Richard Smith is Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and is a member and the chair of the Senior Leadership Team. With over 30 years’ experience in logistics and supply chain leadership, Richard brings deep industry insight and a strong track record of delivering operational excellence and strategic growth. Richard has an MBA in Business Administration and Management, but actually began his career as a warehouse hand in Brighouse at Redfearn Wire Products. Richard was also Operations Director at Samworth Brothers Supply Chain, where he led transformative change programmes and strengthened supply chain performance. He previously held a senior leadership role at Wincanton, where he developed national transport strategies, managed complex contracts, and oversaw significant business expansion, including operations in Germany. Richard’s leadership is defined by a commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and supporting the industry through challenge and change. He is passionate about innovation, closing the sector’s skills gap, and strengthening the resilience and reputation of the UK’s road freight sector. Richard is chair of the Trade Association Forum which is a community of more than 180 trade associations. It encourages the development and sharing of best practice among UK trade associations and promotes them to government, industry and the wider public. Twice winner of the prestigious Motor Transport Merit Award, Richard is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen (one of the 112 livery companies of the City of London). He serves on the Court - the Company’s governing body responsible for its strategic direction and stewardship - and is Chair of the Membership Committee, reflecting his strong commitment to both the heritage and the future of the transport and logistics profession.

Abby Harnwell joined the Road Haulage Association as Finance Director in April 2025. A fully qualified accountant (Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), She brings over 30 years of experience in finance, including 15 years of senior financial leadership experience within the manufacturing sector. Abby has held key finance roles in a range of organisations, leading on strategic financial planning, risk management, and operational transformation. At the RHA, Abby is responsible for overseeing financial strategy, governance, and performance, ensuring the organisation delivers strong value for its members while remaining sustainable and resilient. Her expertise supports the RHA’s mission to champion and serve the UK’s road transport industry.

Red is the RHA’s Operations and Executive Support Manager and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, bringing over a decade of expertise in recruitment, stakeholder engagement, and business operations. Since joining the RHA in 2017, she has become a trusted and versatile presence within the organisation, supporting senior leadership, managing operational delivery, and coordinating key projects across the business. With a strong background in commercial and office-based recruitment — including roles at Vanilla Recruitment and Office Angels — Red is known for her people-first approach, exceptional reliability, and ability to build strong internal and external relationships. Her positive attitude, adaptability, and commitment to delivering high standards make her a key member of the RHA’s operational leadership team.

Stephen is the RHA’s Head of Operations and a member of the Senior Leadership Team with a strong commercial and technical background in transport, logistics, and infrastructure. He oversees operational delivery, major partnerships, and high-profile programmes that support the RHA’s national reach and strategic goals. With more than 15 years’ experience across supply chain, programme delivery, and IT systems, Stephen has led transformation projects, built scalable operational frameworks, and driven measurable improvements in service and efficiency. He joined the RHA in 2017, bringing previous leadership experience from IPL (part of Asda/Walmart) and Fenmarc Produce. Known for his collaborative leadership and data-driven approach, Stephen plays a key role in ensuring the RHA continues to grow, adapt, and deliver for its members and partners.

Clare is the RHA’s Head of Human Resources and a senior people professional with over 25 years’ experience in complex and high-profile environments, including Royal Mail, Hotel Chocolat, and the UK road transport sector. She sits on the Senior Leadership Team and leads on all aspects of HR strategy, organisational development, and employee engagement. Clare brings deep expertise in performance improvement, change management, and stakeholder relations — including extensive work in unionised settings. She is a CIPD professional, a trained Mental Health First Aider, and an accredited coach in multiple methodologies including Systemic Leadership, Motivation & Resilience, and Myers-Briggs. Clare also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Thera Trust, supporting governance in social care and inclusion.

Geraint Davies has been involved in road transport for over 27 years, his most recent role being the FORS Director having previously been COO of John Raymond Transport Limited, one of the first FORS operators in Wales. He has served as Chair of the Logistics UK (FTA) Welsh Freight Council, UK Road Freight Council in Westminster, Chaired the RHA Welsh Forum and has served as an RHA Board Director. He is currently the Chair of the Wales Road Transport Advisory Group, Vice Chair of the South Wales IRTE Group, Vice-Chair of the ITS UK Freight Forum and a member of the TechUK Self Driving Vehicles Group.

Moreton considers the RHA as the gold standard of the industry, with wide ranging advice and services for commercial vehicle operators and business providers of all types and sizes. In 10 years the industry will adapting and forging new technologies to remain current and compliant. It will inevitably be far more digitally focussed, far more efficient and no doubt will be the catalyst for major changes to the UK’s infrastructure and transport networks.

As RHA chairman from 2017-2019, Andrew sees one of the key benefits of RHA membership as the ability to discuss with fellow operators and the RHAs own management team, the evolving challenges that businesses and the wider industry continues to face. Also, the opportunity to work with them to finding solutions. In 10 years, he sees the industry as becoming even more professional and hopefully, everyone in the industry will get the recognition that they deserve. 2021 sees P C Howard celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Ward Brothers Malton Ltd have been members of the RHA for over 25 years. Steve describes the RHA is the “go to place” for any help or advice you or your business might need. It’s a friendly arm around the Industry! Where does he see the industry in 10 years? Many more electric powered vehicles but larger trucks will be powered by hydrogen cells. This will cause us and the Government problems because they will see the duty on diesel diminishing and road user charging or some other money-making scheme will be imposed!

