The Freight Transport Association has voiced its disappointment at the news that the Minister for Skills has rejected the training standard for LGV drivers.
Despite the Government making a pledge at the spring budget that it would work with road haulage firms on an industry-led solution to the driver shortage (including looking at the right level of access to, and funding support for, training), Nick Boles MP has outlined the decision of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and rejected the idea.
Sally Gilson, FTA Skills Development Manager said she was “desperately disappointed” at the announcement.; “It appears the Government has gone back on its pledge to find an industry-led solution to solve the driver crisis, with the Minister for Skills deciding to reject the proposed standard for large goods vehicle drivers,” she said. “This diminishes the value of the existing apprenticeships that are successfully bringing much-needed young people into the industry.”
The average age of a professional lorry driver is 52 and the freight and logistics industry is desperate to engage with young people. Without access to apprenticeships, this issue will exacerbate. The Association added that with Government focus for vocational funding firmly on apprenticeships, without this option the industry will be left bereft of funding options for driver training.
“If Government is rejecting driver apprenticeships,” Sally Gilson asked, “then what alternative funding will it be providing? The freight and logistics sector has a major shortage of drivers with companies desperate to fill vacancies and professionalise the role. FTA urges BIS to rethink its decision and work with industry to find a solution as a matter of urgency.”
We’ve had a fab time across our sites getting into the festive spirit and raising money for @eastlancshospice 💙
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated and wore their best (and boldest!) Christmas jumpers — all in support of an incredible local charity that does such important work in our community.
Well done team, and thank you for spreading a little Christmas cheer 🎅✨
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 continues to demonstrate what zero-emission transport can achieve, having successfully completed the legendary John O’Groats to Land’s End route in just over 24 hours — the first electric HGV to do so.
Travelling 1,378 km with only three charging stops, the journey showcased the practicality of electric power for long-distance haulage. Running solely on renewable electricity, the 39.5-tonne eActros 600 delivered a range exceeding 500 km per charge, achieved an average efficiency of 1.175 km/kWh, and prevented more than one tonne of CO₂ emissions compared to a diesel equivalent.
This achievement reinforces that electric heavy goods vehicles are already capable of meeting the demands of modern transport operations.
The challenge also supported Globe Truckers UK, helping shine a light on the wellbeing of the drivers who keep our industry moving.
To explore how electric trucks could work for your fleet, speak to the team at Ciceley Commercials today.
Another Great Review for Our Bolton Service Team! ⭐
We love hearing feedback like this! A huge thank you to our customer for sharing their experience with our Bolton Service Department. Our team work hard to keep your vehicles on the road with friendly, efficient service — and it’s fantastic to see that reflected in reviews.
As we head into the festive season, please take a moment to check our updated opening hours over Christmas and New Year.
Though we may be closed for a few days, remember our 24hr Roadside Assistance technicians are always on call. See our website for their contact details. 🔧
Whether you need parts, service, sales or support, we’re here right up until Christmas Eve — and back to normal from Monday 5th January. ⭐
We’re excited to share that we’ve officially broken ground on our brand-new Ciceley Commercials Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral! Clark Contracts began work on-site on Monday, and it’s fantastic to see 18 months of planning finally coming to life.
To support our customers as soon as possible, we’ll be opening a temporary workshop in early 2026—ensuring operators across Scotland continue to receive the service and support they rely on while we build something truly special.
We had a very special guest at our stand today — Sandy, better known on social media as @flat_out_flat_broke_sandy_. He’s a real-talking, owner-driver influencer who knows his way around the cab. He stopped to take a look at Robert Summers vehicle which we have displayed on our stand. 🚛
Huge thanks to Sandy for stopping by and sharing his thoughts — come and see the ProCabin for yourself, or ask us to show you what he was talking about! 👀
It’s the final day of RTX Scotland 2025, and we’ve loved sharing our plans for our new Eurocentral dealership with Scotland’s transport community!
There’s still time to drop by Stand G30 to meet the team, talk trucks, and learn how we’re bringing Ciceley Commercials service and expertise to Scotland.
Thank you to everyone who’s already stopped by — what a fantastic event! 🙌
Visit Stand G30 to find out all about our new Eurocentral dealership, meet our team, and see how Ciceley Commercials is expanding into Scotland to bring the @mercedestruckuk experience even closer to you.
Drop by to chat trucks, servicing and fleet support — we’re here both days at the SEC Glasgow!
It’s almost time! We’re all set to showcase Ciceley’s next big chapter at RTX Scotland 2025 — our move into Scotland with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz Truck UK and Bus dealership at Eurocentral.
Visit Stand G30 at the SEC Glasgow to meet the team and hear how we’ll be supporting Scottish operators with sales, service and fleet solutions.
Something big is happening north of the border! 🇬🇧
We’re gearing up to open our new Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral — and what better way to kick things off than by joining the Scottish transport community at RTX Scotland 2025.
Visit us at Stand G30 from tomorrow to hear all about the build, our plans for the region, and how we’ll be supporting fleets across Scotland.
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