Four students from Bede Academy in Blyth have set their sights on international honours after racing ahead to claim the title of overall regional winner of the F1 in Schools competition.

Developed to inspire students to take up STEM subjects by challenging them to create a miniature F1 car, Team Scuderia Velocita designed and built their winning entry.

Last year the team won their regional heat but are now determined to improve on that performance by winning through to the Aramaco F1 in Schools World Finals.

The team comprises team manager Ruby, Benjamin, Rhys and George, who is the son of Scott, a delivery logistics planner at Cramlington-based Moody Logistics and Storage. He mentioned the initiative to sister company Heathline Commercials, which readily agreed to sponsor them.

Team Scuderia Velocita picked up four trophies at the regional heats held at Newcastle University for best engineered car, judges’ choice, verbal presentation plus sponsorship and marketing, making them the overall winners and sending them through to the national finals held in March. Success there will see them with a chance of competing in the Schools World Finals.

George said: “We’re really enjoying being part of a strong team and really hope we can go all the way to the world finals.”

The students work together, assigning roles and responsibilities, each taking ownership of a specific area, including car design, manufacturing, testing, as well as branding and sponsorship.

In the regional heats, they raced their car against the other teams, as well as presenting their project to a team of judges made up of industry professionals.

Andrew Thelwell, Principal of Bede Academy said: “Congratulations to the team for how well they performed in all aspects of this competition. We are so proud of these exceptional students and what they have already achieved. The same is true of the staff and the sponsorship and support that they have been given. We wish them all the very best as they move onto the national finals.'

Gavin Cape, director at Heathline Commercials, which repairs and services a wide variety of commercial vehicles, said it was pleased to support the team financially.

He said: “This is a great initiative to encourage young people into STEM careers, and I hope some of them may consider going on to become future vehicle technicians to help bridge the current skills shortfall.

“I hope that the backing of local businesses like Heathline Commercials will help them succeed at the national finals and allow them to progress and flourish on the international stage.”

Staff from all 3 sister companies celebrated ahead of Christmas at the annual awards evening held at Moody's, as people were recognised for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

The main two winners on the night joined us as a result of gaining an apprenticeship - a form of recruitment the Group of businesses has had much success with.

Matthew Fretwell (pictured centre with Richard Moody and Caroline Moody) was nominated by his peers and recognised by the directors as Employee of the Year 2023.

Matthew is production manager at MCR Services, and started out as the company's first apprentice shortly after the business was founded in 2011. 

Since then Matthew has gone on to complete another two apprenticeships funded by the business, and more recently in 2023 he secured the role of warehouse manager for Moody Logistics, which he's worked as a dual role alongside his responsibilities at MCR Services.

The hugely anticipated Driver of the Year award went to Steve McLetchie.

Steve joined Moody's in 2021 following the initial success of the businesses in-house apprenticeship scheme that was introduced to overcome delays in government training during COVID-19.

As a driver apprentice Steve started driving light vans before gaining his Class 2 licence, and now makes deliveries and collections in Newcastle city centre.

He was nominated by his peers for his attitude towards the job, willingness to help anyone, and friendly manner.

Other award winners on the night included driver Paul Harrison who was presented with a long service award for his 15 years in the business.

Moody drivers were also rewarded for being accident free and having nil tacho errors.

Staff who have had 100% attendance throughout the year are also awarded.

Speaking of the awards Caroline said, "As a family run business we place huge importance on our annual awards evening, as it gives the directors a platform to show our appreciation to our team, and thank them for their hard work during the year."

August 2023

Moody Logistics is retaining valuable staff by promoting alternative career paths within its two sister companies.

Two of its Class 1 drivers Dean Dodd and Dave Dickinson wanted to leave the road for a variety of reasons, but rather than quit the family-run firm, each have begun new roles with Moody’s sister companies Heathline Commercials and MCR Services.

Dean, from Blyth is the current holder of Moody’s Driver of the Year award – having joined the Cramlington-headquartered company in 2015 as a driver apprentice, later gaining both his Class 2 and Class 1 HGV licences.

Keen to seek a fresh challenge and further develop his mechanical skills, he has joined Heathline Commercials as a trainee technician with a Class 1 licence.

Meanwhile Dave, from Cramlington who has been a lorry driver for 35 years, wanted reduced but structured work hours that would allow him to spend more time with his family.

Moody Logistics is delighted with the moves as it allows the business to retain both men in roles that will benefit from their experience as HGV drivers.

Meanwhile, it has already recruited two experienced HGV Class 2 drivers which has allowed the company to move two of its current qualified drivers into Class 1 roles.

Gavin Cape, engineering director of Heathline Commercials, which specialises in commercial vehicle repair and maintenance, said it was difficult to recruit skilled technicians and that they had been specifically seeking a Class 1 licence holder for the trainee position.

