Lloyds funding helps courier service open new head office

Logistics and delivery business Universal Courier Logistical Services has opened a new head office in Wolverhampton, with funding support from Lloyds.

The bank provided a £770,000 business transition loan, which will give the business a central base for its expanding office and operational teams, creating space to support continued growth, strengthen client relationships and improve the working environment for staff.

Universal Courier Logistical Services started operating in 2018 with four drivers in Leicester. Since then, the business has grown at pace and now works with around 800 drivers.

Previously, the company’s office teams were based within its warehouse space, but the growth of the teams and the need for a more professional setting drove the decision to create a dedicated head office.

The new building, located at Salisbury House on Tettenhall Road, now brings the firm’s central functions together.

Alongside growth, the new premises form part of the company’s sustainability journey.

The building had been vacant for several years before purchase and has been upgraded with energy-efficient LED lighting and sensor-controlled systems, helping to reduce energy use across the site.

The business is also making wider changes across its fleet. In the last 12 months, Universal Courier Logistical Services has acquired around 100 electric vans, as it works to reduce the environmental impact of transport and logistics operations.

The additional head office space is supporting recruitment plans, including the company’s ambition to attract younger talent by offering a more comfortable workplace environment.

Since moving into the premises, Universal Courier Logistical Services has recruited two junior finance administrators and expects further hiring as it continues to win new work.

The business provides fully integrated logistics solutions across the UK, supporting businesses with everything from freight forwarding and transport management to warehousing, fulfilment, pallet distribution, same-day courier services and specialist two-person home delivery.

The team’s work enables customers to manage their entire supply chain through a single trusted logistics partner.

This end-to-end approach allows the business to deliver greater efficiency, improved visibility and scalable solutions for organisations ranging from fast-growing businesses to nationally recognised brands.

Ricky Sharma, founder of Universal Courier Logistical Services, said: “We started operating in 2018 with four drivers in Leicester, and it’s been a real journey to get to where we are today.

“The new head office is a big step for us as it gives the team the space they deserve and a professional base where we can bring clients as we continue to grow.

“Lloyds has been instrumental in helping us move quickly and get this over the line. It’s reassuring to have that support behind us as we keep building the business and work towards our next milestones.”