A £25 AMAZON GIFT CARD

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and 10

The magazine for DGF UK people Issue 14

Vintage Voice-O-Graph captures the sound of speedy

forwarding

RECORDED DELIVERY

Also...Steve Barker interview p4

Back to the future p 8 Community Heroes p10

I’m pleased to report that 2016 has got off to a good start for DGF UK. As you will have seen in the February team brief (which is available on myNet), our performance fi gures are generally on target, with EBIT (earnings before income and tax) 11 per cent above target in January.

While Airfreight fi gures are below target, this isn’t surprising given the continuing fl atness of the Airfreight Export market. However, I’m pleased to say that Ocean Freight performance has so far exceeded targets.

Look out for more information about the DGF UK 2016 strategy in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, read my interview on page 4 to fi nd out more about our plans for this year, including the IT Renewal Roadmap.

Although we have got the year off to a solid start, we can’t afford to become complacent. It’s critical that we always keep in mind the new DGF Europe slogan – Customers fi rst in everything we do – and provide our customers with the best service possible, while looking out for new business opportunities.

I also encourage you to take an active role in the Certifi ed International Forwarder (CIF) Foundation programme when the time comes. Every DGF UK colleague will be asked to participate and the programme should have a very positive impact on our business. Turn to page 8 for more information on CIF.

We’ll continue to keep you informed about our performance and developments throughout the year. Please speak to your manager, NEICF representative or email EmployeeQA_DGF_UK@dhl.com if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions.

Thank you for your continued support – it’s essential as we continue to revive our business and is very much appreciated.

fwd is written and produced in conjunction with beetroot (020 7749 0180). Printed by Newnorth. The material used in the production of this publication is completely biodegradable and recyclable.

A quick word

Steve Barker, CEO

THE BUZZ

We want your stories!

“This is a one-of-a-kind project that involves the white glove treatment and a real team effort”P6

Joyce McLeod, Customer Service Manager in Glasgow

“Every day is different and I get to complete a range of tasks”P12

Monika Hejmanowska, Hayes Warehouse Operative

“Happy and empowered employees play a key role in enhancing customer satisfaction”P8

Lorraine Craig, DGF UK’s CIF Country Champion

“It was the icing on the cake to be paired up with my buddy”P9

Natasha Hedges, Supply Chain Co-ordinator

Juliet Stevens,Editor

Win a £25 Amazon gift card

OVERVIEW

fwd on tour

Email: juliet.stevens@dhl.com Call: 01932 574 415

For a chance to win a £25 Amazon gift card, email your photographs to

juliet.stevens@dhl.com

This issue’s winner is Darren Powell , Customer Services Agent – Ocean, who is based in Manchester. Darren took a copy of fwd on a recent trip to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

If you’re going on a trip near or far, remember to take a copy of fwd magazine with you. Send us a photo of you both and you could win a £25 Amazon gift card like Darren has.

2 fwd Issue 14

a real team effort”

cake to be paired up

Hayes Warehouse Hayes Warehouse

Bite-size news and views from around the DGF world and beyondTHE BUZZ

SOLAS LEGISLATIONTo reduce the risk of major incidents arising from packed containers with incorrect weight declarations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted new rules as part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention.

As a result, from 1 July 2016, all containers that are to be loaded onto a vessel under the SOLAS regime must have a Verifi ed Gross Mass (VGM).

The shipper is responsible for the verifi cation of the packed container’s weight and DGF UK is in the process of obtaining the necessary SOLAS approvals for when we load a container on a customer’s behalf. Please contact simon.neville@dhl.com if you have any questions.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

DISASTER RELIEFThis year, DPDHL Group and the United Nations are celebrating a decade of successfully partnering in the areas of disaster preparedness and response.

“I am very proud to celebrate ten successful years of a joint partnership with the United Nations,” said Frank Appel, CEO DPDHL Group. “We are very pleased that we are able to share our logistics expertise within the international aid community.”

DSV ACQUIRES UTI WORLDWIDEDSV’s acquisition of UTi Worldwide Inc has been completed with the approval of UTi shareholders and competition authorities. The transaction makes DSV the fourth largest freight forwarder in the world and the world’s sixth and seventh largest operator within Ocean Freight and Air Freight, respectively.

