus on safe, high quality, cost effective services for our customers will help us get through and secure the future for the company and its employees.

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New Safety & Technical VP starts work in Asia and the Middle East

Andrew Baird, Suttons Asia and Middle East Safety and Technical Vice President, relocated to Singapore in June to drive Suttons continuous improvement in safety and quality as the Group grows its operations in these regions.

Andrew is applying his knowledge and experience to all aspects of our operations in Asia and the Middle East. His new role is wide-ranging and includes: supporting the development of our depot services; meeting with customers to review performance and discuss objectives; visiting suppliers of haulage, tank cleaning and maintenance services, to review their performance and ensure compliance to Sutton’s standards.

Andrew has a clear goal: “My objective is to drive continuous improvement in the safety and quality of our operations and to ensure that our industry- leading standards are applied consistently in all the regions in which we operate. Achieving this will not only ensure our customers continue to receive the highest standards of service, it will also provide a strong foundation for the development of our business in Asia and the Middle East.”

Since arriving in Singapore, Andrew has focused on two particular areas, safety in transport and the safe operation of tank containers.

Andrew continues: “In regions where we do not operate our own transport we continue to work closely with our hauliers to improve safety in operation through supporting driver training and

improving equipment maintenance programmes. Vehicle roadworthiness is of paramount importance to ensure safe transport operations; we continue to raise the standards in this area and conduct regular audits and spot checks on the vehicles operated by our suppliers.

“Tank containers have many positive safety features and we have developed a training programme to improve the knowledge and understanding of everyone involved in the loading, transportation

and discharging of tank containers. To demonstrate all aspects of tank containers we have built a demonstration tank that we take to customer’s locations. This enables people to gain a real insight into a tank container and how to operate it safely.

“We hope to provide this training throughout Asia as it has proven to be beneficial to everyone who has received it so far and clearly demonstrates Suttons proactive and innovative approach to safety.”

Andrew Baird reviewing nitrogen safety at Shanghai depot

Major investment in new tank containersSuttons has invested in 600 new tank containers to join our modern and diverse global fleet.

The new tanks include 300 26,000 litre baffle tanks and 300 24,000 litre standard tanks, which supports Suttons position as one of the largest baffle tank owner operators in the world.

Group Managing Director Andrew Palmer said: “Suttons is committed to substantially growing its business in the next 5 years and this investment will support our recent expansion in the Middle East and developments in other key markets.”

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SUTTONS GROUP NEWLETTER ISSUE 23 WINTER 2012

Apprentice Ian Watling, Apprentice Aiden Stanley & Luc Edwards, Apprentice Craig Wilkinson

Andrew Palmer – Lifetime Achievement Award Suttons Group Managing Director Andrew Palmer has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the North West.

Andrew was presented with the award at the CILT’s annual dinner, which celebrates achievements in the field of logistics and transport. Announcing the award, Gavin Shannon, Chairman of the North West Region, described Andrew’s commitment and

success in logistics in a career spanning 42 years.

Andrew said: “I was surprised and pleased to receive this recognition by the CILT. Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best people in the industry. There are exciting times ahead for Suttons as we develop in new markets like Saudi Arabia and build on our success in Europe and Asia.”

Andrew Palmer receives his lifetime achievement award from Wayne Brophy of CAST UK and Gavin Shannon, Chairman of the N.W. region of the CILT

Suttons tanker driver

Andrew Wallace achieves his fuel efficiency target

Suttons Drivers fuel efficiency competition Major

investment in new tank containers Suttons secures fuel

business with TotalSuttons has won a new contract with Total UK Limited for the distribution of petroleum products. Suttons will invest in new equipment that will be dedicated to this contract and will join Suttons’ existing UK fuels fleet that is controlled from our petroleum dedicated operations centre in Purfleet, Essex.

Suttons Group Managing Director Andrew Palmer said of the contract win: “We are delighted Total chose to award this business to Suttons. This contract strengthens our position as a supplier of bulk fuel transport. Suttons will bring to the contract industry leading standards of health and safety and operational excellence and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Fuel is a precious resource and a major cost. So improving fuel economy not only reduces costs but also reduces our carbon footprint.

This year, Suttons UK depots were set fuel efficiency targets. Each depot that achieved their targets had all their drivers entered in a prize draw for a short holiday.

All depots significantly improved fuel economy and the outright winners was Gretna depot. Andrew Wallace at Gretna was the lucky prize winner of the £500 holiday voucher.

