This month, Paul Jefferson marks 15 years with Gregory Group, a milestone that reflects both his personal journey and the evolution of the business itself.

Since joining the Group, Paul’s role has grown to span legal, compliance and sustainability, helping to shape how Gregory Group operates responsibly, supports its people and plans for the long term. Over the past decade and a half, he has worked closely with teams across the business, balancing commercial realities with strong values and a clear sense of purpose.

To mark his anniversary, we caught up with Paul to reflect on his career so far, what his role looks like today, and what continues to motivate him as Gregory Group looks ahead.

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You’ve been with Gregory Group for 15 years. What do you remember most about joining the business, and what first attracted you to it?

One of the things I remember most clearly is being told that it would take a year to really understand the business, which turned out to be completely true. Gregory is a complex organisation with a lot going on, and that depth was part of the attraction. I was drawn to the Group because of its strong reputation and proven growth track record, which made it feel like a business that was ambitious, well‑run and heading in the right direction.

Your role has evolved significantly over time. How has it changed, and what have been the biggest shifts you’ve seen in the Group during that period?

I started out working within the milk, South West Water and pallet network operations, before taking responsibility at different times for fleet (on two occasions), HR as it was known then, training, and now HSEQ, operational compliance, internal audit, risk, facilities, MHE and sustainability. As the business has grown, my role has broadened with it.

The biggest shifts I’ve seen are Gregory becoming a genuinely national rather than regional business, including significant growth in Scotland, alongside continued diversification, expansion of our warehousing footprint, and the increasing importance of technology across almost every area of the Group.

For those who may not know, what does a typical day look like for you now in your role as Group Legal & Sustainability Director?

There really isn’t a typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. My time is very varied and can include discussions with customers about sustainability, as well as internal meetings on a wide range of topics. These might cover business continuity planning, health and safety or operational compliance policies, risk management, contract wording, or investigations into incidents, accidents or other compliance-related issues. That mix keeps the role challenging and interesting.

You work across legal, sustainability and governance. Why is that combination so important for Gregory Group today?

Sustainability is one of our key differentiators as a business, as well as being the right thing to do. The transition to alternative fuels and electric vehicles represents the biggest change the industry has seen in more than 100 years. At the same time, operating legally and safely has to be a given. Strong governance underpins everything we do and helps ensure the business is sustainable in the widest sense, both now and in the long term.

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Looking back, are there any moments or achievements you feel particularly proud of over the last 15 years?

There are a few highlights that stand out. I’m particularly proud of playing a leading role in organising our Centenary celebrations in 2019, including walking HRH Prince Charles around the Cullompton site. More recently, winning the Low Carbon Award at the 2025 Motor Transport Awards was a significant achievement for the Group and something I’m very proud to have been part of.

Gregory Group places a strong emphasis on values and long-term thinking. How have those values influenced the way you approach your role?

I hope those values influence many of my day-to-day interactions across the business. That includes always putting safety first, taking pride in what we do, focusing on people and the planet, and working in strong partnership with both customers and suppliers. Those principles guide a lot of the decisions I’m involved in.

What do you think makes Gregory a place where people build long careers and stay committed to the business?

For me, it really comes down to the people and the dynamic nature of the business. There’s a lot of variety, plenty of change, and a real sense that you can continue to grow and develop over time, which keeps people engaged and invested.

Looking ahead, what continues to motivate you, and what are you most excited about for the future of the Group?

What motivates me most is change, variety and not standing still. I enjoy the fact that the role continues to evolve. I’m particularly excited about continuing to demonstrate Gregory Group’s leadership in decarbonisation, and about the ongoing development and expansion of battery-electric trucks within the business.

After 15 years with Gregory Group, Paul’s experience, insight and commitment continue to play an important role in shaping the business’s direction. His career reflects the value of long-term thinking, strong relationships and staying true to the principles that define the Group.

As Gregory Group continues to grow and evolve, Paul’s focus on responsibility, sustainability and doing the right thing remains central not just to the business today, but to where it is heading next.