Issue 14 fwd 3

of obtaining the necessary SOLAS approvals for when we load a container on a customer’s behalf. Please contact simon.neville@dhl.com if you have any questions.

with the United Nations,” said Frank Appel, CEO DPDHL Group. “We are very pleased that we are able to share our logistics expertise within the international aid community.”

Issue 14 fwd 3

The DGF UK Employee of the Month programme, which recognises colleagues who are doing a great job, is continuing in 2016.

Each month’s winner will receive a £250 Experience voucher and an invitation to the exclusive annual Employee of the Year event at a fi ve star London hotel, plus the chance to be crowned Employee of the Year and receive £2,500 in travel vouchers!

We’ve simplifi ed the nomination process for 2016 – simply visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/86KRPFP and complete the short online form to put a colleague or two forward. The deadline for submissions is the eighth of the following month.

2015’s Employee of the Year and Team of the Year will be crowned at our Employee of the Year event in London on 12 March 2016.

WHAT A SAVE Do you know that as a DGF UK employee you have access to thousands of discounts with leading brands through DHL Advantages?

You can benefi t from discounted vouchers and gift cards for a wide range of shops, plus make savings on holidays and activities like spa days, cinema tickets and bowling.

Visit personalgroupbenefi ts.com/dhldgf for more information and to start saving. If you need your

membership number email

dgfuk.hradmin@dhl.com

FACE-TO-FACE

FACE-TO-FACE with Steve

Barker Thank you for taking the time to talk to fwd, Steve. Can you please outline our key objectives for 2016?

The plan is to create a more stable and profi table business that’s focused and fl exible, with our customers at the heart of it.

To achieve this we’re continuing to roll out initiatives such as end-to-end fi le ownership. As the name suggests, this involves one person owning and managing each fi le, rather than a number of colleagues handling different stages in the process. This is already having a positive impact with enhanced customer satisfaction.

We’ll also be continuing to streamline station administration, along with working to increase our spot quote conversion rates now that ownership has been passed back to the regions.

I’m really impressed with how we have pulled together as a team over the last year or so, and am pleased to say that we are starting to see some tentative signs of growth emerging – but we can’t afford to become complacent.

What’s the outlook for DGF UK in 2016?

Although we didn’t meet our forecast for 2015, we still made a profi t, which is something that we can be proud of given the year we had.

Our 2016 budget is realistic but stretching, and with the right focus it’s certainly achievable. Historically the budgets were set by Head Offi ce, but this year we’re working to a ‘bottom up’ budget set by me and the UK’s Sales, Product and Finance teams. This is just one example of how the countries are becoming more empowered.

We will need to be mindful of a number of challenges, including intense competition from other forwarders, the continuing fl atness of the Airfreight Export market, and volatile Ocean Freight rates. There’s also growing uncertainty in certain global fi nancial markets.

After a challenging 2015, Steve Barker, CEO DGF UK, took some time out to talk to fwd magazine about the plan for getting our business back on track in 2016

Barker Thank you for taking the time to talk to outline our key objectives for 2016?

The plan is to create a more stable and profi table business that’s focused and and profi table business that’s focused and fl exible, with our customers at the heart of it.

To achieve this we’re continuing to roll out initiatives such as end-to-end fi le ownership. As the name suggests, this involves one As the name suggests, this involves one person owning and managing each fi le, person owning and managing each fi le, rather than a number of colleagues handling different stages in the process. This is already having a positive impact with enhanced customer satisfaction.

We’ll also be continuing to streamline station administration, along with working to increase our spot quote conversion rates to increase our spot quote conversion rates now that ownership has been passed back to now that ownership has been passed back to the regions.

I’m really impressed with how we have pulled together as a team over the last year or so, and am pleased to say that we are starting to see some tentative signs of growth emerging – but we can’t afford to become complacent.

What’s the outlook for DGF UK in 2016?

Although we didn’t meet our forecast for 2015, we still made a profi t, which is something that we can be proud of given the year we had.

Our 2016 budget is realistic but stretching, and with the right focus it’s certainly achievable. Historically the budgets were set by Head Offi ce, but this year we’re working to a ‘bottom up’ budget set by me and the UK’s Sales, Product and Finance teams. This is just one example of how the countries are becoming more empowered.

We will need to be mindful of a number of challenges, including intense competition from other forwarders, the continuing fl atness of the Airfreight Export market, and volatile Ocean Freight rates. There’s also growing uncertainty in certain global fi nancial markets.