He said: “Dean’s experience as an HGV driver is really valuable, as he already has a good understanding of how the vehicles work. There is a real shortage of fitters in the industry, so to recruit someone whose work ethic we know is a bonus!”

Matthew Fretwell is warehouse manager and production manager of MCR Services, which provides contract packing, quality inspection, reworking, labelling and preparing items for distribution.

He said: “Dave has many transferable skills that we need as we continue to grow the business, particularly his expertise around packing and distribution of goods.”

Caroline Moody, managing director of Moody Logistics, said: “We value our staff and accept that there may be times they wish to take a different direction, so we try to find alternative roles to ensure the business continues to benefit from their knowledge and experience.”

May 2023

Independent vehicle servicing and repair firm Heathline Commercials has become a service centre for axle and suspension system manufacturer BPW.

Following its accreditation as a BPW maintenance provider and service station, the Cramlington-based business is now working with a major regional fleet operator as part of its long-term maintenance programme involving trailer axles.

The family-run business hopes to secure further work as a result of becoming part of the BPW network by offering a streamlined service that reduces vehicle downtime.

Two of its technicians (Matt and Paul pictured) underwent product specific training and Leicester-based BPW assessed its 6,000 sq. ft workshop to confirm that it is equipped with specialist diagnostics and maintenance tools and holds a comprehensive range of spare parts.

Heathline Commercials is now able to display the BPW logo and will continue to undergo regular audits to ensure it meets strict operating standards.

The business has gone from strength to strength since opening its new £500,000 service centre on Bolam Business Park in 2020. It specialises in the servicing and repair of commercial vehicles, MOT preparation and inspections to DVSA standard, and is one of the North East’s leading centres for tachograph repairs and calibration.

It also provides breakdown services, minor body repairs and carries an extensive range of spares for all makes of truck, trailer, bus, van and horsebox.

Gavin Cape, its engineering director, said: “We are proud to join BPW’s national network of service providers and this accreditation is testament to our commitment to delivering a professional quality service.

“BPW is Europe’s leading manufacture of axles and suspension systems so it’s no surprise that we are already benefitting from the partnership in terms of gaining new business.”

(Pictured L-R: Matt Davis, Gavin Cape, Paul Woodall.)

December 2021

A decision to forge ahead and open a £500,000 workshop at the start of the pandemic has paid dividends for Heathline Commercials, which has grown revenue by more than 40 percent.

The resulting increase in business also allowed the commercial vehicle service and repair specialists to expand its workforce from six to 11, recruiting four additional HGV technicians.

Revenue jumped by 44 percent over the five months from April to August 2021, compared with the same period in 2019, when the Cramlington-based firm was still based at its smaller and less well-equipped rented premises.

Construction of its new 6,000 sq. ft facilities on Bolam Business Park began in autumn 2019, but freezing conditions pushed the completion date back to the spring of 2020 – by which time the country was in the grip of COVID-19.

Gavin Cape, engineering director at Healthline Commercials, said: “We quickly resolved to press ahead and remain open to ensure vans, trucks and buses remained on the road.

“There was a huge amount of uncertainty at the time as everyone was coming to terms with the pandemic, but once we emerged from an initial quiet period, the business has really taken off.

“Our decision to keep working paid dividends in terms of strengthening relationships with current customers and attracting new ones. In addition, our new workshop has also enabled us to offer improved facilities and a wider range of services.

“We even received a letter from the Department of Transport saying our work is essential in supporting the logistics industry, and Healthline Commercials is proud to be playing its part.”

Managing all servicing, repairs, MOT preparation and inspections to DVSA standard for individual owner drivers through to medium-sized commercial fleets, it’s also one of the North East’s leading centres for tachograph repairs and calibration.

The state-of-the-art workshop offers a dedicated paint bay and two modern inspection pits. The building is also fitted with an Authorised Testing Facility in anticipation of plans to become an MOT centre.

Healthline also offers breakdown services, minor body repairs and carries an extensive range of spares for all makes of truck, trailer, bus, van, and horsebox.

Following in Kevin Costner’s foot steps from Field Of Dreams, Gavin Cape - engineering director at Heathline Commercials - is reaping the rewards since the company invested £500k to build a state-of-the-art workshop on Bolam Business Park, next door to Moody Logistics.

At the time of leaving the rented workshop, Gavin had 6 members of staff and an excellent reputation for services including tachograph calibration and truck repairs.

Since June 2020, when local MP Ian Levy officially opened the purpose built workshop, the business has gone from strength to strength. 

With facilities including two modern inspection pits and a dedicated paint bay, the company’s work has hugely increased in recent months.

So much so, that over the course of the last year Heathline’s workforce has doubled! 

