ADS Truck Parking is a family-run business that’s not just leading the way in driver welfare it’s helping to boost footfall in its local town centre according to traders.

Since opening the business in 2018 owner Andrew Sargent and partner Berni Buxton have transformed a derelict site in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent into a ‘home from home’ for UK and International drivers.

Facilities include washrooms, a large cafe area serving home cooked food, an outdoor seating area and a games room – all to provide comforts for long-distance drivers needing a break from the road.

Andrew and Berni are committed to supporting other businesses in and around Longton town centre and regularly encourage drivers to visit the shops and market.

“We have local businesses in the town centre saying to us that they have had our drivers in their shops. Even a barber where I go myself has said to me several times that he has seen an increase in footfall over some weekends when drivers have gone out to get their hair cut there,” said Andrew.

“We use the local shops and market and Longton is a great little town so why wouldn’t we encourage others to do the same?

“When a driver comes in we always say take a walk, go out of your truck and explore Longton and get a taste of Stoke-on-Trent. It’s not just UK drivers, but drivers from overseas who come back and tell us that they love the town and then they tell others – it’s brilliant.”

In 2023 ADS Truck Parking was awarded £222,500 as part of the Department for Transport’s HGV Parking and Driver Welfare Grant Scheme which enabled new facilities.

“The Government grant was incredible and really helped us to bring to life our plans for the truck parking site,” said Berni.

“We both understand what it’s like for truck drivers to be on the road for hours and days at a time and everyone needs to take a break. We wanted to ensure that anyone who stayed with us felt comfortable and relaxed.”

Andrew added: “I was a truck driver myself and I totally understand how lonely it can be on the road. I’ve stayed away for weeks at a time and travelled overseas and it can get very lonely at times, therefore we always make sure everyone is not just comfortable but feels welcome every time they come to us. We are like a big family and it’s important to look after each other.

“Drivers always ask about our family and we have made friends with many who stay here – which is something we are quite proud of.”

Andrew and Berni are planning events throughout the year to welcome local residents and schools to the site to take part in activities and to enjoy the cafe area.

“Everyone is welcome at ADS Truck Parking,” added Andrew. “We have facilities we want to share with others as much as we can and we are looking forward to  welcoming more local residents to our site.”

ADS Truck Parking has entered the Small Business of the Year and High Street Impact categories of the Staffordshire University Business Awards.