Success for CJ Lang & Son driver Willie Brown

Success for CJ Lang & Son driver Willie Brown

Drivers from across SPAR came together in Sweden on 8 and 9 March for the inaugural SPAR International Driver of the Year competition, celebrating SPAR drivers and their amazing skills.

In a tight competition and a nerve-racking final run, CJ Lang & Son driver Willie Brown was a successful runner up to winner Rikard Sunde of SPAR Norway. The other finalists were Stephen Metcalf from James Hall & Co and Thiago Caines from AF Blakemore & Son Ltd.

It was an all-SPAR UK third-place play-off with Stephen Metcalf from James Hall & Co. completing the podium, edging AF Blakemore’s Thiago Caires into fourth position.

The 2023 SPAR International Driver of the Year Competition was hosted by Scania at their facility in Södertälje near Stockholm, Sweden over two days, where drivers from across SPAR came together to compete in three disciplines testing their driving style, manoeuvrability, and safety awareness, all supervised the Scania test centre team.

The competition was held to highlight the value lorry drivers play in SPAR’s successful operation, and to promote driving HGVs as a career.

Willie was accompanied by Ian Fleming, Transport Operations Manager at CJ Lang. Twelve participants took part from across SPAR in Europe, and huge congratulations to Willie Brown who put in an exceptional performance especially when the Scania vehicle was left hand drive, and a different gearbox and handbrake to what he is normally used to.

Colin Chapman, Distribution Director at CJ Lang & Son Ltd, said: “Our drivers are integral to the success of our business, and it was great to see the event celebrating the import role our drivers play and their amazing skills.

“Many congratulations to Willie for demonstrating his great driving skills and showcasing what a fabulous team of drivers we have at CJ Lang & Son Ltd. Also a big thanks to SPAR International for organising this competition and to Scania in Sweden for hosting the event.”

Ian Fleming, Transport Operations Manager at CJ Lang, added: “We were delighted to attend this event in Sweden with one of our main vehicle partners (Scania). A big thanks to SPAR International for putting this new event on and to Scania for their hospitality. Well done to Willie on an impressive performance. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition and bringing the trophy to Scotland!”

Driver, Willie Brown from CJ Lang & Son Ltd, said: “It was a phenomenal event to take part in. It was great to meet other drivers from around the world of SPAR and get the opportunity to challenge our driving capabilities. We also visited the Scania factory which for drivers was very exciting – especially seeing and driving their vehicles.

“I enjoy being a driver with CJ Lang. Along with getting the chance to use my driving skills on a daily basis, I also get to see beautiful parts of Scotland in all weather conditions - no two days are ever the same!”

CJ Lang & Son Ltd, is a leading Scottish wholesaler and convenience store retailer, with a number of driver and logistics role opportunities available. For more information visit www.cjlang.co.uk .