4 fwd Issue 14

Issue 14 fwd 5

“New knowledge and expertise will help us to take the business to a much

higher level”Steve Barker

GLOBAL INTRANETmyNet replaced CoIn as DPDHL Group’s global intranet last year. It’s

an incredibly useful source of news and information from across the business. DGF UK colleagues can benefi t from an edition that’s tailored for them.

LATEST NEWSVisit the home page regularly for the latest news from across

DGF and the wider DPDHL Group, plus from a little closer to home in the DGF UK News section. You’re able to view comments that other colleagues have made on articles, plus add your own comments too.

COLLEAGUE CONTACTSWith myNet’s powerful People Browser you can fi nd contact

details for colleagues across the globe. Simply type all or part of their name into the search bar and options matching that search will be displayed as ‘People Results’.

UK POLICIESIf you’re using the DGF UK edition of myNet, you can fi nd policies

specifi c to DGF UK colleagues in the HR & Career section, which is accessible from the main (mega) menu.

INTERNET HOME PAGEThe DGF United Kingdom edition of myNet should already be set as

your internet home page. If not, access it at https://mynet.dpdhl.com/web/dgf-uk

YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT...

We’ll be closely monitoring our performance during the year and continuing to share progress reports in the monthly team briefi ng pack.

How can we as colleagues support the business in meeting its objectives?

It’s essential that we focus on reducing churn, in other words, retaining our existing customers. We need to provide them with a high quality service and always look for solutions, not roadblocks. It’s typically more profi table to retain a customer than it is to attract a new one, while losing a large customer can have a signifi cant impact on our business.

It’s also very important that we continue to keep on top of our costs and treat the company’s cash as if it were our own.

Please also continue to be proactive in looking out for, and winning, new business opportunities.

What are your thoughts on the IT Renewal Roadmap?

I’m extremely optimistic about it. Two DGF UK colleagues have been involved in testing aspects of the proposed new system and the initial feedback is good. We have already shared information about the planned rollout with the NEICF representatives, and we will keep you updated at key stages.

We’re hearing a lot about the Certifi ed International Forwarder (CIF) programme – what’s it all about?

Every DGF UK colleague will be invited to take part in the CIF Foundation programme, which is scheduled to start in May (see page 8 for more details).

CIF will provide a great opportunity for you to learn more about DGF and see our business in a different light, with our customers at the core. You’ll benefi t from new knowledge and expertise that will help us to take the business to a much higher level.

Thank you to every one of you for your commitment to our business. There’s still a way to go to get our business back on track, but by continuing to work together as one entrepreneurial team, I’m confi dent we can do it.

Steve chats with colleagues in Manchester

If you have an idea for a new customer, how to save money or for streamlining a process, please share it! Speak to your manager, your

NEICF representative or send an email to

EmployeeQA_DGF_UK@dhl.com

A to B

6 fwd Issue 14

HH aving carefully shipped its award-winning Aberlour Single Malt Scotch whisky across the globe for several years, when customer

Chivas Brothers was preparing to take a priceless Voice-O-Graph recording booth on a world tour, DGF was the only forwarder for the job.

Built in 1942 and believed to be one of only two working examples left in the world (White Stripes musician Jack White owns the other one), the Voice-O-Graph records sound directly on to six inch vinyl.

Records originally produced in the booths are becoming collectors’ items, each one offering a unique window into the lives of those who recorded them. Many reveal marriage proposals and love letters, all speeding up as the 60 second recording time comes to an end.

Following years in storage and a full

Moving a priceless antique recording booth across the world is all in a day’s work for DGF

HIS MASTER’S VOICE

restoration, the Voice-O-Graph has a new lease of life as the central component in the ‘Made From Experience’ campaign for Chivas Brothers’ Aberlour brand.

“As the Voice-O-Graph makes its way across the world, single malt fans are capturing their voices on vinyl for prosperity while enjoying a taste of their favourite tipple,” explains Joyce McLeod in Glasgow who’s co-ordinating the mini recording studio’s epic journey. “This is a one-of-a-kind project that involves the white glove treatment and a real team effort.”

So far, colleagues across DGF UK and on the other side of the Atlantic have worked together to ship the Voice-O-Graph from its home in the US to London, then to Canada where we co-ordinated its road trip across the country, and fi nally to Glasgow where we’re storing it until the next leg of its journey. “Karl Tipping in Hayes provided fantastic support for the Canadian leg of the tour, working tirelessly and over the weekend to ensure its arrival,” says Joyce.