Suttons investment in a modern fuel efficient vehicle fleet with effective telematic systems enable us to continuously monitor fuel performance.

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Suttons debuts new demo tank at Transport Logistics Shanghai

Suttons customer training goes on the road

The 5th International Exhibition for Logistics, Telematics and Transport was held in Shanghai earlier this year. Suttons was in attendance with an impressive exhibition stand and also the new demonstration tank container built specifically for our teams in Asia.

The exhibition covered an area of 22,000 sqm and featured 490 exhibitors from 45 countries. The show attracted over 15,300 trade visitors from 73 countries during the three day event.

As always, our demonstration tank attracted large crowds keen to know more about the technology used on a tank container. Our tank enabled visitors to see different linings, baffles, heating systems and insulation. Suttons also built special stairs and handrails to ensure visitors could safely climb on top of the container.

A team from Suttons Shanghai office did a fantastic job at the event and were joined by Regional Director for Asia and the Middle East Graeme Rooney, Regional Vice President Jochen Krapp and Vice President, Safety and Technical, Andrew Baird.

Following successful Suttons training days at our UK headquarters and European customer sites, we held a training day near Cardiff, close to a number of our key customers.

The European training tank was joined by our emergency response vehicle and Suttons International Supervisor Ronnie Ellison, demonstrated the complex equipment needed in an emergency. Suttons Technical Manager, Mick Derbyshire, also demonstrated the various valves and fittings used on a tank container.

The Suttons team L to R – Jochen Krapp, Regional VP, Bessie Cao, PA to General Manager, Norman Ye, Sales Manager, Sunny Zhou, Suttons China General Manager

Suttons European demo tank Suttons demo tank and Emergency Response vehicle

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SUTTONS GROUP NEWLETTER ISSUE 23 WINTER 2012

Suttons proudly participated in this year’s Cart Marking ceremony, held at Guildhall Yard in the City of London.

The Cart Marking Ceremony is organised by the Worshipful Company of Carmen and is a tradition that dates back to 1665. The branding process was established as a way of regulating vehicles in the City of London and all licenced vehicles were issued with a wooden plate which was branded with the City’s arms .

Today, once a year, Carmen bring their horse-drawn waggons, veteran and vintage lorries, buses and coaches, and modern trucks and tractors to be branded as a reminder of centuries of service to the City. Each vehicle is brought for inspection, then branded by the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Suttons Chairman Michael Sutton, Group Managing Director Andrew Palmer and International Managing Director John Sutton, joined driver Andy Yarnell at this year’s event. The day attracted large crowds who came to see vehicles of all kinds that have served the City of London for nearly 400 years.

Suttons joins @tco Suttons International has accepted an invitation to join the Asia Tank Container Organisation (@tco).

@tco seeks to promote the safe and environmentally friendly use of tank containers in the supply chains of the rapidly developing Asian tank container transportation market. Its membership includes operators, tank leasing companies and equipment suppliers.

Suttons was a pioneer intermodal operator in Asia, opening an office in China in 1997. Since then, Suttons has expanded across the region supplying supply chain solutions through a network of offices in Singapore, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Ningbo, Nanging, Qingdao, Kuantan and Tokyo.

Andrew Palmer, Suttons Group Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to accept @tco’s invitation and to support their efforts to promote safety and raise standards of operation across Asian markets. This is a significant and growing area of our business and

we are pleased to be working alongside an organisation that seeks to promote best practice throughout the industry. I believe the invitation reflects the work we have done in the region over the last 15 years and aligns perfectly with our own ethos, particularly with regard to raising awareness of the environmental and safety benefits associated with tank containers.”

@tco works to assist its members, ports, shipping and transportation organisations, and regulatory authorities across Asia to help align local regulations with internationally implemented rules. The group promotes the sustainability of tank container distribution in terms of the long life span of each tank (approx 20 years), full recyclability and ability to be transported intermodally to

companies who require bulk liquid or gas distribution.

Reginald Lee, president of @tco, added: “The board is pleased that Suttons International has accepted its invitation to join the organisation. We welcome them and look forward to their involvement.”

Suttons Jubilee vehicle enters Guildhall Yard

Suttons Group Managing Director Andrew Palmer is congratulated by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Suttons branded vehicle

Suttons Jubilee truck branded at Cart Marking ceremony

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Employee NewsInternationalGilles Letard has joined Suttons International team as Head of Commercial, Europe & Americas. Gilles previously worked at Norbert Dentressangle in a variety of senior management positions, most recently as Commercial Director in its road tankers division.

