Connect's long haul
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• Fledgling parcels operator Connect UK is already offering break bulk, storage and distribution service — just four weeks after the launch of its express parcels service.
Although continuing computer problems are delaying Connect's plans for a 23 million television advertising campaign to promote its parcels services, the company is fast developing a whole new range of non-parcels services, including special loads, packing facilities, palletisation and caging of stock distribution.
Marketing director Barry Glaser claims Connect has already won contracts for storage and distribution and break bulk services. Connect recently handled a consignment, labelling and delivering a letter to each of Ladbrokes' 1,700 outlets in the UK.
Glaser says the next major development for Connect will be the establishment of parcel points in high street stores around Britain.
He is also confident enough to talk about Connect expanding into Europe. "Oncewe are established in Britain, over the next 12 to 18 months, we will think about Europe . . . we would set up in a similar way to this country. Already some of our operators have strong links with Europe and that could be something of a springboard."
Connect is currently concentrating on sorting its computer and communications problems. Glaser is very critical of British Telecom's service, but remains confident that Connect will be ready for its television campaign in the new year.
This year Connect hopes to have a turnover of around £60 million, with an average of 150 parcels passing through each of the 230 licence areas every night. At that turnover, both Connect and its local operators should be profitable, says Glaser.