10 years, One Culture – How Strong Values Have Shaped a Decade of Innovation and Service

Europa Worldwide Group has overhauled its operations from the ground up since it was acquired by Andrew Baxter in 2013. 

Recognising the need to unify the business as major changes were being implemented, Andrew personally devised and launched 11 core values in 2015 to deliver excellence to its customers whist generating a performance-driven, inclusive environment full of opportunity for its people and partners.

Not one for ‘corporate fluff’, which company values are so often guilty of becoming, Europa’s values are robust and authentic – ‘we take bold steps that stretch our individual and cumulative potential’ and ‘do what is right, not what is easy’ are just two examples of values that have provided a cultural compass as the team has expanded and grown over the past decade. Today, these same values are ensuring that the business continues to flourish in a challenging marketplace.

When Andrew acquired Europa, the company employed just 400 people across nine UK branches and one international site in Hong Kong. Today, the business has a turnover of £302m, an increase of 400 per cent, and employs more than 1,300 people across 30 sites globally.

Created to be “liveable values” and not just posters on a wall, Europa’s 11 company values represent “our approach to business”. They are the standards that guide the way the business and its team operates, shaping the culture and both how and why things are done in a certain way. Whilst strategies may change, these core values of a business remain constant.

The business has transformed in the past 10 years, with major investments and innovations helping it to set the pace in the market (another value!). Europa has consistently proven itself to be an innovator and disruptor in the logistics sector, staying ahead of the curve to adapt to new challenges.                                                                                                                    

Europa rolled its values out alongside significant expansion plans, successfully applying them across cultures and languages in Belgium, Netherlands, Hong Kong, UAE, China, India and South Africa over the past few years.            

At the core of Europa is a team that works tirelessly to seek out new business, solve customer challenges, and create a positive and inclusive working environment. Europa’s successful values bring tangible commercial benefits, in line with its value of “drive out complexity”. This approach to simplicity facilitated the innovative launch of its DDP post-Brexit service Europa Flow, which offers a straightforward concept to reduce post-Brexit paperwork.

As an example of the focus on its people, Europa launched an inclusive digital new starter welcome pack, personalised for every new team member. In addition to a welcome from Andrew, they demonstrate Europa’s culture and values and feature a personal video from the divisional director. 

Other initiatives that Europa continues to deliver include its new ‘HapiHub’ benefits programme which offers a variety of services and benefits through one easy-to-use app. This includes enabling team recognition. Clive Reynolds - Warehouse Area Manager in Corby regularly uses it, commenting “I recognise my colleagues’ good work to show appreciation and encourage a positive, motivated workplace where efforts are valued and celebrated. Recognising the team boosts morale, motivation, and engagement, making people feel valued, encouraging excellence, and strengthening our culture.”

Employee engagement directly supports Europa’s values by fostering a motivated and committed workforce. When employees are engaged, they’re more likely to take bold steps, drive innovation, and continuously improve, all aligned with the company values. Strong engagement helps build positive teams, creating a culture of collaboration, trust, and support.

Yanique Barnett-Brown, Marketing and Communication Executive was recognised and comments “Being acknowledged is a great reminder of how we live our Europa values every day. Much of what I do happens behind the scenes, so being noticed makes me feel valued and highlights the impact of my work.  Having that wider recognition across the business is incredibly motivating- it’s like seeing your name on a wall of fame!”

Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director at Europa Worldwide Group added: “Europa’s values are at the core of our business and showcase what makes us different. They form our DNA, setting out our culture and the way we act. We believe in simple and honest transactions, sticking to our word, and delivering.

“A decade on from when they were launched, we are as committed as ever to the alignment of our values, ensuring everyone understands and owns their part of the journey. As a company, it’s important to us to keep our promises by doing what is right, not what is easy, in expectation of setting the pace in the market. 

"These factors, along with our strategic commitment to working not just as a team but as a Europa family, and our willingness to take bold steps, help us reach our full potential and stay ahead of the curve."

ENDS

www.europa-worldwide.com