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On April 03 2024, by Josh Arrowsmith
Explore more: Experiences & Industry Insights | Case Studies | Testimonials
Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon joined Managing Director Andy Mead and guests of local business The Finishing Line last week to celebrate the company’s move to extensive new premises, reflecting on its strong growth and continued success.
Hailing from Basildon and known locally as ‘Baroness Angela’, the Baroness knows the area well and was keen to express her delight at the major investment made by The Finishing Line in the region, including the generation of jobs and support for local people.
Cutting the official ribbon, she said, “Any politician would be immensely proud to have a company like The Finishing Line in their area. Its important contribution to the local economy and clear commitment to the community in which it flourishes is so impressive. I congratulate Andy and his hard-working workforce on their achievements and wish them every success for the future.”
Founder of The Finishing Line, Andy Mead, first set up his business in Basildon nearly 40 years ago. He started as a sole trader with a small industrial unit and a van. Today Andy proudly leads a workforce of 120 people operating in modern 75,000 sq ft premises.
Commenting on the official opening, he said, “Today is not about me. It’s about my fantastic customers, loyal suppliers and wonderful workforce. Baroness Angela was present many years ago, when I won a Young Enterprise Award aged just 28, so it is a great privilege to welcome her back to The Finishing Line to be part of our continuing story and to see us in our new home.”
He added, “Arguably, I could have considered moving to enjoy the benefits of an area such as a designated Enterprise Zone, but I believe that our location here in Basildon gives us a great advantage in terms of proximity to the ports and to the large consumer markets in London and the Southeast. Most importantly of all, I have an experienced, home-grown workforce, many of whom have been with me for years, and they are undoubtedly my greatest asset!”
The official opening coincides with 2024 The Year of Warehousing, a national campaign spearheaded by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), designed to highlight the critical role of warehouses in supply chains and within the economy. The campaign includes visits nationwide to 80 excellent warehouses and Clare Bottle, CEO of UKWA, travelled to join the celebrations and add her congratulations to The Finishing Line.
She said, “I’ve been amazed at the skill and speed of Andy’s workforce, and the fantastic growth he’s achieved. Andy focused on building community, which is one of UKWA’s core pillars and I’m thrilled to be able to help showcase The Finishing Line as an outstanding example in this special Year of Warehousing.
Other guests included Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive, Essex Chambers of Commerce, Emma Verkaik, Chief Executive Officer, The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics (BCMPA), and Jim Sims, Head of Economic Development at Basildon Borough Council.
The event included a tour around the new facilities.
Here at Finishing Line, we always want to provide a comprehensive insight into the most prevalent and current trends surrounding the fulfilment industry in 2024, giving you a new perspective of the market, while sharing the best fulfilment practices that other eCommerce companies are now exploiting that you too should be taking advantage of and applying within your own business.
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