Exceptional growth and performance – further borne out by what looks set to be another impressive set of results this year – led the judges at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards to name Panther Logistics BIG Business of the Year.
Employing more than 500 people across a network of depots nationwide, Panther specialises in next-day, white-glove, two-
person delivery. The move away from general haulage to that niche area sent shockwaves through the industry in 2011 but it’s a decision that has paid
off handsomely.
Proving to be a game-changer, it led to a meteoric rise for the company, which has its headquarters in Northampton, and that rise continues, with January to July figures showing revenue already £3.1m ahead of budget, leaving the business on course to achieve £109m this year, a phenomenal increase on last year’s already-impressive £87.2m.
At the end of 2020, Panther became part of the Chicago-based global freight giant AIT Worldwide Logistics, allowing Panther the opportunity to reinforce its position in the UK marketplace and at the same time extending AIT’s presence in this country, generating opportunities for staff and customers alike.
Gary McKelvey, who moved from Commercial Director to Managing Director following the acquisition was at the County Ground in Northampton in November to see the firm receive the BIG Business of the Year Award from sponsors MHA and the evening’s host, TV star Paddy McGuinness.
Gary said:
“It feels brilliant to win the BIG Business of the Year Award, it’s well deserved because the team have done an amazing job, growing the business once again, year on year.
“We have attracted 62 customers over the past year, equating to over £10m in extra revenue and a further 231,000 deliveries. Even with the extra volumes, the company maintained a first-time delivery rate of over 99%. Part of that is down to our investment in staff, creating new positions to support growth and enhance the company culture, in addition to providing jobs and supporting the local communities.”
The decision to focus on the two-person, white-glove delivery has seen the company go from strength to strength. Clients include household names like Wayfair, Dunelm, Samsung, Asda and, more recently Sky. Last year, the broadcasting giant appointed Panther Logistics as the sole delivery partner for Sky Glass, its latest streaming TV, offering premium sound and picture quality as well as strong eco credentials. Panther’s extensive experience within the delivery sector met Sky’s high standards of customer experience in terms of booking and receiving deliveries.
It was the biggest initiative to be undertaken by either company and after almost a year of preparation and a multi-million investment by Panther, the contract went live in October 2021. The £35m partnership was a huge milestone for both companies. Not only was it Panther’s biggest contract win in its 11-year history it was the first time Sky had entered the physical TV market, so the stakes were high.
Driven by successful partnerships, such as that with Sky, Panther has continued to develop and innovate. The company now offers nominated day delivery, delivery to room of choice, removal of packaging, wet and dry installation, seven-days-a-week delivery and two-hour delivery slots. Premium delivery slots before 10am and after 6pm are available.
Just as it is committed to providing the best service for customers, Panther is equally committed to reducing its carbon footprint and is working towards a zero-waste culture, a policy that is already paying significant dividends.
Samuel Scott, Head of Sales and Marketing UK, said:
“Panther’s mission has always been to bring the immediacy of the high street to online orders, delivering and installing goods ready for the customer to use right away, coupled with customer service levels that are second to none.
“We strive to stay one step ahead of the competition because we know that what we offer makes all the difference to our customers. Our goal is to provide the ultimate in final-mile delivery.
“I think the award is something the entire team can be proud of, not only have we landed our biggest client this year, we are forever growing and with our partners, and a parent company AIT, we are going to take over the world.”
Contact Panther Logistics on 01604 215000 or visit the website
