Six months after joining Palletline, recently appointed Head of HR, Leighton Hughes has rolled out one of the most comprehensive training and development programmes the business has ever undertaken – designed to empower staff, strengthen leadership, and prepare the company for one of the most significant periods of change in UK employment law.
Bringing over 20 years of operational and HR leadership experience from retail, FMCG, and logistics-related sectors, Leighton joins Palletline with a remit to embed a unified approach to people development across Palletline’s group businesses, whilst ensuring compliance and encouraging best practice across the group.
The newly launched training programme, running through 2026 and beyond, features a mix of mandatory policy-led training and optional personal development courses, including:
- Leadership skills and succession planning
- Soft skills development – including presentation skills, problem solving, assertiveness, and impact presence
- Effective communication and goal setting
- Handling difficult conversations
- HR policy training – covering areas such as disciplinary and grievance procedures, flexible working, and family-friendly policies
In addition, the programme includes pathways for apprenticeships and accredited qualifications via the Apprenticeship Levy, with Level 3, 5, and 7 options for those seeking formal career progression. Training will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining on-site sessions at Palletline’s Birmingham headquarters with online learning modules, making it accessible to all staff – from warehouse operatives to senior managers.
Leighton said: “Joining Palletline during such a pivotal time for employment law has been both exciting and challenging. However, this training programme is about more than compliance – it’s about giving every employee the tools, confidence, and opportunities to thrive. Our aim is to build on Palletline’s already strong family ethos, ensuring we attract, retain, and develop the incredible talent we have, while preparing for the future.”
The programme is also designed to standardise HR practices across all Palletline-owned businesses, ensuring consistency, shared best practice, and alignment with the company’s core values.
Graham Leitch, Group CEO at Palletline, added: “Leighton has brought fresh energy, a wealth of cross-industry expertise, and a strategic vision that’s already making a real impact. This is the most ambitious and inclusive training initiative we’ve launched, and it’s a vital part of our growth journey – equipping our teams to excel in their roles while navigating a changing business and legislative landscape.”
With a low staff turnover and a strong culture rooted in teamwork, Palletline’s leadership believes the programme will not only enhance performance but also reinforce the company’s position as an employer of choice in the logistics sector.