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Rowleys help drives efficiency at Northamptonshire distribution centre

Pictured: Andy Dawkins of Lombard Express, Nick Brown of Rowleys, Colin Hall of Barclays, Denise Dawkins of Lombard Express, Craig Shevas of Rowleys

Improved efficiency and a strengthened management team have put a Northamptonshire storage and pallet business further on the road to success.

As with many other businesses, the demand for distribution fell in 2008 and 2009 and Lombard Express - a Kettering-based business which was established in 1992, knew they had to drive cost savings within the business at the same time as looking to grow sales. Working with Barclays Business and accountant Craig Shevas of Rowleys, owners Andy and Denise Dawkins set about turning around the fortunes of the business.

The family-run business operates an extensive fleet of articulated vehicles and collects almost anything on a pallet from across the county of Northamptonshire before delivering to a Midlands hub for onward distribution across the UK. They also offer a collections service from the hub for distribution across Northamptonshire, thereby ensuring efficient use of fuel and providing a cost effective solution to numerous local businesses.

The business has also appointed a new Operations Manager who is responsible for the day to day running of the deliveries and collections, and a Sales Manager to develop new business, allowing owners Andy and Denise to concentrate on the strategic growth plans for the business. They have also identified the need to invest in IT systems to enable the business to manage the increased client base as well as further investment in vehicles and staff which has been supported financially by Barclays Business.

Andy Dawkins of Lombard Express said: "With the cost of fuel being so high, many businesses are having to review their distribution costs. Also many businesses are considering their 'green' credentials and looking for alternative ways of distributing their goods without the need to operate their own fleets. We have also attracted new customers who have discovered the economic and environmental benefits of pallet distribution over general haulage. We pride ourselves on providing a high level of service which has ensured that we retain our customers. As a result, our sales have grown by an impressive 32% in 2011."

His wife and joint owner, Denise Dawkins added: "Colin Hall, our Barclays Business Support Director has, in our opinion, completely changed how we think and work our business. We are now in a strong position to face the challenges of the next few years, leaving us with a sound base to build on when the economic climate changes for the better."

Colin Hall, Director from Barclays Business Support said: "I am delighted that we have been able to support Andy and Denise in lifting their business and its finances onto a strong and sustainable platform for the future."

As featured on MidlandsBusinessNews.co.uk