All posts by Dakota Digital

One of Britain’s leading suppliers of pallet trucks to the warehouse trade, Pallet Trucks UK, have advised employers to keep an eye on productivity as the summer holidays begin. As schoolchildren begin the long break that will see them off school until September, employers have to be aware of the demands this can make on their business.

“Having fewer staff available in summer isn’t a problem as long as the workload is flexible,” advises Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “The key for employers is to be thinking a few weeks ahead and being able to prioritise jobs before they become time-sensitive.”

For many in the supply chain industry, the introduction of next-day delivery and rising consumer expectations have made their jobs more fast-paced. But employees are entitled to time off, especially in the summer when childcare becomes a more pressing issue.

By keeping the needs of employees in mind, businesses can work past the summer slump. Clear instructions and prioritised jobs mean that both employers and employees know what is expected of them, and a degree of flexibility on both sides means that navigating a good balance between work life and home life is not only possible but likely.

Making sure that all employees are trained in equipment needed for warehouse work such as electric lift tables and forklift trucks also means that no one employee has work that only they can do. This increases efficiency all round and means that workers are kept up to date with the rest of their team.

Pallet Trucks UK have plenty of warehouse equipment that can ease the strain on workers. From basic hand pallet trucks to more specialised equipment such as platform lifts, they’re proud to make life easier for workers up and down the country.

One of the industry’s most recognizable names in manual handling equipment, Pallet Trucks UK, have today officially launched their summer sale. With hundreds of high quality models and makes of warehouse favourites in stock, they’ve offering over £100 off some items.

“We have to make room for new stock,” says Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “We’re determined that all our customers should get a great deal, so we’re discounting some models significantly to give them a chance to get a great piece of equipment at a fantastic price.”

Some of the deals on offer include the ACX10M Manual Scissor Lift Pallet Truck. With a lift height of 800mm and a capacity to carry 1000kg, it can be used as a lifting table, work bench or a standard pallet truck. With a single cylinder pump design, meaning less maintenance for the owner, its price has been reduced by £80.

For workers who will have to cover rocky ground, the Rough Terrain Lift Truck is on sale with a reduction of over £100. With a mammoth 1200kg capacity, adjustable fork width and pneumatic tires, it’s a great choice for construction sites and garden centres.

One last deal is for those who like to work big. The 500kg Extra Large Lift Table is two-wheeled and constructed of heavy duty steel, boasting a table top size of 1600mm x 810mm. The foot operated hydraulic lift can raise the table from 290mm to any height up to 915mm. Descent is controlled with a hand operated lever in the handle.

The world of pallet trucks can seem confusing – but with PalletTrucksUK, it doesn’t have to be. The experts in all things materials handling has offered business leaders and managers advice on choosing the correct pallet truck to suit their needs.

With so many options available, it’s all about planning ahead – according to the experts. Thinking about what companies will need not just in the immediate, but the future, will ensure they choose the ideal pallet truck for them. Whether it be plans to expand, increase their offering, or indeed change direction, looking to the future will ensure the pallet truck/s they choose will serve them well for years to come.

When it comes to picking the correct model for the job in hand however, it can be more complex. Regular hand pallet trucks are the most universal model and can aid with moving items swiftly from one point to another. A staple in workplaces all over the world, they make light work of manoeuvring heavy and large objects.

Wide hand pallet trucks on the other hand may look just like traditional pallet trucks, but they provide much more stability for larger items. Designed with larger pallets in mind, they are tough and robust for workplaces that handle large items.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “There’s a common misconception that pallet trucks are all the same, but this is simply not the case. Pallet trucks are designed to make life infinitely easier, and with that comes options in order to meet unique requirements. It really is all about being armed with knowledge.”

Heavy duty hand pallet trucks are another variant. Designed for heavy items, they are smooth and quiet, ensuring items are stable at all times – and of course are able to be moved with ease.

Long pallet trucks are not as common as the above, but are often missed by those companies who don’t invest in one. Longer than traditional pallet trucks, they make it easy to move long items, such as leisure equipment and other machinery – without fear of damage or injury.

Other models include, mini pallet trucks, pallet trucks with a brake, and easy roller pallet trucks. “All coming with their own unique benefits, it really is down to leaders to think about that they need, why, and of course when, to ensure they are prepared,” added Phil.

Working in a warehouse or factory means machinery is probably part and parcel of daily life. But more often than not, there’s a gap in fleets. PalletTrucksUK, one of the leading online suppliers of pallet trucks and warehouse equipment, has explained why a rough terrain pallet truck could be the missing key for businesses.

The experts have worked with businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, so knows how to meet the needs of their customers. And rough terrain pallet trucks, although many businesses often think they don’t need them, come in handy, leaving many business leaders surprised at how useful they turn out to be.

Designed to be used on rough or uneven surfaces, rough terrain pallet trucks are often found on construction sites and in garden centres. But as warehouses often boast a lot of outdoor space which is not always level and even, rough terrain lift trucks provide added peace of mind that work can be carried out. Really coming into their own during busy periods, rough terrain trucks make light work of carrying and moving stock, where traditional lift trucks and pallet trucks simply cannot.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Bearings, said, “Rough terrain lift trucks are often overlooked by business owners as they think they simply don’t need them. However they’re not just for the traditionally rocky areas like garden centres; they can in fact come in handy in almost any setting, completing fleets of equipment and machinery to ensure continual operation.”