Gilles brings a wealth of commercial experience that further strengthens our International Senior Management team.

Gilles will report to Tony Kenny, Regional Director, Europe and Americas.

InternationalPatrick Boxwell joins our growing team in Saudi Arabia. Patrick has taken up the position of Operations Manager based in Al Jubail and will report to Simon Bury, Suttons VP Middle East.

A confident Arabic speaker, Patrick will utilise his strong background in operations and people management.

InternationalSuttons International’s Purchasing Department has grown with two new roles. Nicola Roberts joins the team as Purchasing Assistant and Rebecca Ireland has taken up the role of Purchasing Administrator. Both Nicola and Rebecca will report to Sharon Wright, Purchasing Manager and will be based at our Widnes headquarters.

InternationalTony Kenny has been appointed Regional Director, Europe and Americas, Suttons International.

Tony has worked for Suttons for 3 years and has considerable senior management experience in supply chain management. Tony will be based in Widnes and report to John Sutton, International Managing Director.

International Our team in Belgium has grown further with the appointments of Maarten Buijle, as Customer Service Representative reporting to Raphael Gryp, and Nicky Sleeckx as Commercial Support Coordinator reporting to Vu Phan, Internal Sales Coordinator. These important roles are vital as Suttons ensures that it maintains its high levels of customer service during a time of rapid growth

In our New Jersey office, we welcome Faizah Kahlid. Faizah will take up the role of Booking Assistant and will report to Kris Backhouse. Our New Jersey team is enjoying considerable success and together with some major appointments earlier this year, Faizah is joining one of our busiest offices.

Suttons China has also grown with the appointment of Jessie Liu as an Export Operator. Jessie will be based in our Shanghai office and report to Joleen Shi, Operations Manager.

BOC, the largest provider of industrial, medical and special gases in the UK and Ireland and one of Suttons key customers, has commended Suttons for their support during a recent planned maintenance shutdown. Fiona Baxter, BOC’s Product Manager for Chemicals, commended Suttons’ Michael Morrison, Roger Gate and Gordon Eichstadt for their help and support during this challenging time.

Their communication, ability to cope with changing plans and individual contributions in demanding circumstances, were all singled out for praise.

Congratulations to Michael, Roger and Gordon for a job well done, keep up the good work!

Road Tankers Andrew Kerr has been appointed Operations Director, Suttons Tanker Division.

Andrew brings to the role significant experience gained in the UK and around the world, in transport and logistics as well as specialist knowledge of road safety and HSE performance management. Prior to his appointment Andrew worked for Shell in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Andrew will report to Tony Leighton, MD UK road tankers.

Suttons is commended by BOC

Saudi ArabiaSimon Bury has been appointed Vice President Middle East, to develop Suttons services in the Kingdom and the Gulf region. Simon joins from Norbert Dentressangle and has extensive logistics experience including working in the Middle East.

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SUTTONS GROUP NEWLETTER ISSUE 23 WINTER 2012

&New Appointments

Tony Baldwin Congratulations to Tony Baldwin, Widnes Depot Manager for 25 years of service with Suttons.

Tony began his career with Suttons in 1987 to cover holidays. His hard working approach led to him being taken on permanently as a trainee accountant. A restructuring then led Tony in to the traffic planning office for Suttons Tankers where he rose through the ranks to become Depot Manager in 2004.

Well done to Tony for reaching this impressive milestone.

Alan Golding Well done to Alan Golding, Operations Support Manager at Suttons drumming plant in St Helens, for 25 years of service. Alan began his career at Suttons in our plant maintenance team based at St Helens. An experienced engineer, Alan then moved to our Widnes site to work for Suttons International where he joined the team responsible for tank testing and maintenance.

More recently, Alan played a key role in the team which designed and built our drumming plant in St Helens. The knowledge Alan gained during the construction of the plant meant he was perfectly suited to his current role as Operations Support Manager.

Our congratulations go to Alan for reaching 25 years with the company.

New Group FDSuttons Group has appointed Keith Broom as Group Finance Director. Keith joins the Company from Merlin Claims Services Group where he was Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to this, Keith spent 5 years as Chief Financial Officer at Targert Express and City Link Limited the UK’s second largest overnight express parcels carrier.

