Trader’s Corner – Tom Jenkins

January 31, 2024

Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director, Europa Worldwide Group

What does ‘logistics’ mean to you?

To me, logistics means joining the dots up for our customers and ensuring their flow of goods is seamless.

Representing eight per cent of the UK workforce – approximately 2.7 million people – people often fall into the variety of roles that make up the logistics sector by chance, building their careers from a standing start. This is what makes the industry so dynamic.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

One thing I would change is the emissions generated by logistics and transport. While EVs are becoming prominent at last-mile deliveries, heavy haulage technology and infrastructure is not ready to move high numbers of large consignments across longer distances. We, as an industry and as a company, have a long way to go, but there are certain measures that can help us on our journey to reduce emissions in the supply chain.

What traits define you in a professional sense?

For me personally, being adaptable and approachable is important to my professional role. I am responsible for various central functions for the group globally including HR, Recruitment, Health and Safety, Property, Procurement, our Facilities, Insurance and Claims. Being able to move between these functions quickly, and thoroughly understand the detail, I think defines me in a professional capacity.

How do you define success?

Defining success for Europa is ensuring we create an inspiring, good-humored environment for our colleagues. It’s also ensuring we keep our promises to our customers by delivering market-leading products such as our Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) customs service, Europa Flow, and our Money Back Guarantee on road consignments – at the core of this, are our excellent, dedicated teams.

If you weren’t in this role, what would you be doing instead?

I started my career in sales for our Road Freight division, which is a role I was extremely passionate about. I’d probably be back here. However, more than 10 years on from my initial appointment at Europa, I really enjoy working in the Group’s Central Services, helping to progress our teams, which ultimately benefits the business.

Read more news and exclusive features in our latest issue here.