ANC franchisee shake-up
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• Major changes are underway at ANC, following the appointment of a new team of directors, who plan to expand into Europe and seek a change in franchise arrangements with their franchisees.
lain Henderson, previously president of ANC Inc in Canada, is the new managing director. He is joined by new marketing and operations directors.
However, some ANC franchisees have told Commercial Motor of their fears over proposed contract changes. The company met with franchisees last weekend to discuss its plans at its annual franchise meeting.
One franchisee, DBI Freight of Newton in Powys, claims it went into receivership following a disagreement with ANC over the terms of its contract.
DBI's managing director Tony Walker says the company, which had a £0.5 million turnover, could not change its business, because it was legally prohibited from carrying freight for anyone else. The company has returned its nine leased vehicles, which included six vans and a 38-tonne tractor.
Coventry-based Sheerpdce, which continues to trade, has also stopped acting as an ANC franchise after nearly five years' service, even though it won a Depot of the Year award in 1988. The company is selling its six vehicles and returning 14 leased vehicles which it operated on its ANC franchise.
Under the proposed contracts, franchisees which leave the company will be banned from operating in the same area for another parcel firm for two years. ANC also intends to cut franchisees' contracts from five years to one.
Some franchisees are angry about proposed surcharges for incompatible lightweight goods. ANC told franchisees that it will be at their discretion if these are passed on to customers.
Other plans are believed to include expansion into France and Holland, and a new computer system at the Stoke hub.
But Matthew McBride, divisional director of parent company Bricom, declined to comment on the company's plans for 1990: "It is not in ANC's interest to talk to Commercial Motor, because it informs our competitors," he says. "As far as I am aware, our franchisees are happy with our plans."