To keep up with demands, the business has taken on three additional HGV Technicians, and is looking to recruit its seventh! 

Speaking of Heathline’s growing success, Gavin said, “When we built the workshop last year, we planned for an uplift in bookings, but it’s actually gone better than expected. 

“The team are phenomenal. Their combined experience gives us such a strong presence in the North East for truck repair services.

“I’m over the moon with the feedback from customers since we’ve moved. It’s definitely been 

worth the blood, sweat and tears!”

October 2020

Caroline Moody has been announced as a winner in the freight category of the prestigious 2020 Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.

The managing director of Moody Logistics and Storage was named Freight Award, Leader in recognition of her innovation and leadership within the industry.

The awards – this year held online due to coronavirus restrictions – celebrated 15 women who are currently transforming the industry. Caroline was one of four shortlisted in the Freight Award, Leader category.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award which recognises leadership within the freight industry.

“It’s an honour to be one of a number of inspirational women nominated for these awards in what is a male-dominated industry.

“It sends a strong message to women that they can succeed through hard work, dedication and talent in whatever career they might choose.”

Caroline is the third generation to lead the family business based on a 7.5-acre site on Cramlington’s Bolam Business Park.

Moody Logistics and Storage, which currently operates a fleet of 28 vehicles and employs a staff of 38, specialises in overnight pallet distribution as well as storage and warehousing solutions.

Caroline added: “It’s also a matter of pride to know this award also reflects the achievements, not only of myself, but the whole team here at Moody’s, in creating a thriving and successful business.

A spokesman for everywoman said: “In an extraordinary year for the industry, the awards celebrated 15 exceptional individuals working in the transport and logistics sector, championing their achievements and showcasing them as inspiring role models to the next generation of female talent.” 

July 2020 

Caroline Moody, the managing director of Northumberland-based Moody Logistics and Storage, has been announced as a finalist in the 2020 Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.

Celebrating those women who are currently transforming the industry, she is one of four to be shortlisted for the Freight Award, Leader category.

This year, against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 crisis, the awards are particularly appropriate given the critical role transport and logistics has played in keeping the nation supplied.

Caroline is the third generation to lead the family business which is based on a 7.5-acre site on Cramlington’s Bolam Business Park.

Starting out as a Marks & Spencer management trainee, she later joined Moody’s gaining experience in most areas of the business, including sales, marketing, accounts, administration and human resources.

She later rose to become business development manager before being appointed managing director and has been instrumental in growing the business, including the development of a 12,000 sq. ft cross-deck loading and unloading facility.

Moody Logistics and Storage, which currently operates a fleet of 28 vehicles and employs a staff of 38, specialises in overnight pallet distribution as well as storage and warehousing solutions.

She remains a strong advocate for the logistics industry and has campaigned to create more apprenticeships. Last December she met with the then Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom to discuss the challenges facing the sector.

Caroline Moody said: “I am thrilled to be a finalist in the everywoman awards which is designed to showcase the crucial roles women play in this male-dominated industry.

“However, what is more important to me is that I’m recognised not just for being a woman but for my ability and achievements in growing this business and the contributions I’ve made in championing the wider industry. 

“I remain an advocate for transport and logistics and I’m passionate about promoting the great career opportunities it provides.”

The winners will be announced on October 6th at an awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London.

June 2020 

Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy has officially opened Heathline Commercial’s new £500,000 repair and service centre.

The family-run business had intended to hold a grand opening as soon as work was completed on the 6,000 sq. ft unit on Cramlington’s Bolam Business Park.

However, weather-related delays meant the opening date was pushed back from December to April, when any thoughts of holding a large ceremony was dashed by the restrictions introduced around the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, Heathline Commercials quietly opened its doors and got on with the business of maintaining and repairing the region’s vans and trucks to ensure they remain on the roads at such a vital time.

With social distancing measures and safety procedures in place, Group Managing Director Caroline Moody, decided it was the right time to invite the Conservative MP to officially mark the opening.

Ian Levy MP said: “I was honoured to be asked by Heathline Commercials to formally open this impressive new centre and I’m pleased to be able to highlight the important contribution it makes to both the local economy and the logistics industry.”

“I’ve been impressed at the facilities and range of services it provides, and I’m certain this ambitious business will go from strength to strength.”

Heathline’s nine employees manage all servicing and repairs for everything from light vans to HGVs, from individual owner drivers to medium-sized commercial fleets. 

Specialising in the servicing of commercial vehicles, MoT preparation and inspections to DVSA standard, it is one of the North East’s leading centres for tachograph repairs and calibration.

As well as a dedicated paint bay and two modern workshop inspection pits, the building is fitted with an Authorised Testing Facility, ready to fulfil future ambitions to become a MoT centre. It also offers breakdown services, minor body repairs and carries an extensive range of spares for all makes of truck, trailer, bus, van, and horsebox.

