MD calls for hauliers to take their stakes
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• Hauliers around the UK are being asked to become shareholders in a new venture by Magazine Distribution.
The firm, based in Hertford, has two divisions. Time Sensitive Distribution, which transports weekly publications, already has several operator shareholders. The other division for non-sensitive titles, such as comics and monthlies, uses only subcontractors for all transport work.
However, Magazine Distribution boss Brian Martin says the time has come to swap all contractors for shareholders. The non-sensitive operation has been re-named Magazine Delivery Company and the firm is now looking for 15 to 16 shareholders.
"We are highly impressed with the people who have already taken a stake in the company. They have a wonderful attitude. Our subcontractors are very good — but there is a difference," says Martin.
Current subcontractors will be the first to be offered a stake in the company. Martin says any remaining shareholdings will be offered to outside hauliers which pass MDC's quality standards. The company will look for small or medium private companies which either have spare HGV multidrop capacity on Mondays or have 3.5-tonne vans available for work every evening.
Martin, who founded Magazine Distribution four years ago, says the group now has a monthly turnover of £250,000. He is confident the company's growth rate will continue. "I do not believe the railways will be into magazine distribution three years from now. It. will all be moved by road," he says.
Magazine Distribution has two depots in Enfield and Hatfield.