FSEW's MD Geoff Tomlinson Named No.1 Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Player for 2025

A Journey That Started with Purpose

Geoff’s commitment to decarbonisation began with a powerful moment of realisation. In 2017, he read a newspaper report revealing that Cardiff was the fourth most polluted city in the UK. The article highlighted how four schools located near major arterial routes, roads that FSEW regularly used, were being directly impacted by NOx pollution from road transport, affecting the health of children in those schools.

“Reading that report had a real impact on me,” explains Geoff. “I decided to make a change, and the journey we’ve been on to be diesel-free all started from then. We all understand the importance of doing our bit to protect the planet and safeguard our children’s futures.”

This wasn’t just corporate responsibility, it was a personal mission driven by genuine concern for future generations.

Achieving the Impossible Ahead of Schedule

Five years ago, Geoff set what many considered an ambitious target: to make FSEW’s entire fleet diesel-free by 2025. Not only did FSEW achieve this goal, but they accomplished it ahead of schedule, completing their transformation at the end of 2024.

Today, FSEW’s road fleet consists entirely of fully electric and 100% biomethane trucks, a complete replacement of all diesel vehicles. This has resulted in 2.4 million carbon-intensive ‘diesel kilometres’ being avoided by deploying their fleet of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs), reducing CO₂ emissions by 2,400 tonnes.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it was accomplished entirely through internal funding, without relying on government grants or participation in programmes like ZEHID. This demonstrates not only FSEW’s commitment to sustainability but also proves that decarbonisation can be commercially viable for freight companies willing to invest in their future.

Industry Recognition

The Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players judges didn’t mince words in their assessment: “A very difficult challenge to decarbonise the hardest fleets and it’s a fantastic achievement.” They added, “If you’re looking for someone who is shaping the sector’s decarbonisation agenda, Geoff Tomlinson is your man.”

Geoff Tomlinson added: “This is a great achievement, and I’d like to thank the team at FSEW and our sustainability consultants.”

This recognition comes from understanding just how challenging it is to decarbonise articulated haulage operations. Heavy goods vehicles covering long distances with demanding schedules represent some of the hardest fleets to transition away from diesel. Yet FSEW has proven it’s not only possible but profitable.

Establishing FSEW as Freight Decarbonisation Specialists

Through this journey, FSEW has established itself as genuine Freight Decarbonisation Specialists, demonstrating that low-carbon transport solutions can be commercially viable alternatives to traditional diesel operations. The company’s success has created an effective blueprint for sustainable haulage and logistics that other companies can follow.

FSEW isn’t keeping this knowledge to themselves. Geoff is actively working to share their journey and help make decarbonisation the industry norm rather than the exception. “The freight sector is evolving, but it’s not happening fast enough,” he notes.“I’m doing all I can to accelerate this work.”

Looking Forward: Leading by Example

This recognition as the UK’s top decarbonisation power player isn’t just about celebrating past achievements, it’s about FSEW’s ongoing commitment to leading the industry towards a sustainable future. FSEW is proving every day that businesses don’t need to choose between commercial success and environmental responsibility.

As FSEW continues to operate their diesel-free fleet and expand their sustainable logistics solutions, they’re not just transporting goods, they’re transporting the entire freight industry towards a cleaner, healthier future for all.

From everyone at FSEW, Congratulations to all the Motor Transport Power Players who are driving positive change across our industry. Together, we’re building a greener tomorrow.