Ian Foster

Based in Gretna and Langholm I started as a Wedding Celebrant which involved conducting Marriage Ceremonies across Dumfries and Galloway including the Famous Old Blacksmith Shop at Gretna Green. I then applied and was successful for a Customer Service position which added to the previous role with Registrations of Birth and Deaths and the manning of the Library/Customer Service Centres in Gretna and Langholm dealing with customer requests for Bus Passes, Blue badges, Bulk Rubbish collection and the issue and receipt of books from the Library’s.

• Ensured safety by conducting regular vehicle inspections.
• Followed all safety regulations to minimise accidents.
• Adapted quickly to route changes for smooth operations.
• Documented transport logs accurately for record keeping.
• Filling and delivering Nitrogen, Oxygen, CO2 and Hydrogen to customers across Scotland (mainly) and Northern England and Germany.

• Maintained open lines of communication between drivers and dispatchers, thus increasing operational effectiveness.
• Conducted regular performance reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Oversaw inventory control, reducing waste and optimising resources use.
• Implemented effective communication channels for rapid response to emergencies.
• Based in Sainsbury’s distribution centre.

Enlisted as a Junior Soldier in 1977 into the Infantry. Progressed through the ranks to achieve the position of Regimental Sergeant Major in The King’s Regiment before commissioning into the Royal Logistics Corps and serving in that role until retirement at the end of December 2004.