As we approach the 1st anniversary of our move to Spitfire House, we’ve been talking to some of our long-serving employees about their thoughts on the new facilities and getting some reflections on their time at NVS. First up is our Transport Operations Manager, Phil Bate.
How has your role evolved since you started at NVS?
I began my journey with NVS back in 1999 as the Depot Manager for the Talke Depot. At that time, NVS had five depots alongside the Stoke main depot and warehouse, and our fleet consisted of approximately 80 vehicles, none of which were temperature-controlled. Fast forward to today, and we’ve experienced tremendous growth. Now, we boast 12 depots, 2 small outbases, and a fleet exceeding 200 commercial vehicles. Over the years, my responsibilities transitioned from being a Depot Manager to overseeing the delivery network and then in 2013, I moved to focus on managing the HGV fleet, as the “O” license holder. I stepped into my current role as Transport Operations Manager in 2018.
What were your initial impressions of NVS?
One memory that stands out vividly is my second day on the job, when I went out on a delivery route, completely on my own with no previous experience of the route. Although I have to admit that I did have some knowledge of the area, so, it was perhaps not quite as impressive as it might have seemed to my new colleagues! I think that this experience was instrumental in helping to build rapport with my new team and setting the tone for my time as Depot Manager. From the outset, I was committed to making Talke Depot the best it could be and to playing my part in driving the business forward.
What can you tell us about some of the changes you’ve seen along the way? Especially in regards to technology.
Technological advancements have revolutionised our operations, particularly in compliance and vehicle capabilities. We’ve been industry pioneers in adopting temperature-controlled vehicles, enhancing the quality and safety of the specialised products that we deliver. Our fleet has evolved from the standard ‘one size fits all’ vehicles to a diverse range of options, which now include box trailers that use kinetic-powered batteries to power the trailer’s heating and cooling unit, whilst we expect our first fully electric commercial vehicles in mid-2024. This has helped to improve our fuel efficiency and enhance our environmental sustainability, contributing to NVS Group’s delivering a greener pawprint initiative.
Can you recall any memorable events during your time at NVS?
Shortly after I joined the business the country encountered a fuel blockade at refineries across the country. We were able to successfully negotiate a fuel delivery to keep the fleet and deliveries going. Within hours of the delivery being agreed upon, the tanker arrived at Talke complete with a Police motorcycle escort.
Another standout moment was our involvement in the 2012 Olympics when we constructed and stocked an equine pharmacy for the equestrian events based in Greenwich. I specifically remember being there with our now Operations Director, Danny, as the building was being built. It was an amazing opportunity to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, especially in such a historic setting as Greenwich. On a personal level, I was also privileged to be involved in the canoe slalom events at Lee Valley as a judge and timekeeper, as my children were involved in canoeing during that time. A role I was later able to repeat for other international events.
Since moving into Spitfire House, what are some of the things you like best about the new building?
The new facility has been a game-changer, providing a much better working environment for our Stoke-based drivers. Centralising the team in the transport hub, compared to Talke, where we were spread out across the site, has fostered better collaboration, morale, and teamwork. Generally, it’s a huge improvement over our previous facilities and we need to fully embrace it and grow the business into the building.
What has motivated you to stay at NVS for 25 years?
The stability of the industry and NVS’s resilience through various challenges have been key factors. I know that people will always look after their animals, even at a cost to themselves, so there is always going to be a demand for the products and services that we offer. We have had a few dips over the last 25 years, but each time NVS has persevered and found opportunities for growth and learning. Even during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic, when just ensuring fuel supply for our drivers was a challenge and we remained out on the road making deliveries, whilst many were more safely working from home, it’s been a rewarding journey.
How has your life evolved outside of work during your 25 years of service?
When I joined NVS, my children were young, in fact, my youngest was yet to be born. Now they are all grown up with successful careers of their own. The Patterson Scholarship fund actually helped to get 2 of my 3 children through university, reducing their need to use overdraft facilities or call in ‘the Bank of Dad’. Witnessing their growth alongside my own professional journey has been immensely gratifying and made me a very proud dad!
Read more in our blog post series:
Looking Back: Lisa Beardmore, Customer Excellence Manager, reflects on 35 years at NVS
Looking Back: Lisa Rosson and Carrie Breeze, Replenishment Team – celebrating 25 years at NVS
Looking Back: Andy Bingham, Driver – 35 Years with NVS
