Grant enables Translink Express Logistics to go green

Distribution and warehousing business, Translink Express Logistics is well on its way to becoming a greener business after introducing real-time track and trace service for palletized goods. The Narborough-based business has used a Business Gateway Growth Hub grant to help purchase the hardware, which uses hand-held digital and mobile technology, investing around £24,000 to provide this enhanced service.

Translink Express is a family-run haulage business with over 70 full-time employees and has been distributing parcel and palletized goods across the UK and Europe, as well as providing warehousing facilities for over three decades.

Much like domestic parcel delivery, this new electronic system means pallet recipients can now track their goods along the journey and know exactly when it will arrive. It also adjusts and alerts customers should there be a delay giving new delivery times while also keeping the office informed on vehicle capacity.

A huge benefit of this new system is that Translink’s drivers are now virtually paperless with everything controlled by their hand-held devices including schedules, travel routes and communication with both customers and their office. With less chance of taking the wrong route, there has also been a marked saving on fuel costs helping the business cut its carbon footprint.

Commercial Director, Chris Hobbis explains: “We were fortunate when the pandemic first hit as we became a warehousing centre for an existing supermarket client and managed to support the distribution of wine, beer and BBQ coal then later, crisps, pasta and toilet rolls to their 264 stores. It’s not something we’ve done before but in one week we hired 16 extra vehicles and two teams to do the picks then ran it 24 hours a day, for about 12 weeks. However, right about the same time, our pallet distribution side of the business dropped off completely due to the national lockdown, so we were lucky to get this supermarket contract.

“Since getting the grant and promoting the huge efficiencies of the new hand-held system we’ve picked up a phenomenal amount of business. It’s busier than we’ve ever been, pallet volumes are up by over 10%, we have employed new drivers and purchased new vehicles to help with the increased workloads. “

Joanna Moore, Business Adviser from the Business Gateway supported Translink throughout the grant process and helped secure a Business Growth Grant of £8,277.

Chris added: “We’ve never done anything like this (grant process) before – it’s quite daunting and involves a lot of work. Jo was a diamond; she was so helpful and without her, I probably wouldn’t have bothered.

“But now we’ve done it looking back it probably wasn’t as hard as it seemed. If you can make that sort of saving and get a grant it’s absolutely worth it!”

Joanna said: “It’s extremely gratifying to see the positive effects of helping Translink secure the grant-giving them a really strong competitive advantage. I was also able to signpost Chris to a Green BELLE grant enabling the business to make further savings by introducing energy-saving LED lighting in the warehouse. This means half of the total project cost of £8,000 should be covered by this grant.”

Translink Express has created one new job for an administrator to support and monitor the new hand-held system and three new drivers as a result of this investment.

For a full business review including help with sourcing finance for growth contact the Business Gateway on 0116 366 8487 or email growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk