Trans UK Logistics opens new London depot

Trans UK Logistics, part of The APC delivery network has opened a new operational parcel depot at Astbury Business Park in South London. The opening comes following significant growth for the business – having recorded a 42% year-on-year growth in deliveries – spurred by a continued surge in online shopping across London.

The new depot provides 10,000 sq ft of premium warehouse space – an increase of 4,000 sq ft compared with the previous site – as well as 18,000 sq ft of privately gated yard space. This additional space will allow the company to expand its Overnight, Sameday and International parcel collection and delivery service offerings to local businesses across the SE1, SE3-27 and SW2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 16 postcodes.

Additionally, the increased space will allow Trans UK Logistics to offer storage, pick and pack, and fulfilment 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.

Richard Woods (pictured on right of image), Managing Director at Trans UK Logistics, said: “When we took over the business back in 2019, we never anticipated that we would quickly grow to become one of the top delivery depots within The APC network. All of our staff have worked relentlessly to support this growth, and that of our customers. Despite the challenges faced through the pandemic, we’re proud to see that so many of our SME customers across the local area have thrived and really proven their resilience and entrepreneurialism.

“We know how important it is for our customers to 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, providing them with improved service options through our new depot, and doing the hard work when it comes to the delivery process, so they can concentrate on their own growth and success.”

Today, Trans UK Logistics has an employed workforce of over 25 across the business and is currently recruiting for staff across customer service and warehouse roles, as well as drivers, to support continued demand from the region’s thriving SME community.

Across the region, Trans UK Logistics’ top 20 customers have achieved an average year-on-year growth of 52%. Among these customers, the food and drink sector has shown the most significant growth 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 these demands.

One example of this is local business, North and South Wines, which supplies premium wines for restaurants and retailers throughout the UK. Following the restrictions placed on the hospitality sector during last year’s lockdown, North and South Wines quickly adapted its business model and increased its online presence to support changes in consumer shopping habits.

As a result of this agility, the business saw a surge in orders from an average of just 200 consignments a month to over 2,000 consignments a month. The success of this investment in ecommerce has meant the business continues to grow even as lockdown measures have been lifted, and thanks to the delivery service provided by Trans UK Logistics, 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 resilience of the UK’s SMEs throughout the pandemic has really shone through across The APC network. Even now, as the final lockdown restrictions are lifted, we are still seeing high demand for delivery services. Shopping habits have changed, with consumers continuing to shop online and businesses consequently still relying on carriers to get these items delivered.

“The ongoing dedication and hard work of our colleagues at Trans UK Logistics 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.”