Member Article

Beamish Transport invests in digital to secure future growth

Chester-le-Street-based Beamish Transport Ltd has invested in new IT software, including the development of a smartphone app. .

The firm, which specialises in moving new and used cars, vans, motor homes and mobile caravans throughout the UK, had the new software developed after consulting Clive Owen Technology Services, in Darlington, which advised the firm on how IT could help them become more efficient.

The new software has enabled Beamish to cut the amount of time issuing its invoices and advising drivers of their collections/deliveries; tracking the progress of movements from receipt to delivery; reduce paper storage and developing an electronic proof of delivery form.

Clive Owen also developed a smart phone app for the firm, which is on target to boost its turnover by 12 per cent, so its drivers can see real time job details and scan in info when they’ve delivered a vehicle.

To date, Beamish has seen benefits in the time spent invoicing and calculating payroll and transport profitability while eliminating errors via electronic conversations with drivers.

Now, the company, which operates 44 vehicle transporters, is on target to turnover £7.5m – 12 per cent higher than last year.

Richard Foster, director at Beamish Transport, said: “We plan to grow the company steadily and in order to be able to do so we need the systems in place to enable us to be cost effective, remain competitive and offer the best possible service to our customers.

“We will continue to develop our systems with Clive Owen. We have a number of ‘add ons’ that we are currently working on with them and, just as we use the firm for our audit and accountancy needs, we also see their IT arm being an integral part of our longer term growth strategy.”

Lee Huck, director at Clive Owen Technology Services, which is part of Clive Owen LLP, said: “The company had some manual and very labour intensive processes, but the new software has had a phenomenal impact on them, saving several hours per week just on issuing invoices. It caters for all of their business processes and the new app allows everyone to see job details at the touch of a button instead of having to call jobs in.

“The great thing is that no matter how much a business changes or develops, Beamish has shown that you can match the software to fit with your company. Their business has grown rapidly and we look forward to supporting their plans for the future.”

Beamish Transport was established in 1992 and has seen a growing demand for vehicular movements over recent years. Its employees have increased from 61 to 72 within the last 12 months.