THIS weekend’s LDP Business radio show on CityTalk105.9 features an interview with Stobart Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler.

The head of the iconic North West haulage group tells listeners how the firm, which now operates 1,250 lorries, is adapting to growing environmental concerns.

Mr Tinkler describes how his firm plans to transfer some freight services to the region’s canal network in a bid to cut carbon emissions.

In an interview with the programme’s presenter, Daily Post business editor Bill Gleeson, Mr Tinkler says: “We are looking at taking trucks off the road. We are also looking to get as much utilisation out of our trucks as possible.

“We have started a dedicated train service. That saves 2.1m litres of fuel a year, equivalent to taking our entire fleet off the road for two weeks.

“A lot of this is just common sense. Every time you see an empty truck coming down the road, its a waste. If you can put a load on to it, you are reducing the carbon footprint.”

Mr Tinkler was speaking at the end of a week which has seen Stobart Group complete the £97.5m acquisition of three firms including haulage rival Irlam & Sons and an option to acquire Carlisle Airport.

In the programme, Mr Tinkler also explains Stobart Group’s plans to create 2,000 jobs at Widnes over the next five years with the development of a new intermodal freight transport centre. He also talks about plans to bring Weston Point docks back into use.

In the same programme, a football finance expert gives his views about the latest state of the negotiations between Liverpool FC owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and Dubai International Capital. James Dow, a director of Dow Schofield Watts, predicts all parties will restart talks shortly. The corporate dealmaker has previously advised Everton, Manchester City and MK Dons.

So tune into LDP Business Week, at 11am on Sunday morning on CityTalk105.9 and DAB digital radio.