ANC bids for Europe
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• Express parcels company ANC is aiming to launch itself into Europe during 1988 and increase its business share of the UK parcels market to over £40 million.
ANC chairman Vic Barnes says that the Stoke-based delivery services company now has a £30 million share of the UK parcels market, estimated by ANC to be £600-£700 million a year.
Barnes expects the parcels sector to continue to grow during 1988, however, and forecasts that ANC, which is owned by British and Commonwealth Holdings, will increase its market penetration.
While BCH does not spell out ANC's financial figures in its annual report, Barnes asserts that ANC is operating profitably. Next year, ANC will be making its first foray into mainland Europe, setting up a parcels distribution network, based on the company's existing central hub and spoke concept. "We will clone into Europe precisely what we've got in the UK" says Barnes.
ANC currently operates its own hub in Britain at Newcastle, Staffordshire. This is fed by 65 franchised delivery and collection depots, of which 12 are majority-owned by ANC. The company also has a franchise network in Ireland and Canada.
Barnes reports that ANC's first European move will be into the Benelux countries, followed by Germany, France and Italy. ANC has already made major advances in establishing its continental network, which represents "a significant investment" according to Barnes. "We will be up and running in Europe during 1988" he maintains. Some 25 prospective franchise holders have already been targeted for the Benelux.
In the UK, ANC is looking to increase its business in the break bulk/distribution contract services sector. Group marketing director David Boone says there is also "strong potential for overnight freight services using ANC's existing network."
ANC has around 700 delivery vehicles in Britain, of which 70 artic tninkers and 100 rigids are owned by the company. Boone says that the parcels carrier will continue with its two year vehicle re placement policy, with ANC's fleet expected to grow by some 15 in order to handle the extra business next year.
O ANC has opened the first phase of its new 5,388m2 national hub at Newcastleunder-Lyme, Staffordshire. It has a computerised parceltracking system and takes over from the existing ANC hub in Stoke-on-Trent.
Phase two of the project, which includes a reception block, offices and truck repair bay, will be opened in the spring of next year. It will bring the total area to 6,689m2. The new hub can handle 88 artic trunkers and has additional space for 60 trailers. Some 300 staff will be employed at Newcastle.