“We think it’ll be going to France or the north of Scotland next, but we could also be asked to ship it as far as Asia at short notice. The speed of our service and fl exibility are just two of the reasons that Chivas Brothers chose us for the job.”

“We’re providing a complete service for the customer; we even arranged for a bespoke case to be built to ensure that the Voice-O-Graph is well protected when it’s on the move and

346kgweight

Joyce McLeod with the Voice-

O-Graph and (above right) with

members of the Glasgow team

Issue 14 fwd 7

99cmdeep

231c

m ta

ll

140cm wide

can withstand repeated opening and rebuilding. We’ve made a photo guide to ensure that it’s unpacked and repacked correctly each time.

“We are carefully managing each leg of the

shipment to ensure the booth arrives in time for each promotional event. This involves liaising directly with Chivas Brothers’ marketing team to fi nd out where it’s going next and keeping them updated at each stage of the journey. We take care of all the paperwork and customs clearance, and make sure that there’s an importer and exporter in each country to receive and dispatch the booth.”

With our expertise we know that the Voice-O-Graph is too tall for some aircraft, so it has to be shipped on planes that will enable it to stand upright – it’s too fragile to be turned onto its side. Furthermore, it’s not treated like normal airfreight; it’s handled as a priority shipment and tracked throughout its journey so we know where it is at any one time.

“It’s great working on the Voice-O-Graph project – it’s a fantastic feeling when we can make the impossible happen,” says Joyce. We have also been lucky to work with Marie-Pierre Pepin at DGF Canada on the project. We nominated her for an employee of the month award in her country thanks to her hard work and commitment to this project.”

15,000 MILESApproximate

distance travelled so far

Left to right: Derek Ward, Danny McPherson, Kaitlin Watson, Caitlin McWhinnie, Joyce McLeod, Brian Johnston, Ashleigh Graham, Caitlin McKissack

Game changerNew technology,

fresh thinking and new ways of

working

BACKDGF PEOPLE

The International Supply Chain (ISC) team in Daventry has introduced a ‘buddy’ programme to help new starters settle into the business. We spoke to buddy Claire Bushill and newcomer Natasha Hedges to fi nd out more about the programme and how it’s working

The veteran

TO THE

8 fwd Issue 14

CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL FORWARDER VIEW FROM DGF

WHAT IS IT? Certifi ed International Forwarder (CIF) is a long-term engagement programme that will encompass every DHL Global Forwarding colleague worldwide.

It’s not a training programme – it’s about exciting and engaging our people to put our environment into perspective and the customer at the heart of what we do, enabling us to truly be The Freight Forwarding Experts.

HOW WILL IT WORK? To begin with, every DGF UK employee will complete the CIF Foundation programme at some point between May and December 2016.

The programme will be delivered by CIF Facilitators – specially trained DGF UK colleagues – through an interactive one-and-a-half day session. Lorraine Craig ,

DGF UK’s CIF Country Champion, on the benefi ts that CIF will bring to our business

Claire: I began my career with DGF UK in 1999 when I was recruited to handle air exports on Ford’s site in Daventry. At the time I was trying to make it as a rock star in the band Screenstar, but when that didn’t work out I decided to pursue a career in logistics. In 2006 I transferred to ISC to become a Supply Chain Co-ordinator and was promoted to Supply Chain Manager a few years later.

During my 16 years with DGF UK, one of the key changes I have seen has been a signifi cant improvement in communication across the

business. I like working for an organisation that’s open and honest. The Employee Opinion Survey has played an important role in this, and it’s thanks to feedback from the survey that we started the buddy scheme.

I’m fi nding my role as a buddy a great experience as I like to help others and share my knowledge. We’ve all been the ‘new person’ and it’s nice to have a friendly face to turn to, especially when you may not feel comfortable asking a question to the wider team!

BACKBACKBACKThe International Supply Chain (ISC) team in Daventry has

settle into the business. We spoke to buddy Claire Bushill and newcomer Natasha Hedges to fi nd out more about

TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions; be

patient; a smile always goes a long

way!”

