Out of the box thinking: How Cerberus built a logistics empire 

In November 2020, Kieran Webb and Gary Smith decided to diversify their existing recruitment business and try their hand at logistics, leading to the creation of Cerberus UK Logistics.

“Kieran came to me with a business plan, and what we like doing here is thinking outside the box—how we can get more clients coming into the business instead of just offering one solution,” Gary explains. 

Their journey into logistics was guided by a clear vision and the right tools for success. “The reason that we went for Courier Exchange is because it’s the number one platform for any transport and logistics company. It helps you win more contracts,” says Keiran.

Leveraging their construction connections, Cerberus quickly expanded their courier company to offer material storage and delivery services, alongside their recruitment operations. 

The seven-year plan was to have office space, storage, a warehouse facility. We’re now in year four… and we’re already there.

Gary Smith, Co-founder and CEO, Cerberus UK Logistics

By embracing sustainability initiatives and tapping into Courier Exchange (CX) for distribution, Cerberus has built a successful business, achieving their goals ahead of schedule and paving the way for a greener future. 

Here’s how they did it

Based in Stevenage, Cerberus had ambitions to grow but faced significant logistical challenges. “We were limited to what we could do and locations as well, so there was only a certain radius that we’d take on internally. We had a couple of projects around Liverpool. We actually had one up in Scotland as well, but for us to send a courier vehicle from here to there just wasn’t cost-effective,” Gary recalls. 

That’s where Courier Exchange came in. “We started with just me and Gary and one van… and spent two days nonstop on Courier Exchange testing the model. The model worked, so we pushed forward, added another driver and another van to the team,” Kieran explains. 

With the help of Courier Exchange, Cerberus quickly expanded across the UK, overcoming logistical challenges and accessing the courier vehicles needed to meet customer demands. This growth allowed them to spot new opportunities to better serve their construction clients, including material delivery and storage.  

With access to larger vehicles through CX, Cerberus were able to take on bigger projects and handle the size and weight requirements of construction materials effectively. 

In construction, the materials are so large and bulky. But as our fleet only got up to three and a half ton, the need for Courier Exchange was huge because we couldn’t deliver much to a big site

Gary Smith, Co-founder and CEO, Cerberus UK Logistics

Sustainability has also become a key focus for Cerberus. “We’ve got sustainability consultants, and we’re currently tendering for solar panel battery storage, harvesting all across the UK,” Gary shares. This forward-thinking approach reflects their commitment to evolving alongside their clients’ needs. 

Today, Cerberus’s services extend beyond traditional logistics, leveraging their construction industry connections to offer tailored solutions. Courier Exchange has played a key role in their growth, transforming them from a small operation into a business with national reach and diverse capabilities. 

Results

Thanks to the simplicity and efficiency of CX, Cerberus can offer customers a nationwide collection within the hour. 

“Within the first three weeks, we were running three people, two vans. We’re now in 2024 with an office team of 10, and our fleet has grown to 12.” Kieran explains.

In just four years, Cerberus achieved their ambitious seven-year plan, with CX playing an important role in their success. 

The platform has been instrumental not only in managing fleet operations but also in tracking and building driver feedback. 

One of the features I like to use on the Exchange is being able to see the feedback for the drivers because obviously, I want to have a good driver go in for my collection for my customer.

Carla Lamkin, Transport Coordinator, Cerberus UK Logistics

It’s clear those drivers appreciate Cerberus too, with the business receiving over 1,861 positive feedback comments on courier jobs—highlighting their strong relationships on the CX. 

Conclusion

Cerberus has grown from a small business in Stevenage into a nationwide logistics operation, with clients across the UK. Four years on, CX remains integral to their day-to-day operations. 

“As well as having our fleet of drivers, the Exchange is brilliant because if, for instance, one of our drivers is ill or breaks down, we can immediately post out that job that collection and know that within two minutes of posting that job, somebody has put a bid on. It means we can get that job and our customer is kept happy,” Gary says.

If it wasn’t for the Exchange, we couldn’t have our day-to-day running contract.

Gary Smith, Co-founder and Logistic Director, Cerberus UK Logistics

With their dedication to sustainability initiatives and strong partnerships, Cerberus is well-positioned to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come. 

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