This month, Speed Couriers proudly celebrates 40 years in business, marking a milestone few independent courier companies achieve. IOC fellow, Shaun Merrick, Founder and Owner "Before anything else, I want to say a huge thank you to all the team and the many drivers and riders who have worked with us over the years all of whom have helped to make Speed Couriers what it is today. I’m also incredibly proud that we still have original clients from the 1980s, which speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of our service."

Shaun Merrick, ‘Choosing Manchester: A Defining Decision .’ Shaun researched multiple cities—London, Leeds, Newcastle, and Manchester—as potential locations for the business. "I didn’t even know where Deansgate was at the time!” (Manchester’s equivalent to Oxford Street in London). Shaun admits. "But Manchester had everything—great infrastructure, a thriving business community, and huge potential for same-day logistics. London was overcrowded with competition, and while other cities had promise, Manchester felt like the right place to build something lasting."

With that decision made, Shaun and his former London work colleagues Quentin and Chris took the leap, relocating to Manchester and preparing to launch Speed Couriers. The Early Days: The company’s first headquarters? A derelict railway station house, which served as both office and home for three years. "Glamour wasn’t exactly part of the package," Shaun jokes. "But we made it work"

Speed Couriers started with receiving a grant from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust. "We didn’t pay ourselves for the first six months," Shaun recalls. "And when we finally did, it was a hardly generous £33 a week—the same as unemployment benefits at the time!" Chris left after the first year, returning to the relative wealth of London, but Speed Couriers pushed forward. - Defying Expectations & Beating the Odds. The challenges were relentless. Manchester Business School even used Speed. Couriers as a case study. Their conclusions?

• Team A predicted the company had only six months left to survive
• Team B argued we shouldn’t have started the business at all—it was a lost cause

"Hardly the motivational boost we were looking for!" Shaun laughs.

But Speed Couriers proved every prediction wrong, fighting through financial difficulties and continuing to grow.

Growth, Specialisation & Leading the Industry - Speed Couriers has since grown into Manchester’s most trusted independent same-day courier, with particular expertise in medical logistics. The company operates a diverse fleet, including:

• Pedal cycles and motorcycles for rapid urban deliveries
• Small and large vans for business-critical shipments
• 7.5-tonne lorries for specialist distribution needs

Beyond same-day transport, Speed Couriers has expanded into warehousing, specialist distribution, and pick-pack solutions, now operating out of both Manchester and Glasgow. "Few businesses—not just courier companies—reach the 40-year mark," Shaun says. "Our journey is a testament to building a strong team, providing excellent service, and adapting to industry changes."

The Next Chapter - "This four decade milestone is about every single person who has contributed to Speed Couriers’ journey," Shaun Merrick shares. "Our employees, our customers, our partners—everyone who has stuck with Speed through thick and thin. Their trust and commitment have been the foundation of our success." Speed Couriers remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and maintaining the personal touch that has been at its core since day one. HERE’S TO ANOTHER 40 YEARS!