Summer 2014
NETWORK NEWS
20 YEARS OF CHANGE AND GROWTH
Q: What were the greatest challenges in the
early days of Palletways?
A: Clearly, as with any new business, there are numerous
challenges to overcome. It was more difficult for
Palletways however as it was not just a new business; it
was, in fact, a new model with a new methodology within
the industry. It challenged the existing, more traditional,
methods of pallet distribution and we were once referred
to in a press article as "the new kids on the block".
The challenge was therefore to demonstrate that
the "idea" of a pallet network could work for both its
Members and the market in general. We were in fact
promoting a concept rather than a proven method and
this required faith, there was no evidence to point to that
would demonstrate it could work.
For this reason I have the ultimate respect for our
founder and early Members as it is they who supported
the business during this period with a determination
and belief that we would succeed.
Q: In what way do you feel the network has
developed most since 1994?
A: This is a very difficult question; there are clearly
the tangible developments, 110 pallets on the first day
of operation to the current peak volumes in excess
of 30,000 pallets a day on a Group basis. Operations
commenced within the UK with 32 founder Members,
we now have more than 300 Members operating in 13
countries throughout Europe.
I suppose the biggest change that is evident in all areas
of the business is the increase in sophistication. This is
apparent within the Membership as individuals as well
Group Member Development
Director, Craig Hibbert, who
joined the company in its
first year, looks back on
the trials and triumphs of
Palletways over the past 20
years and what lies ahead.
as within the Palletways business environment. A large
part of this has been due to the developments within IT,
we really do have market-leading systems that provide a
wide range of operational and commercial information
and this is an area of continued development and a key
area that facilitates added value and differentiation.
Q: What has presented the biggest challenge for
the business in the last 20 years?
A: The recession without doubt, but that isn't surprising.
I doubt there are many businesses that have come
through that period unscathed and we have certainly
had some real challenges to face.
The biggest challenge has not been, in general terms,
our ability to sell our services or to provide a good
service level to the customers; it has been the effect
the recession has had within the market in terms of
depressed rates and the impact of this on individual
Members. It has been the attitude of the banks towards
businesses and the withdrawal of facilities that have
forced Memberships across the whole sector out
of business. All of this and many other factors have
contributed to the need for Palletways to maintain
the integrity of the network and service provision
for everyone.
There has been an unbelievable determination to
work through them, a genuine desire to support
Members in difficulty, clear direction on how to
improve the situation and a very significant level
of investment. I don't say this in an attempt to gain
any degree of recognition for our efforts but rather
to demonstrate to the Membership our level of
determination and commitment.