Happy New Year from our staff

Well here we are in 2003. What will it hold for us all? If I have not spoken to you, Happy New Year! Already, world events have made their mark on the global economy. Let us hope for a peaceful, lasting solution to these difficulties.

2002 was a hectic year for us all at John Mitchell. We were busy with volumes up on last year and almost a constant stream of new vehicles and trailers arriving to replace existing equipment and meet the demand of new business. The award, UK Haulier of the Year was well received by our team, we were quietly proud to receive it. Every man and woman employed by the company over many years has made a contribution to getting this accolade. We will work hard to maintain our standards.

I hope you find our newsletter interesting and informative. If you have any thoughts on articles or features you would like to see, please contact us at the email address given on the last page.

Iain Mitchell

Jailbreak!

In nearly fifty years of business we've done a few unusual jobs but until last September we had never helped anyone escape from prison! Thankfully, this 'Jailbreak' was for charity and the 'escapees' were Scottish Prison Service procurement staff, Ann Christie, Alison MacPherson and Jean Sutherland. The object of the challenge for the teams involved was to leave Saughton Prison in Edinburgh at 9am on 28/9/02 and travel as far as possible in 15 hours, without spending money or breaking the law (of course)! Categories included farthest travelled by: green energy, on foot, in the UK or in the world.

Our trio had the world in their sights and hitched a lift in our truck, driven by Stuart Brownlie to Edinburgh airport, eventually getting as far as Frankfurt, where they were driven into the city centre by kind hearted local police officers! Many congratulations to the girls, who finished 3rd. in their class, had great fun along the way and most importantly raised over £2,000 for the Children 1st. Charity.

Children 1st. can be contacted at 83 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh. EH9 1AT or log on to www.children1st.org.uk