Axle Haulage Ltd, have been an RHA member since the company’s inception in 1988. Barry recognises all the membership benefits but the most important as being the RHA Conditions of Carriage. In 10 years’, and for those that can afford it, the industry will be driven by alternative fuel systems and managed by Artificial Intelligence but still controlled by qualified transport managers. For those that cannot afford it will be same, but with more taxation.

Massey Wilcox Transport Ltd joined the RHA in 1954. He sees the key benefit of membership as being advice and assistance with the myriad of legislation involved in operating trucks both in the UK and Europe. Especially now that the UK is no longer a member of the EU. Networking and fellowship also have an important part to play. The industry in 10 years will have with even larger problems as regards driver recruitment “unless a miracle happens”

Scott is the Managing Director of Stuart Nicol Transport Limited with responsibility for wider business including Finance, Commercial, Compliance and Operational strategy. Business has £15m turnover with 120 employees, 90 of which are drivers. Currently running 68 vehicles with 150 trailers in service. Scott has around 25 years in Transport starting as a driver and worked up to senior positions in large 3PL type Businesses including Christian Salvesen, Norbert Dentressangle, Geodis and The Russell Group (Carntyne Transport). Scott has a degree in Business Management with 20 plus years experience in Management and sits on the Scottish and NI Council.

Paul Sanders is Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks, which he formed in 2006. He hopes to enable greater collaboration between APN and the RHA for the benefit of all members. Coming from five generations of transport professionals, he has been a regular and active member of central and previously regional RHA meetings for 36 years, holding several positions at sub-regional level, as well as serving as vice-chair for the Midlands and Western Regional Council. As Managing Director of Allports Group, an established Renault Trucks and Isuzu Distributor & Contract Hire and Rental Group, Paul sees decarbonisation as one the industry’s most pressing challenges.

With over 35 years’ experience working mainly in the container industry, being part of the RHA enables me to understand the common issues we are all facing across the wider transport community and to share ideas and best practice with others. I am proud to be part of an organisation that is able to take real life issues direct to Westminster and look to find solutions to help improve our industry and continue to promote the positive aspects of our sector.

Sam is a sixth-generation leader at Fagan & Whalley Ltd, a family-run logistics business with over 100 years of history. As Managing Director – Commercial, he plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, customer relationships, and business growth. A long-standing member of the RHA’s Regional Council, Sam joined the RHA Board in 2022. He brings deep operational knowledge, sector insight, and a commitment to advancing professional standards in the industry. Sam holds a First-Class Honours degree in Transport & Logistics Management and is a previous winner of multiple Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) awards, including Student of the Year and Dissertation of the Year. He also holds an OCR Certificate of Professional Competence in Road Haulage.

A E Gough & Sons was established in 1926 and has been a member of the RHA for a lot of that time. I am the third generation to be running our business. We are a bulk tipper operator and are based in Mid Wales operating from two sites. I am proud to be the Director for Wales on the RHA Board as It is so important for our industry that we have a strong Association representing us at the highest levels. We are working very hard to develop and improve relations with Welsh Government that will benefit us all. Transport will see huge changes in the coming years and the role of the RHA will be instrumental in making sure the industry is at the table when decisions are made.

Claire has recently completed 3 years as chair of the Scotland and Northern Ireland RHA Regional Council and is an active participant in RHA activities. Claire’s current role is a senior manager in a Transport and Warehousing company specialising in timed temperature-controlled deliveries. A HGV driver with International CPC, Claire has other qualifications in Psychology, HR, H&S and Quality Assurance.

Paul established Transervice Exp Tpt Ltd in 1979 working from home with one van steadily growing the business over the years while navigating the many challenges we have seen. Transervice Group now a well-established and respected operator based in West Bromwich specialise in Transport, Warehousing and Pallet Distribution. They have been active members of the RHA since 1982 Paul served as Chair of Central Sub Region for six years and presently sits on Midlands Western & Wales Regional Council and Chair of the Transport Warehousing & Pallet Distribution (TWPD) Group. Paul is a passionate supporter of Sub Region meetings and representing grass roots RHA members who operate 1 – 20 vehicles helping support them through the many challenges our industry faces, including decarbonisation and the race to net zero emissions in a highly competitive and challenging market.

John is a senior transport and logistics leader with over 40 years of experience spanning the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He brings deep expertise in cross-border trade, customs reform, digital innovation, and decarbonisation strategy. As Founder and CEO of John Lucy International, he advises governments, trade bodies, and transport businesses on strategic growth, market access, and regulatory alignment. He also serves on the boards of the Road Haulage Association and the World Free Zones Organization, and is a former Director of Liverpool Freeport. John is known for his trusted board-level insight, senior advisory experience, and extensive global network. A Freeman of the City of London, he continues to help shape the future of international road transport.

Wendy is the HR & Board of Directors Associate, where she provides administrative and coordination support to both the HR function and the RHA Board. A trusted and long-serving team member, Wendy plays a key behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the smooth running of governance processes, meetings, and documentation. With over four years at the RHA and a background in HR support, Wendy combines professionalism, attention to detail, and discretion in all aspects of her work. She recently completed the ILM-accredited First Line Manager Development Programme through GRS Group.