UK Enterprise Awards 2021

262 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Best Emerging Courier Company - Bedfordshire RIJ Transport Ltd is a family-run business that takes great pride in delivering an excellent service whilst satisfying all its customers’ parcel and courier needs. Following its recent success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2021, we got in touch with CEO Ryan Hamilton to discover more about how his firm has earned itself the title of ‘Best Emerging Courier Company – Bedfordshire’. Whether you’re completing a purchase for a customer or have a special parcel for a loved one, having the items delivered efficiently on time and with care is of the utmost importance. By launching RIJ Transport Ltd, Ryan wanted to build a business he could be proud of and one that goes above and beyond for its customers, as he explains further. “Based in Bedford, the firm operates all over the country and aims to deliver your items from your doorstep to anywhere across the UK. As a family-run business, we take pride in offering a courier service that works for all clients. From large businesses to individuals, the firm operates around the clock to get items where they need to be in a timely manner. From the moment they leave your hands to their final destination, we’ll ensure your items are handled with care and consideration”. Prior to establishing RIJ Transport Ltd, Ryan spent a period of time working in the hospitality industry, and as he goes on to explain, the skills he picked up prepared him for his new venture. “Coming from a hospitality background, I was already used to delivering unquestionable customer service and attention to detail. Naturally then, my previous experience and knowledge has enabled the firm to cater to clients’ needs and guarantee 100% client satisfaction”. When it comes to recruitment, rather than just hiring people based on their qualifications and experience, the firm looks for people who hold a genuine interest in what the company does. “Whilst the firm encourages all team members to take ownership of collections and deliveries, taking an interest in our business activities ensures people quickly integrate with others and become part of our family”. Launching the business so close to the outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in the firm having to overcome many challenges. However, as Ryan goes on to explain, the firm has still managed to prosper throughout the pandemic. “The trade has certainly fluctuated over the past year with more people ordering items to be delivered to their home. Additionally, while many people are now using contact free proof of delivery, there are still some who are insistent on a paper trail for proof of delivery. As a company we have risen to challenges during a period which has been a fast learning curve. For example, to keep clients up to date with their collection and delivery, we decided to install tracking technology on all our vehicles so clients would receive real-time updates via email or text”. Despite reaching several milestones already, the firm is keen to build upon this achievement as we head into the remainder of 2021 and beyond. “Moving forward, our aim is to grow the business into storage and distribution alongside our courier and light haulage company. Beyond that, we will be looking to move to a larger premise to enable us to offer our customers a much more bespoke service whilst also stepping up our recruitment efforts locally. Within Bedfordshire and beyond, our aim is to remain the go-to service provider for all courier and light haulage needs.” Company: RIJ Transport Ltd Contact: Ryan Hamilton Email: [email protected] Web: www.rijtransportltd.com Address: 27 Station Road, Oakley, Bedford, MK43 7RB Phone: 01234 233123 Apr21436