A Saltburn couple, determined to build a successful business and create a good life-work balance, are seeing their EZShip distribution business go from strength to strength.
With the help of a loan from UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary, Matt Potter and Kristina Mangan-Potter are taking their expanding business to the next level and developing a number of ideas they have in the pipeline.
The funding has already provided another EZShip vehicle to help meet the rapidly growing demand in the local area from businesses and the public for its same-day collection and delivery service.
EZShip provides a full local, national and international distribution service for businesses and individuals, managing collections and deliveries around the UK and beyond.
The company moves anything from a single parcel to pallets weighing 1.2 tonnes nation-wide as well as recently ensuring a safe journey for a 10ft surfboard. It has attracted a raft of five-star reviews praising the family-run business for its efficiency, personalised service, value and convenience.
“Our aim is to help people and businesses who just don’t have the time or experienced staff to arrange collections and deliveries,” explained Matt. “Many busy companies don’t have a dedicated team and we work with a number of distribution partners so can offer discounted rates, saving our customers both time and money.
“We are very grateful to UKSE for their support as they were the ones to come up with funding for us and it was vital finance at this stage to ensure that we can keep moving ahead.”
With three children aged nine, six and three, the couple have a busy family life. One of their aims when they started EZShip in 2021 was to create a good work-life balance for themselves and provide jobs for others who share those values.
“Maintaining a good life-work balance and not missing out on events and time with our children during these years was always important to us,” explained Matt. “The encouragement we have had has been heart-warming and we expect to take on a number of like-minded people in part-time roles over the next 12 months.
“It’s been tough at times and we didn’t exactly choose the easiest time to set up a new business but we are very pleased with our progress so far and have some ambitious ideas for the future.”
Peter Taylor, UKSE’s Business Development Manager, said: “”We were only too pleased to support EZShip. Matt and Kristina came to us with a sound business plan and clear ideas about the ethos and development of their business. We wish them every success.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Peter Taylor (left), UKSE’s Business Development Manager
with Matt Potter of EZShip.