A Monmouthshire-based logistics company has expanded to become one of Wales’ leading logistics providers, thanks to support from Business Wales.
Hicks Logistics, a family owned and run business specialising in warehousing, distribution and freight transport, has steadily grown since it was established in 1978 by Terry Hicks from his home in Newport, and now operates from a state-of-the-art complex in Caldicot, employing 90 local people.
Following a rebrand in 2000 and a focus on freight transport for the construction industry, Hicks Logistics expanded in 2013 to also offer warehouse and storage facilities. The company now offers a full range of services for large blue-chip companies and has built a strong market reputation for flexibility, reliability and customer service.
Thanks to advice from Business Wales, the Welsh Government’s business support service for small and medium-sized businesses in Wales, Hicks Logistics secured a grant of £7,500 to help towards the purchase and installation of commercial racking to enhance its storage facilities.
The grant also helped to create four new jobs at the company, which operates a policy of employing local staff, even if this requires providing additional training.
Mr Hicks said: “The grant has been instrumental in the expansion of our storage facilities. The advisors at Business Wales made me aware of the grant and assisted me with the application process. Without this support, it would have been very difficult for us to purchase and install the racks to meet the growing demands of our customers’ storage requirements.
“Business Wales also supported us to improve our staff training programme, referring us to a workforce development programme to assist us with the cost and delivery of a staff development programme.
“The support received from Business Wales has definitely made a positive contribution to the growth of our company over the last two years. There is no doubt that I would work with them again in the future and recommend them to other businesses in Wales who could also benefit from their advice and expertise.”
Phil Summers, business advisor for Business Wales who has worked with Mr Hicks and his colleagues, said: “I was very pleased to work with Mr Hicks and his colleagues to help enhance their storage facilities and enable them to employ new members of staff. This is particularly important for a business who actively supports the local community by employing local staff and providing excellent training and development opportunities.
“Hicks Logistics is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the UK for freight transport, but it is important that even well-established companies continue to grow and enter new markets or diversify their products and services. We are delighted to support all types of companies, from start-ups to long-running family businesses, to help support their success and sustainable growth.”
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, Business Wales provides a free bilingual service, offering general advice to businesses in Wales as well as specialist support on issues such as equality and diversity, international trade, marketing, staff development and tendering for contracts.