Send It Direct reports rapid growth following challenging first year

On-demand delivery business Send It Direct has reported strong revenue growth just 14 months after launching, despite navigating a series of early operational challenges typical of fast-growing logistics start-ups.

Founded with a clear focus on bulky and high-value goods, the company set out to build its technology in-house and develop a service model shaped directly by customer needs. In its first month of trading, Send It Direct generated £14,000 in revenue. By month 14, monthly revenue had increased to £130,000.

While the growth figures suggest a smooth upward trajectory, the reality behind the numbers has been far more complex.

“In the early months, it was all hands on deck,” said James Garbett, Commercial Director at Send It Direct. “We were working long hours, operating on tight margins and solving problems as they arose. For the first five months, neither of the founders took a salary – every pound went back into the business to support drivers, operations staff, fuel and insurance costs. At that stage, survival and doing right by the people helping us build the business came first.”

The company also faced a number of unexpected setbacks early on. In month four, one of its vans was stolen, followed shortly afterwards by the loss of a key driver who was banned from driving while off duty.

“Those moments hit hard,” Garbett said. “Losing a vehicle and a driver in quick succession really tested us, but it also forced us to improve. We tightened our systems, strengthened communication and put better controls in place. Those early challenges helped shape a much more resilient operation.”

From launch, Send It Direct made a conscious decision to avoid building its service based on assumptions. Instead, the business prioritised listening to customers and developing its fleet, technology and processes around real-world feedback.

“We’ve learned the value of listening rather than guessing,” Garbett explained. “Our customers use our service every day, so their insights have shaped everything from delivery options and booking processes to tracking tools and driver communication. That feedback loop has become one of our biggest competitive advantages, because it ensures every improvement genuinely matters to the people using the service.”

As the business scaled, managing cash flow became one of its most significant challenges. Rapid growth brought increased investment in vehicles, staffing and infrastructure, placing pressure on the timing of income and expenditure.

“Growth can look glamorous from the outside, but cash flow is what keeps the lights on,” Garbett said. “We’ve had to learn very quickly how important forecasting, financial discipline and understanding exactly where every pound goes each week really are. Turnover looks good on paper, but it’s cash flow that determines whether you can continue to operate and grow.”

Alongside operational expansion, Send It Direct invested early in building a consistent brand identity, rolling it out across its fleet, uniforms, website and digital channels.

“In a crowded courier market, brand consistency is often underestimated,” Garbett added. “From day one, we wanted Send It Direct to feel professional, trustworthy and instantly recognisable. That consistency has helped build credibility with clients and a sense of pride among our drivers. It’s played a much bigger role in our growth than we initially expected.”

Looking ahead, the company plans to continue scaling sustainably by expanding its fleet, developing its in-house technology and refining its service offering in line with customer demand.

“The last 14 months have taught us that success in logistics isn’t just about speed,” Garbett said. “It’s about doing the basics incredibly well, consistently delivering a top-notch service, and building something authentic that people recognise, trust and genuinely value.”

Find out more here: https://www.senditdirect.co.uk/