News
Great Start to 2010 - SMT Scotland Limited
(An Ian Gordon Group Company)
Entering the second decade of this millennium, 2010 sees the company further expand, with the addition of a new chapter commencing within the group, the supply of specialised prestige cars for the top end of the market.
This service will be run as a separate trading division as the group moves forward with our existing customer base and the targeting of further blue chip clients, offering and supplying them the total logistics package our company ethos of unrivalled service without compromise.
Truckfest 2009
Splendid weather, splendid location, splendid trucks. Pictured (right) Stuart Gordon after receiving the trophy for Best Working Heavy Recovery Vehicle in Scotland, after much soul searching and fierce competition the final decision was ultimately made to award Ian Gordon Commercials the prestigious trophy which is now proudly displayed in the new boardroom.
As we enter the announcement on to the web today the wrecker, in its splendid colours is leaving for France to repatriate a coach with accident damage for one of Scotland’s prestige coach operators.
The Latest Service on offer is our SPECIALISED INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT
We are excited to announce that launch of our newest division of the Ian Gordon Group, our Specialised International Transport division. This service was launched to provide a complete comprehensive logistics service within the E.U. specialising in the transportation of aviation engines and wind turbines throughout the UK, Europe & Beyond.
Going Electronic!
At Ian Gordon Commercials, we confidently control our business professionally and proficiently with the emphasis on customer and quality services through our electronic inspection program. The sheets were designed and developed by Stuart Gordon after listening to customer feedback from our vast customer base. The system has been up and running since January this year for operators and houses within the program a provision for all operators to view their OCRS scoring on an ongoing basis at inspection intervals and indeed also houses the facility for operators to view online the progress of their inspection, with IGC again working to MAXIMUM UPTIME FACTOR. This facility as would be expected encompasses not only trucks and trailers but also includes PCV covering both coach and service bus, assisting in providing both an even higher standard of roadworthiness and compliance.
Winner Takes All!! - DAF apprentice take top honours
Apprentice truck technician Stuart Gordon, pictured centre, was the winner in the DAF Apprentice of the Year competition held in Bristol on Wednesday, 24th October 2007.Stuart enrolled on the three-year National Dealer Apprentice Programme which is run at the City of Bristol College.
Stuart was the Graduate Year, Apprentice of the Year. He is employed at Ian Gordon Commercials, the long established and highly successful Truck, Bus and Coach dealership in Ayr founded and owned by his father.
For the first time since the inception of this programme the shield was brought to Scotland, not only this but, it was also the first time this award had been won by a private company and not one of a major group. Another record was also set this day, and again for the first time in the 10 module tests set throughout the day the ultimate pass mark of 100% was attained by Stuart in several module tests.
When the programme was established in 1995 there were less than 40 students and currently there are 284 apprentices enrolled, making it the largest training programme in the UK specialising in heavy good vehicle skills. In 2007 a total of 66 apprentices successfully graduated, bringing the total number of graduates from the programme at that time to 384. It is self evident with the number of apprentices enrolled in the programme and the high level of competitiveness it clearly shows the effort, dedication and most of all the ability of this young man coupled with a determination to develop and succeed in the industry, culture and environment that he has been brought up in.
Commented a very proud young man when interviewed after receiving the award, “My next targets are my CPC Certificates in National and International Road Haulage and PSV Operations followed by the IMI Certificate of Management”.
Stuart also carries the accolade of being the youngest ever VOSA approved Tachograph Centre Trained Technician and will no doubt go on to set more records.
Stated, Sandy Burgess (MIMI) National Manager for Scotland of The Institute of the Motor Industry & President of the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA); “This is a fantastic achievement not only for the institute in Scotland and the SMTA, of which Stuart’s father’s business Ian Gordon Commercials is a member. Ian like myself was an SMTA trained apprentice who indeed won a similar award with Ford Motor Co (Ford Trucks). This is a fantastic achievement for Stuart but not surprising.”
Paul Nicholson, MD of Blue Ribbon Coach Sales added “What an achievement, but knowing the culture of where he is employed and the attention his father places in detail (a man I have known for many years) it’s hardly surprising. I am so pleased that Stuart has been recognised for his hard work and endeavour. I well recall Stuart attending Coach Shows and Seminars with his father from an early age, even then his enthusiasm was highly evident. Well done Stuart!”
Glenn Tyrie, Eng Tech MSOE MIRTE
National Transport Manager CPL Petroleum & Distribution
“I got a call informing me of Stuart’s achievement, my first thought was, his old man’ll be chuffed at this, but having known Stuart from before he started working for his father’s business as an apprentice and having watched him over the years it didn’t surprise me in the least. Truck daft springs to mind. A very enthusiastic young man that will no doubt attain greater accolades.”
At the end of the programme each student emerges with an Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. This includes an NVQ at level 3, a BTEC National Certificate, a recognised welding certificate, and key skills in communication and information technology which is becoming increasingly more important as technology develops.
Stuart was presented with the graduate shield to mark his achievement along with prizes of tool vouchers and a personal cheque. As overall winner, Stuart received a holiday voucher to the value of £750. But in typical IGC fashion and culture Stuart generously donated his prize money to a worthy charity that the family actively support.
We are VOSA approved in Digital and Analogue
In line with current legislation already in place as a standard VOSA requirement with the operation of new coach registered from 1 January 2006 entering Spain and the impending Digital Tachograph requirement for Truck and Coach operators, we are now VOSA approved digital Tachograph status in addition to analogue and road speed limiter approved.