Government and Police join forces to tackle drink and drug driving this festive season

TO tackle drink and drug driving during the festive period, Local Transport Minister Lillian Greenwood joined Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner on a drive along to see 1st hand how frontline enforcement teams are keeping our roads safe this Christmas.

The Minister met with Local Officers to take part in their annual seasonal crackdown on offenders, as part of ongoing collaboration between:- Government, Police Forces and local partners to tackle dangerous driving behaviours.

This builds on the Government's commitment to make communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS.

Local Transport Minister Lillian Greenwood said:- "No 1 should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs. This festive season, we're working with Police and well known brands including Captain Morgan, Peroni and Heineken to remind drivers to make the right choice; and stick to non-alcoholic drinks; to make our roads safer for themselves and others. We're determined to tackle this growing issue, to help make our communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS."

Chief Constable Jo Shiner is National Police Chiefs' Council lead for roads policing. She said:- "Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is selfish and incredibly dangerous, putting the lives of your passengers, other road users and yourself at risk. We're pleased to be partnering with THINK! On their new campaign which is highly impactful and coordinates with our enhanced enforcement of drink and drug driving offences over the December period through Operation Limit. The message is simple, do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or taking drugs. Make the right decision and together, we will save lives."

The Government has also teamed up with Police enforcement operations and launched new adverts as part of its THINK! campaign, running online and out of home to target drug driving 'hotspots' across England and Wales using Police data.

It is the 1st THINK! drug driving campaign in 10 years, a targeted, hard-hitting series of messages aimed at young male drivers, who remain disproportionately represented in drug-related road casualties. Latest figures show that around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male, with four in 10 aged between:- 17 and 30.

Earlier this week, the Minister visited a pub in London to officially launch the Captain Morgan 0.0% x THINK! 0%:- 'Captain of the Night' campaign, spotlighting the importance of alcohol-free options for motorists. As part of the initiative, drivers will be offered a free Captain Morgan 0.0% and cola in selected Stonegate pubs nationwide.

The launch marks the continued and growing partnership between:- the Government and major drinks brands to normalise 0% choices. Fronted by TV personality and radio presenter Sam Thompson, the 1st wave of the Captain Morgan partnership was designed to reach:- 17 to 24 year old male drivers.

Both Heineken and Peroni have confirmed large scale activations in the lead-up to Christmas to encourage drivers to choose their 0.0% products under the THINK! 0% banner.

These promotions follow THINK! 0% partnership activity delivered by both brands over the past year. Heineken will spotlight THINK! 0% messaging across its Star pubs, including on staff uniforms and via online advertising, and Peroni will team up with Greene King to share the THINK! 0% message via digital channels and promotions encouraging drivers to opt for 0%.

Ian Smith, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo GB, said:- "Diageo is committed to supporting safe and responsible choices, particularly at a time of year when the risks on our roads increase. Captain Morgan 0.0's partnership with THINK! highlights our continued focus on not only providing people with great tasting alcohol-free alternatives, but also showcases a clear message that if you are driving, 0.0% is the correct choice for everyone's safety."

Wynne Aviation charts confident course for growth thanks to Council's Business Support Service

A Speke based aviation and logistics company has found new clarity and confidence for international growth after working with Liverpool City Council's Business Support Service, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Wynne Aviation, Headquartered at:- Liverpool John Lennon Airport, has been part of the City's business landscape for decades. Founded by David Hughes, the company began as a small haulage operation and has since evolved into a multi-service logistics business; offering contract logistics, road freight, customs clearance and aircraft handling for clients across the UK and beyond.

David's son Tom Hughes took over the business alongside his cousin Mark and; like many businesses; Wynne Aviation faced challenges during the COVID19 Pandemic, with its core automotive customer base hit hard. The pair recognised that, while Wynne had grown naturally over the years, it was time to pause, refocus and plan for the future.

"We'd got to a point in the business where we were at a crossroads. We'd always gone wherever the work flowed, but it was time to decide what we really wanted to be. I knew the answer deep down, but we needed help to turn ideas into a plan." said Managing Director Tom Hughes.

But with its bonded warehouse, X-ray facilities and fleet already in place, the business pivoted quickly to serve new international markets; and with support from Liverpool City Council, began to sharpen its focus for long-term growth.

Working with advisors Mark Butchard (business strategy) and Phil Davies (sales and marketing), the Wynne team embarked on a process to redefine the company's direction. Instead of a traditional corporate plan, the advisors helped the business create a flexible, evolving strategy that allowed Wynne to maintain its agility while gaining structure and purpose.

Tom laughs:- "It was like therapy for the business. They made me step back and work on the business instead of in it. We clarified who we are, what we stand for and where we're going."

As part of the process, Wynne recruited its 1st business development manager, Paul, to help build long term customer partnerships rather than chase volume. The results have been significant:-

The company is on track to secure 3 new blue chip partners identified during the support process.
Wynne has expanded its footprint to the Isle of Man.
The team is exploring UK - Canada trade opportunities following recent US tariffs, having met with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and visited the House of Lords to explore new markets.

With a renewed sense of direction, Tom and Mark are now leading Wynne Aviation into its next phase with confidence and focus. Tom says:- "We realised we don't need hundreds of customers. We just need the right few; genuine partners who see us as part of their process."

Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said:- "Wynne Aviation is a brilliant example of how local businesses can benefit from tailored support. Liverpool has a proud history of enterprise and innovation, and it's fantastic to see a family business with deep roots in our City now reaching global markets. The Business Support Service exists to help more local firms do exactly that; to think strategically, grow sustainably, and showcase Liverpool on the world stage."

Wynne Aviation's story demonstrates how Liverpool's business support network is helping local firms strengthen their foundations and seize new opportunities; at home and abroad.

Liverpool City Council's Business Support Service has received �451,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

Businesses interested in accessing support can visit:- Liverpool.Gov.UK.

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Government and Police join forces to tackle drink and drug driving this festive season

Wynne Aviation charts confident course for growth thanks to Council's Business Support Service