A huge congratulations to Platts Agriculture Director and Platts Transport MD Chris Whittaker for being shortlisted for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards in Wales 2023!
Chris Whittaker is 3rd generation Family Director at the Platts Group, and Managing Director of Platts Transport Limited. Platts Transport Limited was born during the pandemic, in April 2020, from now-sister company Platts Agriculture, instigated by then 24 year old Chris, grandson of Platts founders Robert and Christine Platt. Since it’s inception, Platts Transport has thrived, and become an award-winning General Haulage company in its own right. Recently, a video-marketing content agency startup has been established under Chris’ entrepreneurial leadership and drive, and a second startup to be launched imminently.
As a 3rd generation family member, Chris has ambitious vision for the business long into the future, providing security and longevity for the 65 staff across the group. In the face of adversity, Chris is determined to ensure success. Within the Transport industry, Chris seeks to break the mould, and has transformed perceptions, whilst establishing grassroot relationships with the HGV Drivers at Platts, to understand their personal ambitions, aspirations, and motivations. Chris has identified gaps in the market, and is enabling the business to achieve competitive advantage by empowering Platts People. Thanks to this cultural change, Platts benefit from high levels of staff retention – above industry standard.
Since Chris joined the Platts Group at the beginning of the pandemic, despite challenging seasons, Platts remains a successful and growing business, and has an ambitious growth strategy in place. His entrepreneurial nature assures that further business development will not stop, but new projects and ventures continuously explored. Business success and growth plans are shared internally with all staff, which gives rise to a culture of emotional security and prosperity. In the current climate, being able to share success stories and plans for growth is rare, and valued by the team.
Such success is allowing for additional investment into advanced IT systems, to allow the business to grow exponentially yet sustainably. For the recently launched video content company, Just Content, Chris has demonstrated success within the Platts Group already, with video content proving an instrumental part of Platts’ marketing strategy over the last 12 months. This proven success is evidenced with additional customers and growth in market share.
Chris has been shortlisted for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, ahead of the finals held in Cardiff at the end of this week, Friday 24th March. From everyone at the Platts Group, we wish you the best of luck!