Gavin Cape, engineering director of Heathline Commercials Ltd, said: “There has been a big demand for our services, especially in recent weeks as businesses look to get their vehicles back on the road as they prepare to reopen.”

Caroline Moody added: “It might not be the grand opening we originally envisaged but like many other family-run businesses, we have had to adapt and react to these challenging times.”

June 2020

We are delighted to announce that we have opened our new £500,000 service and repair centre to ensure commercial vehicles remain on the road during the COVID-19 emergency.

We had intended to hold a grand official opening of our 6,000 sq ft workshop to mark the occasion but due to the social distancing measures, it opened its doors without fanfare and simply got down to work!

Our 9 employees manage all servicing and repairs for individual owner drivers right up to medium-sized commercial fleets.

The importance of Heathline’s opening was reinforced by a letter from the Department of Transport stating its work was essential to keep the logistics sector running.

We specialise in the servicing of commercial vehicles, MOT preparation and inspections to DVSA standard, and we’re also one of the North East’s leading centres for tachograph repairs and 

calibration. Our customers travel many miles to see our experts!

The new building has significantly improved facilities for staff and the range of services we can provide.  We’ve had an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) installed in anticipation of future plans to 

become an MOT test centre.

There is also a dedicated paint bay, together with two modern workshop inspection pits capable of accommodating a wide range of vehicles.

We also offer breakdown services and minor body repairs, and carry an extensive range of spares for all makes of truck, trailer, bus, van and horsebox.

Engineering director Gavin Cape said: “We were all looking forward to officially opening this modern building and showing it off to our many customers, but delays meant the completion date ended up coinciding with the coronavirus lockdown.

“We look after a number of businesses running commercial vehicles, so we needed to open to ensure these essential vehicles remain on the road.

“Our staff are following safe working practices and our customers know we are open, and business is growing.”

December 2019

The evening of Friday 20th December saw our 3 sister companies (Heathline, Moody Logistics and MCR Services ) come together to celebrate as staff were recognised for their outstanding performance and contributions to the businesses in 2019.

The team at Heathline did extremely well on the night, picking up 3 BIG awards.

As voted for by staff across all businesses and Directors, our very own HGV Fitter Paul Woodall picked up the newly created Employee of the Year award for his dedication to the business and willingness to help anyone even in times of busy periods.

We were delighted to see Colin Dixon be rewarded for his loyalty having worked for Heathline for an incredible 25 years!

Anthony Pearson also scooped the Unsung Hero of 2019 award on the night due to his unwavering hard work over the course of the year.

Office Manager Lisa Chappell along with Colin also picked up their award for 100% attendance in 2019.

A great night was had by all, congratulations to everyone who picked up an award... now let's go and smash 2020!! 

October 2019

We're thrilled that work is underway on a new £500,000 service and repair centre for our growing family-run firm.

The 6,000 sq. ft unit at Bolam Business Park in Cramlington, Northumberland, will allow us to significantly improve our facilities and range of services.

We are due to move into the modern unit in December but will continue to operate our accident repair centre from the current Station Road premises.

The new unit will feature an Authorised Testing Facility (ATF), which will allow Heathline to undertake MOT testing on HGVs, trailers and public service vehicles once we have secured the necessary Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) approvals.

As part of the build, two modern workshop inspection pits will be created capable of accommodating a wide range of vehicles from HGVs and coaches to vans. It will also feature a dedicated paint bay.

The investment is part of our strategic long-term plan to expand our customer base and range of services.

We currently employ 10 people and manage all servicing and repair requirements for individual owner drivers right up to medium-sized commercial fleets.

Supporting companies across Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside, we also provide commercial MoT preparation and inspections to DVSA standard, breakdown services, minor body repairs and tachograph repairs and recalibration.

In addition, Heathline carries a wide range of spare parts for all makes of truck, trailer, bus, van or horse box.

Subsidiary HLC Accident Repair Centre provides accident repairs, re-sprays and wheel refurbishment for van and private car owners, together with classic vehicle restoration.

Both businesses offer a collection and delivery service of customer vehicles.

The business uses r2c programme software which ensures that Heathline efficiently manages the inspection and maintenance of customer vehicles, keeping documentation compliant and streamlining parts management.

Gavin Cape, Engineering Director of Healthline Commercials Ltd said: “Once completed, the new premises will provide our staff with a great working environment and ensures our customers continue to receive a competitive quality service.

“The investment means Heathline is able to incorporate the latest equipment and features whilst allowing sufficient space to allow the business to grow in the coming years.

“We have a team of highly trained and experienced technicians and this new facility will allow them to keep more vehicles on the road for longer - with the minimum of disruption to the businesses we serve.”