Growing Bristol fulfilment and delivery services
In addition to our home service centres in Guildford & Bournemouth, Diamond Logistics has a nationwide network of logistic partners who decided to join Diamond to diversify into the world of next day and international deliveries, multi carrier logistics & fulfilment.
We could tell you why we think everyone should become a Network Partner but instead we are sharing from one of our Network Partners themselves. Amanda Watkins-Smith of our Diamond Logistics Bristol team talks about joining Diamond and growing her Bristol business.
‘It was a natural progression to join forces with Diamond Logistics. Diversification is what keeps us relevant and current. It’s the Diamond systems that gives us the ability to offer a variety of services under one roof. One size doesn’t fit all, customers want and need options to enable to them to be competitive in their business. We are the platform that gives the customer options and not only options but advice on the best option.’
Key service centre information
Owner name: Amanda Watkins-Smith
Company name: DAWS Transport Services LTD
Location: Bristol
Joined Diamond: 2016
Service centre address: Unit 3 The Old Mill, Chapel Lane, Warmley, Bristol BS15 4NQ
The journey
Where did the company name come from?
It’s a combination of our initials Daren, Amanda, Watkins, Smith = DAWS
What year did you found your company?
DAWS was founded in July 2005 when the business became a LTD company. This was a name change of Daren’s existing business called ‘Deliver IT’ operating as a soul trader which started in 1994.
What is your company story and growth to date?
- 1994 – Origins of business (Deliver IT) sole trader
- 2005 – Substantial growth in same day operations
- 2005 – Founded DAWS Transport Services LTD
- 2006 – Further expansion in the same day sector
- 2013 – Added parcel services across the BA & DT region via XDP Express
- 2016 – Moved focus back into Bristol and became Diamond Logistics Bristol offering same day transport, domestic next day, international, pallet and fulfilment services
- 2017 – Winner of Diamond Franchisee of the Year, Top Growth Existing Franchisee & Women in Logistics awards
- 2018 – Winner of Diamond Values Champion of the Year award and Community award
- 2019 – Diamond Network Partner of the Year award
- 2020 – Achieved official fulfilment house status – Approved by HMRC for FHDDS
What do you enjoy about owning your own business and what you do in logistics?
I love my team and love the variety of the work. I can chose the people I want to work with and follow my vision of how I think a team should be cared for and how we should work together and who we would like to work with. Although the biggest thing for me as a mum is that I can work around the needs of my children. I can work from home if they are ill, I can go to a school play or assembly when I want. That’s the sort of thing you can do when you are your own boss, being the boss has to have some perks.
What business sectors do your current clients come from?
Early years (baby & children), electronics, sports, building, fabrication, beverages, food, events, lighting, antiques.
Why did you decide to diversify and what does your partnership with Diamond mean to your business?
It was a natural progression to join forces with Diamond Logistics. Diversification is what keeps us relevant and current. It’s the Diamond systems that gives us the ability to offer a variety of services under one roof. One size doesn’t fit all, customers want and need options to enable to them to be competitive in their business. We are the platform that gives the customer options and not only options but advice on the best option.
Our professional and proactive team have the shared goal of success, and with Shared Success© being a core value of Diamond Logistics, it is important not just to our Bristol team but for the entire Diamond Network, their partners and clients.
About Amanda
Originally from: Paulton near Bristol
Family: Husband Daren, Oliver (11 years old), Thomas (14 years old) & 2 stepdaughters Chantelle (28 years old) and Georgia (21 years old).
Interests: Scouting, community projects, love of animals and my new interest of keeping fit and healthy – you might even find me at the gym!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinary nurse. I became Head Nurse of multiple practices and even became an assessor and verifier for the Veterinary nursing NVQ. I spent much of my veterinary nursing career working for the RSPCA.
How did you get into logistics?
Unintentionally! My husband Daren was working independently in Logistics. I became pregnant with our first son and whilst I was on maternity leave the business grew organically. Maternity leave went on and we soon realised that I needed to continue taking a role in our own business. It is funny how things happen at the right time. It gave me the opportunity to have a working role from home and still look after our young son.
Are you looking for Bristol fulfilment and delivery services?
If you are looking for Bristol fulfilment and delivery services, Amanda & the Diamond Logistics Bristol team can be contacted at bristol@diamondlogistics.co.uk or on 01179 119664.
Are you a courier business looking to grow?
If you are a same day delivery company looking to diversify & tap into a further revenue stream, give our team a call on 0333 567 5888, email us at sales@diamondlogistics.co.uk, or complete our contact form below.
