Local delivery firm APC Exeter, records 57% growth as it celebrates ‘Depot of the Year’
APC Exeter, part of The APC network - the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK - has today reported significant, continued growth, spurred by a huge surge in online shopping across Exeter. The company, which specialises exclusively in parcel solutions for SMEs, has today announced 57% year-on-year overall growth, which it largely attributes to the strength and resilience of its SME customers across the region.
Across the region, APC Exeter’s top five customers also achieved an average of 192% growth year-on-year. Among the business’ top performing customers, the food and drink sector has shown the most notable growth locally, as consumers have continued to find new ways of sourcing products they rely on through the pandemic, and local SME businesses have taken advantage of the nationwide coverage of The APC network to reach an ever-increasing customer base.
One example of this is local business, Sandford Orchards, who quickly adapted their product offering and business model through the pandemic, in response to consumer demand for quality food and drink. The Crediton based cider business teamed up with Creedy Carver, another customer of APC Exeter, which specialises in duck, and developed a cider and duck meal kit deal that was promoted by Jamie Oliver. Within one week, business for Sandford Orchards increased by approximately 300 consignments a night and saw the business significantly multiply in scale - an overall year-on-year consignment growth of 610% - resulting in APC Exeter having to send two vans a day to accommodate all of the collections.
Matthew Pickford, Depot Manager of APC Exeter, said: “SMEs across the region have really thrived in the last year, with so many of our customers proving their resilience and entrepreneurialism through the pandemic. All of our staff - from our customer services team talking to customers daily, to the delivery drivers building positive relationships with consumers across the community - have worked relentlessly over recent months, to support this resilience and ensure local businesses always have a local team working in partnership with them. As we enter 2021, we look forward to supporting the continued growth of SMEs across the region and providing them with the best service options to help them flourish in the years ahead.”
Recognising the outstanding achievements of the business in recent months, APC Exeter was recently named national “Depot of the Year” as part of The APC’s annual performance awards. APC Exeter was crowned both national winner and South West regional winner, in the hotly contested award, where all of The APC’s depots - over 100 in total - are judged on the significant contributions made to the business, at a time where logistics has played a critical role in keeping essential items moving and supplying communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
APC Exeter was awarded the two titles for its outstanding achievements in sales growth, collection and delivery performance, as well its ability to demonstrate a proven track record of exceptional service for people and businesses in its local area.
Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive of The APC, said: “Through our annual performance awards we recognise our brilliant depot teams and colleagues who have shown hard work and commitment to continually meeting the increasing and changing logistics needs of the nation during this crisis. Not only have they offered critical logistics support to SMEs across the UK, but in many cases have gone above and beyond in recognising the needs of their customers and their local communities, working hard in partnership with them to ensure those needs are met.”
