Croydon-based logistics provider, Diamond Distribution, continues to shine in the South East, with its growing business success leading to investment in new vehicles and people. Diamond is a Palletways member and part of Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network.
Diamond’s Managing Director, Keely Priestman, says: “An opportunity arose recently to extend our geographic reach and customer base within the Palletways network. This has led to the creation of new jobs at our head office and a fleet expansion to cater for increased customer demand.”
The company purchased six trucks to increase its fleet by 50 per cent from 12 to 18 vehicles. Ms Priestman comments: “We’ve taken delivery of a mixed range of MAN and IVECO trucks from 7.5t to 26t and articulated, all for our Palletways business. This represents a significant investment, enabling us to deliver increased pallet volumes from and for our existing customers, and gear up for new business, including growing aggregate, equine and agricultural deliveries.”
Six new full-time positions and two apprenticeship roles have also been created. Diamond welcomes five new drivers and one warehouse person. It’s working with Croydon College too to offer apprenticeships in operations and accounts. Ms Priestman continues: “We’re a growing business in the region and now employ 26 staff. Development and training is very important to us, which is why we’ve reinvigorated our apprenticeship commitment.”
Keely is a finalist in October’s Croydon Business Excellence Awards 2017 in the newly created Women in Business category. Diamond is a finalist for Best SME. The award aims to acknowledge the ongoing role that all SME businesses play in growing and sustaining the economy. “I’m delighted to be nominated alongside my peers. To even be nominated is an accolade for me personally, and for the business. I strive to lead by example, and support the whole team through our working policies and practices,” she concludes.
Dave Walmsley, Palletways UK Managing Director, adds: “Palletways is a people-based business centred around a network of hubs and depots. Investment in high quality people is where we can differentiate and drive customer service excellence and business growth, whilst fleet investment ensures we continue to remain at the forefront of new technology and efficiency.”
