MEET THE TEAM
JAMES WOOD
managing director
The pioneer of Irish Freight Solutions, James established the company 4 years ago, with his knowledge of the Irish Sea market having worked in the sector since leaving University.
James has a real passion for service and helping clients achieve their goals. James is a frequent flyer, if he’s not in the office, you’ll find him on a sun lounger… with his laptop, of course. James often plays golf and is as member of Old Links Golf club.
Fun fact – James’ favourite snack is a squares bar.
PETER MILLS
Operations Director
The logistics Godfather, Pete is no stranger to freight forwarding, with over 35 years of experience in the sector, blessing the IFS team with his expertise and witty anecdotes, since May 2020. Pete also retains an established position at his beloved Formby Golf Club, playing almost every weekend. A man of many talents: Pete has a fond appreciation for his motorcycles, a hobby which goes hand-in-hand with his love for bands such as Led Zeppelin, Genesis and Pink Floyd.
Fun fact – Pete once had a customised helmet, painted with the Pink Floyd album cover.
RYAN DAVIES
GROUP COMMERCIAL MANAGER
As well as managing commercial activity for the group, Ryan has most recently set up our first office in Nottingham. Ryan brings extensive knowledge of the European market as well as over 10 years in customer service so you know you’ll be looked after by him. Ryan claims injuries ruined his dream of being a professional football. However, having watched him play, Sunday league is definitely his level! If he’s not kicking a ball around, you’ll find him relaxing by a lake fishing or in the pub with a Guiness!
Fun Fact – Ryan once appeared in an Adidas commercial with Steven Gerrard
GEMMA HOLDING
Customer Service, Customs and Compliance Manager
Gemma oversees Customer service, Customs and Compliance at IFS. You know you will be in good hands with Gemma as she brings a wealth of experience to her role at IFS. She has freight and logistics running through her veins, with 15 years’ experience across multiple job roles.
In her spare time (not that she ever switches off from the logistics world) she hangs out with the boss, her 2-year-old daughter Polly who has her wrapped firmly around her little finger and also enjoys hiking.
Fun fact – Gemma holds a degree in Education and Early Childhood that she embarked on because she had some ‘spare time’ during lock down.
ROBBIE MORRIS
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Robbie has been working his way up the logistics ladder ever since leaving school , He is a member of the Preston Wanderers football club, playing for his team every weekend. Robbie is a die-hard fan of Tyson Fury, he knows simply everything about the heavyweight champion of the world. Robbie’s favourite aspect of IFS is getting to meet our wonderful customers & suppliers, as he is a passionate people’s person. However, he has advised one day he will have to leave ourselves when he fulfils his lifelong dream to be on “Love Island” – he will be sadly missed by ourselves but we cannot deny the UK population the chance to watch him on the show.
Fun fact – Robbie’s childhood celebrity crush was Leona Lewis and is also named after his mother’s celebrity crush Robbie Williams.
BETH O'NEIL
aCCOUNT MANAGER
Mum of one, Beth has been with the team since September 2021, gracing the office with her country music and insightful advice. The only thing Beth knows more than accounts, is the Game of Thrones plot. Beth has visited Prague numerous times, so if you ever need a tour guide, Beth is your girl.
Fun fact – Beth is set to get married to fiancé Andy next winter.
ALICE WALSH
account manager
Our customs specialist, Alice joined the team in August 2022. Alice slotted straight into the team and has since been integral part of all IFS customs clearance. Our go-to-girl has a passion for DIY projects and spends her spare time renovating her first home. Alice is hoping to convince her partner to get a Puppy, and regularly updates the office on her progress… no such luck yet.
Fun Fact- Alice has a Degree in Biomedical Science.
PHOEBE PARRY
Account Manager
Brains and beauty, Phoebe has just completed her International Freight Forwarding Level 3 apprenticeship, being awarded a distinction. Phoebe looks after a lot of our clients customs to ensure goods are moving swiftly and resolving any customs issues that arise. Phoebe also enjoys sales and spends plenty of time on the phone ringing potential clients to advise of the various services Irish Freight can provide. Phoebe’s favourite city is New York, and she is keen to visit the Big Apple once again.
Fun fact – Phoebe has an eye for special effects makeup.
ROB MELIA
Account Manager
MELISSA MCINTYRE
Account Manager
Melissa joined the IFS team in September 2023 as an Account Manager. With previous experience in logistics, Mel is well knowledgeable and is in the industry for the long run. Outside of work, you’ll find Mel spending her time with her friends, family and her two little Frenchie’s – Lyla and Minnie. She is currently counting the days down until all her holidays this year – Ibiza being next!!
Fun Fact – Melissa plans to go travelling in the near future.
RICHARD TRUGLIA
Operations Supervisor
Richard is based in our Nottingham office and brings over 5 years’ experience in freight and logistics. As a proud resident of the city, he is an avid supporter of Nottingham Forest and a season ticket holder at the City Ground. When he’s not expertly managing freight or witnessing the fierce battle for 17th place in the Premier League, you’ll likely find him at the local padel court. Having discovered the sport at the beginning of the year, Richard has been dedicating his free time to playing multiple times a week, and this has led him to sign up for competitive matches.
Fun Fact: Richard’s last name, has been subject to countless mispronunciations, but he takes no offense. However, for those who wish to pronounce it correctly, it’s “True-lee-uh,” as the ‘G’ is silent.
HANNAH SMITH
Customer Service Specialist
Hannah recently joined IFS after previously working in Law and Fraud. Hannah is very passionate about client relations and supporting customers and looks forward to building new relationships within her role. In her spare time, she likes to go running and walk her two Bernese Mountain dogs.
Fun fact: Hannah recently completed her first half Marathon and has more races lined up for the rest of the year
LAUREN BROWN
Account Manager
With nearly 3 years of experience within logistics, Lauren has gained great experience of European, Irish and Domestic freight requirements including customs. Allowing her to ensure that operations run smoothly, timelines are met, and customer expectations are exceeded.
As well as this, she has 10 years customer service experience and is known for going the extra mile for people.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, going to gigs and practicing yoga
Fun fact: Lauren can do the splits
JAMIE TAYLOR
Accounts
Jamie recently joined the IFS team after a career in arts and education having run his own theatre school for 11 years. Jamie has recently become a dad and when he’s not running around after his little one, he likes to go for long dog walks in the countryside. Jamie has taken the position of lead singer in the office, unfortunately for Rob this has meant he has been placed as the backing singer in the office. Jamie tries his best to stick to a vegan diet, which often takes a hit at lunchtimes especially when we order in our favourite Jamaican cuisine as a treat but we do all praise his efforts.
Fun fact – Jamie (very briefly) appeared in the BBC/Netflix thriller Red Rose after giving singing lessons to the show’s writers.
MATT MELIA
Accountant
Matt, elder brother to our office popstar, has just completed his first Ultra- marathon, a massive achievement. Alongside his joy for running, Matt also cycles and often ventures out on walks in the Lake District. Alike his brother, Matt supports his local sports teams and even has a season ticket for the Bolton Wanderers FC, which the dynamic duo attend together. Matt has enjoyed numbers since school and has always been an avid fan of countdown!
Fun fact – Whilst visiting his brother in America to surprise him for his 21st Birthday – Matt had to get a Tattoo after losing a bet!
EDDIE PIGOTT
Head of Marketing
Eddie looks after all the marketing needs for the IFS group. Eddie moved ‘Up North’ to Manchester from London 3 years ago and considers himself an honorary Northerner.
Eddie has become a Dad fairly recently and when he is not playing ball with his little one, he enjoys running as a member of Chorlton running club.