Parcel delivery service Evri is set to create 9,000 new jobs in response to skyrocketing demand for online shopping.
The company recently underwent a £2.7 billion acquisition by Apollo, a US private equity firm. This expansion will see Evri adding 8,000 delivery drivers and 1,000 additional staff to its workforce.
Evri’s recruitment drive aims to handle the increased parcel volumes surpassing even the peak levels seen during the pandemic.
New Job Opportunities
Evri is planning to create 9,000 new jobs to compete with Royal Mail. This move is prompted by an increased demand for online shopping.
The company will hire 8,000 delivery drivers and 1,000 additional staff to meet the growing demand. The surge in parcel deliveries has surpassed pandemic peak levels.
Expansion Plans
Evri’s expansion comes after its £2.7 billion acquisition by Apollo. The company aims to boost its workforce to handle the increased parcel volumes.
The extra staff will help meet demand from smaller merchants, fast-growing sellers like Shein and Temu, and second-hand platforms such as Vinted.
Evri will deliver approximately 4 million parcels daily with the new workforce.
Focus on Delivery Drivers
Evri’s delivery drivers are self-employed and typically earn £16.50 per hour.
The 8,000 new drivers are crucial for the busy Christmas period, but Evri consistently seeks new couriers year-round.
Evri is also building the UK’s largest fleet of parcel delivery e-bikes to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
Apollo Acquisition
Apollo’s acquisition of Evri from Advent is set to finalise later this year. Other bidders included DHL and Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com.
The acquisition is expected to heighten competition with Daniel Kretinsky, who aims to take over Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services.
Kretinsky plans to invest heavily in Royal Mail’s parcel business, cutting prices and expanding a network of delivery lockers.
Competitive Landscape
Parcels are Royal Mail’s most profitable segment, but it faces stiff competition from Evri, DPD, and InPost.
Despite claims that 99% of Evri’s parcels are delivered on time, the company has faced criticism regarding customer service and working conditions.
Labour MP Carolyn Harris called for an investigation into Evri’s practices last year.
Leadership and Focus Areas
Martijn De Lange, Evri’s chief executive, highlighted the trust customers have shown in Evri’s services and the positive impact of new client wins.
He stated, “New client wins and increased parcel volumes are proof of the trust customers have in our service,” and mentioned that the recruitment drive promises another record year for Evri.
Hiring efforts will focus on Scotland, Bury St Edmunds, Plymouth, and Gatwick.
Environmental Initiatives
Evri is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.
The company is building the largest fleet of parcel delivery e-bikes in the UK to reach this goal.
Evri’s ambitious expansion is set to reshape the parcel delivery market, intensifying competition with major players like Royal Mail.
With a focus on innovation and sustainability, including the use of e-bikes, Evri aims for long-term growth and environmental responsibility.
This strategic move, supported by Apollo’s acquisition, promises to meet rising online shopping demands while creating substantial employment opportunities.