This month, we are delighted to announce the launch of a new Diamond Logistics branch in Weybridge, Surrey. We are very excited to welcome Mladen Dzhiko and his team to our Diamond Network Partnership. We sat down with them recently to get a bit more insight into their backgrounds, business plans and what they expect from the future whilst working with Diamond.
Operating as Vivid Transport Ltd, Mladen started his logistics business during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic. He began working with Amazon as a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) during the period of increased demand for courier services resulting from the numerous lockdowns.
Mladen outlined; “We consistently hit our targets at Amazon and performed very well. Diamond approached us due to our success and we have just opened a warehouse literally across the road from Amazon.”
Can you tell us about you and your team?
In August 2020, James joined the team as a manager with Gilberto, their Warehouse Operator, joining a few weeks later. Mladen explains, “they have been with me from the start and have helped me grow and mould my business into the success it is today.” Mladen saw his business grow and expand quite quickly, which ignited a curiosity in him to take on more challenging contracts and diversify their services.
This year, Mladen has also welcomed a new team member to the staff. Ashleigh will be joining as an admin assistant and will help support the team and look after the office functions of the business.
What is your experience working in the logistics industry?
Mladen outlined his experience working in the logistics industry, “I moved to the UK in 2000 and, by 2002, I was an established self-employed courier working with Target for their multi-drop service. Over the years, I have worked with a variety of clients and swiftly discovered that logistics was my passion. In Oct 2019, I applied to Abellio and was accepted to their program in February 2020, ahead of the nationwide lockdowns. It was in the height of the first lockdown that I was contracted to work as an Amazon DSP. Then in August 2022, I was introduced to Diamond Logistics and made the definitive decision to join them as a Network Partner. The induction experience has been quick, and we can’t believe how fast it has all come together.”
What advice would you give to a new Diamond Network Partner about the wider logistics services and what to expect?
Mladen shares his insights, “Expect to learn a lot and receive some excellent guidance from a well-established company. It is so fulfilling being taught how to do things the right way and learn from the very best in the industry. You get to see what success looks like first hand and then are given the tools to duplicate it.”
What do you love about your job?
Mladen shares his opinion; “I love being able to plan my day and having freedom to move things around to best suit my lifestyle. I have a young family and the flexibility the partnership gives me is incomparable to anything else I have done in my career. It is also extremely satisfying to see the instant positive results, whether that be growth of clients and services or financially, from your business decisions. It is very gratifying and spurs us on to achieve more.”
How did you connect with Diamond Logistics?
Mladen explains how, “We came across Diamond Logistics via their LinkedIn profile. We appreciated the information they were sharing on the site and took the chance to reach out to their commercial team.”
What are your goals for 2023?
Mladen energetically relays that, “Our top goal for 2023 is to fill our warehouse to the brim with new outsourced fulfilment clients. To see every shelf of our brand new premise stacked high with products would be our biggest achievement yet. By the end of the year, we aim to have or be in the process of acquiring an additional warehouse and expand into new areas.”
How do you hope to expand your offering to clients now that you have partnered with Diamond?
Mladen explains, “In this area, the demand for outsourced fulfilment has seen an increase due to the fact that so many eCommerce businesses have set up their operations in Weybridge. With support from Diamond, we are excited to market to these potential customers and build upon our same day services so that in time, we will be able to also offer next day and international delivery services.”
If you’d like to find out how our network partnership could transform your courier business, get in touch. Our team can be contacted on 0333 567 5888. Alternatively, email us at npsales@diamondlogistics.co.uk or complete our contact form below.
