Military men Forge a new future with Mercedes-Benz Actros from Ciceley Commercials
Ex-servicemen Jamie Keen and James Rose-Shaw have recruited their first truck, a striking Mercedes-Benz tractor unit, and look forward to putting nine more into action.
The former brothers-in-arms’ Actros 2548 BigSpace tractor unit wears the colours of Forge Logistics, the Preston-based firm they established 18 months ago.
The truck is powered by a 12.8-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine that generates 350 kW (476 hp). Its flat-floored cab, meanwhile, boasts a TrendLine interior with leather trim, as well as the optional twin-screen Multimedia Cockpit, interactive, which comes with a larger 12in instrument panel and extra functionality.
Like all new-generation Actros it also features the ground-breaking MirrorCam system, with streamlined rear-facing cameras in place of traditional side mirrors, and a market-leading suite of other safety and efficiency technology.
The subject of a Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreement, the vehicle will be inspected and maintained in the 24-hour workshop at Ciceley Commercials’ Blackburn dealership, just off junction 4 of the M65.
James Rose-Shaw“The Dealer showed a genuine interest in understanding and supporting our business, and its flexibility in arranging services to fit in with our shift patterns has been a great help to our time-critical work.”
Jamie Keen and James Rose-Shaw launched their business after serving together in the Army Air Corps, providing ground support services for Apache attack helicopters. Both completed multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, and on board the Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean.
They left the forces determined to put their experience, determination and ‘can-do’ attitudes to good use in civilian life. Forge Logistics began working for one of the home shopping sector’s leading names with five Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Fast forward a year-and-a-half, and the company is running a fleet of 40 Sprinters. The new tractor unit, meanwhile, will be followed shortly by another nine Actros, which are currently on order.
All work full-time for Forge’s sole customer. The vans make local deliveries while the truck transports consignments from a sorting centre near Haydock to distribution depots across the North of England.
“We chose Sprinters originally because of the very favourable terms available through our customer’s arrangement with Mercedes-Benz,” recalled James Rose-Shaw. “They have been great workhorses, while we were also impressed from the outset by the care and attention we received from Ciceley Commercials.
Jamie Keen added: “Truck Sales Executive Matt Riley and his colleagues were very helpful when we decided to take the plunge and apply for our Operator’s Licence. Having also attended the Dealer’s open day and seen the fantastic new Actros close up, there was never any doubt that our first truck would be a Mercedes-Benz. We’re still on the phone to Matt most days, with questions about all sorts of things – he’s become a firm friend and we consider him to be an integral part of our success.”
Winner of the coveted International Truck of the Year 2020 trophy, the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros has raised the bar in terms of technological innovation.
MirrorCam enhances safety by providing significantly improved visibility when cornering or reversing, especially with an articulated trailer. It also cuts fuel consumption by up to 1.5%, thanks to the compact, aerodynamic profile of the camera housings.
Previous versions of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ emergency braking system relied solely on radar, but its successor – Active Brake Assist 5 – uses a combination of radar and cameras. The result, at speeds of up to 50 kph, is a dramatically improved response to moving pedestrians. Active Brake Assist 5 employs full braking – as opposed to the 50% achieved previously – when encountering pedestrians crossing its path.
Other developments include an enhanced version of the well proven Predictive Powertrain Control system, which now makes a greater contribution to economy, while also ensuring that life at the wheel is easier for drivers. Mercedes-Benz Uptime, meanwhile, enables the vehicle to monitor its own ‘health’ and alert Ciceley’s Service Department in advance if attention is likely to be required – this means parts can be picked and an appropriate time slot booked before the truck arrives, keeping downtime to a minimum.
“Our first 18 months in business have been something of a whirlwind,” recalled James Rose-Shaw. “We were already working long hours to get things up and running when Covid-19 hit. While many sectors saw an immediate slow-down, home shopping really took off – Jamie and I have been flat-out seven days a week, for up to 18 hours a day, to cope with the soaring demand.
“Ciceley Commercials have been fantastic throughout, despite having to contend with the social distancing and other implications of the pandemic. Now we can’t wait to get our next nine Actros units out on the road.”
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Great feedback for our Blackburn Service Team!⭐️
A huge thank you to the customer for their fantastic feedback, you can read more of our testimonials here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
The Mercedes-Benz diesel van range is built to keep your business moving. From the compact Citan to the versatile Vito and award-winning Sprinter, we’ve got the perfect van for every job.
🔥 Exclusive offers available now:
✅ Citan from £185* per month
✅ Vito from £395* + VAT per month
✅ Sprinter from £609* + VAT per month
✅ Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
Don’t miss out — these deals are only available while stocks last!
https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/offers/diesel-offers/
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
Exciting News!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding into Scotland with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral! 🙌
As a proud family-run business, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting operators with exceptional service, strong relationships, and continued investment in the future. This new site marks an exciting new chapter for us — bringing our people-first approach and trusted Mercedes-Benz expertise to a whole new region.
