Europa worldwide welcomes young artists to new facility

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Independent logistics operator, Europa Worldwide Group, welcomed local primary school pupils to its new £30m facility in Dartford recently to unveil an art installation designed by 11 year-old student Akua Asamoah. Europa launched the art project with The Gateway Primary Academy and asked students aged 9-11 to ‘make their mark’ on the new site, which opened in May. Sixty students created artwork based on how they saw the Europa business. Akua was chosen as the winner and her design was installed in the site as 8 metre wall art. Four runners-up: Charlotte Azzopardi (11), Taylor Bygrave (11), Faye McDonnell (11) and Marsella Asadi (9), had their pictures printed on mugs for the staff canteen.

Carl Potter, Europa HR & Facilities Director, said: “It was difficult to choose a winner because all of the students had really creative ideas but we just loved Akua’s design and it reflected each different aspect of our business. It was great to have them on site with us, asking lots of questions. The new 26,368 square metre facility is the biggest single investment we’ve ever made and a huge milestone for the company. It’s important to our staff and to the future success and growth of our business so we really wanted to involve the local community in its development and build strong relationships. We’re going to be in Dartford for a long time to come.”

Winner Akua was invited to the site for an unveiling of her artwork, together with the runners-up, Headteacher, Heather Overton and Deputy Head, Jamiel Cassem. The group was also given a tour of the warehouse and the chance to explore one of Europa’s Renault T Range trucks.

Heather Overton, Head of The Gateway Primary Academy, said: “Europa’s art project has been a great experience for our students and our winners spent a brilliant day on site with the Europa team. The visit was really rewarding for all of the girls but especially for Akua, whose artwork has definitely made her mark on the site! Having a close relationship with a local business – especially one of Europa’s size, is a valuable learning opportunity for our students. They get to see a business in action, learn about a new industry and have some fun in the process.”

Europa Worldwide Group employs more than 500 people across 12 sites in the UK and Hong Kong and is represented in 100 countries. As well as its successful road freight operation, Europa Worldwide also provides specialist air, sea, warehouse and showfreight services. For more information, please visit: www.europa-worldwide.com