Depot Focus : Exeter

We paid a visit to our Devon depot to see how the team are getting ready for 2018.

It’s been a busy couple of years for the Exeter team. With around 5,500 deliveries a day, which increases to nearly 9,000 during peak in the lead up to Christmas, it’s important to keep everything running smoothly. And Operations Manager Mark Hynam has spent his three years at the Devon depot putting new structures in place to make it happen.

The team recently completed a review of all duties at the depot, adapting working hours and loads, having a positive impact on everyone. “When I first joined, the way the depot was run was a little disjointed,” he explains, “so we’ve been bringing everybody together to work as a team. We’re looking forward to the next 12 months.” He originally joined Parcelforce Worldwide as a driver in Bristol before progressing to manager. Soon after, he made the move to the Devon city, and loves living in the area. “We’re a bit like a family now,” adds Mark. “Myself and a couple of guys from admin and the drivers are running a Tough Mudder (an outdoor obstacle course) next year too, and we’re hoping to raise lots of money for MacMillan Cancer Support.”

Alongside some of the company’s large corporate partners like Tesco and Screwfix, the Exeter team has more collections than ever before too. Working with a range of smaller businesses, the team collect for St David’s Vets (a veterinary group in the city) and Rota Wheels (a wheel store for cars). Mark says: “It’s a busy time for all of us at Parcelforce Worldwide but I’m proud to say we’re really seeing the rewards from our work, bringing everyone together to work smoothly over the busy period. “Everyone now gets the same introduction to the business here, and knows exactly what part they play. We’re all looking forward to the future.”

In the heart of the Devon countryside, the Exeter depot has been in the area for 18 years. And Delivery and Collections Manager Neil Pin has been there even longer, originally joining the company 10 years before. With 28 years in the area, he first joined Royal Mail as a bag tier and loader. He says: “It’s a great place to work here and you can progress, working your way into new positions. Peak can be a challenging and busy time, but we all get the job done. I'm proud to be part of a dedicated and professional team.”

Driver Andrew Weatherill may have only joined Parcelforce Worldwide  less than a year ago, but he plans to stay for much longer. Having lived in the area his whole life, he’s a keen surfer and loves working so close to the beach. Andrew says: “Parcelforce Worldwide is a great company to work for, and I have the industrial estate route so I’m very close to the depot. I want to see out my time here before I retire and I love being so close to home too.”

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