Derby Express, part of The APC delivery network - the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK - has today announced the opening of a new operational depot at West Meadow Industrial Estate in Derby. The opening comes following continued growth for the business - having recorded 14% overall growth in the last 18 months - spurred by a continued surge in online shopping and preference for home delivery across the region.

The new depot provides 26,000 sq. ft. of premium warehouse and yard space - an increase of 18,000 sq. ft. compared with the previous site. This additional space will allow the 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 across the DE, LE65 and NG1-4, 7-14, 80 and 90 postcodes. Additionally, the increased space will allow 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.

The new depot is part of Derby Express’ ongoing investment into the future of its business, ultimately supporting the growth and success of its local customers. As part of the business’ long-term plans, the family-run business, established back in 1989, saw Tom Sharp and Lucy Clayton take over the business from their mothers last year - marking a new generation and continued commitment to the local community.

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 TPN* 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.

Across the region, Derby Express’ top 20 customers have achieved an average year-on-year growth of 46%. Among these customers, there has been a diverse range of sector growth seen locally - from food and drink, to marketing and printing solutions, and catering supplies -  as local SMEs have continued to adapt their business models to meet the changing demands and shopping habits of customers.

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive at APC Overnight, said: “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’ continued success and plans for the future, is 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.”

*Derby Express are part of The APC delivery network and members of The Pallet Network (TPN).

For media enquiries please email apc-team@schonandco.com.