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a gritting option , and thanks to its innovative demountable bodywork , which uses hydraulic rams , it can switch from gritting to tipping in under 15 minutes .
Having launched at the Econ stand at the Cold Comfort 2023 Event in Harrogate in May , the E-QCB has been very well received across the country . “ The demonstrator is being tested in real-world environments , where clients run it for a week and see what it can do ,” says Gareth . “ We need accurate data on its performance and the tests will be ongoing . We ’ re trying to push the boundaries with the electric side , and the information we ’ re getting back is very positive .”
Winter is when Jonathan and Gareth and the team focus attention on helping their customers deal with the seasonal road conditions
Ensuring the E-QCB reaches its next destination has required valued support from the Volvo network , and even a favor or two from Gareth ’ s old colleagues at Crossroads . This sort of close supplier relationship is pivotal to the success of Econ , and Jonathan joins the conversation to discuss the importance of a partnership approach . “ It ’ s a challenging market , with increasing costs , but we have some very good suppliers , and we try to create solid relationships and longlasting partnerships .
“ What I ’ ve seen is a recognition on both sides that we must work together . We all know that costs and prices have gone up , and labor is challenging , but we need to work with people that will support us and have the vision to grow with us as well .”
Referring to this people-led approach brings us to the topic of recruitment , and Jonathan acknowledges that future planning to mitigate the effects of an aging workforce is a priority . “ We have a very proactive training program and are bringing apprentices into the business across a number of departments . We have a few generations of the same family who work here , which
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