Member Article

EDS Stoke announces 40% growth due to surge in online shopping across Stoke and Cheshire

EDS Stoke, 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 Stoke and Cheshire. The local delivery company, which specialises in parcel solutions for SMEs across all ST and CW postcodes, has today reported 40% overall year-on-year growth, which it largely attributes to the strength and resilience of its local SME customers.

Across the region, EDS Stoke’s top 10 customers achieved an average of 74% growth year-on-year. Among these customers, there has been a diverse range of sector growth seen locally - from home improvement goods, to manufacturing parts, and printing services - 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 Envisage Associates, a local exhibitions and shopfit business, whose work came to a complete standstill during last year’s lockdown. The business quickly decided to adapt its business model and started manufacturing children’s toys and furniture to help develop learning through play. As a result of this agility, Envisage Associates saw a surge in orders, from an average of just seven consignments a month to over 1,300 a month. Whilst planned as a temporary measure, the success of this part of the business resulted in the continued manufacturing of the toys and furniture, seven new job opportunities and a newly branded arm to the business, now known as Little Bugs Co. Today Little Bugs Co. continues to grow as a result of the demand it has generated and thanks to the local delivery service provided by EDS Couriers, the business now supplies a growing customer base across the region and the rest of the UK.

Matt Evans, Managing Director at EDS Stoke, said: “Despite the challenges faced, we’re proud to see that so many of our SME customers across the region have thrived in the last year and really proved their resilience and entrepreneurialism. All of our staff have worked relentlessly to support this resilience and ensure local businesses always have a local team working closely with them to help their business evolve and grow. We know it’s of vital importance that our customers have us at their side at every step of the delivery process, especially as they’ve had to adapt and evolve in recent months. We want to contribute positively to local businesses, doing the hard work when it comes to the delivery process, so they can concentrate on their own growth and success.“

Recognising the significant efforts of the business and dedication to customers in the last year, EDS Couriers was recently named “Best Courier Delivery Service - West Midlands” in the UK Transport Awards. The business, which is now owned by the 3rd generation of the family, employing over 150 people across EDS Couriers’ two depots, was recognised as a business that “is a shining example of how a company with a storied history and roots in a traditional industry can evolve to become a truly modern enterprise”, which pours “love and experience into making it exemplary”.

The accolade follows EDS Stoke being named “Depot of the Year” (Midlands) as part of The APC’s annual performance awards.

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive of The APC, said: “These awards, alongside EDS Stoke’s continued performance, is testament to the brilliant depot team who have shown hard work and commitment to continually meeting the increasing and changing logistics needs of the nation over the last 18 months. Not only have they offered critical logistics support to SMEs across their local area, but as evident in their recent award wins, have gone above and beyond in recognising the needs of their customers, working hard in partnership with them to ensure those needs are met.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by George Walker .