Europa Champions International HR Day
As many organisations spotlight their HR professionals on International HR Day, one of the UK’s largest independent logistics providers, Europa Worldwide Group, is marking the occasion and celebrating its HR team.
The ambitious operator has dedicated divisions in European road freight, air and sea freight and 3PL warehousing. Now employing over 1,300 people with 16 sites across the UK and Ireland, plus Europa’s own teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, China, India, the UAE and South Africa, the global business believes that the development of its people is a fundamental part of sustaining success.
When Andrew Baxter acquired the business back in 2013, Europa’s HR team consisted of three individuals and one payroll officer. Now its 20-strong international team cover HR, payroll, recruitment, learning & development. From manging the onboarding process right through to training and career progression, the department provides support for every Europa employee.
The team is led by Vanita Dass-Puri, Head of HR and Recruitment, who has supported the development of the operator’s HR department since she joined Europa in 2017 as Talent Acquisition Manager.
She comments: “Our people play a crucial role in our business; they are the backbone of any organisation. At Europa, our HR team ensures our colleagues have the tools, support, and environment they need to thrive. Great human resources drive performance, engagement, and long-term success, ensuring we have individuals across our business who live our core values every day in the work they do.
“From ensuring legal compliance and developing policies and procedures to supporting effective communication and managing recruitment and retention, HR helps businesses grow whilst staying people focussed.
Europa’s innovations over the past decade include providing all team members with access to the Health Assured app, an award-winning employee assistance programme (EAP) provider that offers help from qualified and experienced counsellors and a 24-hour confidential helpline.
As part of ongoing investment in its services, Europa’s locally based Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) are all trained mental health first aiders and implement the overarching HR function across all operational teams, encouraging continued staff engagement and strong business partnerships.
Recognising the vast and diverse training needs across the business, Europa appointed Alison Flannery as its first Learning & Development Partner in 2022. Since then, Europa has launched its groundbreaking 12-month Management Training Programme, introducing managers to new concepts and practices. The programme offers new tactics to allow them to keep pace with the dynamic industry environment and latest innovations from Europa, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the organisation.
Sharing the importance of championing HR professionals, Vanita added: “HR often works behind the scenes, yet its success is central to every major business, whether that’s navigating change, supporting well-being, handling tough conversations, or helping leaders manage teams effectively. Shining a light on HR acknowledges the emotional intelligence, resilience, and strategic thinking it takes to do the role well. It also encourages recognition of the people who keep the culture and values alive every day.”
Europa’s commitment to a positive company culture is evident in initiatives like the personalised digital welcome packs for new employees, which include messages from leadership and highlight the company’s culture. The ‘HapiHub’ benefits programme further reinforces its dedication by offering services and recognition tools that promote a positive workplace environment.
Vanita concluded: “I think for me personally, International HR Day is a great reminder that at the heart of every process, every policy, and every business transformation, are people. It’s about reflecting on how much the team does to drive major change, but also the hours they spend supporting our colleagues when they’re needed. I’m incredibly proud of the team we have created, and continue to grow, and I really value their hard work and contributions.”
