Summer 2014
NETWORK NEWS
Q: How do you see the network developing in the future?
A: Onward and upwards as they say... Palletways is now a
firmly established and a market leading business within
what is now clearly recognised as a credible industry
sector. The model clearly works, this cannot be denied,
just look at the number of networks now operating
within the UK alone and the number of Memberships
these networks have in total. The concept of the model
is well proven and the strategy of Palletways has
demonstrated remarkable success in deploying this
model within the market and whilst doing so, providing
"best in class" initiatives.
The future development in simple terms will come
from a continued duplication of the model in new and
viable markets, and by supporting these developments
with innovation. New products, new services and new
geographical coverage underpinned with investment
and the continued enhancement of management
support systems.
Q: What do you see as the biggest factor in
your development to market leadership?
A: Again this cannot be credited to one area of
development. The quality of our Membership goes
without saying; under the direction of Julian Maturi the
development and positioning of the brand in 2000 had
a significant impact, along with the launch of Sirius at
the same time. The introduction of a new management
structure and the focus on Member support and
development was also a key area and a step change
for the business.
In more recent times the continuation of this
management support process, the clear focus on
product design, and the development of the Group
infrastructure and new markets driven by James
Wilson have moved the business to a position that is
considerably ahead within the market.
What do I believe is the biggest factor, I would suggest
it is the relationship we have had with our investors
Phoenix Equity partners. Phoenix have supported
the business not just with investment but also with
continued advice and guidance with management. It is
the investment they have provided, however, that has
allowed Palletways to develop initiatives and invest in
new markets, technology and crucially Member support
in the difficult financial times that have really enabled
us to set ourselves aside from the rest.
Q: What message do you have for Members for
the next 20 years of Palletways?
A: I remember giving a presentation a few years ago at a
European conference where I told the Membership that
it was clearly understood that the success of Palletways
was built on the success of the members.
During the last 20 years we have developed a business
that was a concept, pulled together by my brother Andy
and Steve Aston. Like me, I don't suppose either of them
saw the success that this business would achieve, but
achieve it has. During those 20 years we will have made
some good decisions and some bad ones, but every
decision made is made in the belief that it will improve
the business for the future. Clearly as we are the market
leader we have either made fewer bad decisions than
our competitors or we have made more good decisions,
however the decision process is made with the
Member's interests in clear focus.
My message to the Members is to understand we will
not always get things right, but we will always do what
we believe is right. The difficult times we have all
experienced over the last few years are not indicative
of this business before the recession and these difficult
times do not represent the future.
By all means question what we do and by all means
suggest what we should do. Be patient, we are already
seeing tangible improvements, however this will take
time. My advice for the future would be to buy into what
we do; our track record collectively is the best there is,
and if the last 20 years are an indication of the future,
a future in better times, then we will all succeed together.