An award-winning Nuneaton logistics company has gone full speed ahead with expansion with the purchase of new work premises as well as a drive in staff recruitment.
Independent Freight, which specialises in imports and exports for a range of companies, recently moved to new premises on the Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate and added three new members to its team after doubling turnover year on year to its current six figure annual turnover. Plans are in place to take on another apprentice by the end of the year.
The company has been steadily expanding since its inception 11 years ago and support from the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has helped to speed up the firm’s growth.
The chamber’s help has included assistance from the UK Trade and Investment team (UKTI) at its International Trade Hub which organised a trade mission to the Middle East where Independent Freight explored business opportunities that will secure further growth in future.
The firm also received advice and guidance from the Chamber’s training arm, CWT, which boosted company growth by assisting with the recruitment and training of a new apprentice. The team are now working towards recruiting another in the next six months, which will be the company’s third in just two years.
Jenny Hooper, managing director of Independent Freight, said: “I started Independent Freight 11 years ago and since then have built a national and international customer base.
“To have doubled our turnover year on year during tough economic times is a massive achievement and would not have been possible without support from the Chamber, UKTI and CWT.
“Their guidance has helped us to multiply and upskill our team as well as purchase larger warehouse premises, which has allowed us to provide a more integrated service for our customers that covers all parts of the logistics process.
“Our trade mission with the UKTI also proved invaluable. We were given insight into trading in territories we hadn’t seen before and significantly increased our knowledge in the area.
“We even gained major new contacts as well, ensuring we continue to grow our client base and provide the best service to our customers in future.”
Jenny and Independent Freight recently celebrated a prestigious award win after being recognised for their outstanding contribution to the logistics sector, with Jenny named as Leader of The Year at the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) annual Every Woman in Transport and Logistics awards evening.
Brian Mountford, an international trade adviser at the Chamber’s International Trade Hub, said: “We are delighted to see Jenny pick up this award and with the way Independent Freight is growing.
“It’s great to see our support assisting a firm in the region discover new markets and we look forward to working with Jenny in the future.”