Claire’s top tips

The new recruit

TO THE FUTURE

Issue 14 fwd 9

Are you a long server or a new recruit? Email

juliet.stevens@dhl.com

VIEW FROM DGF the business, our customers and the environment we operate in. In turn, our customers will benefi t from an enhanced service from empowered colleagues who fi rmly understand that they are at the core of our business.

WILL THIS PROGRAMME HELP TO REVIVE OUR PERFORMANCE? Yes, it will play an essential part. Happy and empowered employees play a key role in enhancing customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction leads to retention

and we must do this to protect our revenues and increase the likelihood of winning additional business. Ultimately, investing in our people now and continuing to do so in the future is key to reviving our performance and growing our business in the years to come.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?Four Country Facilitators have recently been trained to deliver CIF Foundation and ultimately understand more about the programme and

how it will work in practice.They will have the opportunity to provide feedback so that the programme is optimised for DGF UK colleagues.Additional Facilitators will then be trained before the CIF Foundation programme begins in May.

WHAT WILL CIF FOUNDATION COVER? CIF Foundation will focus on our values and behaviours, customer service, and renewing our forwarding culture. CIF will help us to bring our values to life and enable change within our business while supporting our development as individuals.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO OUR PEOPLE AND CUSTOMERS?Colleagues will benefi t from new knowledge and skills and a greater understanding of

“Always double check everything”

Natasha’s top tip

Natasha: I joined DGF UK last March after family members who have worked in the business recommended it as a great place to work.

As a Supply Chain Co-ordinator my typical day involves tracking shipments and keeping customers informed. I’m proud of my role as I was once told that a Supply Chain Co-ordinator is at the heart of our customers’ businesses, and I play an important role in ensuring their products make it onto the shelves.

I enjoy the communal feel within DGF and I’m fortunate to work within a team that shares my work ethic. My colleagues have been very welcoming and supportive. It was the icing on

the cake to be paired up with my buddy, Claire, who has the experience and patience to answer my questions and is really helping me to settle in.

It’s interesting that Claire and I both started our DGF careers as implants on the Ford site in Daventry before becoming Supply Chain Co-ordinators. The fact that Claire has now progressed to manager level has inspired me to work towards doing the same – I’m looking forward to seeing where my career with DGF takes me!

TO THE TO THE TO THE TO THE FUTUREFUTUREFUTURE“Always double check

everything”

Natasha’s top tip

Across7 (and 6 Down) Actor who played Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek (6,5)8 Type of doctor who specialises in eyes (8)10 Devoured, ate (8)11 Cessation of pain or suffering (6)12 Film in which Christian Bale played the Caped Crusader for the fi rst time (6,6)15 Peter _______, late actor famed for his portrayal of Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther fi lms (7)17 Mythical bird which was said to have risen from the fl ames (7)19 Not sanctioned by law (12)22 Second most populous city in Switzerland (6)23 Offi cials at a football match that are now known as referee’s assistants (8)25 Articulate and comprehensible (8)26 Thomas _______, inventor of the light bulb (6)

Down1 Refurbishes, makes over (9)2 Villainous race in The Lord of the Rings (4)3 2008 fi lm starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel (3,3)4 Person serving in the military (7)5 Marine creature with fi ve limbs (8)6 See 7 Across.9 Ancient Roman amphitheatre in Rome (9)13 Arthropod that has many legs (9)14 Plant under which you traditionally get a kiss at Christmas (9)16 Freed from captivity (8)18 Nimbleness, dexterity (7)20 Bicycle designed for two people (6)21 A citrus fruit (5)24 The largest organ in the human body (4)

COMMUNITY

Competition

Every year we celebrate the exceptional volunteering achievements of DHL colleagues all across the UK and 2016 is no different – entries for the Community Heroes Awards 2016 are now open!

If you helped a charity or community at some point between 1 January and 31 December 2015, or know a DHL colleague who did, enter one of the four categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Group of the Year, Partnership Award and Unsung Hero.

The winner in each category will receive £600 to donate

to their charity or community partners, while the runners up will receive £300 to pass on. All UK-based DHL employees working with a registered charity or not-for-profi t organisation are eligible for entry.

The entry process has been simplifi ed for this year; you just need to complete a short online form by Friday 29 April 2016 to enter. The winners will be notifi ed in advance of the awards ceremony, which will be held on Friday 17 June.

