Expect Distribution subsidiary Pallet Plus, which specialises in national next day palletised final delivery, has recruited Stuart Birchley as the company’s new business development manager.
Birchley joins Colchester-based Pallet Plus from logistics supplier New Horizon Distributions, where he was commercial director, and brings more than 25 years’ industry experience to his new post.
His career began in 1997 as a part-time warehouse operative with TNT Express, where he was promoted into client management and development roles during his five year tenure.
Birchley has also held senior posts at companies including haulage and transport business Alan Firmin, freight forwarder WE Deane, and logistics and support service specialist Uniserve.
His career achievements include becoming TNT Express’ youngest-ever Sameday Sales Manager of the Year and being a senior operator when its Maidstone site became an award-winning company depot.
He was also a key figure in setting up Alan Firmin’s express courier division, which he grew to a turnover of about £1m in its first year.
Bradford-based Expect Distribution acquired Pallet Plus in 2023. The two companies have a combined yearly turnover of £66.7m.
Pallet Plus now operates using its own fleet, Expect vehicles and specialist pallet networks including TPN, Palletways and UPN.
Birchley said: “The company’s ethos and ethics match those at several of my previous employers, while its service offering is also diverse and ever-growing. The firm is already very strong in the south-east and, having Expect Distribution behind it, I can only see the brand and business getting stronger.”
Outlining his goals for the first few months in his new role, Birchley said: “To maintain our existing client base, by ensuring that customer wants and needs are matched, and win business that will strengthen Pallet Plus. I do understand, however, the importance of attracting the right kind of business, so it’s vital that I target companies that will strengthen and grow with us.”
He said his post is not just about sales but development too, adding that getting to know clients, both existing and prospective, was vastly important.
Birchley commented: “I’m a true believer in getting out there on the industrial estates, knocking on doors, and talking to business owners or decision makers about their companies.
“I also plan to hold regular face-to-face service review meetings with clients, where we can openly discuss performance, any areas of concern and opportunities for growth.”
He added that he aimed to help clients understand that Pallet Plus could not only be their haulier but also the transport and logistics arm of their businesses.
Welcoming Mr Birchley to Pallet Plus, depot principal Andrew Triolo said: “Stuart is a great asset and we are pleased to have him on board. His network is immense and his operational background will support exactly what we are looking for as a business.”
Expect said that when it acquired Pallet Plus, its board committed to investing wisely in the business, via elements such as new fleet and technology. This had happened and was paying dividends, with Birchley’s arrival being the latest example of this backing.
Bob Duffy, Expect commercial director, to whom Birchley reports, said: “We are delighted to have Stuart join us at Pallet Plus and the Expect Group, as he is a great addition to the team.
“Stuart adds a wealth of experience across operations, development and client management. It is a coup to find an all-round well versed, operationally mature and commercially minded manager that can hit the ground running and slot into the wider team.
“Our plans are to strengthen the Pallet Plus business organically, through retaining clients and attracting new ones that are looking to enhance their existing service.
“Using the latest IT development in transport management systems, our clients have greater visibility of their orders, via track and trace and instant proofs of delivery, backed with 98%t-plus delivery performance.
“Stuart is a family man, with strong values that are aligned with our culture, and we look forward to growing the business together and looking after our important customers in Essex.”
