Kelnews: How would you describe your role at Keltruck?
MSK: The sexiest job in the company Dealing with the larger fleet customers, entertaining & courting them & obviously trying to encourage many new names into the fold. To be fair this came with the territory when I had the Sales Director role so comes naturally.

Kelnews: How long have you worked for Keltruck?
MSK: Man & boy. Joined big cousin (Chris) in 1979, long before becoming Keltruck.

Kelnews: What did you do before Keltruck?
MSK: As I said, I joined the company pre-Keltruck. Then we were a used truck dealer & had a small rental company & haulage business that became a pretty big rental company and pretty big haulage business. I quickly learnt about the industry as I took my CPC within weeks of joining the and became the Transport Manager (I couldn't find my way home back then, let alone send the lads all over the world, but we got through it!)

Kelnews: So how did you get into the industry then?
MSK: Chris invited me to join him when he had already built up a nice little business and could justify someone to help (or hinder! ) around the place.

Kelnews: What do you like about the industry?
MSK: The people! I've made numerous great friends through the years. We do have some real characters in this industry

Kelnews: What do you do outside of work?
MSK: Not a great deal actually! Real social animal so never in – mainly out for dinner etc. Trying to play golf but absolutely hideous at the game & about to throw the towel in. Rather sad that I like the precious time at home to clean the cars (six in the family & the kids haven't learnt what a sponge is – my fault I hear you say!) & generally titivate around the place (got lots of grass to cut). Am I getting old?!

Kelnews: What was your first car?!
MSK: Mk1 Ford Escort NOC 564F. You can always remember your first car & first love (least said the better because Gill thinks that's her!)

Kelnews: So what does the future hold?
MSK: My cup is always half full so the future's Orange!

Scania EGR Euro 5 vehicles deliver outstanding fuel economy for Benson Box Limited

Successful fuel performance trials have led to the addition of three 480 horsepower Scania R 480 LA6x2/4MNA twinsteer tractor units with Scania EGR Euro 5 engines to the fleet of Bardon, Leicestershire-based Benson Group member company, Benson Box Limited. Supplied by Keltruck, Scania's dealer for the Midlands, the new vehicles join seven Scania vehicles already in service with Benson Group.

The fuel trials were conducted over a 12-month period with two vehicles operating within the Benson Group transport fleet on national distribution as far afield as Aberdeenshire in the north and Cornwall in the south west. Throughout the trial period the vehicles were coupled to double-deck 50-pallet trailers and operated at their maximum weight of 44-tonnes GTW. Benson Group reports an average of 9.3 miles per gallon was returned by one vehicle, with the second delivering 9 miles per gallon. This performance convinced Benson Box Limited to further invest in Scania Euro 5 technology and a third 480 horsepower truck, this one a 4x2 tractor unit, has now entered service with its fleet.

"As an established Scania operator, we have long viewed the marque as a statement of quality which very much reflects our own core values," comments Benson Group Chairman, Andrew Benson. "In terms of the new generation Scania EGR Euro 5 vehicles, having researched the market and conducted our own extensive fuel trials, we are extremely impressed by their fuel efficiency. Our operating experience means Scania's reliability and performance are already well proven within our operation and the fuel efficiency of the new Euro 5 range has compounded our satisfaction in the brand as it will enable us to further reduce our carbon footprint. "

Benson Box's three new vehicles are fully backed by a five year repair and maintenance contract, which will be fulfilled by Keltruck's service centre in Groby, Leicestershire. The vehicles are now operating on nightly trunk services between the firm's four manufacturing plants in Bardon, Crewe, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead.

For more information visit www.bensongroup.co.uk

Vehicle photos