Leading Gloucester based haulage company CM Downton have made two high-level recruits to their team.

The appointment of a new business improvement director and business improvement manager will help deliver a strategy of efficiency and improved performance by using data analytics and new technology.

Kevin Yapp joins as business improvement director while Clark Podger becomes the new business improvement manager.

Both will look to utilise data and analytics to drive an improvement in performance and both will report to operations director Zac Brown.

The pair have more than 20 years' experience in the industry, and previously worked together in the senior logistics team at Sainsbury's Argos.

Using data from Downton's existing technology infrastructure, their role will be to optimise decision-making and add value through efficiency and performance.

Mr Yapp said: "We want to share information both internally and externally with our customers and suppliers in a visual way to help make smarter decisions faster.

"We don't have a monopoly on knowledge, but we certainly have the data to help provide the answers."

Downton is a key player in the newly-formed EV Cargo group of leading UK logistics firms, which provides mission-critical transport, logistics and freight forwarding services and logistics technology to a portfolio of leading brands.

Mr Podger said: "Big data and advanced analytics will ensure Downton continues to deliver industry leading service, providing the business with greater knowledge and delivering added value to customers.

"We're delighted to be joining Downton at this time and look forward to playing our part in ensuring the future success of the company."

Managing director Duncan Eyre said: "Kevin and Clark have been brought in to help challenge established thinking, to get the best out of our systems and help the business make more informed and insightful decisions underpinned by data and analytics.

"Downton is a well-established and operationally focused business with supreme industry experience. Using data fully alongside the wealth of instinct and expertise already present will ensure the business is slick, agile and delivers the highest levels of efficiency and service to our customers."