NEEDHAM Market-based haulage industry training, consultancy and tachograph analysis firm Baker Hammond has appointed Garry Hitchings as general manager.

NEEDHAM Market-based haulage industry training, consultancy and tachograph analysis firm Baker Hammond has appointed Garry Hitchings as general manager.

His remit is to increase the compliance side of the business and reports to the company's founder and managing director Roy Baker.

Mr Hitchings joins from Greene King where he managed the company's distribution fleet of over 100 vehicles - a role which required a major focus on compliance. He also provided support to the company's distribution centres on all issues relating to logistics and haulage.

In addition to his compliance responsibilities, he will also support Baker Hammond's preparations for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) which will apply to LGV licence holders across all European Union member states from September 10 2009. Under the scheme, all drivers must undertake 35 hours of mandatory training every five years to ensure that their CPC is current. Baker Hammond is one of only two companies in Suffolk to have been appointed an accredited training provider for Driver CPC.

Commenting on his new role at Baker Hammond, Mr Hitchings said: “I've experienced all aspects of the haulage industry from driving a vehicle to managing a large distribution fleet so I understand the sector inside out and have particular expertise in the area of compliance - a key issue for fleet managers.

“My experience makes me an ideal fit for Baker Hammond and I'm looking forward to working with a forward thinking company which is helping raise quality standards across the haulage industry.”