Coming complete with all the same features as traditional pallet trucks, they are robust and reliable thanks to a tough steel frame and long-reaching forks. Generally fitted with pneumatic tyres for added stability and strength, they glide over any surface with ease. Whether it be mud, stones, or a pothole-ridden flooring, managers can rest assured that productivity will be kept up at all times.

PalletTrucksUK, one of the UK’s most successful suppliers of pallet trucks, stackers, lift tables, and a whole host of other essential equipment, has offered online traders tips for keeping their customers happy, after it’s been reported that 78% of UK adults are likely to switch to an alternative retailer when next shopping for products online if they have a poor ordering and delivery experience.

The experts, who have been trading online for many years, know what it takes to keep customers happy, from the moment they click on a site, to the moment they receive their order. And as such, have received sterling feedback from large, corporate customers with large orders, to small start-ups who just need a few things to get them up and running.

The first port of call for online businesses to ensure their offering is as customer-friendly as possible is to get a good staff base in place. If businesses have a reliable staff force, then work will get done in a timely manner.

“If it’s a team, they need to work together and ensure all bases are covered – not just assume it has been done by another worker,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK. “The staff are the heart of the businesses, so as well as hiring competent people that thrive in a busy team, employees must make sure they are happy and valued. After all, it’s been proven that happy employees are around 20% more productive than those who are unhappy[1]. So creating a happy environment really is key in busy online businesses.”

Putting set processes in place is another important factor for online retailers. Making sure everyone knows the systems and protocols in place for new orders and returns can speed up the process significantly and leave valued customers satisfied and encourage them to come back.

Another factor businesses need to look at is investing in equipment to up productivity and increase safety. Equipment has proven to be incredibly important for busy warehouses where there are thousands of orders and returns to process every week. Companies have a relatively small window in this fast-paced online retail world to get product from warehouse and out for delivery. And getting the right equipment is integral to this, while also keeping employees safe by cutting down on the amount of strain from moving items.

The report, released by JDA/Centiro Customer Pulse and conducted by YouGov, found that 56% of the UK adults surveyed had experienced a problem with an online order in the last 12 months – signalling an increase from 53% in the 2016 report, and 47% on the year before. Of those who had experienced a problem, 42% said they had been on the receiving end of a later than specified delivery, 37% had missed a delivery despite being at home, 25% never received an item, and 24% received a damaged item.

Phil, added, “This really is unacceptable in this day and age. Online orders are not a new concept – we’ve had years to practice getting it right. So there’s nowhere to hide unfortunately. And if businesses are to succeed they must get it right first time.

To find out more about PalletTrucksUK and browse their extensive range of equipment available to purchase online, visit the website: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk

[1] https://www.5dynamics.com/happy-employees-efficient-productive-stay-longer/

For businesses that don’t have a lot of space, doesn’t have the workload to justify splashing out on a full-size pallet truck, or are simply starting out in the business world, mini pallet trucks can hold all the answers, according to PalletTrucksUK.

The company, which has been supplying pallet trucks of all sizes for decades, has highlighted how mini pallet trucks can pack maximum punch in the workplace.

Designed specifically for use with smaller loads and in small spaces, mini pallet trucks perform just like their full-size counterparts, with the same robust structure and simple design, but obviously come in cheaper than their larger relatives. However the biggest draw to mini pallet trucks is their robust nature, designed to carry small, but heavy loads.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “Mini pallet trucks are often considered inferior to full-size pallet trucks, as many think that they’re less robust or strong. However this couldn’t be further from the truth. These trucks have been specifically designed to be just as tough as larger trucks, just requiring less space to store and manoeuvre – while of course minimising the chances unnecessary money being spent.”

It’s been well-documented that the use of pallet trucks is on the rise. With online shopping now more popular than ever and consumers expecting their deliveries within hours sometimes, pallet trucks have proven to be a handy help for busy businesses needing to fulfil orders. And there’s no reason mini pallet trucks can’t fit into this gap, too.

Not scrimping on quality, mini pallet trucks offer up impressive stats. The ones available on the PalletTrucksUK website for example can hold and manoeuvre 2500kg of stock at a time. Offering up much stronger credentials than the average human worker, these pallet trucks can make work processes much faster, and as a result, drive forward the bottom line – without costing a fortune or getting in the way in small spaces.

The mercury scarcely hits 30 degrees Celsius in the UK, but as summer approaches, it’s down to employers to make sure working conditions are just right for workers, according to one of the UK’s most prolific suppliers of a whole range of materials handling equipment, such as pallet trucks and platform lifts.

PalletTrucksUK, which has a long history of supplying equipment to a whole host of businesses, knows first-hand what impact the weather can have on a business, and according to the managing director, it’s down to business leaders to take the lead and ensure conditions are constant – before the sun hits its peak.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “Although it’s important all year round to think about working conditions and temperatures, in the summer this is even more important. It is often easier to warm up a workplace than it is to cool one down, so getting it right from the offset is imperative.

