APC Overnight to help SMEs scale-up their logistics capability
UK independent specialist delivery network APC Overnight have pledged further investment in IT strategy to help SMEs meet their customers’ demands for consumer convenience.
The comments came as the company published its financial results for 2017/18.
APC Overnight recorded a 2.6% year-on-year growth in turnover to £106 million for the financial year, and total gross profit of £14 million.
In the past year, APC Overnight made ongoing investments into operating systems and sortation facilities across its network to raise the quality of its services, helping SMEs succeed in a turbulent economic climate. The company launched two new electronic consumer convenience services – APC Pin Point and APC Called – to help SME customers meet consumer expectations on parcel tracking and redelivery.
As in 2017, the company saw particular growth from customers trading in niche food and drink including spirits and craft beer. It also saw a notable increase in the Home DIY sector, including hand tools and furnishings. APC Overnight’s niche services offering has seen steady growth, particularly in fragile and premium goods delivery.
APC Overnight is planning further investment in 2019. It will be implementing the second phase of its IT strategy to help SMEs meet their customers’ demands for consumer convenience and continuing to provide the quality of service they expect. It will also invest in facilities and conveyor technologies to increase operating capacity within its hub operations, in line with future growth plans.
Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive at APC Overnight, said: “Despite challenging market conditions, we’ve had a strong year. We’ve introduced new services so that our network of depots can better serve their SME customers.
”Our priorities for 2019 will be helping our customers succeed and grow despite challenging conditions – including those that may come from the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union – and developing innovative solutions for alternative parcel collection and delivery.
“We’re firm believers that SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy. We want to level the playing field and help SMEs scale-up their logistics capability to match their business plans.”
