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.”
Mercedes-Benz Car Servicing & Parts – Available at Ciceley Bolton � From routine servicing to genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, our Ciceley Bolton team is here to keep your car performing at its best. � ✔ Manufacturer-trained technicians ✔ Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ✔ Expert care you can trust � Book your service or enquire about parts today via our website or give us a call.
Step into the future of zero-emission transport with the fully electric eActros 600, available now. Designed for powerful, efficient performance without compromising on comfort, this truck is ideal for businesses looking to reduce emissions and running costs.
🔌 Fully electric, zero-emission 🚛 Only 3,991km ⚡ Mobile charger available 📍 Ready to go now
Interested? Get in touch with our team today to find out more or arrange a viewing.
Our Prep Centre and Darwen Service teams were out on Friday and Saturday supporting @eastlancshospice by helping with their Christmas tree collection across Lancashire 🎄💚
Over the course of the collection, our teams travelled a combined 163.2 miles, completing 149 tree pick-ups across Lancashire. Every donation from the collections goes directly to East Lancs Hospice, supporting the vital care they provide to local families.
As our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice is incredibly important to us, and we’re proud to support initiatives like this that make a real difference in our communities.
Dave McGinnes, Darwen Service Manager, commented: “It’s brilliant to be able to support the hospice and the communities we serve by allowing our teams to volunteer and providing vehicles and resources. This was a real team effort across both sites, and it’s great to see the positive impact we can have by working together for such a worthwhile cause.”
The UK Government has announced increased funding for zero-emission trucks, with grants now available up to £120,000 for eligible vehicles.
These enhanced Plug-in Truck Grant rates are available now and apply to zero-emission trucks across Great Britain, but funding is time-limited and first-come, first-served.
As we move into the New Year, it’s the ideal time to plan maintenance for your Mercedes-Benz car.
If you need servicing or genuine parts this January, our Bolton site provides manufacturer-approved Mercedes-Benz car servicing delivered by trained technicians.
Happy New Year from everyone at Ciceley Commercials! 🎉
As we welcome the New Year, we’d like to thank our customers, partners and colleagues for your continued support throughout the past year. It’s been another busy and successful year across all our sites, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
As we count down to the New Year, we’re looking back at some of our favourite moments from across Ciceley Commercials this year. From exciting vehicle handovers and industry events to site developments and team achievements, it’s been another busy and rewarding year for us all.
A huge thank you to our customers, partners and colleagues for your continued support throughout 2025. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
Happy New Year from everyone at Ciceley Commercials! 🥂🚛🎆
Our 24-hour Roadside Assistance team is on hand throughout Christmas to keep you moving when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s festive deliveries or essential journeys, we’re here day and night, even over the Christmas period.
Because breakdowns don’t take Christmas off — and neither do we. ❄️
Did you know we stock a range of Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessories and Collection items – perfect for those hard-to-buy-for moments?
From stylish gifts like the Mercedes-AMG Monopoly set to practical accessories designed to fit your Mercedes-Benz perfectly, there’s something for every fan of the three-pointed star.
Pop in and speak to the team or give us a call to find the perfect last-minute gift.
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