A Huddersfield logistics firm has invested in its young leadership team to strengthen business performance, following support from West Yorkshire Business Boost’s (WYBB) Leading Growth Programme, which is delivered by Exemplas.
The Pink Link Ltd, an award-winning, family-run company specialising in UK and European palletised distribution, has focused on strategic workforce development to drive sustainable growth. With an annual turnover of £7m and 54 employees, the business has targeted leadership development supported by West Yorkshire Business Boost to reinforce its management structure, streamline operations, improve efficiencies and create a solid foundation for expansion.
At the centre of the change programme are two of the company’s youngest leaders, who have taken part in two different cohorts of West Yorkshire Business Boost’s Change Project.
James Ince, 24, Commercial Operations Manager, works across both the pallet network and general haulage sectors, helping to manage the daily operation of The Pink Link’s 25 HGV’s as well as a fleet of four vans. Faced with surging demand that saw pallet volumes spike from an average daily rate of 300 to almost 500 at its peak, the company’s site infrastructure was at capacity. A large warehouse on a constrained footprint restricted vehicle flow and dispatch.
James led a structured change project that culminated in the strategic consolidation of operations — optimising processes, refining fleet management and improving dispatch efficiency. HGV drivers recruited during peak demand were retained and redeployed rather than released, safeguarding skills in an industry facing severe workforce shortages.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Will Thompson, who manages the general haulage operation, is leading change within the company’s haulage division. With turnover projected to double before 2028, he is focusing efforts on expanding into other avenues such as freight forwarding and brokering — creating alternative revenue streams that reduce reliance on additional vehicles and ease pressure on site capacity.
James and Will took part in a series of West Yorkshire Business Boost workshops, which gave them time away from operational pressures to focus on strategic thinking as well as gaining practical tools, frameworks, and change management skills. Surrounded by like-minded leaders facing similar challenges, they strengthened their decision-making, enhanced their leadership capabilities and learned to manage complex organisational change effectively.
Paul Ince, Managing Director at The Pink Link Ltd, said: “The transport and haulage industry is facing a critical skills crisis, with an aging workforce and a shortage of young talent. Which is why we’re committed to investing in our people.
“West Yorkshire Business Boost’s Change Project has given our team the space, tools and confidence to implement meaningful change. We’ve refined our structure, strengthened our resilience and positioned the business for sustainable growth — while retaining and developing our existing workforce.”
Caroline Kindy, Growth Specialist at West Yorkshire Business Boost, added: “The Pink Link Ltd reflects the ambition of the region’s SME community. By empowering young leaders with the skills to manage change and drive innovation, the organisation has enhanced productivity and profitability while securing future growth. This is exactly the kind of business leadership that strengthens the wider West Yorkshire economy.”
