Member Article

Surge in online shopping for SMEs across Cambridge sees APC Cambridge grow 43%

APC Cambridge, part of The APC network - the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK - has experienced significant, continued growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred by a huge surge in online shopping across Cambridge and the surrounding CB postcodes. The company, which specialises exclusively in parcel solutions for SMEs, has today reported 43% overall year-on-year growth, which it largely attributes to the strength and resilience of its SME customers across the region.

Across the region, APC Cambridge’s top 10 customers have achieved an average of 30% year-on-year growth. Among these customers, the food and drink sector has shown the most significant growth locally, as consumers have found 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 local business, Rennet & Rind of Papworth Everard, which suffered a huge loss to their business when the first lockdown commenced. As one of the largest specialist artisan cheese and fine food wholesalers in the UK, Rennet & Rind traded mainly with restaurants and contract caterers across the region. When demand for this business dried up, Rennet & Rind quickly turned to and pushed its small but growing online retail arm, effectively adapting to changes in consumer shopping trends. Within a month the business was successfully sending out over 200 orders a night, ensuring that through an online presence and local delivery service, it could continue to supply the local community with goods they rely on.

The growth that APC Cambridge’s SME customers have accomplished over the past few months, is representative of the widespread shift in consumer buying patterns and accelerated online shopping. Notably for APC Cambridge, consumers are increasingly looking to support small businesses and contribute to local economies when making purchases, evident in the increase in local deliveries being made across Cambridge and the surrounding CB postcodes.

Geoff Morland, Owner of APC Cambridge, said: “The small business scene across Cambridge has continued to thrive this year, with SMEs across the region proving their resilience and entrepreneurialism. All of our staff - from our customer services team talking to customers daily, to the warehouse teams sorting and organising each delivery and the delivery drivers on the road - have worked relentlessly these past months, to support this resilience and ensure local businesses always have a local team working in partnership with them. As we enter the busy festive season, we look forward to continuing to support our local SMEs and helping them succeed through this period.”

The APC’s focus on a national level is now on Christmas peak - and with social restrictions still in place and Christmas around the corner - the business is preparing for what is likely to be a record-breaking period of online shopping. Having already recruited seven new drivers this year, APC Cambridge is now seeking more drivers, to help service Cambridge SMEs over the coming weeks.

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive of The APC, commented: “The tireless efforts and adaptability of staff across The APC network has not gone unnoticed this year. As we move ever closer towards Christmas, we expect to see parcel volumes continue to break records and staff continue to go the extra mile. I have great confidence in our network, including APC Cambridge, in its commitment to working hard to help service local SMEs and customers around the country.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by APC Overnight .