GB Couriers, part of The APC delivery network - the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK - has today reported significant, continued growth, spurred by a surge in online shopping across Luton and Dunstable. The local delivery company, which specialises in parcel solutions for SMEs has today reported 22% overall growth in the last six months, which it largely attributes to the strength and resilience of its local SME customers.

In order to support the significant growth of the business and its customers, GB Couriers has invested in three new senior team appointments;

Alanah Kinsella has been appointed Depot Manager, to lead the team through the next stage of business growth and to continue building and strengthening GB Couriers’ partnership with customers across the region.
Mike Redfern has been appointed Business Development Manager, a role which will see him utilise decades of experience in customer relations management in order to provide great service solutions and support the continued growth of GB Couriers’ customers.
Bee Saleem has been appointed Customer Service Executive, ensuring that SME customers have a day-to-day contact to assist with any enquiries.

These new hires join the experienced 15 strong team at GB Couriers, helping to build on the business’ Overnight parcel collection and delivery service offerings to local businesses across LU1 - LU7 postcodes, supporting growth of these businesses, and through the nationwide coverage of The APC delivery network, enabling them to reach an ever expanding national customer base.

Alanah Kinsella, new Depot Manager at GB Couriers, said: “Having only just joined the business I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer resilience and entrepreneurialism shown by SMEs across the region, with many of our customers thriving despite the challenges of the last year. We are dedicated to supporting the resilience of our customers, providing them with a customer focused service and a local team, working hard in partnership with them, to help them flourish in the years ahead.”

Across the region, GB Courier’s top 10 customers have also achieved an average of 44% growth in the last six months. Among these customers, there has been a diverse range of sector growth seen locally - from automotive and motorcycle parts, to food & drink, and the growing estate agency sector -  as consumers have continued to find new ways of sourcing products they depend on through the pandemic, and in turn many SMEs have quickly adapted their business models to meet demands.

One example of this is DOT Group International Ltd. a local business, which manufactures and supplies electrical, instrumentation, mechanical and safety labelling and identification solutions. At the start of the pandemic the business quickly invested in its online presence to ensure that it could continue to supply its customers with the essential goods they required. Today the business continues to grow as a result of the demand it has generated, resulting in a 17% increase in consignments in the last six months, and thanks to the local delivery service provided by GB Couriers Ltd, the business now supplies a growing customer base across the region and the rest of the UK.

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive at APC Overnight, said: “The strength and determination of the UK’s SMEs continues to prevail. Throughout the first half of 2021 - and even as lockdown restrictions have eased - we are still seeing high demand for delivery services, as consumers continue to shop online and businesses continue to rely on carriers to get these items delivered. The ongoing dedication and hard work of our colleagues at GB Couriers will be key to supporting this, ensuring that the needs of customers are recognised, and working closely with them to ensure those needs are met.”

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