If you’re looking for inspiration, fi nd out more about last year’s winners at heroes.dhlukfoundation.org

Complete the crossword and email the prize word along with your contact details to the email address below by Tues 19 April

2016. Good luck!

juliet.stevens@dhl.com

a £25 Amazon gift card

Win!

Test your general knowledge and you could win a £25 Amazon gift card

Reading from left to right, the letters in the

shaded squares will reveal a prize word

Congratulations to Steven Carlton, Export Operations and Customer Service Supervisor in Paisley, who correctly completed last issue’s crossword. The prize word was: CHARITY

For more information and to enter, visit:

heroes.dhlukfoundation.org

COMMUNITY HEROES 2016

10 fwd Issue 14

We want your stories! Email: juliet.stevens@dhl.com Call: 01932 574 415

After being diagnosed with breast cancer recently, Jennifer Smith, an Operations Agent in Felixstowe, was inspired to raise essential funds for the Macmillan Woolverstone Wish Fundraising Group and Breast Cancer Now.

Woolverstone Wish is raising much-needed funds to build an innovative cancer treatment centre at Ipswich Hospital, where Jennifer is receiving treatment.

“We held a fundraising evening

which involved head shaving, karaoke and a raffl e,” explained Jennifer. “A group of us, including my colleague Amber Scott, a Customer Services Advisor, had our heads shaved. One of our friends also had his chest waxed! It was an amazing event and we raised over £3,500!”

Jennifer is hoping to boost this fi gure to over £4,000 by applying for Match It! funding from the DHL UK Foundation.

Everyone at DGF wishes Jennifer a full and speedy recovery.

A CLOSE SHAVE

Thank you to all the DGF UK colleagues and their friends and families who took part in a We Day bag packing event recently!

Collectively the volunteers gave over 680 hours and packed a total of 12,000 bags during the events in

Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Northampton.

The bags were gratefully received by We Day UK attendees at the event in London on 9 March!

GOODY BAG PACKING FOR WE DAY UK

Woolverstone Wish is raising

Before and after: Jennifer (above left) and Amber

Issue 14 fwd 11

BOOST YOUR FUNDRAISING If you’ve raised money for charity,

apply for Match It! through the DHL UK Foundation and you could receive

up to an extra £600 (individual) or £1,200 (group) for your cause.

Visit the website for more information and to apply today.

dhlukfoundation.org/programmes/match

SEASON OF GOODWILL Each colleague in our Paisley offi ce donated £10 to dress casually during the month of December and the team also raffl ed a John Lewis hamper – congratulations to Gemma Burns who picked the winning ticket! The team raised a total of £325 for the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank, Scotland, which has cared for family members of some colleagues in the past.

Pictured left to right are Ray Staitis, Karen Devlin, Garry McIntyre, Andrew Smyth, Gordon Edie, Andrew Isbister and Jason Stephens.

Birmingham

Gatwick

Up

close and personalMonika Hejmanowska, a Warehouse

Operative in Hayes, provides a unique insight into life as the only female in a team of more than 140

I joined DGF UK around two and a half years ago… after a friend (who doesn’t work at DGF) mentioned they had seen a job vacancy advertised for the Hayes warehouse. He bet me £1,000 I wouldn’t get it. Needless to say, I was delighted when I got the job and a £1,000 bonus by winning the bet!

My role includes… loading and unloading freight using a fork lift truck and breaking down pallets once they’re fi nished with. It’s hands on, but I enjoy it.

I get a lot of satisfaction from my work… every day is different and I get to complete a range of different tasks that keep it interesting. It’s great working in the warehouse.

I moved to London from my home country of Poland 10 years ago... after a couple of years I moved to Bristol where I trained as a Warehouse Operative. I moved back to the London area in 2013 and joined DGF shortly after.

Many people are surprised to hear that I’m a trained beautician… but I prefer my current career, especially when it’s not raining!

My dad’s a bit old fashioned and doesn’t really like me working in the warehouse… he thinks I should be working in an offi ce, or train as a doctor.

I work in a stereotypically male role… but I would like to see more women working in the warehouse, and encourage more women to consider this type of role as a career option.

Monika’s favourite FILM: Any one of

the Harry Potter fi lms

FOOD: Ice cream and chips (but not

together!)

SPORT: Relaxing on my sofa

HOLIDAY DESTINATION: Anywhere hot

TV PROGRAMME: Gogglebox

HERO: My husband