19 July 2022: GS Couriers, part of The APC delivery network – the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK – has today announced 295% growth*, spurred by the continued strength of the region’s thriving SME community and the ongoing demand for parcel services across Lincolnshire.
GS Couriers recently became a member of The APC network, joining over 100 independent depots to provide dedicated parcel solutions for SMEs across the UK. It has quickly become one of the top growth depots within The APC network, with parcel volumes surging and changes to the delivery model over the past few years – driving the business to adapt and invest to support the changing needs of its customers.
Dale Weston, General Manager of GS Couriers Lincoln, said: “Our decision to join The APC network, was born from our commitment to providing the best possible service to SMEs across Lincolnshire. Throughout the last two years SMEs across the region have had to adapt their businesses, accelerate their online presence, and evolve at pace with the changing shopping patterns and delivery needs of consumers. Impressively though, we’ve seen so many customers prove their entrepreneurialism and thrive as a result. Across our business we’ve worked tirelessly to support them, recognising their changing needs and investing in our business to support this evolution.”
In order to support the significant growth of the business and its customers, GS Couriers has made a number of recent investments in its business operations; including the expansion of its depot in Lincoln – taking on the second storey of its 10,000 sq. ft site. This month, the business has also launched the first electric van into its fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to support Government initiatives to improve air quality across the region, and help Lincolnshire achieve its longer-term target of carbon neutrality.
In addition, GS Couriers has also committed to further investment in its workforce, recognising the efforts of its people and their role in the company’s future success. As part of this, the business has introduced a ‘warehouse to wheels’ scheme, a UK wide initiative created to provide young drivers with new opportunities by supporting them in gaining their LGV licence along with the necessary practical, technical and legal knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Since launching the scheme, 19 year old Jai Crask, who joined GS Couriers in November 2021, passed his LGV Class 1 within seven months, following support and investment from the business.
Dale Weston, continues: “We’ve worked hard to offer training and upskilling opportunities to ensure staff continue to feel recognised for all their efforts and have the ability to build a rewarding career in logistics. We firmly believe that investing in our staff is crucial to ensuring the continued growth of business, whilst proudly maintaining our high standards of local service and supporting our customers as they continue to grow and evolve.”
Across the region, GS Couriers’ top 20 customers have achieved an average growth of 80% in the last two years. Among these customers, there has been a diverse range of sector growth seen locally – from farming equipment to paint suppliers (including Premium Paints, which has seen substantial growth of approximately 150% since 2020) – as local SMEs have continued to evolve with 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. GS Couriers’ success since joining the network is testament to the brilliant depot team who have worked so hard to grow and evolve alongside their thriving local customers. It’s fantastic to see their ongoing efforts in the business and local community; from their investment into their workforce, as well as their commitment to continually meet the needs of their customers.”
