On the 16th of March 1992, Diamond Logistics was established at a property based at 14A the Broadway, Woodbridge Rd in Guildford. This marked the start of a long journey for us in the logistics sector. We developed from a same day courier company, with only one major client, to a multi-site national logistics company. This expansion has allowed us to establish Diamond across 35 sites nationwide and has increased our offerings to 3 core services; same day courier, next day and international deliveries plus eCommerce fulfilment.
Experience of the Logistics Industry
Kate Lester is the founder and CEO of the Diamond Logistics and Technology Group Ltd, which now encompasses the two brands; Despatchlab, our logistics technology platform, and Diamond Logistics, our nationwide network and recruitment link for other logistics companies to join Diamond and provide our services throughout the UK. Even though we are now a nationwide company, we are very proud of our roots having provided the businesses of Guildford, Godalming, and Woking with a dedicated service for the last 30 plus years.
Kate reflects on her experience within the industry; “Funnily enough our 30th anniversary passed in a bit of a blur because we still felt that we were in the midst of the pandemic. It was in that weird space-time continuum where nothing really felt real. But certainly, putting in over 30 years in an industry has been huge privilege.
I still believe logistics is the epitome of a business that delivers on time every time. People hold logistics businesses to such a high standard. These are standards that you would rarely see applied to any other industry in the UK. You will be hard pushed to find another service in the UK that has an expected response time of thirty minutes. There is no other industry where you are expected to absorb fluctuation in demand that can see expected capacity to bounce from 70% to 150% and also accept every single job that comes your way. There is also no room for error in logistics, if you don’t deliver on time every time, customers will demand a refund. There is just no industry like it!”
Next Generation in Logistics
Kate continues her reflection; “Logistics must make way for a new generation. The old haulier’s that think it’s acceptable to have transport offices that you have to wipe your feet on the way out are a dying breed, thank goodness.
Technology is a key function of our business. For any logistics business looking to dominate the decades ahead, it is important that you have the most up to date track and trace warehouse management systems, as well as integrated marketplace and carrier technology as an essential part of your business. There are far too many logistics businesses that are effectively running the same systems that they were 25 years ago. Technology has advanced so much that you either get with the programme or you will become obsolete”.
Guildford eCommerce Community
Kate keeps her finger on the pulse of local delivery because she’s still the network partner for Guildford. “To me our local clients are still the most important thing to me. But we are not just Guildford couriers. Our job is to support local businesses in scaling their businesses by outsourcing all their logistics to a trusted provider. Our clients include those based at the Surrey research park, where we fully outsource our eCommerce function to classic clients such as hospitals and pathology labs to Formula One racing teams that have been relying on our same day delivery for over 30 years. We truly are the best provider of urgent logistics solutions in Guildford. If we can help your business in any way whether in Guildford, Woking, Godalming, or the surrounds, we are here to help.”
If you require fulfilment and delivery services in Guildford or anywhere in the UK, visit our service centres page to find a location near you. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a member of our team about our services, simple call 0333 567 5888, email us at sales@diamondlogistics.co.uk or use the form below.
