C & D South West Honours Long-Serving Team Members at 25-Year Service Awards
C & D South West Limited proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone, honouring three dedicated employees who have each reached 25 years of service with the company. The event took place on 25th February 2025 at Chard Guildhall, with esteemed guests, colleagues, and the Honourable Mayor of Chard, Councillor Victoria Bates, in attendance.
A Historic Setting for a Momentous Occasion
Chard Guildhall, a symbol of resilience and community for nearly two centuries, provided the perfect backdrop for this prestigious celebration. The event reflected C & D South West’s deep-rooted commitment to its people, values, and the legacy of excellence in the haulage industry.
The Journey of C & D South West
Founded in 1987 by Charles and Darren Hammond as C & D Express Transport, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted leader in transport and logistics. In 1999, a pivotal moment occurred when Darren made the bold decision to invest in the Chard depot, securing jobs for local employees and continuing to provide exceptional service to the community.
Among those who joined C & D South West during this transition were three individuals who have played an integral role in the company’s success: Michael Flatt, Garry Hill, and Tony Hardiman.
Honouring 25 Years of Dedication
Over the past quarter-century, Michael, Garry, and Tony have demonstrated unwavering commitment and professionalism.
- Michael Flatt, who began as an HGV Class 1 Day driver, has delivered over 165,000 pallets with an exceptional standard of quality.
- Garry Hill, serving as Senior Warehouse Supervisor, has accumulated over 60,000 hours of forklift experience and moved more than one million pallets.
- Tony Hardiman, starting in the warehouse, has progressed to become a key member of the senior management team, expertly overseeing night operations and vehicle planning for over one million pallets.
While Garry Hill was unable to attend the ceremony, his contributions were warmly recognised, and heartfelt thoughts were extended to him and his family.
A Tribute to Loyalty and Hard Work
Speaking at the event, Lorna Hammond, Managing Director expressed her gratitude:
“Michael, Garry, and Tony’s dedication has been instrumental in shaping C & D South West into the trusted and successful company it is today. Their commitment to excellence sets a standard for us all, and we are incredibly proud to honour their achievements.”
Councillor Victoria Bates, Mayor of Chard, joined in presenting the awards, highlighting the significant impact these individuals have had—not only on C & D South West but also on the wider community.
As the celebration concluded, the room was filled with resounding applause, a testament to the respect and appreciation felt by colleagues and guests alike.
C & D South West extends its heartfelt thanks to Michael, Garry, and Tony for their 25 years of outstanding service and looks forward to many more successful years ahead.
For more information about C & D South West and our commitment to excellence, visit www.cdsw.co.uk.
