Staff Profile: Alan Barber

Alan Barber has 28 years’ experience in waste management and in-depth knowledge about the GBN operation.

As the company’s Group Transport Manager he ensures that GBN is compliant with the constantly-changing legal and other requirements governing drivers and vehicles, from driver working hours to emissions. He heads up a team of eight local transport managers and takes responsibility for compliance, vehicle workshops and driver training.

“My role is quite broad”, he explains. “It mainly involves checking compliance, checking the workshops are maintaining the vehicles, tax and insuring the fleet. I manage the driver training team, the driver training centre, our workshops and also our welding and fabrication depot where we repair the skips.”

After working for himself, Mr Barber joined Churn Waste in about 1999 where he was a driver, yard manager and mechanic, before the company was taken over by GBN in 2007. Within a few months, he was appointed manager of GBN’s Rochford depot and in 2011 he was promoted to Group Transport Manager.

“The best thing that happened to me was when GBN bought out the company I was working for before”, he reflects. “GBN is a brilliant company to work for. They are friendly and supportive if you need anything. They recognised my ability and enabled me to progress.”

Mr Barber now holds a number of qualifications including a Transport Manager’s CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) Practitioner status.

“My qualifications and experience ensure I have the knowledge to run a fleet that is as compliant and efficient as possible which is important for us and our customers”, he says.

Today, his three daughters Charlotte, Katie and Carrieanne have followed in his footsteps and are also working for GBN.

“GBN is like a family and there are quite a few families with more than one member, including my own”, he comments. “Charlotte works at the driver training school in Great Wakering, Carrieanne works in administration at the office in Harlow and Katie is a transport coordinator at our Rochford depot. It is great that they are part of the business.”