FORWARDER Move it Like... Simon Beechener

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impex was formed back in 2009 as a full European freight service provider with a clear focus on express, something that mirrors my own experience spanning back to 2001.

We provide dedicated vehicles for time-critical deliveries,

a semi-express service offering consolidated options to 15 European countries and more recently we’ve added an economy service.

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SIMON BEECHENER

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SIMPEX

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YEAR FOUNDED

2009

SALES INCREASE

Currently experiencing 20% growth SPECIALISM

Europe-wide dedicated express vehicles, semi-express & secure economy services MODE

Road freight EMPLOYEES

14

SITES

Birmingham (HQ) Leeds MILESTONES

2009 established, 2012 moved from office only to office and warehouse at Birmingham Airport.

2013 Leeds office opened.

Mid-2018 scheduled move from current unit to double the size with a £100,000 investment.

SIMON BEECHENER, SIMPEX

SIMON SAYS...

I’m immensely proud of how the company has developed over the years

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impex Express is a business specialising in time-

and knowledge of everything to do with European Road

critical transport to and from all parts of Europe,

and Express, we were able to sit down with Managing

whilst maintaining high levels of customer service

Director, Simon Beechener, to discuss Simpex, Brexit,

and communication. A company with proven experience

Charity and more.

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Q A

Simon, can you tell our readers more about Simpex, and how you separate yourself from others in the express freight sector?

Simpex was formed back in 2009 as a full European freight service provider with a clear focus on express, something

SIMON SAYS...

As with any industry, the landscape is constantly changing. and the market matures

Q A

How have you seen the industry change within your time working in the freight industry?

As we’ve grown we’ve overseen a huge shift in the International courier scene especially, from being driven by mainly UK operators to what is now dominated by

that mirrors my own experience spanning back to 2001. We

foreign carriers. We’ve embraced the changes and stay

provide dedicated vehicles for time-critical deliveries, a semi-

ahead of the game with our strength of contacts, our

express service offering consolidated options to 15 European

ability to provide consolidated options, and by off ering

countries and more recently we’ve added an economy

unrivalled customer service.

service. These are provided mainly on small vehicles such as Sprinter vans or Luton vans and we maintain full control with any consolidated routes fully planned by us. We have a warehouse at Birmingham airport, an office in Leeds and a passion for customer service.

We separate ourselves from the competition by being the most competitively priced on the market and being experts in our field. We’re innovative, pro-active and understand that ‘service’ isn’t enough, it’s customer service (the bit that just requires the right attitude) that makes the difference.

Q A

What services do you see having most prevalence with the current climate of express freight?

As with any industry, the landscape is constantly changing, and the market matures. We’ve capitalised by being an early mover in the express freight industry, but we continue to push the boundaries, and this is currently with consolidation.

Our semi-express service has been hugely popular, offering

I often receive feedback that when a booking is made with us

speed at an affordable price. It sits nicely between a dedicated

you can relax knowing that the job will be done and it makes

and groupage service and offers great value.

my visits to existing clients extremely easy.

Starting in what can only be described as a broom cupboard, I’m immensely proud of how the company has developed over the years into what is now a well-known, well-respected and highly professional transport company.

Q A

We understand that you’re a big giver to charity, can you tell us about this?

Yes, we’ve just passed the £100,000 mark for our charity donations over the past 8 years and continue to look for

Q A

What do you do to relax?

With 3 children 6 years old and under I come to the office to relax! I also thoroughly enjoy running.

We have a treadmill in our upstairs area which myself

worthy causes for the future. We donate at least £1 from

and Stuart Verity use as much as we can when time

every booking received and it’s an important commitment

allows. We both ran the London Marathon in 2017

that was made from day 1. We detail all beneficiaries on our

for one of the company’s charities but prefer sticking

website and like for the money to go to specific projects that

to 5k and 10k distances now.

have tangible outcomes. One was the creation of a memory tree in the reception of Birmingham St. Mary’s Hospice. It gives families the chance to sponsor a leaf with an engraving of their loved one’s name. The tree has generated income more than our original donation and continues to do so every year.