The Eurocentral dealership will feature:
🔧 12 workshop bays
🚛 Full sales, service & parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz trucks
🚌 Service and parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz buses
🧰 An Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane
👷 Around 40 new local jobs
Construction starts soon, with a temporary workshop opening mid-2026 and the full dealership launching autumn 2026.
Read the full story on our website.
🚛 Ciceley Commercials Joins the Actros L ProCabin Tour! 🚛
Yesterday we joined Mercedes-Benz Trucks at Route 74 Truckstop, Glasgow, for the Actros L ProCabin Tour — giving drivers the chance to step inside the next generation of comfort and innovation.
The Actros L ProCabin is more than just a truck – it’s a workspace, a rest space, and a tech hub on wheels.
✨ Here’s what makes it stand out:
🖥️ Digital Cockpit & MirrorCam for ultimate visibility
🪑 Ergonomic Design built for all-day comfort
🔋 Outstanding Efficiency that delivers every mile
We loved seeing everyone who stopped by to take a look inside, chat with the team, and experience the future of trucking first-hand.
Go further, cleaner, and quieter with the Mercedes-Benz electric van range. Whether it’s the eCitan, eVito, or eSprinter, enjoy zero-emission driving, impressive range, and fast charging times — all with premium Mercedes-Benz quality.
✅ The eCitan from £249* + VAT per month
✅ The eVito from £495* + VAT per month
✅ The eSprinter from £595* + VAT per month
Including:
4 FREE services
Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty
Switch to electric today and keep your business moving sustainably! See our website for more details.
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
🐝 From Hive to Jar! 🍯
Today we visited @eastlancshospice with our Beekeeper John to watch how he turns our MerceBEES hard work into delicious honey! 🌼
It was fantastic to share the experience with the hospice’s staff and patients, showing how the honeycomb is spun, sieved, and jarred to create the finished product.
This year, we’re proud to be selling our Ciceley honey with all profits donated to our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice – supporting the incredible work they do every day. 💛
Our MerceBEES have been busy since we first introduced four hives and 320,000 bees to our Blackburn and Darwen sites as part of our ongoing sustainability journey. 🐝
🏁 On 5th September, our all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 completed the 2025 EV Rally, driving from West Bromwich to Tatton Park, Cheshire ⚡🚛.
Along the way we:
☕ Recharged at Peak View Tea Rooms
🚚 Stopped at Sixt Van & Truck, Eccles
☀️ Showcased clean energy at Chamber House Solar Farm, Rochdale
🌳 And crossed the finish line at Tatton Park
Covering 248km fully loaded at 40t, the eActros 600 proved its range, efficiency, and cost savings – highlighting that zero-emission trucking isn’t the future, it’s here today. Get in touch with the team to put the eActros to the test
#evrally #explorer #collaboration #solarpower
✨ Another fantastic review for our Blackburn team! ✨
We’re proud to provide a service that makes things simple, stress-free and reliable for our customers.
Read more of our customer reviews here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
🍂 Autumn is here, and so are the chilly mornings!
Did you know that with the Mercedes-Benz app, you can pre-heat your electric Mercedes-Benz van before you even step outside?
✅ Warm and comfortable from the moment you get in
✅ Defrosted windows without scraping ice
All managed straight from your phone, giving you convenience and comfort whatever the weather.
❄️ A smart way to start your day as we head into winter.
⚽ Ciceley Takes on the Vantasy Football League! ⚽
Today, our Ciceley football team proudly represented us at the Mercedes-Benz Vantasy Football League at none other than St George’s Park – the home of England football!
Competing alongside eight teams made up of van drivers and Mercedes-Benz Van dealers from across the country, our squad battled hard and made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing an impressive 3rd place overall! 🥉💪
The Vantasy Football initiative is about more than just football – it’s a fantastic campaign supporting mental health awareness for van drivers, many of whom work in isolating roles. We`re proud to support this important cause. 💙
A huge shout out to our amazing team:
Rob Claringbold, Gary Bridge, Jack Burgess, Matthew Coombe, Alex Lewis, Lee Holden, and Damian Holroyd – a brilliant mix from across our Sales, Service, IT, Accounts and Management teams.
Well played, team! 👏⚽
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/vantasy-football.html
#VantasyFootball #MercedesBenzVans #MentalHealthAwareness #TeamCiceley #StGeorgesPark #VanLife #FootballForGood
🌍 Tomorrow we’ll be at GreenFleet LIVE! 2025 in Rochdale!
Come and see us to explore the latest in electric vans and sustainable fleet solutions — and chat with our team about how we can support your journey to net zero. ⚡🚛
We’re looking forward to meeting fleet, transport and sustainability professionals from across the UK. See you there!
#GreenFleetLIVE #ElectricVehicles #CleanFleet #NetZero #LCV #Sustainability #CiceleyCommercials
☀️ Our eActros 400 has been out and about in sunny Scotland yesterday, with driver training sessions led by Jordan Lowe and Richard.
Great to see more drivers getting behind the wheel and experiencing the future of fully electric transport first-hand! ⚡🚛
#eActros #ElectricTrucks #DrivingTheFuture #CiceleyCommercials
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