At the recent Pall-Ex Group Annual Awards Evening, we recognised the successful members across our network who are integral to keeping the network moving and maintaining high service levels on a daily basis. Aylesbury Logistics were this year’s winners of the coveted Pall-Ex Member of the Year award, having narrowly missed out on the award after being nominated the previous year.
We spoke to Dave Young, Managing Director at Aylesbury Logistics, to find out what the win means to the depot.
When did Aylesbury Logistics begin and how has it evolved since the beginning?
Aylesbury Logistics was formed back in 2006 by husband and wife, Mark and Kerry Rutland, after success in running a courier company. After a difficult period for the business, the duo made the decision to join the Pall-Ex network, covering the HP postcode region to help add depth to the service offering they already provided.
In 2016, Mark and Kerry put the company up for sale and in 2017, it was purchased by Dave Young, Simon Redford and Lewis Bleasdale with the view to drive it forward. Before the change of ownership, Aylesbury Logistics was delivering around 35-45 pallets per day and only inputting around 5-10 pallets per day, which made the Pall-Ex division of the business less than profitable.
Over the past few years, with a significant sales drive, change in business processes and a great team, we have seen the company grow tremendously and now deliver between 90–110 pallets per day. We also input two full trailers each night and regularly require a third trunk. This has ensured the Pall-Ex division of our business remains profitable and a core aspect of our day to day business.
What have been some of the highlights at Aylesbury Logistics over the last few years?
I think our biggest highlight has been winning the Member of the Year award, especially after being nominated last year and missing out. We also won Regional Member of the Year back in 2019, which at the time was a huge step in the right direction for the business and demonstrated that after only two years of owning the company, we had moved it forward massively.
What does it mean to you to win the Pall-Ex Member of the Year Award?
It demonstrates to all the team here at Aylesbury Logistics that the efforts we make are recognised and appreciated. We don’t just provide pallet delivery services, but we are the people that network members call when they have been let down or if there’s a particularly tricky delivery that needs to be made.
Were you surprised about winning the award?
Yes absolutely, when you are up against the likes of ADD Express, PMB Pallets and Moody Logistics, the expectation of winning is always going to be lower because we know how good these depots are.
Did you enjoy the awards evening?
The evening was brilliant, these events are always so well thought out and executed to such a high standard. It’s something we look forward to each year! Roll on 2026.
What has Aylesbury Logistics got planned for the future?
Our plans are to continue with the same drive, develop the business where viable, continue to deliver exceptional service to our fellow members and most importantly try to have fun while we do it all!