“Overheated workers are less productive, irritable, and at risk of dehydration and illness – which can cause serious damage to individuals and the business. So investing wisely in the right equipment is something employers should think about sooner – rather than later.”

There is no law surrounding workplace temperatures in the UK. Left entirely at employees’ discretion, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 does lay down particular requirements for many aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that ‘during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’ Highlighting fluid guidelines, it does provide employers with a sense of control, while protecting workers from impractical temperatures.

Air conditioning systems are often the number one choice for employers who operate warehouses and other buildings that get warm easily. Ensuring a workplace has good ventilation can also help significantly. However one of the best ways to ensure workers don’t overheat in the summer is to provide robust equipment that they can rely on. Cutting down on the amount energy used to carry out manual tasks, reliable equipment can prevent workers from overheating when British summer time is at its peak.

PalletTrucksUK has one of the largest ranges of equipment available to purchase online. Ideal for a range of businesses in varying sectors, reliable equipment can make a huge difference to a business all year round – not just in the summer months.

The news that Britain’s economy has showed signs of picking up pace as a result of the global economic recovery, warehouse and materials handling suppliers, Pallet Trucks UK, has urged businesses to make the most of this upturn in fortune to enable them to compete and maintain a strong hold of the economy.

Rising exports, combined with a strong demand from households, has been highlighted as critical factors driving the UK forward as it emerges from an edgy 10 months post Brexit vote. Add that to the still uncertain global economy as a result of the recession which took hold almost a decade ago, those who have weathered the storm have been through many ups and downs.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “With such an unsettling time leaving many businesses feeling downbeat, the news that the economy is on the up in the UK will be music to many leader’s ears. Adding an air of confidence to a business going forward, now is the time to take steps to cement their place in business world to ensure they stand the best chances of survival going forward.”

The news was released after analysts at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) looked at the economies of 30 developed economies. Stating that there are “tentative signs of growth gaining momentum”, they measured business orders, corporate confidence, and stock market moves to in a bid to anticipate moves in the economy over the coming six to nine months.

The OECD’s reading is not quite up to the long-term average of 100, but is not far off. The indicators show the 30 developed OECD economies should experience “stable growth momentum” over the coming months, with countries including France, Italy, and Japan all steady. The United States, Canada and Germany’s economies however are all expected to gain momentum.

The pressure on businesses to meet targets has arguably never been higher. Facing a future outside of the EU with the recent triggering of Article 50, it’s important that companies look to the future.

PalletTrucksUK, one of the country’s leading suppliers of pallet stackers, lift tables, and similar equipment, has offered business leaders and managers advice on how to prevent workplace accidents, which can have a detrimental effect on the productivity, reputation, and financial aspects of a company.

The first tip the experts at the company suggest implementing is simplicity. In an environment where machinery is used on a daily basis, there’s no need to overcomplicate duties – says the expert.

“Often accidents happen when operations are complex,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK. “Stripping operations back to their most simple form, and of course ensuring everyone knows what they are meant to be doing – and when, will help cut down on the number of accidents significantly.”

Having key processes in place and written down will ensure that everyone knows what they are supposed to do in every circumstance. Not only will this help with productivity by cutting down on the amount of time wasted, but it will also make for a more streamlined process throughout the company.

Regular training is another key point, according to the experts. It’s the law that a number of training exercises need to be carried out, but managers need to look deeper into it and ensure training is given at regular intervals to refresh minds and create a highly skilled workforce.

The last tip from the expert supplier is to invest in reliable equipment that won’t let the business down.

Phil, added, “If a business relies on machinery and equipment – no matter what sector that is, being able to rely on this throughout the year is the most important part of running a successful business. As the backbone of a company, it up to leaders to invest wisely and not cut corners.”

One of the industry’s most recognisable names, Pallet Trucks UK, has reaffirmed its commitment to consumers by highlighting how good quality equipment can lead to more satisfied customers.

The company, which has over three decades of experience working in the sector, is well aware of the difference reliable equipment can make to a business and its procedures. Having spent years supplying pallet trucks, stacker trucks and a myriad of other reliable equipment to a whole range of industries, it knows full well how investing behind the scenes can create a ripple effect and lead to happy end-consumers for the companies with the sight to invest at their heart.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, “The majority of businesses rely on repeat custom. And the finest way to almost guarantee customers keep coming back is to go above and beyond to not only meet their needs – but exceed them too. And for a large portion, this starts behind the scenes.”

Pallet trucks are the first place to start according to the experts. These come in a range of models to suit all needs and environments. Incredibly cost-effective, they make light work of moving large and heavy items. For packed warehouses that rely on stacking stock to conserve room, electric scissor lifts are a must. Able to reach great heights, these heavy duty tables come in handy every single day.

Lastly – according to the experts – forklift truck extensions are indispensable for large businesses. By making forklifts inherently more useful, they extend reach to make day to day duties simpler, and importantly, quicker.