The APC, originally founded as The Alternative Parcels Company, stands out with its unique ownership model, even after three decades in the industry.
- Founded 30 years ago, The APC is owned by 103 independent couriers, a rare structure in parcel delivery.
- Having shifted focus to the B2C market, The APC’s headquarters moved to a £16.5m hub in Cannock.
- The company’s resilience and strategic capacity expansions have supported growth, even during the Covid-19 surge.
- CEO Jonathan Smith champions APC’s unique model, advocating for innovation amidst market fluctuations.
The APC, originally founded as The Alternative Parcels Company, distinguishes itself in the parcel delivery industry with an uncommon ownership model maintained over 30 years. Owned by 103 independent entrepreneurs, it exhibits a cooperative spirit uncommon in the sector. This model has allowed The APC to thrive, with operations not just sustaining but evolving steadily over the years. A pivotal decision was made to centralise at a £16.5m, 138,000 sq ft national hub in Lakeside, Cannock, further bolstering their capabilities.
Strategically positioned in the B2C next-day express parcels market, APC has tailored its services to better serve SMEs. Despite the challenges during their expansion phase, particularly the relocation of its headquarters in 2014, APC has maintained its focus on growth, exemplified by the reopening of its former Essington hub to accommodate rising business demands.
Jonathan Smith, who took the helm as CEO in 2015, has leveraged his 35 years of industry experience to navigate the company through competitive periods. Smith’s tenure has been marked by strategic manoeuvres, including a financial restructuring in 2020 which democratized shareholding among its depots, embedding further ownership and investment from all stakeholders involved.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic saw a marked increase in demand for APC’s services, highlighting the company’s agility and robustness. Within weeks, significant growth was observed, with average volumes increasing by up to 30%. This, coupled with high Trustpilot ratings, speaks to their commitment to maintaining service quality under pressure. While the Christmas peak of 2023 showed signs of market saturation, the company emerged into 2024 with modest gains.
The APC continues to innovate and future-proof its operations, investing £6m in additional capacity and sustainable infrastructure, such as low-energy lighting. Smith points out that their independent operational model has its advantages, particularly in emphasizing local engagement through their regional depots, which enhance their customer service offering.
The APC remains a pillar of independent courier services, showing resilience and adaptability throughout market changes.
