The family business is directed by a management team that includes three sisters Lesley Ward, Dawn Carson, Victoria Garden, their brother Grant Garden and two further directors Ronnie Garvey and John Ward. Collectively, the team has 125 years of experience in the industry.

Following in the footsteps of their grandfather, who established haulage firm H.W. Garden & Sons over 70 years ago, the family built on his success and launched Spring Distribution to offer warehousing, logistics and distribution services.

This family affair has grown substantially since it was established. Spring Distribution now boasts a 200,000 square foot warehouse, employs over 16 people and its high calibre customers include respected Scottish and European brands.

Spring Distribution has also attained the BRC Global Standards in Storage and Distribution AA Rating for the past seven years in a row.

The double impact of Brexit and coronavirus presented Spring Distribution with new challenges. Lesley Ward, managing director, said: “We had the storm of COVID-19 and Brexit at the same time, which meant increased demand in what were exceptionally challenging circumstances. Despite a record number of orders coming in, we had to operate with a reduced workforce to maintain social distancing.

“We focused on keeping our workforce safe with a testing regime and pipelining PPE supplies. We also wanted to support the community so we offered free PPE supplies to nursing homes in the area, many of which were struggling to obtain the supplies they desperately needed.”

Despite the difficulties of the past year, this family business is thriving thanks to the experience of its staff and its trusted brand reputation. In 2020, turnover increased by 12% due to a record number of new customers. This ongoing surge in demand means that Spring Distribution will create a further six new jobs as restrictions ease and normal service can resume.

The impact of Brexit has also resulted in surprising new customer trends for Spring Distribution, including an increase in the storage of raw materials and foodstuffs which may result in further business expansion.

Ms Ward added: “We have been inundated with new fulfilment enquiries as a result of Brexit and are looking to establish a new fulfilment division if we continue to experience this level of demand.

“While 2020 was an extremely challenging time for all businesses, we have weathered the storm and successfully adapted to the changing circumstances of Brexit and the pandemic. In these uncertain times, customers are choosing brands and organisations that they can trust. With our heritage as a family business and wide portfolio of respected clients, we are in a strong position to build on our recent success throughout 2021 and beyond.”