Meet some of our new starters

Joanne joins us as our new Warehouse Administrator, bringing extensive experience in administrative support and customer service. She previously spent ten years in an administrative role before taking a short career break and is now looking forward to returning to work and becoming part of the CS Ellis team.

Joanne is used to supporting busy operations, following procedures and adapting when processes change. She learns best by sitting alongside an experienced colleague, watching how tasks are completed and making clear notes, particularly where SOPs need updating to reflect current ways of working. Outside work, she enjoys baking, especially homemade Chelsea buns.

Lee originally wanted to become a builder and has always enjoyed practical, hands-on work. His career instead took him into sales and later management within the building materials and vehicle rental sectors, where he developed strong communication skills, resilience and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of people.

These skills will be a real asset in his new role, particularly when dealing with customers, representing CS Ellis on site and building positive relationships at RDCs, where good communication can make all the difference to keeping deliveries moving and getting tipped promptly.

Oli has joined the CS Ellis workshop team as an Apprentice LGV Technician.

He has always liked being hands-on and finding out how things work. With driving and vehicles in the family, and after studying mechanics at college, he knew he wanted to do something practical, but with bigger vehicles rather than cars.

He is only at the very start of his apprenticeship and is looking forward to getting stuck in, learning from the people around him and building his confidence.

The workshop banter hasn’t unnerved him either, which is probably a good sign, as there is a lot of it!

Harvey joined CS Ellis as an agency worker last year and is now part of the warehouse team.

Since joining, Harvey’s role has continued to grow, and he is enjoying the chance to learn more as he goes. He likes being trusted to get on with the work, keeping busy and doing the job properly.

One thing that has stood out to him is just how busy the warehouse can get, but he sees that as a good thing. Looking ahead, Harvey would like to keep building his skills and work towards gaining his FLT licence.

And when it comes to snacks, Harvey keeps it simple: a chocolate ring doughnut.

Before joining the business, Michael spent 23 years with his previous company, starting in a junior finance role and progressing as the business grew from a UK-focused operation into one with a wider international footprint. He worked within a centralised finance team, supporting reporting and financial control.

For Michael, a strong finance function gives the business clear, reliable information. It helps department heads understand performance and see where attention is needed.

He enjoys the problem-solving side of finance, particularly reconciliation work and investigating why figures do not balance. He also values the people side of the role. If his personality had to be shown as a spreadsheet, the main tabs would be Honest and Trustworthy.

Zac’s route into transport started early, working weekends in haulage admin where he learned organisation, planning, and even how to use a fax machine.

Speaking to Zac, one thing that stood out was his frustration around the lack of awareness many road users have around HGVs, particularly poor judgement around space and the amount of mobile phone use drivers still see from the cab.

Despite that, Zac comes across very grounded and level-headed. Having previously worked in management roles, he prefers the straightforward nature of driving, focusing on what he can control and getting the job done properly.

When asked what makes a good transport operation, the answer was simple: experienced planners and good communication.

Martin always knew he wanted to be a lorry driver. His dad was a driver, and after spending summers around trucks and nights out on the road, transport was something he understood from an early age.

He has now worked in transport for over 25 years, starting in the warehouse before moving into Class 2 driving and then progressing to Class 1. That background has given him a practical understanding of the wider operation, not just the driving itself.

For Martin, good driving is about judgement, awareness and taking the time to do the job properly. A professional driver needs to be conscientious, safety-focused and willing to stop and check rather than make assumptions. As he puts it: “If you need to get out and have a look, get out and have a look.”

Martin has been around trucks and driving almost his whole life. Fascinated by cranes from the age of six, he spent years working in crane operations, tyre fitting, and part-time deliveries before joining CS Ellis. He’s delivered everything from a framed alligator at an auction to delicate cargo across the UK, always navigating tricky routes with skill and care.

Now driving four days a week, Martin appreciates the balance CS Ellis offers — the hands-on work, local knowledge, and reliable systems of a sizeable company, all while staying closer to home.

Mark’s journey to CS Ellis started long before he joined us. After nine years in the army, he transitioned into warehousing and logistics before rediscovering his love of driving two years ago. His experience ranges from food deliveries to challenging loads, including the infamous conservatory job that tested every inch of skill and patience.

Mark thrives on the variety of driving and the hands-on problem solving every route brings, combining discipline, focus, and reliability to ensure every delivery arrives safely and on time.