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FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS...
Page 55
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Similar to many successful businesses, the transition from one-man band to a modern, fast-moving parcels and pallet fleet didn't happen overnight. It all started in 1977 when John Bayliss and his single vehicle began a same-day delivery service. A year later, he needed an extra part-time driver then, another year on, two more full-time drivers, plus an office, and, in 1982, he rented an adjacent stable for storage.
His big break came straight out of Woman's Own magazine, when a promotion for Moulinex microwave ovens led to a delivery contract, which Wings fulfilled successfully This was of benefit to all parties, but for Wings, it provided the springboard for expansion. More business followed and more storage space was needed, along with larger, newer vehicles.
At that time, John Bayliss was using early Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, then, in 1988, he purchased the freehold on a new warehouse in Croydon and 10 years later, bought land behind it for expansion.
This move marked Wings' entry into the world of palletised loads, from which it hasn't looked back...