James Kent
Swindon ,Wiltshire
Summary
Dependable transport professional with strengths in safe driving, route management and customer care. Handles timed deliveries, vehicle checks and compliance requirements with care. Also brings commercial awareness from managing fleet operations, budgeting and staff support.
Overview
2
2
Languages
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
HGV Class 1 Driver
GXO ICELANDS
Swindon, Wiltshire
09.2021 - 10.2026
- Delivered goods and services to customers on time and made sure they were in excellent condition.
- Transported trailers between depots, ensuring safe and efficient movement of vehicles.
- Loaded vehicle, properly securing items to prevent load shifting and damage during transportation.
- Reported vehicle defects, accidents, or damage promptly, facilitating swift repairs and maintenance.
- Adhered to all traffic and transport laws, minimising risks and upholding company reputation.
- Maintained vehicle general hygiene, consistently meeting health and safety standards.
- Deal with issues at stores making room inside freezers for deliveries.
- Return as much waste cardboard and empty pallets as possible.
- Handled keys and oversaw shop openings, ensuring security systems functioned correctly.
Taxi Fleet Owner
Self Employed
Swindon , Wiltshire
11.1993 - 08.2026
- Directed daily operations with strong focus on efficiency and resource management.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations, maintaining high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
- Managed expenses and allocated financial resources to achieve budget goals.
- Managed financial accounts, including budgeting, forecasting, and tax compliance, to optimise fiscal performance.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, securing cost-effective deals and improving profit margins.
- Delegated tasks and monitored workflow to ensure daily operational demands were met.
- Coordinated recruitment, training, and development of staff to build a skilled and motivated workforce.
- Provided specialist transport services for Renal Dialysis NHS patients, ensuring comfort and safety during transit.
- Engaged in continuous learning and professional development to stay ahead in industry trends and innovations.
HGV Class 2 Driver
Honda
Swindon, Witshire
07.2004 - 08.2006
- Safely operated HGV Class 2 vehicles across various routes, adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Delivered vehicles to designated locations on schedule, maintaining adherence to delivery timelines.
- Set routes for timely delivery of car parts to dealerships during night shifts.
- Ensured safety in high-traffic areas during night deliveries to minimise risks.
- Used quick-thinking and UK road knowledge to re-route during traffic delays.
- Reported any vehicle defects or safety concerns immediately, prioritising road safety.
- Completed delivery paperwork and logbooks, submitting to managers daily.
- Kept up-to-date hours, distances and break times in delivery management software to follow company procedures.
- Checked loaded and unloaded goods matched delivery paperwork.
Shop Manager
Ratners Jewellers
Portsmouth , Hampshire
07.1986 - 11.1993
- Managed daily operations of a high-volume retail store, overseeing staff performance and customer service standards.
- Trained new employees in customer service excellence, product knowledge, and operational procedures.
- Monitored employee performance, providing feedback and coaching to improve service delivery.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly, turning dissatisfied visitors into loyal patrons.
- Maintained high standards of store presentation and cleanliness.
- Controlled budget for store expenses, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Hit sales targets by seeking opportunities for operational expansion and new customer acquisition.
- Prepared detailed sales reports, analysing trends and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Conducted regular stock checks to maintain inventory accuracy and minimise losses.
- Actioned customer feedback to improve product and service provisions.
- Enforced team compliance with health and safety requirements to maintain standards.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Gemology
National Assosiation of Goldsmiths
London, ENG01-1991
GCSEs - Maths English Physics
New College Swindon
Swindon01-1986
Skills
- Category CE licence
- Driver CPC
- Tachograph usage
- Route planning
- Vehicle inspection
- Load securing
- Delivery compliance
- Customer service
- Service excellence
- Working as a team
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Beginner
A1
Interests
- Walking
- Cycling
- VW clubs
- Travel
- Swimming
- Cooking
Accomplishments
- Enjoyed restarting Upper Stratton Scouts after years of the group falling dormant.
- Raised fund to purchase equipment
- Become compliant in areas of risk assesments and dealing with group HQ
- Orginise activities associated within Scouting
- Ensure all scouts equally cared and catered for to enhance their learning skills and abilities.
Timeline
HGV Class 1 Driver
GXO ICELANDS
09.2021 - 10.2026
HGV Class 2 Driver
Honda
07.2004 - 08.2006
Taxi Fleet Owner
Self Employed
11.1993 - 08.2026
Shop Manager
Ratners Jewellers
07.1986 - 11.1993
Diploma of Higher Education - Gemology
National Assosiation of Goldsmiths
GCSEs - Maths English Physics
New College Swindon