We're all a bit fatigued after a full year of the Pandemic. There's been so much bad news everywhere we turn.
The team here at Drogheda Chamber have supported and celebrated the resilience, creativity and courage of our entrepreneurs over the last year. And now it's time to celebrate those that have been nimble in adapting to the changing situation. Those that have pivoted. That have used the lockdowns as opportunities to future fit and develop their businesses further.
Over the coming weeks we will interview some of these businesses and share some of the positivity and good news that we see.
This week we are talking with Anthony Connor from Pedal Power.
Tell us about your pre pandemic Business status
AC: My background is actually 24 years in retail butchery. I'd made the move into logistics about 18 months before the pandemic, with the Pedal Power business, and was mainly subcontracting from a global courier company.
What was the initial impact on your business & how did you react?
AC: Initially, we got very busy. I considered purchasing a large van. We rented one first of all to see if it would work out first. The working conditions and terms were changed and it didn’t work out for us.
What changes did you make in order to cope or pivot / and to adapt to the situation?
AC: As we were not agreeable to the conditions that the global courier imposed, we refused any more work from them. This gave us time to concentrate on building our own client base. We trialled some logistics software, and sold ourselves to whatever business that were open in the town. A few clients came on-board quickly and were pleasantly surprised at how efficient our services were. People can often be afraid of change and often stick to tried and trusted because it is all they know. The Pandemic has made some businesses braver, ourselves included. Recently, we have expanded our same day delivery services to include the East Meath area too.
We used Facebook and Twitter to promote our business and connect with potential clients. The website, pedalpowerdelivery.ie got a revamp too. It’s the go to place to book your delivery with us. As we have steadily grown again, my son helps out too at the very busy times. He sees a good future in Eco Friendly distribution services and knows a lot more about Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc than I do. It's been a busy time.
What supports, grants, aids helped the most?
AC: I availed of the Back to Work Enterprise scheme from the Local Enterprise Board. This was a blessing in disguise, as at the start - we had nothing. Through a stroke of luck, I had work from the global courier company. Work from them was slow but steady. It increased after some negotiations and when the pandemic struck, we had as much work as we could handle.
How are you feeling about business as we begin to plan to emerge from the lockdowns, and as vaccinations roll out?
AC: I am cautious, but also excited at the potential for growth in my business. Every new customer we get, brings a smile to our faces as we know we are doing something right and something that has a positive effect on the town.
Finally … What's your top piece of advice for other businesses?
AC: Don’t worry about failing. It has happened to every great business person. You only learn from your mistakes.
And make sure you actually enjoy what you are doing
If you'd like to be featured in this series - We'd love to hear from you
@Drogheda & District Chamber