Lines Distribution Services team

Lines Distribution Services, part of The APC network – the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK – has today reported significant, continued growth, spurred by a huge surge in online shopping across Dumfries. The company, which specialises exclusively in parcel solutions for SMEs, has today announced 44% year-on-year overall growth, which it largely attributes to the strength and resilience of its customers.

Across the region, Lines Distribution Services’ entire customer base achieved an average of 70% growth within the first three months of the current financial year. Among these customers, the food and drink sector has shown considerable growth locally – with all of Lines Distribution Services’ top 10 customers sitting within this sector – as consumers have continued to find new ways of sourcing products they rely on through the pandemic.

One example of this is local business, JBA Seed Potato – the retail arm of Scottish seed potato merchants Jamieson Brothers of Annan – which quickly adapted its online product offering at the start of the pandemic, to meet consumer demand and changes in shopping habits. With support from Lines Distribution Services, within a few weeks, JBA Seed Potato experienced phenomenal growth, frequently resulting in over 1,500 consignments per day and leading to overall consignment growth of 600%.

Malcolm Lines, Director of Lines Distribution Services, said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we’re proud to see that so many of our SME customers across the region have thrived in the last year and really proved their resilience and entrepreneurialism. As a business we have been committed to supporting their success, doing everything we can to ensure our customers always have a local team working in partnership with them.”

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Gill Lines, General Manager of Lines Distribution Services, continued: “As we start 2021, we are dedicated to supporting the continued growth of SMEs across the region, helping them take advantage of the nationwide coverage of The APC network to reach an ever expanding customer base, and providing them with improved service options to help them flourish in the years ahead.”

In order to support the significant growth of the business and its customers, Lines Distribution Services has taken on an additional 6,000 sq. ft. of space at its site in Dumfries – doubling its space to 12,000 sq. ft. in total. This additional space allows Lines Distribution Services to expand its overnight parcel collection and delivery service offerings across all DG and TD postcodes, enabling local businesses to service a national customer base.

Recognising the significant contributions and outstanding achievements of the business in recent months, Lines Distribution Services was recently named “Depot of the Year” (Scotland & Ireland) for the third year running as part of The APC’s annual performance awards. The APC awarded Lines Distribution Services the title based on the business’ delivery performance and ability to demonstrate a proven track record of exceptional service for people and businesses in its local area.

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive of The APC, said: “Through our annual performance awards we recognise our brilliant depot teams and colleagues who have shown hard work and commitment to continually meeting the increasing and changing logistics needs of the nation during this crisis. Not only have they offered critical logistics support to SMEs across the UK, but in many cases have gone above and beyond in recognising the needs of their customers and their local communities, working hard in partnership with them to ensure those needs are met.”

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