Roadway – The Podcast

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 14 – The Future of HGV Driver Training and Industry Challenges

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith speaks with Carl Hughes, Managing Director of Hughes Driver Training, about the future of HGV driver training and the workforce challenges facing the logistics sector. The discussion explores the ongoing driver shortage, barriers preventing new entrants from joining the industry, and the importance of creating clear and accessible career pathways into transport and logistics. Carl also shares his perspective on funded learning, government bootcamps, DVSA testing capacity, and the operational pressures currently facing training providers. Richard and Carl also discuss the realities of leading a long-established family business within a changing industry, including succession planning, investing in people, and maintaining standards across more than 35 years of operation. This episode provides practical insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of driver training, workforce development, and long-term industry sustainability. Key Themes * HGV driver shortages * Workforce attraction and retention * Funded learning and training pathways * DVSA testing capacity and delays * Family businesses within logistics * Future workforce sustainability https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net [marketing@rha.uk.net]

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 13 – Wellbeing at work the RHA way

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith speaks with Hannah Harper, HR Advisor at RHA, about the importance of culture, leadership, and putting people at the heart of a modern transport organisation. The discussion explores how a strong organisational culture supports both employees and members, and how leadership continues to evolve in a fast-moving and operationally focused sector. The conversation also highlights the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, supporting employee wellbeing, and ensuring organisations remain relevant as workforce expectations and industry pressures continue to change. Hannah also shares insights on employee engagement, learning and development, and building a resilient workforce for the future. This episode offers practical insight into the people strategies that help organisations support their teams while continuing to deliver for the wider transport sector. Key Themes - Organisational culture and leadership - Workforce attraction and retention - Employee wellbeing and engagement - Future skills and people development https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 12-  Insuring The Future Of Freight

In this episode of Roadway, host Richard Smith is joined by Liam Chatfield from RHA Insurance to explore the changing insurance landscape facing road transport and logistics operators. With rising operational costs, increasing claims values, vehicle theft, and the transition towards electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles, insurance is becoming more than just a compliance necessity — it is a vital part of protecting business continuity and long-term resilience. Richard and Liam discuss the key risks affecting operators today, why specialist sector knowledge matters when arranging cover, and how businesses can take practical steps to reduce risk and future-proof their fleets. This episode provides valuable insight for fleet operators, transport managers, and logistics businesses looking to better understand how insurance can support safer, stronger, and more resilient operations. Topics covered include: • The current insurance risk landscape • Rising premiums and claims trends • The importance of specialist transport insurance • Future considerations for electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles • Practical risk management advice for operators Listen now to stay informed on the issues shaping the future of road transport.    https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 10 – Driving Resilience: Finance, Growth and Net Zero in Transport

In this episode of Roadway, host Richard Smith explores one of the biggest challenges facing the transport and logistics sector today — how operators can secure the right finance to build resilience, support growth and prepare for the future. With rising costs, margin pressures and increasing investment demands, access to the right funding has never been more important. From managing cash flow to funding expansion and new technology, finance is now a critical driver of business success across the sector. Richard is joined by Callum Bull to share expert insights into how transport businesses can navigate today’s financial landscape and position themselves for long-term success. The conversation explores: The financial pressures currently impacting operators What lenders are really looking for today How to improve access to finance Working capital solutions to support stability Funding growth through acquisition The financial realities of transitioning to net zero fleets This episode highlights why finance is not just about reacting to challenges — it’s about enabling opportunity, driving growth and building a more sustainable future for the transport sector. Listen to discover how the right financial strategy can help your business stay competitive and move forward with confidence. https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 9- Driving The Generations Together

In this episode of Roadway, host Richard Smith explores one of the biggest challenges facing the transport and logistics sector today — how we bring different generations together to build a stronger, future-ready workforce. With nearly half of the UK transport workforce now over 45 and many experienced professionals approaching retirement, the industry faces an urgent need to attract new talent while retaining critical skills and experience. Richard is joined by Clare from the RHA and Shireen from Women in Transport to discuss insights from the Intergenerational Workforces report and what businesses can do to create workplaces where multiple generations can thrive. The conversation explores: * The realities of a multi-generational workforce * Why succession planning is now business critical * How to better engage early-career professionals * The importance of wellbeing in retention * What inclusive leadership looks like in practice * Practical actions employers can take now This episode highlights why bringing generations together is not just about managing differences — it’s about unlocking strengths, sharing knowledge and securing the future of the transport sector. Listen to discover how the industry can connect experience with new talent to keep the sector moving forward. https://www.rha.uk.net/ [https://www.rha.uk.net/] Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net