Courier firm says Government contracts deliver success

• Firm urges other SMEs to bid for work through Crown Commercial Service
• Dozens of jobs created and half of trebled turnover due to business won through frameworks
• The government is committed to levelling the playing field for SMEs

Bosses at a specialist courier company which tripled its turnover and created 60 new jobs after winning a government contract are encouraging other SMEs to think big too.

Topspeed Couriers say similar sized firms can grow their businesses by bidding for government work through the Crown Commercial Service.

Topspeed specialises in the safe transportation of goods requiring special handling across the UK.

In 2013, after winning a place on a CCS framework, Cheshire-based Topspeed was then appointed by the Food Standards Agency to handle the transport of its biological samples.

Stephen Clegg, CEO of Topspeed Couriers, said: “Since becoming a CCS framework supplier our company’s turnover jumped from £1.5 million to £4.5 million in just four years. At least 50% of this growth has come from contracts we have won through our place on the CCS frameworks.

“We’ve been able to create 60 new jobs and invest in new processes and these have meant we’ve been able to win similar public sector contracts. It’s raised our profile and reputation and we’re approached by commercial clients who consider us because we’re on the CCS frameworks.”

Stephen and his team now feature in a new video which urges other SMEs to take on the challenge and show government bodies what they can do.

Gemma Forrest, of the Food Standards Agency, said: “We’ve worked together with Topspeed to find the most efficient, cost effective way of delivering the services required, and that lets FSA staff focus on other areas rather than deal with courier service issues.”

The Minister for Implementation, Oliver Dowden, said: “We are determined to help smaller companies grow by working more closely with the Government and success stories like Topspeed are a wonderful example of the benefits that can be achieved.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the UK’s economy, which is why we are committed to levelling the playing field so they can win their fare share of government contracts.”

Angela Critchley, Commercial Agreement Manager at CCS, explained: “We vet all suppliers carefully which saves buyers like FSA time and resource, and we also guide them on how to structure their tender requirements clearly so companies, like Topspeed, grasp what they need.”

She added: “The government is committed to leveling the playing field for SMEs. We work hard to make sure all CCS procurement frameworks are as accessible as they can be so it’s a straightforward process for anyone to apply.”