Derby Express, part of The APC independent parcel delivery network, has today opened a new operational depot at West Meadow Industrial Estate in Derby, UK, that provides 26,000ft2 of warehouse and yard space and will help the company keep up with the 14% growth it has seen in the last 18 months.
The new depot is 18,000ft2 larger than the previous site and will enable to company to expand its Overnight, Sameday and International parcel collection and delivery service offering, as well as its overnight and international pallet service, to local businesses.
Additionally, the increased space will enable Derby Express to offer storage facilities supporting growth of these local businesses and, through the nationwide coverage of The APC delivery network, enabling them to reach an ever-expanding national customer base.
Lucy Clayton, director at Derby Express, said, “When we took over the business last year, we never anticipated the ever-growing demand for parcel services, driven by the surge in consumer e-commerce activity and the sheer determination and entrepreneurialism of our local SME customers.
“We’re proud to see that so many of our customers across the region have really demonstrated their resilience in the last year, with many of them taking advantage of the demand for e-commerce and the general increase in demand for quality UK manufactured products – and the nationwide coverage of The APC and The Pallet Network delivery networks has allowed our valued customer base to reach an ever-expanding national audience.
“As a local business that has been investing in the community for over 30 years, we want to contribute positively to local businesses as they continue to adapt and build for a post-pandemic future, providing them with improved service options through our new depot.”
Today, Derby Express has an employed workforce of over 50 across the business and is currently recruiting for drivers and staff, as well two apprentices, to support continued demand from the region’s thriving SME community.
Jonathan Smith, chief executive at APC Overnight, commented, “Across The APC network we are still seeing high demand for delivery services and the strength of our SME customers continues to prevail as they respond to this and plan for the future.
“The pandemic has fundamentally changed the shape of distribution, and in fact, the whole dynamic of the industry – how people are shopping, how people need deliveries and their delivery expectations. Derby Express’s continued success and plans for the future are testament to the brilliant depot team who have worked so hard over the last 18 months. It’s fantastic to see their ongoing efforts in the business and local community, both with the new depot, and their drive to continually meet the increasing and evolving needs of their customers.”