Achieving ongoing growth during a downturn is the hallmark of a highly competent organisation. Charles Kendall Freight, a provider of bespoke supply chain management solutions, continues to go from strength to strength, despite the economic backdrop.

The company transports cargo around the world, for a wide range of businesses, including globally known retailers. It also specialises in moving freight for the military and its clients in this sector include the ministries of defence in Oman, Jordan and Brunei.

Positioned in prime locations for access to ports and airports, its main UK base is Heathrow, but the company also has a branch in Manchester, as well as offices in Felixstowe, Southampton, Bournemouth and Birmingham.

A team of 110, based in the UK, Middle East, China and India keeps everything running smoothly. And there’s no shortage of consignments for them to manage. The company’s most recent turnover figures are expected to reach around £25 million and it is forecasting an increase to £27 million in the year ahead.

Going the extra mile
So, what is the secret of Charles Kendall Freight’s success? “There are a number of reasons why we are continuing to make a solid profit despite the recession,” says Managing Director, Peter Sunderland. “Plenty of companies can move consignments from A to B. The difference is that we add value to our customers’ businesses. We get to know them well and we understand how they operate and what their needs are.

“Our compliance advice for customs is particularly in demand, as there are penalties for making errors with customs requirements. If businesses get these wrong, they will be fined, so they appreciate our expertise in steering them through the regulatory maze.

“Customers also like the fact that we’re not a faceless multi-national. We’re a family-run operation and one of the few ‘independents’ left in the freight business.

“Not putting all our eggs in one basket stands us in good stead too. We work with a wide range of sectors and sizes of companies. Each different customer requirement presents different challenges, but as a 46 year old business, we have the experience to be able to manage them all money.”

Family values
It’s not just the company’s logistics experience and customer-focused approach that makes it stand out from the competition. Sunderland also believes that the culture and ethos, established by the family owned business over half a century ago, has played a significant part in its fortunes. He says: “I’ve been with the company since 1999, after 17 years of working with multi-nationals in the freight business. I like that this is a private family business and that the family are still very much involved. It creates a positive working environment.

“The staff clearly like it too. One of our team has been here for 40 years and 40 of our employees have worked here for more than ten too.”

Ongoing improvement and business development
Continuous improvement is a high priority for Charles Kendall Freight, as Sunderland points out: “As well as attaining Investors in People, along with ISO 9001 we have gained full AEO accreditation and we review all of our systems on an ongoing basis to improve whole.”

Another significant development took place recently in the form of opening an office in New York, in partnership with Mallory Alexander International Logistics: “New York is a key gateway, not just for our UK operations, but globally,” says Sunderland.

The combined operations of the New York office include freight forwarding, customs brokerage and supply chain consultancy. Charles Kendall Group has also acquired a few businesses over the last few years, including Show Carriage, which specialises in transportation services to exhibitions and live events around the world.

But Sunderland emphasises that the company is not in the business of seeking out potential acquisitions: “I wouldn’t say we are on the acquisition trail as such,” he explains. “We make strategic acquisitions where we believe it’s necessary for ongoing growth and to enhance the us.” Prudent fiscal management is one of the core values which has contributed to the success of the business, as he emphasises: “The company has never had to borrow any money and we want to keep it that East.”