The owner of a growing Sussex logistics company has taken the advice to build his business quite literally – after constructing his new premises himself from the ground up.
Enterprising Steve Ellis, founder and managing director of Prestige Distribution in Horsham, bought a nine-acre plot of land for his expanding firm and went about building offices and a warehouse big enough to hold 300 pallets.
The family-run company has been reaping the benefits of Steve’s handiwork and the £1.8 million investment ever since, with volumes increasing thanks to its membership of the Wolverhampton-based Pallet-Track network.
It’s a family affair at Prestige’s new Bridge Farm base, with 60-year-old Steve’s daughter Katie, 25, and son Michael, 23, playing integral roles in the business.
Both are qualified Class 1 HGV drivers, with Michael passing his test as recently as April and Katie also holding the Road Haulage CPC for transport managers.
Katie said:
“After many years of renting, it’s fantastic to have our own premises – and my dad built it all! It’s a fantastic achievement and he really had the vision for what he wanted to do.
We are a proud family business and my brother and me have followed in my dad’s footsteps. I passed my Class 1 aged 19 and have spent many shifts night trunking. It’s fantastic that my brother has passed his Class 1 as well.”
The majority of Prestige’s work comes via Pallet-Track and it is also investing in its fleet to keep up with demand.
One 14-tonne DAF has just joined the ranks with another 18-tonne DAF, while the business is awaiting a further two tractors units at the end of the year. The business is also testing electric forklifts, which it will be looking to invest in next.
Katie added:
“We just outgrew our last home and with Pallet-Track growing so quickly, we really needed the extra yard and warehouse space.
We’ve made a couple of moves over the life of the business and it’s great to be able to put down roots in a place of our own.”
Caroline Green, chief executive of Pallet-Track, added:
“We’ve often said that in a market based on small margins, service is our biggest differentiator and a huge reason why our network is so successful.
The dedication and diligence of Steve and his family at Prestige has made them a real success story and the fact they built their own premises from scratch is a remarkable achievement.
We wish them every ongoing success as they continue to grow with us.”
For more information about Pallet-Track, call 0870 385 005 or visit www.pallet-track.co.uk.
