Story Highlight
– Princess Anne visited Barnsley’s major employers last Thursday.
– She toured GXO and met with apprentices on-site.
– GXO is Barnsley’s largest private employer with 3,000 staff.
– The facility has maintained RoSPA Gold Award since 2016.
– ASOS and GXO prioritize health, safety, and community impact.
Full Story
Princess Anne Visits Barnsley to Tour Key Local Employers
Barnsley welcomed a royal visitor last Thursday as Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, embarked on a tour of two prominent local businesses, reinforcing her support for workplace wellbeing and local employment. Arriving by helicopter in Athersley, the Princess visited GXO at Park Spring Road before proceeding to Haywood and Padgett located in the Carlton Industrial Estate.
This visit marked The Princess Royal’s first return to Barnsley since 2021, when she inaugurated the NHS Blood and Transplant Blood Centre. During her current visit, she explored the ASOS fulfilment centre operated by GXO at Great Houghton. This facility stands as Barnsley’s largest private employer, providing jobs for more than 3,000 individuals.
The ASOS site has earned a strong reputation for its focus on health, safety, and overall employee welfare, being awarded the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Award for Health and Safety annually since 2016. The attention to employee care was a significant highlight during the Princess’s engagement at the centre.
Princess Anne engaged with employees at the site, including two of the apprentices currently undergoing training programs. Her interactions illustrated the emphasis on nurturing the next generation of the workforce, showcasing the dedication that GXO and ASOS have towards developing skills and fostering career growth.
Russell Atkinson, managing director for fashion and apparel at GXO UK and Ireland, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts with ASOS to maintain a supportive work environment. He stated, “We’re proud to work with ASOS to create a workplace where our colleagues feel supported and can thrive. It was a real privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Barnsley and highlight that looking after people’s health, safety and resilience is a top priority for us at GXO.”
Equally enthusiastic, Chris Smith, senior vice president for supply chain at ASOS, highlighted the company’s commitment to responsible employment practices across the UK. He remarked, “We’re committed to being a responsible employer that supports people right across the UK. It was a pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our fulfilment centre today and showcase the work we’re doing, together with GXO, to put our commitments into practice and deliver a positive impact for people and the local community.”
The significance of the visit extended beyond mere recognition of local achievement; it underscored an enduring royal commitment to community engagement and development. The Princess’s presence at these businesses serves not only to celebrate their contributions to Barnsley’s economy but also to inspire continued investment in employee welfare and community resilience.
Local perspectives on the visit highlight the importance of having such notable recognition within Barnsley. Community leaders and employees alike reflected on how the Royal visit fosters a sense of pride and encourages a positive view of the town’s economic landscape and employment opportunities.
The current economic environment has posed challenges for many sectors, and the focus on health and safety within workplaces has never been more pertinent. Companies like GXO and ASOS are positioned as crucial pillars in Barnsley’s economic fabric, employing thousands and demonstrating a commitment to staff wellbeing that is increasingly valued by prospective employees.
As the visit concluded, it became clear that Princess Anne’s engagement with the workforce at these centres was not only ceremonial but also strategic in promoting the ongoing narrative of community support and sustainable employment. Her Royal Highness’s recognition of the apprentices highlighted a significant investment in the future workforce. As businesses adapt to changing economic demands, the development of new talent and skills will be essential to maintaining competitive advantages.
The royal visit also opens discussions about the role of local businesses in crafting a resilient economic framework that supports not just their growth but also the surrounding community. With initiatives aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity, it remains crucial for businesses to share successes and learnings, contributing to a broader dialogue about workplace practices and community involvement.
In this light, Princess Anne’s presence served as a symbolic reinforcement of the values that underpin successful employment practices and community relations. Her Royal Highness’s deep engagement with those at all levels within these organisations highlights the importance of investing in human capital as a core tenet of operational success.
The local response to the visit has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing hope that such interactions will prompt further royal attention and investment in Barnsley as a whole. With a long-standing history of industry and community spirit, Barnsley is poised to embrace future initiatives that can further enhance the quality of life for its residents and strengthen its economic position.
This visit, therefore, resonates far beyond the immediate interactions witnessed on the day. It sets a tone of encouragement and aspiration, encouraging both local businesses and employees to continue striving for excellence and support in all their endeavours.
Our Thoughts
The news article does not highlight any incidents or safety breaches that occurred during Princess Anne’s visit to GXO. However, to ensure continued compliance with UK health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, organizations like GXO should maintain rigorous safety protocols, especially during high-profile visits. Key lessons include the necessity for regular safety audits and training to reinforce a culture of safety, ensuring all employees are aware of their responsibilities. Additionally, effective communication strategies should be in place to manage any safety concerns arising from an influx of visitors. Although no specific breaches are mentioned, maintaining the standards that earned the RoSPA Gold Award is vital for ongoing operational safety and the wellbeing of all personnel. All employers should ensure that they adapt to any special circumstances during such events to prevent potential risks.