Andrew Palmer, Group Managing Director of Suttons, said:

“Over the last 16 years Keith has been in senior finance roles at three private equity backed groups of companies where he gained experience of acquisitions and corporate transactions. These skills will be key to the Group as we look to build on our recent expansion in Asia and the Middle East. He is an extremely experienced Finance Director and his appointment will further strengthen the Board.”

Keith Broom, Group Finance Director at Suttons, added: “I’m delighted to be joining such a dynamic company which has its eye firmly on growth and expansion. I am looking forward to working with the board to ensure we maximise every opportunity for development.”

Suttons Tanker Division Operations Director Steve Hassall presents Tony Baldwin with his 25 years of service certificate.

Suttons Tanker Division Operations Director Steve Hassall presents Alan Golding with his 25 years of service certificate.

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SUTTONS GROUP NEWLETTER ISSUE 23 AUTUMN 2012

Employee of the MonthMay

June

July

August

Employee of the Month for May has been awarded to Lynsey Smith, a British Sugar Driver based in Wissington.

Lynsey was nominated by Matthew Parsons, General Manager, British Sugar Contract for his prompt actions whilst on a delivery. Lynsey noticed another driver in difficulties who he suspected was having a heart attack.

Lynsey reacted quickly and put the driver in the recovery position and immediately called for assistance. Lynsey’s quick thinking and decisive action saved the driver’s life.

June’s Employee of the Month award was won by Rhys Johnson from our Widnes Operations team.

Rhys was nominated by Steve Lonsdale, Business Development Manager who wrote:

“Rhys has taken on additional responsibilities such as Commercial Administrator for the Mexichem Fluor contract which involved much additional work. He has also taken an active part in the auditing of our external haulage contractors.”

Brian was nominated by one of Suttons largest customers for his excellent approach and attitude when a broken Valve Isolation Lock was discovered at an off-loading facility.

The customer reported that Brian conducted himself in an extremely professional manner and offered guidance and possible solutions to the problem. They also stated that Brian epitomised Suttons belief in maintaining the highest possible safety standards.

Working out of our New Jersey office Amanda Bracero dealt with two high pressure operations incidents on the same day. Amanda dealt with both of these issues calmly and professionally liaising between shipping lines, port authorities and trucking companies as well as 3rd party suppliers until both issued were satisfactorily resolved.

Lynsey Smith

Rhys Johnson

Brian Connell

Amanda Bracero

If you have a story forNewsfront, please emailmichael_fox@suttons-group.co.uk Co

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Congratulations to Peter Monaghan, a Fitter in our Suttons International Tanker Workshop for correctly telling us that DCD stands for “Driver Controlled Deliveries”. Peter wins the fantastic book Beyond the Limits by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

In this edition of Newsfront, we are giving you the chance to win a hamper which includes a model Suttons road tanker, model tank container and Suttons branded notebook, pen, notepad and post it notes. All this could be yours, if you can correctly tell us what is the length and width of a standard baffle tank container? Please send your answers to Michael Fox at the Widnes Office or email them to Michael_Fox@Suttons-Group.co.uk

Suttons sponsors Halton Borough Football team

Suttons technicians achieve Irtec accreditations

Halton Borough, a football team based close to Suttons Widnes headquarters has new kits for a new season bearing the Suttons company logo and our well known “Think Safe” emblem.

Team captain Andy Turner is a workshop technician within Suttons Tankers Division and is the latest employee to turn out on a Sunday for the Warrington district football league side.

David Gates, Halton Borough club secretary said: “It’s great to be associated with such a successful and well-known local company. The fact our current captain works there and several other players have in the past means the link up made perfect sense.”

Technicians Graham Rose and David Sandercock have been accredited as premier technicians and issued with Irtec licences after successfully passing their Irtec job assessments and theory exam.

Irtec is an independent accreditation scheme that assesses the competence of technicians working in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger carrying industries. The scheme was developed by IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers) and is quality-assured by leading awarding body IMI Awards Ltd.

Graham and David were presented with their certificates at the Manchester Engineering College by John Parry, Chariman of the Irtec Panel, John Hay, Head of IMI for the Irtec Scheme and Nick Jones, President of the Society of Operations Engineers.

The Irtec scheme is one of many qualifications Suttons supports to ensure we have the best people in the industry trained to the highest standards.

L-R John Parry, David Sandercock, John Hay, Nick Jones

L-R John Parry, Graham Rose, John Hay, Nick Jones