It’s something we’re all very proud to have been a part of.

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Q A

How do you see Brexit effecting your business in Europe?

Great question! It’s so hard to say at this stage but I welcome the challenge. The obvious preference would be for the UK to enter into a free trade agreement, but it appears we’re leaning away from this currently so when the decisions are made we’ll react accordingly. We’re a problem-solving company and well known for

SIMON SAYS...

We have 2 online calculators; ‘Express’ and ‘Economy’.

Q A

it. Whilst the Brexit process has the ability to negatively affect the

Getting qualified drivers has been a problem dogging road freight for some time, do think this is still a predominant problem?

It most certainly is from a UK haulier perspective.

It’s not a career that most young people these days aspire to and something needs to change at a government level to drive interest.

economy, I strongly believe we’ll adapt and overcome, both as a company and as a country. Simpex is already highly experienced with customs procedures with traffic outside the free trade area so we’ll have a good grounding ahead of any changes.

Q A

Is there any major advice you would want to give to anybody else dealing with road freight throughout Europe?

Q A

Can you tell us more about your online calculators?

We have 2 online calculators; ‘Express’ and ‘Economy’.

Our Express Calculator provides export quotations from anywhere in the UK to 15 European countries. It covers 1-4 pallets with 2 transit time choices and we commit to collection on the same day if booked by 10am. Our Economy

Yes, use Simpex! Having been in the industry for 17 years I’ve seen

Calculator offers reduced pricing for 1-6 standard pallets or

a lot of mistakes from a lack of experience, training and planning. It’s

1-8-euro pallets and includes coverage to our more regular

vitally important to understand local laws and rules, as well as customs

destinations in Europe, currently covering 7 countries.

procedures when travelling outside the free trade area. If venturing to Europe, do your homework or employ the services of someone who

Both calculators are ‘open’ in that there’s no need to log

has done it before. Drivers’ hours records, weight/height restrictions,

in. There are 5 drop-down boxes to choose from on each

tolls/vignettes – and many more – are all considerations where the

calculator and once the price is confirmed you can proceed

implications of non-adherence can be severe. At Simpex we have a

to booking, confirm to email or to start again. The user-

CPC National & International holder (myself), a DGSA, customs-

friendly nature has been hugely popular and reflects how we

trained operations manager, ex-European drivers, multi-linguists and

do business, keeping things simple.

a combined experience in dealing with European shipments of over 100 years. We’re always happy to offer our advice, even when we’re not involved in the job itself.

Q A

Online shopping has created a new wave of questions for freight forwarders. How have you adapted, or innovated, your services to fit around this new consumerism?

Online is most certainly growing and we’ve invested

Q A

What predictions do you have for the sector?

If my predictions for the sector are anything like my Premier League predictions these days, then I ought to keep quiet! In all seriousness, we’re in a

in our website and continue to do so for both search

period of transition where we must just wait and see.

engine optimisation and usability. The development of our

Brexit is the game-changer and until there’s clarity on

calculators is a unique offering and allows our online audience

our future relationship with the EU, it’s impossible to

to easily understand our pricing, service capabilities and gives

call. My hope is that we’ll retain access and that it’ll

them a choice when considering using us. I’ve often been

be business as usual, though even if it goes the other

asked why we don’t make it imperative for people to enter

way, I don’t see longstanding business relationships

their details so that we can track who is using it but it’s the

disappearing overnight. Overall, I’m optimistic about

open nature of it that I think is the real appeal. I personally

the future.

dislike having to enter my own details when obtaining online quotes and it often prevents me from proceeding. I’m also very confident in the pricing being competitive and welcome competition to keep us on our toes.

Q A

What plans does Simpex have in the next five years?

Our ambition over the next 3-5 years is to double the amount of business we handle. To start with we’re expanding our operations team to cope with both the existing high demand for our services and to allow capacity for the new accounts coming on every week. To accommodate the increase in numbers we’ve recently signed an agreement to take a unit on the same estate at Birmingham Airport that doubles our floor space. With a £100,000 investment we’ll create a fantastic base for the future with the very best IT and communications available.