An order fulfilment company in Warwickshire is celebrating success after a period of growth has seen it move into a larger premises and take on two new members of staff.
Pack Smart, based on Princes Drive Industrial Estate in Kenilworth, has moved from a 2,800 sq ft property to one more than four times its size after demand for the company’s services has soared.
The firm, which was founded in 2009, offers tailored pick and pack services to clients selling a range of products. These products are stored by Pack Smart and incoming orders are picked, packaged and sent directly to the client’s customers.
The company’s expansion was supported by funding from Coventry City Council through the C&W Growth Hub which provided money towards new racking – something that is essential to safely store boxes of products.
The racking, which cost £10,000 in total, has enabled Pack Smart to add to its client base by providing more space to store products and has led to the company employing two new full time members of staff.
Director and co-owner Seánna Holland said: “When we first started the business we were in serviced offices by Coventry Airport, but after two years we began to look for a bigger property.
“We then moved into our first premises on Princes Drive Industrial Estate but over time had to build a mezzanine floor, opened another office in Coventry and hired temporary storage units to cope with demand.
“When our lease was due to expire we found a much larger property also on Princes Drive Industrial Estate which would allow us to move everything back under one roof.
“The new property required extensive work and the overheads were a challenge so we approached the Growth Hub to discuss if there was any funding we were eligible for.
“They were key in supporting us successfully apply for £1,700 to go towards the new racking, which is a very expensive product but is something that we need. The racking has changed what we do, allowing us to take on more work and employ two new members of staff.”
Seánna added: “The key to our success has been that we offer a tailor-made service and do not have any minimum order requirements.
“For example, we work with clients that sell products with specific packaging requirements or with bands who send out CDs signed for specific individuals which a lot of other companies will not cater for.
“By providing a reliable service we are helping small businesses grow, and all of our clients have come from word of mouth recommendations.
“We are now looking to continue expanding the business and look forward to continuing to work with the Growth Hub in the future.”
Jaymie Thakordas, account manager at C&W Growth Hub, worked with the Pack Smart to help secure the funding from Coventry City Council.
She said: “Pack Smart were limited in their growth as they weren’t able to take on more clients.
“The funding has enabled them to scope out opportunities and take on more local members of staff.
“The activity of applying for funding can seem laborious, but we are here to simplify the process for SMEs and help them clearly present their goals.
“We were extremely happy to provide this support to Pack Smart and we will continue to work with them to identify any future opportunities.”